BHARATH INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

All About GMAT

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a standardized test that most business school applicants need to take in order to join credited MBA and a few other courses. While the admission- committees do consider many other factors (including your grades, transcripts, essays, resume, and interview), it is important to do well on the GMAT exam if you aspire to get into a competitive business school. Taking the GMAT exam opens your gateway to various top-notch B-schools in the USA, Canada, Singapore, and many other countries including India.

The GMAC is the owner and administrator of the GMAT® exam, the first and only standardized test specifically designed for graduate business and management programs. It oversees the GMAT exam and administers it around the world. B-schools use your scores to compare you with other applicants. High GMAT scores can truly help you stand out in the application process.

The GMAT exam is a computer adaptive test. It has 4 sections – Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and

Order #1	Order #2	Order #3
Analytical Writing Assessment	Verbal Reasoning	Quantitative Reasoning
Integrated Reasoning
Optional 8-minute Break
Quantitative Reasoning	Quantitative Reasoning	Verbal Reasoning
	Optional 8-minute Break
Verbal Reasoning	Integrated Reasoning	Integrated Reasoning
	Analytical Writing Assessment	Analytical Writing Assessment

Analytical Writing Analysis (AWA). You may use the Select Section Order facility to choose from any of the following three section orders:

The GMAT exam is 3 hours and 7 minutes long excluding the breaks and tutorials. See the table below for exam format and duration.

GMAT preparation helps candidates to gain a thorough understanding of the GMAT exam syllabus. GMAT preparation requires at least two months and up to six months to finish the entire GMAT course. Diagnostic tests are essential for GMAT preparation. Candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses based on their GMAT scores. GMAT preparation tips assist aspirants in understanding the GMAT quantitative and GMAT verbal concepts prior to the exam.

Section	Number of Questions	Duration	Question Types	Score Range
Quantitative Reasoning	31 questions	62 minutes	Data Sufficiency Problem Solving	6-51 (on a scale of 0 – 60)
Verbal Reasoning	36 questions	65 minutes	Reading Comprehension Critical Reasoning Sentence Correction	6-51 (on a scale of 0 – 60)
Integrated Reasoning	12 questions	30 minutes	Multi-Source Reasoning Graphics Interpretation Two-Part Analysis Table Analysis	1 - 8
Analytical Writing Assessment	1 topic	30 minutes	Analysis of Argument	0 - 6

Preparing for the GMAT is not as difficult as it is made up to be. All you need is concentration and clarity of action. You have the option of studying on your own or joining a GMAT coaching. Both ways are completely adequate; it all depends on your priorities.

To find the best method for preparing for the GMAT exam, you must first consider your criteria and decide based on them. To study well on your own, you need the best GMAT books and resources, as well as study material, motivation, and self-discipline. If time is of the essence and professional advice is required to gain a competitive edge in GMAT preparation, then enrolling in a GMAT coaching programme is the preferable option.

How Bharath University Can Help You Ace GMAT

Bharath University GMAT coaching is preferred by thousands of students in India and other countries owing to its highly acknowledged preparation material, well organized courses, and highly qualified and certified GMAT instructors.

Our course material is the outcome of the rigorous research by our R&D team based in the United States. With the standardized material, a plethora of practice questions on the student portal, adaptive drills, full-length practice tests, customized study plan, and booster sessions you can be rest assured that you are at the right place with the right people to guide you. We’re committed to provide 100% satisfaction and help you achieve your target scores.

The students can get to practice with 3500+ drills, 10 adaptive tests, video based lessons which can help in getting a 700+ score. With advanced level GMAT questions, self-paced courses, doubt clarification sessions & unlimited extra help, students get the best of the preparation.

A unique component of our GMAT course is BOOSTER sessions for eligible students. If you are aiming for top-scores, Booster sessions are there to help you. It includes personalized small group sessions and one-on-one sessions by the most experienced trainers to help you with the right guidance and mentoring in the final stages of your GMAT preparation for the GMAT exam.

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA.

Your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English will be assessed during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9.

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

Why take IELTS?

If you are looking to work, live or study in an English-speaking country, then you must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language ability.

English is the third most spoken language in the world, with 379 million speakers worldwide.

Being able to communicate in the native language of the country you wish to work or study in, has a wide range of benefits. It is also essential for job opportunities as well as integration into the community.

IELTS is the most popular test for those looking to migrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It is globally recognised by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies including 3,400 institutions in the USA.

IELTS score scale

Band score	Skill level	Description
9	Expert user	The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.
8	Very good user	The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.
7	Good user	The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
6	Competent user	The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5	Modest user	The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.
4	Limited user	The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.
3	Extremely limited user	The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
2	Intermittent user	The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1	Non-user	The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
0	Did not attempt the test	The test taker did not answer the questions.

What IELTS score do I need?

The higher you can score in your IELTS, reflects a better understanding and ability to communicate in English. Each immigration body, university, workplace or institution will have specific IELTS score requirements. The score you need will depend on what you are looking to do in the country, i.e work or study.

How IELTS is developed

IELTS is developed to provide a fair and accurate assessment of English language proficiency.

Test questions are developed by language specialists from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. The test covers four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

IELTS test content reflects everyday situations. It is unbiased and fair to all test takers from all backgrounds.

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. TOEFL test is a standardized English proficiency test that measures the ability of non-native English speakers. The TOEFL scores are accepted by many universities and are also used for screening the fluency of English for potential job applicants and for immigration visas around the world. Some universities consider TOEFL test as a mandatory requirement for admission purposes.

Universities located in countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, and many other exemplary regions are advocates of TOEFL exam.

TOEFL Exam details

Name of the Exam	Test of English as a Foreign Language
Official Website	https://www.ets.org/toefl
Exam Mode	Online | Paper-Based
Number of Sections	Four
Duration	3 hours 20 minutes | 4 hours 20 minutes
Fees	INR 12,750

Types of TOEFL

TOEFL is an extremely reliant examination. The test has two modes iBT and PBT you can choose either a mode of examination according to your preference.

What is TOEFL iBT?

iBT stands for the Internet-based test. The TOEFL iBT test is conducted through online mode, the method of evaluating English fluency skills is the same. It evaluates an individual’s English fluency skills on Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking parameters.

What is TOEFL PBT?

PBT stands for Paper-based test. This type of test is conducted on paper, the TOEFL PBT examines an individual’s fluency in the English language on parameters of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking.

However, both these tests have some notable differences. To understand better refer the following table defining major differences between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT –

Classification	TOEFL iBT	TOEFL PBT
Full form	TOEFL Internet-Based Test	TOEFL Paper Based Test
Sections	Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking	Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
Time	4 hours	3 hours
Fees	USD 140 - USD 185	USD 140

TOEFL Exam Eligibility

Indian students aspiring to study abroad can especially benefit from appearing for the TOEFL test. The TOEFL test is reliable in many ways. The TOEFL Exam Eligibility is favourable to students aspiring to study overseas. If you are an individual who has acquired their 10+2 certificate, you are easily eligible to appear for the TOEFL test. Anyone with an aspiration to study abroad can not only acquire the seat to study abroad but will also end up brushing up their English fluency skills.

TOEFL Exam Dates

TOEFL is undoubtedly a great choice of English proficiency examination especially if you are aiming to pursue your higher education in countries such as the USA, The UK, Germany, New Zealand, and Australia. The TOEFL test covers and conducts the examination in the majority of the Indian region, therefore, finding a TOEFL centre near you is simple.

The TOEFL test dates are also pliable, the exam is conducted at least 5 times each month leaving enough time for you to prepare for your exciting future. You can schedule and book a centre for your TOEFL test near you by visiting their official website.

Countries that accept TOEFL scores

The TOEFL examination is often referred to be the ticket to foreign universities. With augmenting your over-all adaptability towards the English language, the test happens to boost your confidence skills as well. Many countries and universities are advocates of this proficiency test. You can visit the TOEFL website to get the list of countries that accept the TOEFL scores for immigration visas and higher education.

TOEFL Scores

The TOEFL test has been designed in a student-friendly manner. The candidate’s comfortable with the paper-pen format can choose TOEFL PBT (Paper – Based Test). On the other hand, individuals who find the internet mode of examination as their source of comfort can choose TOEFL iBT. The scoring system of TOEFL PBT is different than that of TOEFL iBT. Therefore, understanding these scores separately in an explicit manner with parameters of exam pattern is recommendable.

TOEFL Exam Pattern

TOEFL iBT Exam Pattern

TOEFL iBT is an English proficiency test that is administered via the Internet. The TOEFL iBT exam pattern is categorized into FOUR sections namely – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

TOEFL Exam Section	Duration
Reading	60 - 80 minutes
Listening	60-90 minutes
BREAK	10 minutes
Speaking	20 minutes
Writing	50 minutes

SECTION 1 – Reading

• 3 to 4 passages will be given based on which 36 to 56 questions will be asked.
• You can expect each passage to be around 700 words on average
• Practice to complete to each passage in 20 minutes’ duration
• You are required to reading the passages and answer the questions accordingly
• All the questions in this section are in Multiple Choice format where the answer can either be one of the four given options or two of the four given options
• The questions and passages will be based on Academic topics
• Your ability to read English is measured on a scale of 0 to 30

SECTION 2 – Listening

• Listen to short audio consisting of classroom discussions, lectures, and conversations
• Question asked in this section are in the form of Multiple-Choice, Binary answers and, Charts.
• Listen carefully and answer the provided questions accordingly
• This section is comprised of about 34 to 51 questions
• Your ability to listen and understand to the English based context is measured on a scale of 0 to 30

SECTION 3 – Speaking

• The speaking section is designed to make to examine the ability to speak in English on the provided topic
• You are required to state your opinion on that topic accordingly
• The topics in this particular section are based on personal experience, preference, course topics or are merely situation based
• You are expected to complete 6 given tasks in this section
• Your ability to speak and understand English contextual words and phrases are measured on a scale of 0 to 30

SECTION 3 – Writing

• Put your reading and listening skills to use in this section
• The writing section is divided into two categories – Integrated Writing and Independent Writing
• In the integrated writing section, individuals are required to read and listen to a lecture excerpt.
• Your task here is to listen or read the provided audio or context carefully and write a passage on exactly 150 words to 225 words. You will be given 20 minutes to completed the Integrated Writing section
• A topic will be provided to you for putting together a piece for the Independent Writing section
• After carefully gathering the needed information, you are required to write an essay that must consist of at least 300 words. The Independent Writing task must be completed in 30 minutes
• Your ability to understand and write English is measured on a scale of 0 to 30