How Is the GMAT Exam 2024 Scored?
“How is the GMAT exam scored?” is a common concern of numerous candidates. Here we have explained details of “How is the GMAT exam scored?” and factors influencing GMAT scores.
Shivani Kumari25 Jun, 2024
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How Is the GMAT Exam Scored: The GMAT is a crucial standardized exam for candidates seeking admission to business schools worldwide. Most candidates who attempt or prepare for GMAT want to know the GMAT scoring system . Unlike other entrance exams, GMAT follows a specific scoring algorithm, which considers candidates’ responses and difficulty level of questions for providing marks.
Understanding the GMAT scoring system can significantly influence a candidate's preparation strategy and overall performance. This article provides a detailed analysis of the GMAT scoring mechanism, including its computer-adaptive nature, GMAT scoring algorithm, scoring scale, percentile rankings, and factors influencing GMAT scores.What is GMAT Exam?
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test administered by the GMAC. It evaluates essential skills such as critical thinking, logical reasoning, data analysis, and basic mathematical and verbal abilities. All these skills are essential to understand and excel in managerial roles. The GMAT exam comprises three sections, comprising various number of questions. Details of the GMAT exam pattern are provided below:| GMAT Exam Pattern | ||
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Allocation |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 minutes |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 minutes |
Understanding Computer Adaptive Testing Format of GMAT
The GMAT's computer-adaptive nature means that the difficulty level of each question is determined based on the candidate's response to the previous question. If a candidate answers correctly, the subsequent question is slightly more difficult. Conversely, an incorrect answer results in an easier question. Each section starts with a medium-level question. As candidates answer correctly or incorrectly, the difficulty of the subsequent questions adjusts accordingly. This adaptivity in the GMAT ensures that candidates are evaluated based on their knowledge of various sections and their ability to perform well in a continually adjusting difficulty level of the exam.What is GMAT Scoring Algorithm?
GMAT scoring algorithm is developed by GMAC. It is a statistical framework used in the GMAT scoring system. The GMAT scoring algorithm evaluates not just the number of correct or incorrect answers but also the difficulty of the questions answered. Candidates who answer more difficult questions correctly get a GMAT score higher than those answering easier questions correctly, even if both get the same number of questions right. For example, consider two candidates who each answer 17 of 21 Quant questions correctly. If Candidate A answers mostly difficult questions correctly and Candidate B answers medium-level questions correctly, Candidate A will achieve a higher score due to the higher difficulty level of the questions. Therefore, to score well on the GMAT, candidates must aim to answer difficult questions correctly.GMAT Scoring Scale and Percentile Rankings
GMAT score range varies for total and sectional scores. The sectional scores range in GMAT is 60-90 with a one-point increment, whereas the overall GMAT score ranges from 205 to 805 with 10-point increments. The table below presents the details of the GMAT scoring scale:| GMAT Scoring Scale | ||
| Section | Score range | Increment |
| Verbal Reasoning | 60-90 | 1-point increment |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60-90 | 1-point increment |
| Data Insights | 60-90 | 1-point increment |
| Overall | 205-805 | 10-points increment |
Factors Influencing GMAT Scores
Here are the common factors that influence candidates’ scores in the GMAT exam:- Number of Questions Answered: There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in GMAT. However, unanswered questions significantly decrease the section scores of candidates. Therefore, candidates must manage their time effectively to ensure they answer all questions. Additionally, they must make careful guesses instead of leaving tricky questions.
- Correct Answer in a Row: Answering correct answers in the GMAT results in an increased difficulty level for the question. Therefore, marking correct answers in a row helps candidates score high on GMAT, as the tricky questions carry high weightage.
- Section Scores and Total Scores: The GMAT total score is derived from candidates’ performance across all sections rather than being a simple sum of section scores. Two candidates with identical section scores can end up with different total scores based on the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of those questions in different sections.
How Is the GMAT Exam Scored FAQs
How is a GMAT score calculated?
The total GMAT score is computed according to a candidate’s performance in each section. These sectional scores are influenced by factors such as difficulty level of questions, number of accurate answers, unattempted questions, etc.
What is GMAT overall score range?
GMAT overall score range is 205-805 in 10-point increments.
Has anyone got 800 in GMAT?
Scoring 800 on the GMAT is a challenging task. However, few test takers have achieved 800 score in GMAT.
What is a good GMAT score for MBA?
Achieving a GMAT score above 655 is considered good for admission to top colleges.
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