How to Crack GMAT Exam in First Attempt?
The GMAT exam is based on strategic thinking. If you are attempting the GMAT exam for the first time, then you fall under the beginner category. Beginner preparation is different from other forms of GMAT preparation . There are many questions that need a clear answer at the beginner preparation level. For example, when you should study, how to plan and when to take the exam, etc. To easily answer these questions, you need some tips to prepare, a plan, a section-wise strategy and a list of common mistakes to avoid while preparing for the GMAT exam.
Let’s break down the preparation plan for beginners.
Before you make a plan to crack the GMAT exam in the first attempt, you must understand your ‘Why’. Why do you want to prepare for the GMAT? Is it your dream to study MBA at a good business school? Or do you want to test your strategic thinking abilities? Either way, it is important to prepare well. Your GMAT preparation as a beginner must be well structured to be able to crack the exam in your very first attempt.
GMAT Syllabus
Check the GMAT syllabus by analysing the topics given in the table below.
Quantitative Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning | Data Insights |
Linear & Quadratic Equations, Functions, Number Properties, Ratios, Percents, Probability, Combinatorics, and Coordinate Geometry under Algebra | Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning | Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis |
21 Questions in this section | 23 questions under VR | This section has 20 questions |
Read More: GMAT Preparation Strategy for Beginners 2026, Study Plan PDF
Preparation Tips for Cracking the GMAT Exam
To be able to crack the GMAT exam in the first attempt, you need about 3 months to prepare. For example, begin your preparation in March 2026 and take the test in May 2026. You have to create a GMAT preparation plan based on your schedule. Find out a particular time during the year when you have sufficient time to give to the test preparation and the test itself. You must check the GMAT test schedule. Schedule your GMAT exam date at a time that is convenient for you. You must allocate sufficient study hours during the weekdays (Monday to Friday) and more time during the weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
- Set a target score based on the programmes you want to apply to, for example, 720.
- Take a GMAT mock test to check your strengths and weaknesses and note your score.
- If you have scored low, then you need a preparation plan to reach your target score.
- Focus on conceptual learning, know all the formulas, and learn how to apply them.
- You need to focus on improving with some practice and regular motivation.
- Work on your area of weakness by spending more time on this section.
Ideal Time to Prepare: March to April is the ideal time to prepare for the GMAT. Why is this timeline ideal? Most business schools open their online admission applications by June. By June, the Round 1 admissions start. You can be ready with the GMAT test before the applications open. The ideal time to prepare for the GMAT exam is about 3 months before the application window for your preferred programme opens.
Read More: GMAT Study Material 2025, Mock Tests, Sample Papers PDF
Section-Wise Preparation Strategy for GMAT Exam
Start your GMAT preparation with Quant subjects like Arithmetic, Algebra, etc. These concepts are important to prepare right from the start. Number Theory is also an important chapter to cover in the first month. Your first month must be dedicated to building conceptual clarity. Do not take a lot of practice tests in the beginning. Practice during the weekends initially and learn GMAT concepts during the weekdays.
Quant Preparation
Quant is a heavy subject. It requires more preparation compared to other sections in the GMAT exam. For scoring high marks in Quant, you need to practice alongside conceptual clarity. Cover math basics if you are not familiar or have not practised for some time. You need the Quant concepts to be fixed in your memory. Basic preparation is not enough to master Quant in GMAT. Here is what you need to do for Quant preparation.
- First, learn the basics if you are not familiar.
- Start with Quant. Quant is difficult and takes time to become your strong area. Work on Quant problems from the beginning to build confidence.
- Switch between Quant and Verbal sections to keep your motivation intact and approach Quant problems with a fresh mind.
- Quant is the base for DI. Without knowledge of quant concepts, it is difficult to solve data sufficiency or other DI section topics.
Verbal Reasoning Preparation
To be able to score good marks in the verbal reasoning section, you must develop reading and comprehension skills. Building your vocabulary is also important during GMAT prep. There is not much conceptual learning in this section. The VR section of the GMAT exam can be a real scoring area if you have spent sufficient time practising through online resources, books, question banks, etc.
- Start your VR preparation with Quant preparation.
- Don’t read without understanding the meaning of a sentence or a paragraph.
- Learn to read between the lines.
- You need to develop a habit of strategic reading. It involves a strategic focus on the structure, keywords and the main idea.
- During the first month of preparation, learn how to analyse argument logic, assumptions, and structure.
- Understand the process of elimination for tricky options, identify transition words, context for vocabulary and recognise patterns in a structure.
Data Insights Preparation
The GMAT DI section does not have its own concepts. Its foundation is based on math-related concepts. This section has the same concepts as Quant and Verbal. You must be comfortable with concepts such as Number Properties, Ratios, Variation, etc, to answer DI questions. These concepts will help you navigate DI questions such as graphical interpretation, table analysis, and so forth.
Concepts and Tricks | Details |
Math Basics | Number Properties, Ratios, Variation, Percentages, Weighted Averages, etc. |
Question Strategy | Separate the technicality from the real question from DI Problems. |
Verbal Concepts | Conditionals. CR type of questions in the two-part analysis, and other verbal section concepts |
Reasoning Skills | Logic, assumption, inference, derivation, deductive and inductive logic,etc. |
Practice | You have to practice reasoning skills through practice, prep verbal concepts and solve lots of math problems. |
Time Management Problem in DI | Most students struggle with time management in Integrated Reasoning questions in the GMAT DI section. DS questions are based on arithmetic, sets, statistics, permutations and combinations. Non-math questions on data sufficiency are simple. These can be attempted first. |
Trick to Manage Time in DI | Questions are similar to RC, with some data divided into two or three parts. Understand that questions are based on one part and not all. Learn to comprehend data, use multi-step reasoning but don’t write down all data values in data-intensive questions. |
Read More: GMAT Previous Year Question Papers, Section-Wise PDFs
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for the GMAT Exam
The number one mistake beginners usually make when preparing for the GMAT exam prep is considering the exam as a normal college exam. For example, learning during the last minute, cramming concepts, staying up late at night, etc, for GMAT preparation. Avoid these mistakes if you want to crack the GMAT on the first attempt. Understand that the GMAT exam is different. It requires skills like pattern recognition, problem-solving, and logical application of concepts under time pressure.
The GMAT exam has some tricky parts. Don’t make the common mistake of assuming that the GMAT exam difficulty levels will remain the same. GMAT is an adaptive test, meaning that the better you perform in each section, the harder the test gets. You cannot attempt the GMAT exam without preparation unless you are good at all 3 sections: Quant, Verbal and DI. But, nobody, you are only a beginner and at best good at a few topics, but not all questions. Rigorous preparation is a must to crack the GMAT on the first attempt.
Do’s for GMAT Prep | Don’ts for GMAT Prep |
Analyse Your Mistakes | Endless practice with no analysis |
Plan, structure and prepare over time | Last Minute Study |
Conceptual learning | Studying such that there are conceptual gaps |
Correct interpretation of each question | Not recognizing pattern while reading |
Focus on quality | Don’t focus on quantity |
Deeply analyse problems | Rush to complete more questions in less time |
Study strategically | Don’t ignore high-impact topics in GMAT |
Balance your strengths and weaknesses | Don’t ignore your weaknesses |
Read More: GMAT Subjects 2026 , Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Important Topics
How to Crack GMAT Exam in First Attempt: Conclusion
Cracking the GMAT exam in the first attempt is possible if you prepare in the right way. Beginners should first focus on learning the basics of Quantitative Reasoning, improving reading and thinking skills for Verbal Reasoning, and understanding how math is used in the Data Insights section. Having a proper study plan, practising regularly, and taking mock tests early can help build confidence and improve scores.
The GMAT is not like a normal exam, so it should be prepared differently. Instead of memorising, students should analyse their mistakes, manage time well, and spend more time on weak areas. With steady preparation for three months and a clear section-wise strategy, you can aim to crack the GMAT exam in your first attempt.
