GMAT Sample Papers 2025: Download GMAT Previous Year Question Papers

Candidates should start doing free GMAT practice tests right from the beginning of their preparation. Even if they do not score well, they must appear for full-length mocks. GMAT mock tests will help them analyse the level of their preparation and will help them develop question-solving skills. In addition, once you are finished with your complete preparation then you should do a free practice test every 3-4 days before the real test. GMAT mock tests are the most important aspect of your GMAT exam preparation. Moreover, just giving a mock test is not important; you must analyse your performance in that test to understand your weak areas.

The applicants who access the sample papers from trusted sources or websites, including official websites can get accurate GMAT sample papers. The mock tests of GMAT are deisgned based on how the main paper is set. This is basically to give the applicants an idea of their standing based on their preparation. The accuracy of GMAT model test papers can be identified based on the sectional bifurcation and marks allotment plus the relevancy of questions based on the current syllabus. 

There may be a chance of duplicity of questions in main exam paper of GMAT and in the sample papers of GMAT exam. The duplicity may not always be noticeable as GMAT is an adaptive test which changes its questions and even answers order per examninee. In case of a situation like this, the applicant will be in an advantageous situation and thus, he/she can benefit from it also.

In order to crack any competitive exam, it is always important to solve sample question papers. Solving GMAT model test papers is always better so that the applicants get some expertise in understanding the pattern of the exam, how to attempt the exam and most importantly how to time the exam based on sections. Thus, this is why it is essential to attempt GMAT sample papers, because together these factors help applicant in attempting the main question paper of GMAT. 

You should take GMAT practice tests as often as possible after you are done with the complete GMAT exam preparation or if you are targetting preparation section wise. Practice tests give an overview of the overall strengths and weaknesses of the applicant based on their performance. Based on this assessment, applicants will get help in honing their skills where they lack. 

It is extremely important to appear for the GMAT mock tests. In fact, you must appear for full-length GMAT practice tests every week. Mock tests are the most important part of your GMAT prep. Without them, you will not be able to gauge your progress and identify your weak areas. Moreover, just appearing for the GMAT practice tests in not sufficient; it is equally important for you to analyse every question and your overall performance. You must make short notes of the questions that you find difficult and revise their corresponding concepts. It is essential for the students to appear for as many GMAT practice tests as possible.

The following is included in GMAT model test papers which is a study collection available online including 11 study products having more than 2,000 unique questions:

• GMAT Official Guide eBook + Online Question Bank
• GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review eBook + Online Question Bank
• GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review eBook + Online Question Bank
• GMAT Official Practice Questions 1 and 2
• GMAT Official Practice Exams 1-6 (6 full-length practice exams)
• GMAT Advanced Questions and Online Question Bank
• GMAT Official IR Practice (question and answers with explanation)
• GMAT Official Quantitative Practice (question and answers)
• Official AWA Practice (4 Essay prompts)

Although there are a lot of sources available online to prepare for the GMAT exam, however, candidates can access free GMAT practice tests on the GMAC site (mba.com). They need to download the GMAT prep software and create an account and get GMAT practice tests. Make sure that you solve the practice tests provided by the GMAC. These will provide you with a near real-time feel of the GMAT and will help you gauge the level of your preparation. Once you complete a GMAT mock test, it is essential for you to analyse your performance in that GMAT practice test. You need to work on your weak areas based on your mock test analyses.

Although there are a lot of sources available online to prepare for the GMAT exam, however, candidates can access free GMAT practice tests on the official GMAC site (mba.com). Candidates need to download the GMAT prep software and create and register to access the GMAT practice tests. In addition to this, students may also take mock test subscriptions from other GMAT prep providers. It is essential that the students appear for the GMAT practice tests throughout the course of their GMAT prep.

GMAT exam tests different skill sets like the ability to think critically, the ability to analyse data, and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. According to an estimate, only 5-6% of candidates are able to score more than 720+. So, one needs to develop these skills to get a decent score in order to get admission to their dream B-school. Students must look at the GMAT from the perspective of B-schools. GMAT is only testing those quantitative and verbal reasoning skills that are required by a student to survive a B-school curriculum. It is not a test of management, but of general reasoning skills.

To get a 600+ score on the GMAT one needs to do a lot of hard work and made consistent efforts to get this score. Start with the GMAT syllabus and pattern. You can then move on to the GMAT official guide and other official study material. Make this as the base of your preparation. Once you are thorough with this, you can read other authentic sources such as the Manhattan guides, Princeton Review study material, etc. Make a study plan and follow it strictly and try to cover one topic at a time. Also, note down your weakness and try to work on them to increase your score.

When it comes to GMAT preparation books, there are several options available, and the choice ultimately depends on your learning style and preferences. However, some basic GMAT exam study material includes the following

1. GMAT Official Study Material and Tests: Published by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), these books must be your starting point as they contains actual GMAT questions from previous exams. They will give you an actual feel of the GMAT exam.
2. Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guides: The guides are comprehensive and provide in-depth explanations and strategies.
3. Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus: Kaplan's GMAT prep books are well-regarded, especially for the quantitative section.
4. Online Material: Students may refer to online GMAT resources such as GMAT Club, Beat the GMAT, YouTube, Thursdays with Ron, etc. for giving final touches to their GMAT 2023 preparation.

To obtain a better understanding of the test format and time, remember that while books can be helpful tools, it is crucial to practice with authentic GMAT problems and take mock tests.

Preparing for the GMAT test takes time and sincere efforts. You can prepare for the exam in six to eight months or it can be 3-4 months depending on your practice and ability. You need to give consistent efforts to get a good GMAT score. Make sure that you understand the GMAT pattern and syllabus before you purchase any study material. You must start with the GMAT official study material and then move on the other standard resources such as the Manhattan Prep guides. You must also appear for GMAT mock tests every week to gauge your progress.

The duration of GMAT preparation can vary depending on various factors such as your target score, your familiarity with the GMAT 2023 exam pattern and content, and the amount of time you can dedicate each day. While there is no fixed timeframe that applies to everyone, here are some general guidelines:

• Duration of GMAT Preparation: Students usually spend around 3-6 months for the GMAT 2023 exam preparation. This allows for sufficient time to familiarize yourself with the content, practice different question types, and build test-taking strategies. However, the duration can be shorter or longer depending on your individual circumstances and level of preparation.
• Time Allocation per Day: It might be difficult for working professionals to fit in GMAT preparation amidst other obligations. The ideal amount of time to spend studying per week should be at least 10-15 hours, which can be broken up into daily study sessions of 1-2 hours. However, this may change based on your availability and schedule. Establishing a study regimen that works for you is important because consistency is important.
• Balancing Work and GMAT Preparation: Balancing work and GMAT preparation requires effective time management and prioritization. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Create a Study Schedule
2. Utilize Your Free Time
3. Maximize Weekends
4. Prioritize Important Topics
5. Seek Support

Remember that the quality of your study sessions, not just the quantity, is the secret to successful GMAT preparation. It is crucial to assess your performance, practise using approved GMAT materials, and take mock exams in order to pinpoint your areas of weakness. To further your preparation, think about using Internet tools, study aids, and coaching services.

Typically, it takes about 3-6 months to prepare for the GMAT exam. It is difficult to get a good GMAT score within a period of one month. Make a solid study plan and follow it religiously. Divide your time in such a way that you give equal weightage to each section and later get some time to revise as well. After learning all the concepts, it is always good to give the mock test. The best way to prepare for the GMAT in 1 month would be to study the official GMAT material and appear for GMAT practice tests.

There are three broad reasons which make GMAT Focus Edition a better option in comparison to its previous version of the exam and they are as follows:

• The GMAT Focus Edition is shorter in duration by almost 52 minutes and has only one optional break in between. 
• GMAT Focus Edition doesn't consist of writing section and has a more concise syllabus in comparison to the previous version.
• Finally, GMAT Focus Edition allows applicants to send their score reports based on their choice of B-schools instead of opting for them before hand while registering.

GMAT exam pattern 2024 and the GMAT syllabus for the current version of the GMAT Focus Edition exam can be understood from the table given below:

Moreover, this is the latest GMAT Focus Edition syllabus that is being followed across.

The GMAT exam format is developed to test applicant's business aptitude. The exam is divided into three sections, which are tested over 2 hours and 15 minutes along with an optional 10-minute break. Overall, there are 64 questions, each section has a different set of questions, but all are timed equally. More details on GMAT exam format are given below: 

• Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions, 45 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, 45 minutes
• Data Insights: 20 questions, 45 minutes.

The question type and pattern of CAT (Common Admission Test) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are not similar. While both exams are used for admissions to management programs, they have different formats and question types. Here are the key differences between CAT and GMAT.

CAT:

• CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
• It is a computer-based exam consisting of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
• CAT includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs (Type In The Answer) questions.
• The exam pattern may vary from year to year, but generally, CAT has a time limit for each section and a fixed number of questions in each section.

GMAT:

• GMAT is an internationally recognised exam used by business schools worldwide and in India for admission to MBA and MIM programs.
• It is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty level of questions adjusts based on the test-taker's performance on the GMAT exam.
• GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR).
• The question types in GMAT include multiple-choice questions, data sufficiency, sentence correction, etc.
• The GMAT 2023 exam pattern remains consistent, with a fixed number of questions and time limits for each section.

In summary, while both CAT and GMAT are entrance exams for management programs, their question types, formats, and sections differ significantly. However, it is possible to prepare for both the exam simultaneously as both are based on a similar theme. In fact, both exams will complement each other’s preparation.

The table given below provides a comparison between the current version of the GMAT exam and the GMAT Focus Edition:

Check out: GMAT Focus Edition vs GMAT: Key Differences

To cover the GMAT syllabus in 3 months, you can follow a structured study plan and make efficient use of your time. Here's a suggested approach to cover GMAT syllabus:

• Understand the GMAT syllabus: Learn the topics covered by the GMAT's syllabus, including Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. You can prioritise your study topics with this assistance.
• Create a study schedule: Divide your 3-month study period into weekly and daily goals. Allocate specific time slots for each section of the GMAT syllabus. Ensure that your schedule is realistic and allows for regular practice and revision.
• Gather study materials: Gather pertinent study materials that span the whole GMAT course, both online and off. Textbooks, question banks, GMAT prep books, and online materials may all be included in this.
• Focus on weak areas: Identify your weak areas and allocate more time to study and practice those topics.
• Practice regularly: Set aside dedicated time for GMAT practice questions and mock tests.
• Seek guidance and support: Consider enrolling in a GMAT prep course or working with a tutor who can guide you through the syllabus and provide feedback on your progress.
• Review and revise: Regularly review the topics you have covered and revise key concepts. Make use of flashcards, summaries, and mnemonic techniques to reinforce your learning.
• Take mock exams: As you approach the end of your 3-month study period, take full-length mock exams to simulate the actual GMAT test conditions. Analyze your performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Keep in mind that perseverance and commitment are essential for success. Stick to your study schedule, stay inspired, and keep a good outlook throughout the GMAT prep process. Good fortune!

Yes, it is a good practice to solve GMAT practice test. The reason being that it helps applicants in boosting their confidence and be able to track their preparation. Plus, if there are loopholes in preparation, applicants can work on them and then make their skills even better by taking multiple practice tests. 

You should take as many practice tests as possible before taking the actual GMAT exam. Taking practice tests will prove beneficial and will give you confidence to tackle questions with ease on the exam day.

Yes, this can be a coincidence that you find similar pattern or identical questions on the main GMAT exam day as on its practice tests. This is a benefit that applicants must put to good use when they solve multiple sample papers of GMAT exam before the main exam day.

Yes, it is very much possible that you score high on the GMAT exam after getting enough practice and solving sample papers. The reason is that you understand the exam and the question types easily when you attempt a number of sample papers. Thus, it is always better to get some good practice before the main exam day.

No, as such there are no previous year's sample papers available for GMAT exam online or offline. There are official resources and some trusted sources that offer sample papers in a book and also diagnotic tests online. Since the GMAT exam is online and also an adaptive test, plus conducted frequently it gets difficult to get hold to previous years GMAT papers.

Yes, those who have some knowledge and feel slightly confident can take a GMAT sample paper before starting their preparation. It will give them insights on topics they should ideally be tackling as and when they prepare for the exam.

On the other hand, those who do not much about the GMAT exam can also take a sample paper to have an understanding of the exam pattern and their weaknesses and strengths. And based on these analysis, make a prep plan and study accordingly.

Anything above 650 can be considered a good GMAT score. If you are able to score above 700 then it is great. However, you need to set your target before giving the exam. So, check what is the score required to get into your dream college and aim for that. However, a good GMAT score is not the only criteria for your selection. It will definitely help you in your selection, but there are other application aspects that come into play. Other documents include an SOP,  LORs,  admission essays,  resume, etc. Hence, you should aim to build a comprehensive and holistic profile.

Yes, definitely GMAT sample papers are accurate for preparation. They give you:

• An analysis of your performance
• Gives you an idea of how the exam will look like on the main day
• Helps you manage your time per question
• Helps you work on your weak areas and strengthen you areas of strength