If you’re planning to take either the GRE or GMAT exam, then you should read this article to learn about the overall structure of both tests. By the end of this article, you will have a fair idea of what the GRE and GMAT question paper look like, what are the things included, what kind of questions are asked, etc.
What is GMAT?
Conducted by the Graduate Management Admissions Council, the GMAT is a computer-adaptive standardised test accepted by business schools and universities for admissions to their master’s programmes, particularly an MBA.
The GMAT is divided into four sections and is about 180 minutes long. Furthermore, the test is scored on a scale of 200-800, wherein, 200 lies in the 2nd percentile and 800 in the 99th percentile. Mentioned below is a detailed breakup of the GMAT test structure and what an ideal GMAT sample paper includes:
| GMAT Section | Questions | Time | Scores |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 Essay | 30 minutes | 0-6 with half-point increment |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 MCQs. Four types of questions:
|
30 minutes | 1-8 with a single-point increment |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 Questions. 2 types of questions:
|
60 minutes | 6-51 with a single-point increment |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 questions. 3 types of questions:
|
60 minutes | 6-51 with a single-point increment |
So the best way to acquaint yourself with these sections and the question types as mentioned above is to solve questions from as many GMAT sample papers.
Next let’s understand the GRE exam.
What is GRE?
The GRE or Graduate Record Examination is conducted by ETS globally. The GRE is a section-adaptive standardised test that is accepted to not only master’s programmes but also PhD level programmes at universities around the world. Divided into three sections, the GRE is scored on a scale of 260-340 and is timed at 3 hours and 45 minutes. The table mentioned below comprises a breakup of the overall structure of the GRE question paper.
| GRE Section | Questions | Time | Scores |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | Two types of essays:
|
30 minutes for each essay. Total duration is 60 minutes |
0-6 (half-point increment) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 40 Questions, divided into two parts of 20 questions each | 35 minutes for each section. Total duration is 70 minutes |
130-170 ( one-point increment) |
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 Questions, divided into two parts of 20 questions each | 30 minutes for each section. Total duration of 60 minutes |
130-170( one-point increment) |
If you’re preparing for the GRE, you can take a simulated test to get an exam-like experience. Try taking the GRE POWERPREP Practice tests, available on ETS’s official website. These tests replicate the GRE question paper that you will attempt on your actual test-day.
Conducted by the Graduate Management Admissions Council, the GMAT is a computer-adaptive standardised test accepted by business schools and universities for admissions to their master’s programmes, particularly an MBA.
Now that we have provided you with a detailed explanation of what the GRE question and GMAT sample paper look like, you’re better positioned to start your preparations.
