India continues to be one of the biggest pools of applicants who want to pursue international MBA and master’s programs. According to a report by the Economic Times, “There was a 53% increase in Indian students who applied for the management degree in 2023-24.” This creates such stiff competition for maintaining a good profile.
Moreover, scholarships are often tied to high GMAT scores. For students planning to manage the heavy costs of studying abroad, scoring well on the GMAT can significantly improve funding opportunities. That is why adapting strategy is not optional, but it is essential. To be well-prepared, only the best GMAT prep can help students.
This write-up will discuss the strategies that have been proven to work for GMAT preparations. To learn more, continue reading.
What Does The New Format of GMAT Look Like?
The new format of the GMAT is as follows:
| Section | Duration | Number of Questions | Score Range |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 45 minutes | 21 | 60–90 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 45 minutes | 23 | 60–90 |
| Data Insights | 45 minutes | 20 | 60–90 |
Proven Strategies for GMAT Preparation
Every examination needs good preparation, whether it’s online or offline. Similarly, mastering the new GMAT requires expert-focused strategies. Let’s learn about some of the best online GMAT preparation strategies.
1. Build Strong Foundations First
The new format of GMAT continues to examine the fundamentals of math and English, but in a more practical manner. Students need to spend the initial phase of preparation reviewing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, grammar, and reading comprehension. Without the foundation provided by the GMAT best coaching online, even sophisticated practice questions will remain challenging. Students first need to work on building a strong foundation.
2. Master the Data Insights Section
The most significant improvement has been made in the Data Insights section in the GMAT. It combines aspects of the previous Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency, which are designed to assess a student’s ability to analyse graphs, charts, and tables effectively. Working with actual datasets and case-study style questions is essential. Business schools value this skill because it reflects actual decision-making.
3. Practice with Official GMAT Materials
Official practice tests are the best indicator of performance before exam day. Students should use the free starter kit provided by the GMAT best coaching online and official study materials first before consulting other materials. Mock tests indicate not only where a student is but also how best GMAT prep and the pressure of time influence performance.
4. Use Mock Tests to Simulate Exam Conditions
The GMAT has now become shorter, but it packs every minute with intensity. Students take regular mock tests that help them develop the mental endurance required to deliver consistently. Following every test, analysing errors is just as essential as solving the questions. Good students tend to keep an “error log” to monitor patterns and avoid repeating the same errors.
Nowadays, GMAT best coaching online institutions are providing the real test experience to students by organising a computer-based online test that is exactly designed as the real examination. This helps students to practice more effectively.
5. Learn to Manage Time Effectively
It’s important for students to learn proper time management techniques if they will be taking the GMAT, as practising a strict time allocation per question helps students to answer questions in a timely manner.
The ability to review and edit answers in the new GMAT can be a bit challenging. While it allows correction of silly errors, it can also tempt students to waste time second-guessing. Students should know when to move on to the next question and how to attempt a question within the given time.
6. Focus on Quality, Not Just Quantity
Students now keep this thing in mind that examinations are not only for passing, but they are designed to make them capable of facing real-world challenges. Randomly solving thousands of questions no longer works.
It’s not just about responding to the correct answers, but it’s also about how alert you are and how you apply soft skills while giving examinations. Now the GMAT encourages critical thinking and noticing patterns. Students need to strive for focused, high-level practice, less quantity, but more solution analysis.
7. Balance Strengths and Weaknesses
Many Indian students are comfortable predominantly with Quantitative reasoning, but struggle with Data Insights or Verbal. The GMAT is equally weighted among the three sections, and therefore, a well-balanced strategy must be developed. Neglecting the weaker areas comes at a high cost on test day.
Additional Tips for 2025 Test Takers
- Plan Early: It is a common trend for most top scorers to prepare for more than 3-6 months with dedicated efforts.
- Stay Current: The official websites of GMAT regularly put out new practice materials and updates on the GMAT. Staying current on official updates keeps students from preparing with outdated formats.
- Think Scholarships: Not only do great GMAT scores open up admissions doors, but they also boost opportunities to win scholarships.
Students Should Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Waiting until the last minute to review the Data Insights section.
- Using outdated GMAT materials to practice with.
- Prioritising strengths (such as Quant) too much and skipping weaker sections.
- Skipping mock tests and going to the exam unprepared for the time pressure.
Conclusion
For Indian students looking to study abroad, the test is no longer an obstacle, but rather a springboard to stand out from the crowd. The approaches that succeed in 2025 are those that strike a good balance of solid fundamentals, clever exploitation of official material, efficient time management, and command over the new Data Insights section.
For students who require structured guidance for not only the best online GMAT but also for admissions strategy, scholarships, and study abroad planning, expert guidance is provided through Jamboree India. With proper guidance and strategy, the GMAT can be the first successful move towards a global education odyssey.
Achieving business school success in admissions has now become easy for students with Jamboree India. Check out their website for more details.