GMAT Bible: 8 Steps to Score 720+ in GMAT exam | Quantitative Reasoning for GMAT PDF Download

Why an MBA?

Simply put, an MBA truly tells you how to think and behave in a business situation.. They provide exposure to peers from diverse backgrounds and prepare you to evaluate problems from a managerial viewpoint. A good GMAT score strengthens your application to top business schools.

How this guide was made

This guide condenses proven strategies and experience from high scorers and experienced instructors. It emphasises syllabus knowledge, focused practice, regular mock tests and careful analysis. Special thanks for the interviews of Akshat Srivastava (GMAT: 785), Dr. Vikramjit Singh (GMAT: 755), Shlok Gupta (GMAT: 745), and Mr. Mukesh Sharma (GMAT: 775).

Step 0: Before you begin

• Set specific goals: target score, list of schools, timeline for preparation and application deadlines.
• Create a realistic timetable: allocate daily and weekly slots for study, practice and review.
• Micro-plan: make short-term plans (daily/weekly) and medium-term milestones (topic coverage, mock targets).
• Motivation: keep your reasons for applying to an MBA clearly in mind — this sustains long preparation periods.

Step 1: Understand the exam structure and official rules

What the GMAT Focus Edition assesses

The exam focuses on three core domains:

• Verbal Reasoning: reading comprehension, critical reasoning and clarity of argument.
• Quantitative Reasoning: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation and problem solving.
• Data Insights: interpretation and analysis of charts, tables and multiple data sources (replaces some prior integrated tasks).

Important administrative points to be checked early

• Registration, fees and test centre rules: check the official GMAT website for the latest details, ID requirements, available test dates and fees.
• Scoring and validity: the exam reports an overall scaled score plus section-level scores. Confirm the current scoring scale and score-reporting policy on the official site.
• Score validity: GMAT scores are typically valid for five years; still it is recommended to verify current policy when you register.

Familiarity with the format and rules reduces surprises on test day and helps design a sensible study plan.

Step 2: Analyse sample questions and past papers

• Skim official and previous sample questions: this shows the level and style of questions asked in each section.
• Topic-wise analysis: identify frequently tested topics and recurring question types. EduRev has detailed documents around the same, it is recommended to check those first. 
• Allocate initial study weight: use the analysis to decide how much time to devote to each area instead of equally emphasising on all topics. 
• Suggested initial period: spend 2–4 weeks understanding the syllabus, question types and building a baseline plan instead of jumping into detailed preparation right away. 
• You can further strengthen your preparation with 230+ additional Quantitative Reasoning questions designed to challenge and refine your skills.

Step 3: Consistency and practice routine

• Daily practice: short, focused daily sessions are more effective than infrequent long sessions.
• Cover all sections regularly: rotate practice so that Verbal, Quant, and Data Insights remain fresh.
• Mocks and frequency: take a full-length mock at least once a week during mid-to-late preparation; increase frequency before the test if recovery time allows. The 5 Full + Sectional Mock series helps track your progress and builds exam stamina gradually.
• Analyse every test: review errors, time spent per question and recurring weaknesses.

Step 4: Subject-wise strategies

4.1 Verbal Reasoning — reading comprehension & critical reasoning

• Read Read Read: newspapers, editorials and non-fiction build speed, vocabulary and comprehension. Imbibing as many words as you will help you in understanding the difficult words of vocabulary. It does not matter what you read as long as you learn new words, read fast, and have a proper understanding of using different phrases and words. 
• Reading comprehension tips: read passages carefully; focus on main idea, tone, structure and key details.
• Don't Worry About Knowing Everything: You don't need to know everything about the passage. Understanding the subject isn't crucial to answer questions.
• Careful Reading Before Questions: Read the passage carefully and analyse it before looking at the questions. Focus on key words and phrases for context.
• Critical reasoning tips: identify premises and conclusions; look for assumptions, weaken/strengthen patterns and inference traps.
• Take Your Time: Don't rush through the passages. This section is about understanding, not speed.

4.2 Quantitative Reasoning

• Start with fundamentals: The main math concepts tested on the GMAT are relatively simple – arithmetic, algebra, geometry – but you probably haven’t studied them since high school. Revisit ratios, percentages, number properties, algebra, coordinate geometry and basic geometry.
• Regular practice: spend daily time on problem solving to build speed and accuracy. You should devote at least one to two hours daily to solving questions in Quant. 
• Learn shortcuts & efficient methods: mental arithmetic, factorisation tricks, estimation and common short-cuts save time.
• Accuracy focus: avoid careless mistakes by writing intermediate steps for complex calculations and double-checking work when time permits.

Playlists and structured topic courses can help you bridge gaps quickly. For structured Quant courses and topic practice see the provided links below.

4.3 Data Insights

• Understand question types: Familiarize yourself with the Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency question types that comprise the Data Insights section. Grasp how to interpret various types of information, including graphics, numerics, and verbal content, to make informed decisions.
• Develop data literacy: practise extracting relevant numbers, comparing datasets, and recognising trends and outliers.
• Practice Interpreting Multiple Sources: Given that Data Insights assesses how multiple sources and types of information relate, practice interpreting diverse data sets. Work on questions that involve graphic, numeric, and verbal data to strengthen your ability to draw insights from various formats.
• Use the calculator efficiently: the on-screen calculator is available for Data Insights—learn to use it to avoid calculation errors and save time.
• Combine skills: many Data Insights items require quantitative calculation plus verbal interpretation—practice integrated tasks.

You can access dedicated courses and topic lists via the links at the end of this document.

Step 5: Practice, mocks and analysis!

• Start mocks early: ntegrate full-length tests from early preparation to build stamina.
• Don’t plan to first complete all the syllabus and only then give tests. 
• Mock frequency: once per week is a good target during most preparation; increase before the test if you can analyse and recover between mocks. 
• Post-mock analysis: review every incorrect question and every long-duration question. Understand the nature of your mistakes, spot the patterns and work on them. Work out to eliminate silly errors. 
• Access to an Online Question Bank lets you create targeted practice sets by difficulty level or topic - perfect for refining weak areas before taking mocks.
• EduRev: helps you to prepare rigorously as we provide you with topic-wise tests to help you retain better.
• Fix error patterns: maintain an error log categorised by conceptual mistakes, careless errors and time-management issues.
• Time management: practise pacing; set per-question time targets and learn to triage hard questions (skip and return when appropriate).

Practice GMAT Focus Edition mock series and topic-wise tests rigorously to help translate your study into test performance.

Step 6: Revision strategy

"Revision is its own reward."

• Make revision a habit: weekly reviews of older topics prevent forgetting. Once you have gained confidence that you can attempt a GMAT examination, review all the material to go through before the exam.
• Final 10–14 days: prioritise revision and light practice rather than learning many new topics. The final 10 days should be primarily about a review, not about trying to learn a lot of new things. Solidify your strengths.
• Silly mistakes checklist: list recurring careless errors and review before each mock.
• Pacing checklist: examine which question types consistently take too long and practise targeted timed sets. Be honest with yourself about your ability to answer a question of this nature in just 2 minutes if you encounter it again.

Step 7: Test-day preparation and mindset

• Self Belief: Without self-belief, you will not be able to perform well in the exam even if you study a lot. Stay positive throughout the journey and march towards your dream.
• Simulate test conditions: practise full mocks under timed, uninterrupted conditions similar to test day.
• Healthy routine: get adequate sleep, eat a balanced meal before the test, and stay hydrated.
• Exam center familiarity: It can be beneficial to psychologically be ready for the exam center setting. Some folks even go as far as to check out the testing facility ahead of time. You prepare yourself for the test experience before you actually take it, which lessens the stress you feel during the test. 
• Arrive early: plan transport and reach the test centre early to reduce stress.
• Confidence and calm: use relaxation techniques (deep breathing, brief visualisation) to manage anxiety.
• On test day: follow instructions, manage time strictly, and avoid dwelling on difficult questions.

Believe in your preparation and focus on one question at a time.

Step 8: After the exam — scores and next steps

• Official score reporting: understand score-reporting options and send scores to target schools as required.
• Applications and interviews: GMAT is one component of your application. Prepare essays, CV and interview responses in parallel with test preparation.
• Score validity and retakes: scores are typically valid for 5 years; in case you choose a retake, analyse weak areas and adjust study before attempting again.

Practical study plan (high-level)

1. Initial 2–4 weeks: understand syllabus, review fundamentals, set baseline by taking a diagnostic test.
2. Next 8–12 weeks: topic-wise learning and daily practice; weekly sectional timed practice and one mock per week.
3. Final 4–6 weeks: full mocks, focused error correction, revision of weak areas and pacing practice.

Adjust duration according to starting level and time available before your desired test date.

Useful links and resources

• Syllabus and Pattern of the GMAT Exam
• GMAT Verbal Preparation
• Quantitative Aptitude for GMAT
• Data Insights for GMAT
• GMAT Focus Edition Mock Test Series
• 120 Day GMAT Focus Edition Study Plan
• 40 Days Study Plan for GMAT Data Insights
• 40 Days Study Plan for GMAT Quantitative Aptitude
• 40 Days Study Plan for GMAT Verbal Reasoning