How to Study for the GMAT: Complete Guide & Study Plan
The GMAT, or the Graduate Management Admission Test, is one of the most critical tests for students pursuing an MBA or a business-related master's degree at a top university worldwide. Each year, students go online and search for various methods on how to study for the GMAT, and many become overwhelmed by the size of the syllabus, not being prepared to compete with other GMAT candidates.
More than likely, you came to this page with questions like: “How to start preparing for the GMAT without even starting?” or “How to prepare for the GMAT with no experience whatsoever?” or even “How to study for the GMAT when I have a full-time job?” This article provides a structured, step-by-step plan for success.
Here, in this ultimate guide, we will address everything you need: study schedules (1 month, 3 months, 6 months), section-wise plans (Verbal, Quant, AWA, IR), effective self-preparation strategies, and answers to the most frequently asked questions by candidates.
Understanding the GMAT Exam
This helps you learn GMAT. Recently, the exam format changed to plan well.
What is the GMAT, and How to Prepare for It
The GMAT is a standardised examination for graduate business studies. It tests analytical, quantitative and verbal abilities. There are more than 7,000 programs that accept it. In 2025, there is the Focus Edition. In this version, sections such as essay writing are lost. It brings in data insights. The process of preparation begins with formal sources. Whether you are preparing for the GMAT exam or the GMAT test, establishing consistency is key.
Before learning how to prepare for the GMAT, it’s essential to understand the test format.
The GMAT consists of four sections:
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) – 30 minutes
Integrated Reasoning (IR) – 30 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning – 62 minutes
Verbal Reasoning – 65 minutes
A total test time of 3 hours 7 minutes (plus optional breaks).
Being familiar with this structure will make it easier to plan how to study for the GMAT.
How to Begin Studying for the GMAT
Do not fret if you're unsure how to start preparing for the GMAT. It is a crude framework.
Step 1: Diagnose Your Starting Point
First, give a diagnostic test. Get official free practice exams. This shows the benchmark score. Determine ineffective areas. For example, in the case of low math, focus on math. Workbooks, such as those from Manhattan Prep, are free and can work well. This is the most crucial step in preparing to take the GMAT.
Take a score test to determine your baseline.
Identify areas with weaknesses (e.g., math, verbal, timing).
Step 2: Set a Realistic Goal
Set your target score by checking the averages of schools in top programs, aiming for 675 or higher. Divide it into section goals. Monitor with an error log. This helps in keeping you motivated in terms of how to study for the GMAT exam.
Note the average GMAT (GK average) scores of the schools you will be applying to.
Add at least 20 to 30 additional points to make a margin.
Step 3: Choose Your Study Method
You may study as preparation on your own (how to self-study for the GMAT), or you can get a coach. Many learners pass without tutoring, without spending money on professional preparation, using resources available on the Internet and in official manuals.
Determine how much time you need to prepare: 1, 2, 3, or 6 months.
The schedule should be convenient to your lifestyle.
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Best Ways to Study for the GMAT
The following are tried and tested ideas on how to best prepare for the GMAT:
No single technique can be used with every student, but these methods consistently produce results for studying for the GMAT.
1. Master GMAT Quantitative Section
Emphasis on arithmetic, algebra, geometry and word problems.
Use Manhattan Prep and the GMAT Official Guide to get practice.
Train on sentence skills, critical reasoning and reading.
2. Crush the Verbal Section
Practice with critical reasoning, reading comprehension and sentence correction.
Memorise grammar rules, inside-out Lorne grammar rules.
Do active reading on comprehension texts.
3. Integrated Reasoning (IR)
Learn to read charts, graphs and multi-source reasoning.
Use IR-specific drills with GMAT Prep software.
4. Analytical Writing (AWA)
Get advice on organising an essay in 30 minutes.
Be precise, rational and evidence-based.
Do practice prompts.
GMAT Prep Timelines: Study Plans
Regardless of the amount of time you have, whether it's two weeks or six months, there is a plan tailored to your needs.
How to Prepare for the GMAT in One Month
Daily study: 3–4 hours.
Concentrate on practising in areas of weakness.
Focus on Quant and Verbal, and do a brief review of IR and AWA.
How to Prepare for the GMAT in Two Months
Spend 2-3 hours a day, 5 6 days a week, to study.
Lay the foundation of basics in month one.
Timed practice is increased in the 2nd month.
How to Prepare for the GMAT in Three Months
Most appropriate to most students.
Month 1: Learn fundamentals.
Month 2: The drilling, the queries.
Month 3: Do complete timed mocks.
How to Prepare for the GMAT in Six Months
Best for beginners starting from scratch.
Slow build-up: dedicate the first 3 months to basics.
Last 3 months for intensive practice + exam stamina.
How to Study for the GMAT at Home vs Coaching
You don't have to spend a lot of money on coaching to pass the test.
At Home (Self-Study): Adaptable, less expensive, ideal for your self-disciplined learner.
With coaching, there is a structure that encompasses accountability and access to mentors.
How to Study for the GMAT at Home (Without Coaching)
Self-prep is increasing in popularity. The question that might arise in the minds of the students is: How to Study GMAT at Home?" This is a strategy you can use:
First, use official GMAT materials.
With quality practice books and internet-based practice packages.
Make flashcards of formulas and specific GMAT grammar formulas.
Start your peer conversations by joining online GMAT forums (GMAT Club, Reddit GMAT).
Follow a customised schedule.
This approach tackles two key questions: How to prepare for the GMAT without coaching and how to self-prepare for the GMAT.
How to Study for the GMAT While Working Full-Time
It is hard to balance a career and GMAT prep. One of the most common questions that candidates raise is how to study and prepare for GMAT when they are employed full-time. The proven strategies include the following:
Study outside work time when you have a fresh mind.
Use the commuting time to revise (with flashcards, on your mobile phone).
Devote some weekends to practice exams.
Cramming will lead to burnout.
Regularity is more important than the number of hours worked a day. Two hours of concentrated attention per day is better than five hours of divided attention.
Free vs Paid GMAT Resources
Free Resources: GMAT Official Starter Kit, GMAT Club Forums, YouTube.
Paid Resources: Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, Veritas, 1-to-1 tutor.
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How to Prepare for GMAT and CAT Together
Some aspirants prepare for both the CAT and GMAT examinations simultaneously.
Cross-training between Quant and Verbal.
MAT is more logic-based, whereas CAT is more speed-based.
Take individual mocks per the exam.
Step-by-Step GMAT Study Plan
Do a diagnosis exam
Try to beat.
Choose learning resources
Make a daily/weekly plan
Learn more by taking practice tests.
Strengthen areas of weakness
Test day conditions.
Common Mistakes Students Make While Studying for the GMAT
When searching for the means of studying the GMAT, do not fall into these traps:
Learning how to memorise formulas without applying practice
Skipping the verbal part (many students do that).
Not doing enough mock tests
Not reflecting on mistakes after practice
Relying solely on free material without consulting official resources.
Final Tips on How to Study for the GMAT
Give GMAT the treatment of a skill test, rather than a knowledge test.
Have an error document and continue updating it.
Train under time pressure to simulate the real test.
Maintain good sleep and breaks to be fresh.
Don't study more, study smarter.
FAQs
1. What is the GMAT, and how to prepare for it?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) assesses verbal, quantitative, writing, and reasoning skills for MBA admissions. Candidates should follow a diagnostic route, study plan, use official practice papers, and take timed mock exams to succeed.
2. How to prepare for the GMAT in 3 months?
Break down your study to 3 steps: The 1st month (ideas), the 2 nd month (training), the 3rd month (mocks and revisions). To be successful, 1520 hours a week is sufficient for most students.
3. How can I prepare for the GMAT at home?
Begin with a mock exam, identify areas for improvement, and follow a study schedule. Complete in-home assignments with official tapes, manuals, and exercises. You do not have to coach to succeed.
4. How to study for the GMAT while working?
Plan to study 2-3 hours per day, and it is better to start in the morning. You can use weekends to have lengthy study sessions and mock tests. It allows commuting time to be used up in revision of light.
5. How to prepare for the GMAT for free?
Use the free GMAT official practice tests, the GMAT Club material, the YouTube video explanations, and the free e-books that are online. Add them to organised self-study.
