How to Prepare for GMAT: Top Study Tips and Preparation Strategies

If you want to pursue a graduate degree in business, GMAT is an important exam for you. This exam measures your skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, data solving, and analyzation. The GMAT exam requires dedicated preparation and strategic planning to achieve your target score, with most successful candidates investing 2-3 months in focused study. 

The GMAT focus edition, which will be the standard version of the test in 2025, has three new sections: Data Insights, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The entire test takes about two hours and fifteen minutes, which is less time than the last iteration. Analytical Writing, or AWA, has been eliminated.

In today’s digital era, preparing for the GMAT from home has become increasingly common. However, studying at home can be difficult and less productive if you don't have the proper techniques.

When you are preparing for GMAT at home, it might feel difficult at first but with the right planning it can be achievable. In this article we will discuss some tips and strategies to help you to understand the GMAT Preparation and how to prepare for GMAT at home.

Overview of the GMAT exam

Here is a brief synopsis of the GMAT exam before we get started:

• More than 7,700 programs and 2,400 institutions across 114 countries accept the GMAT.
• Admission to graduate management programs, including MBA programs, typically requires it.
• Key competencies that are necessary for business studies, including problem-solving, critical reasoning, data analysis, logic, and analytical writing, are tested on the exam.
• As a computer-adaptive test, GMAT adjusts the difficulty of each question based on your performance, providing a more accurate evaluation.
• More than 600 official testing locations worldwide offer the exam.

If you are just starting, this complete GMAT Exam guide will help you to understand what the exam is, how it works, and why it’s important for your future.

How to Preparing for GMAT at Home?

To start preparing for the GMAT at home, first understand the exam format and take a self-test to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Make a well-organized study schedule that emphasizes the fundamentals of both verbal and quantitative reasoning. Practice frequently with GMAT mock tests and make use of reliable resources such as the Official Guide. 

Here are some important considerations to make when you are preparing for GMAT exam at home: 

Understand the exam structure 

Make sure you understand the GMAT pattern before you start studying. With the GMAT exam structure undergoing a host of changes in 2023, the exam now only has 3 sections that students must deal with:

• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning
• Data Insights

The GMAT has a computer-adaptive format, which means that the difficulty changes according to how well you perform. Each section is timed. Knowing this structure makes it easier for you to mentally prepare for and select the best study techniques for both the GMAT practice tests and the actual exam.

Determine Your Goal Score Using B-Schools

First, choose the score you want to get, then see how much you already know by taking a GMAT Mock Test. Next, create a study schedule that works for your daily or weekly schedule. This will assist you in staying on course and gradually getting better.

Write down the average GMAT scores of the universities on your list of potential applicants. It assists you in coordinating the intensity of your studies with your objectives.

Select the Time You Need to Prepare

Your current skill level will determine the best timetable for GMAT preparation but if you’re starting from scratch, it takes three to four months on an average. If you have previously taken standardized tests and are familiar with the exam pattern, six to eight weeks could prove to be sufficient to cover all the bases.

Be practical. Select a period of time that works for your schedule while allowing for revisions, practice exams, and targeted topic-wise progress. Divide your study schedule into weekly objectives to keep things moving forward and prevent burnout.

Also read- GMAT Exam Dates 2025

How to create your GMAT study plan at home?

One of the most crucial things to do when studying at home for the GMAT is to make a good study plan. It keeps you focused, organized and allows you to monitor your progress over time.

Here's how to create a successful GMAT study schedule:

• Set a goal score: Decide what GMAT score you want to achieve based on the requirements of the universities you're applying to. Having a clear goal gives you preparation direction and keeps you motivated.
• Understand your strengths and weaknesses: Begin by taking a full-length practice test. This will show you which areas you're already strong in and which ones need more attention. Knowing this helps you focus your efforts better.
• Create a realistic study routine: Don’t try to do everything at once. Break your study time into small parts—like studying for two hours a day, five days a week. This makes your schedule easier to follow and keeps you from getting tired or losing interest.
• Stay consistent: Regular study sessions are better than long and tiring ones. Studying in small breaks every day builds better understanding and helps you remember what you learn.
• Track your progress: Keep checking how much you’ve improved by taking GMAT practice tests every few weeks. It will boost your confidence and show you if your strategy is working or needs change.

Also read: 90-Day GMAT study plan

Best study resources for GMAT preparation at home

Despite the abundance of GMAT preparation materials available, a select few stand out in 2025 because they are highly recommended by both test-prep experts and students:

1. GMAT Exam 2025-2026 Official Guide (GMAC): This essential guide was written by the people who created the GMAT. The guide covers the entire exam structure, question formats, and scoring information. Aside from the practice questions, the official website (mba.com) provides students with access to six official GMAT mock tests, two of which come free of cost.

2. Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guides: Developed by Manhattan Prep, these popular guides provide in-depth explanations of important GMAT subjects. Practice questions, thorough answers, and test-specific strategies are all included in each book. Manhattan also provides students with the option of purchasing GMAT mock tests, should they wish so.

3. The GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible by PowerScore: The goal of this book is to help you become an expert in the Critical Reasoning section of the GMAT, which many test-takers find challenging. It deconstructs different kinds of arguments and offers methods for addressing each query with assurance.

4. Veritas Prep GMAT Quant Score on Point: This guide is perfect for individuals who want to improve their quantitative reasoning abilities. It provides focused practice and concise explanations to assist students in solving even the most challenging math problems on the GMAT.

Also read- GMAT Preparation Books 2025

How to Structure Your GMAT Study Day at Home?

Although studying at home gives you more flexibility, it's easy to fall behind if you don't have a good study routine. A well-organized GMAT study day keeps your mind sharp and focused while striking a balance between learning, practice, and review. 

Here's how to plan a successful GMAT preparation day:

Time	Details
Morning	Begin your day by learning something new, such as algebra, grammar, or reading techniques.   Study the main ideas from Verbal or Quant for one and a half to two hours.   Make use of reliable resources, such as Manhattan Prep books or the GMAT Official Guide.
Mid-day	Make use of this time to complete timed practice sets based on your morning lessons.   Depending on your schedule, concentrate on word problems, critical reasoning, or data sufficiency.   Use a spreadsheet or applications such as GMAT Club to keep track.
Afternoon	Examine errors from practice sets and comprehend why the correct response is effective.   Invest time in flashcards, error logs, and fast formula or grammar rule review.   Think about participating in an online study group or watching a quick video.

Dive deeper into effective study tips by checking how to prepare for GMAT at home. 

Want book recommendations? Check GMAT Preparation Books 2025.

Practice with GMAT Mocks Tests & Review Strategy

Consistency is one of the most crucial components of the exam preparation. When you practice GMAT mock tests regularly, it will help you to understand the types of questions, give you experience with full-length tests, and build the confidence you need for a test that takes over two hours. But how you prepare for these mock tests is just as important as how well you do on them. 

The purpose of GMAT mock test is to assist you in acclimating to the computer-adaptive format (CAT).

• It trains you to manage your time under pressure.
• Emphasize your areas of weakness in Data Insights, Quant, and Verbal.
•  Increase confidence by simulating a real exam.

Intrigued about the doors the GMAT can open for you? Explore options to study masters abroad or apply for UG courses abroad. 

Section-Wise GMAT Preparation Strategy at Home

These are a few basic preparation strategies that you can consider. Here is a breakdown of the GMAT sections and preparation tips for each.

Sections	Preparation tips
Verbal Reasoning	To improve your reading comprehension, decide if you want to read the passage or the questions first.   Pay attention to the author's tone, transitions, and important points.    Examine the grammar rules and sentence structure for sentence correction. Then go over the sentence again to make sure it makes sense.
Quantitative Reasoning	Value, Order, and Factors: operations, exponents, decimals, divisibility, factors, and numbers.   Algebra & Inequalities: formulas, linear and quadratic equations, and conversions between measurements.   Ratios, Rates, and Percentages: Work and mixture problems involving ratios, proportions, percentages, fractions, and rates.   Practice other subjects such as probability, estimation, sets, statistics, and sequences.
Data Insights	Determine whether the problem calls for a range of answers or just one in order to ensure data sufficiency.    Multi-Source Reasoning: All data will be presented. Before responding, carefully review the text, tables, and charts.   Examine the conditions in the question and the table's structure.   Recognize the scales, labels, and graphics. From the dropdowns, pick the accurate option.   Pay close attention to both sections of the question. One response option might be applicable to both sections—consider carefully.

Also read-  GMAT Exam Syllabus

Online GMAT Preparation: What You Need to Know

The internet is a wealth of information that can significantly improve your at-home GMAT preparation. The following are some efficient strategies to maximize the use of online resources for GMAT success:

1. GMAT Prep Courses Online: Reputable websites like Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, and others provide structured online courses made especially for GMAT preparation. These courses also provide GMAT mock tests, which help in better preparing the test takers for the actual exam.
2. Video Instructions: These sessions, which are led by knowledgeable instructors, provide a clear and comprehensive explanation of every GMAT concept.
3. Practice Question Banks: To strengthen learning, practice questions with thorough explanations are available.
4. Performance Feedback: To help you track your progress and concentrate on your areas of weakness, certain courses offer customized progress reports
5. Live sessions: Take interactive live online classes to interact directly with teachers and other GMAT candidates. These sessions are excellent for posing queries, resolving uncertainties, and receiving immediate assistance on complex subjects.
6. GMAT Mock Tests:  Both free and paid practice exams are available on websites such as Manhattan Prep and the official GMAT website (mba.com). These are crucial resources for improving test-taking skills:
7. See the actual format of the test: Learn the format, question types, timing, and computer-adaptive system (CAT) of the GMAT.

Want to book the GMAT exam in advance? Explore official GMAT Test Centers in India. 

All done with your GMAT Prep? Check things to carry for GMAT exam to avoid any last-minute jitters. 

Conclusion 

When you are preparing for the GMAT exam at home it requires dedication and discipline. You can focus on your weak areas, personalize your learning process, and gradually increase your confidence with the right GMAT preparation.

By setting a realistic study schedule, using trusted resources, and practicing GMAT Mock tests regularly,  you build a strong foundation for success. Staying consistent, tracking your progress, and staying motivated is key to keeping momentum. Whether you’re aiming for an MBA or another management degree, focused GMAT preparation at home can open doors to top global universities and shape your future career.

You can confidently prepare for the GMAT exam at home and get closer to your goal of studying with a well-defined study plan, the appropriate materials, and focused preparation. To achieve your targeted GMAT Score and get admission to a prestigious business school, you must maintain your focus, practice frequently, and maintain a positive mindset.

Explore free GMAT prep tools on the upGrad Free Courses page.

Need help planning your GMAT journey? Contact upGrad for personalized guidance.