GMAT Exam Duration 2023: Section-wise Breakdown of GMAT

No, the GMAT exam duration is not different from the GMAT online exam. Both the formats of GMAT exam, offline and online follow the same exam duration. They also have the same number and options of exam order and breaks. Additionally, the breaks remain optional for both GMAT offline and GMAT online exams.

No, the overall GMAT exam duration cannot be extended. However, the inclusion of breaks can have a significant impact on the total GMAT exam time. That said, they will have no effect on the time available to attempt the GMAT exam. It is fixed for three hours and seven minutes.

Yes, GMAT exam orders are important to GMAT exam duration. There are three exam orders available to attempt the four GMAT exam sections. Since the time allotted for each section is different, the chosen exam order can affect the exam-solving skills of the test taker. Test takers can choose the exam order according to their strengths and weaknesses.

There is no best GMAT exam order. Each order has been designed to help the test takers make decisions on the basis of their strengths and weaknesses. Since different test takers have different capabilities and choices, no single exam order can be recommended. However, it is noteworthy that exam order 2 and exam order 3 are almost identical. 

Yes, breaks are advisable during GMAT exam. Both the breaks are optional in GMAT exam, however, taking them can help the test taker to rejuvenate themselves. Attempting a test of over three hours in a single sitting can also increase stress. Moreover, a bad performance in one section could affect the performance of the following sections as well.

The breaks should be managed as per the exhaustion and pressure faced during the GMAT exam. Test takers are advised to plan beforehand about their GMAT exam flow. However, suppose during the test they feel exhausted early or their particular section’s performance is bad. In that case, they can choose to take a break immediately after that section, irrespective of their plan.

The availability of choices during the GMAT exam break is based on the format of GMAT exam. The GMAT offline exam breaks allow candidates to move within a restricted area for washroom breaks and/or water breaks. However, during GMAT online exam, breaks are allowed as far as test takers do not leave their desks. This means that GMAT Online will discontinue the test if the student takes a washroom break.

There is no particular GMAT section that requires a break the most. The requirement for a break is dependent on the personal strengths and weaknesses of the test taker. However, the two sections of verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning are lengthy and may require breaks. Similarly, analytical writing assessment requires subjective writing and could need a break.

Yes, it is extremely important to prepare according to GMAT exam duration. The exam order, different times for each section, and two optional breaks mean that test takers have a lot of options, but also that their choice can severely affect their GMAT exam scores. Hence, practicing according to the different GMAT section orders is best to be well prepared for the exam. 

You can ensure maximum time utilisation during GMAT exam by preparing yourself mentally for the upcoming sections, especially if they are those you are weak at. You can drink water and meditate to relax your mind. You must ensure to take back your form at least two minutes before the break ends as the timer will start automatically after eight minutes.