Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) announced significant changes to the GMAT exam effective June 2012. A new section called Integrated Reasoning (IR) was introduced, resulting in a revised GMAT format.
Under the new pattern, one of the two essay sections was removed and replaced with the Integrated Reasoning section. The total duration of the exam remains unchanged at 3.5 hours.
GMAT Pattern Comparison: Current vs New
| Feature | Current GMAT Pattern | New GMAT Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Length of Examination | 3 hours 30 minutes plus breaks | 3 hours 30 minutes plus breaks |
| Availability of Pattern | Until 4 June 2012 (subject to seat availability) | From 5 June 2012 onwards |
| Question Types | 2 Quantitative types and 3 Verbal types | 2 Quantitative types, 3 Verbal types, and 4 Integrated Reasoning types |
| Scored Sections | Total Score 200 to 800 Analytical Writing: 0 to 6 |
Total Score 200 to 800 Analytical Writing: 0 to 6 Integrated Reasoning: Separate scale |
| Sections Added or Removed | Includes Analysis of an Argument essay (30 minutes) and Analysis of an Issue essay (30 minutes) | Integrated Reasoning section (30 minutes) replaces the Analysis of an Issue essay |
| Score Reporting | Unofficial Total, Quant, and Verbal scores available on test day Official scores in 5 to 6 days |
Unofficial Total, Quant, and Verbal scores available on test day Official scores available in approximately 20 days |
| Average Preparation Time | Around 100 hours for 600+ and 700+ scorers (GMAC, 2010) | Additional preparation time required for the Integrated Reasoning section |