How to Prepare for the GMAT Online Exam in India: Test Taker Q&A
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There’s never been a more ideal time to pursue a career in business. Our increasingly globalized and digital world means the resources you need to succeed in business are more accessible than ever.
One of the best resources for kickstarting your career in business is the GMAT Online exam—an online, remote proctored version of the test-center based GMAT exam. This exam is available to students globally, and is particularly useful for countries largely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to eliminating the need for in-person contact, test-takers love the convenience of being able to take the exam from the comfort of their own home.
So, what’s the best way to prepare for the GMAT online exam, and how does the pre and post-exam experience compare to that of the in-person test?
To gain the perspective of a business school candidate who’s been through the process, I spoke with test taker Siddharth Sawant and asked him a few questions about his prep, the test taking experience, and how he feels now having gone through it. Whether you’re based in India or elsewhere, Siddharth’s experience can help you determine whether the GMAT online exam might be right for you.
Test taker Q&A: the GMAT Online exam experience in India
Why did you decide to take the GMAT Online exam?
I decided to take the GMAT Online exam as the first step towards my application for a second MBA. I realized that a global MBA would fulfill my aspirations of getting integrated into the global technology industry, and taking the GMAT was a logical first step towards applying to one-year programs around the world.
My decision to take the GMAT online exam was influenced by the disruption caused by COVID-19 and the significant unpredictability around the opening and operations of the test-centers. Additionally, I felt that taking the test from the comfort of my home was a better idea than to travel around town.
Have you taken the GMAT at a test center previously or was this your first attempt at GMAT?
I took the GMAT in 2011 at a test-center in Andheri, Mumbai.
If you have taken the GMAT at home and at a test center, what was the difference in terms of experience of test taking?
Travel and parking were of course different. I remember driving 45 minutes to reach the test center and spending 15 minutes looking for parking. The at-home test removed that inconvenience. In fact, the best part of the at-home test is that I can take it from wherever I want, as long as I meet the compliances!
I remember also that the sign-in process was quite seamless at the test-center, but at home, of course, it was easier. For the at-home test, I had to be mindful to ensure that my desk and the room were clean, and the proctor was friendly and kind enough to point out specific non-compliances which I resolved before the test.
In terms of test-taking, the test-center was quiet and I could focus on the exam. The at-home exam does introduce the possibility of distraction, especially considering I have a noisy two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. In terms of the structure, Quant followed by Verbal and IR worked well for me, and I haven’t yet faced any stamina issues as yet in any of the mocks.
Did you use the online or physical whiteboard? How was your experience?
I used the physical whiteboard and stayed away from the online whiteboard. I'm more familiar with performing calculations on paper and so the physical whiteboard worked perfectly for me during practice and during the exam.
How was your overall experience of the GMAT Online?
The overall experience was excellent. The proctor was friendly and helpful and made sure that the check in was seamless. She didn't disturb me while I was taking the test and intervened only during the break. I didn't face any technical issues at all.
Prepping for the GMAT
Did you self-study or sign up with professional coaching for GMAT? For how long did you study for GMAT?
I've been self-studying for a while now. Managing work, house-work, a kid and GMAT isn't really the easiest of things and it’s taken me more than nine months now to prepare for the test. I think it was a lot to do with my self-confidence as well—I’m the kind of guy who doesn't like to leave things to chance or wing it, hence the nine-month prep time.
I've also purchased the GMAT Official Guide and six official tests and these resources have been immensely useful.
Was your preparation plan for Online GMAT any different from what it would have been for GMAT at the test center?
My preparation for the online exam was different because I didn't need to prepare for the AWA. I don't think it would make much of a difference to me particularly because I already have experience in analyzing arguments and business cases at work. Either way, there's enough AWA practice material in the Official Guide.
Post- exam experience
When did you get your official score card?
I received my scorecard within five calendar days of completing my exam.
Are you planning to apply to schools/programs in India or abroad?
I'm planning to apply only to programs abroad—primarily in the United States, France and Singapore, and potentially the United Kingdom.
What advice do you have for anyone planning to take the GMAT Online Exam?
If you live in India, the GMAT online exam is a great option if you're sure that your power connection or internet will be stable. Have a clean well-organized room. Invest in a physical white board, a duster and whiteboard markers and use them every time you practice.
Are you ready to take the GMAT exam in the comfort of your own home? Create an mba.com account to set your GMAT Online exam appointment and receive free prep materials.