Most aspirants believe that Quantitative Reasoning is the most difficult section of the GMAT exam. However, this might not always be true because the Verbal reasoning section can be equally challenging. This is because your proficiency in the English language is tested here, which isn’t as easy as it might sound. Whether you are an English major, or a non-native speaker, the GMAT verbal reasoning section could be really challenging if you are not prepared well. Besides, just as the quant, the verbal section is really important in the GMAT as these two sections contribute to your overall test score. So, it is important to understand what Verbal Reasoning is, and what is being tested in this section.

The GMAT verbal section tests your ability to read, comprehend and evaluate a text. As you know, good command of the English language is integral to studying MBA abroad. The verbal section of the GMAT ensures that you are capable of handling the course, which is most often in the English language. Besides, most business schools prefer students with both analytical and verbal efficiency, and a good GMAT verbal section is your chance to prove that. The GMAT verbal syllabus is divided into three question types — Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction and Critical Reasoning. Let’s take a brief look at these question types.

• Reading Comprehension- Each question presents a passage (200-250 words) followed by some MCQ questions. You are required to answer the questions by carefully reading the passage. Your ability to read and understand the passage and draw inferences from them is tested in this question type. 
• Sentence correction- Your knowledge in different aspects of language proficiency, such as accuracy in grammar, understanding of words, etc., are measured here. You’ll be given sentences, a part of which will be underlined. You are expected to identify grammatical or structural errors, if any and rectify them. 
• Critical Reasoning- Here, the questions will test how well you evaluate given arguments and come up with a suitable action plan. Each question presents a short prompt. Based on that you need to choose an option from the answer choices that will strengthen or weaken the argument. 

The verbal reasoning section is scored on a scale of 6-51 in intervals of 1. You get 65 minutes to finish 36 questions from this section.

Now that you have an idea of what verbal reasoning is, let’s move on to another topic that is as important as the verbal syllabus for you, if you are planning to appear for the exam. We are going to talk about GMAT test centers.

GMAT Test Centres

As you know, the GMAT exam is conducted all around the year at testing centres in 100+ countries. In India, there are test centers at 39 locations in 34 cities. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainties regarding the test center exams, many of these test centres are functional now. Unlike the other competitive exams, you can take the GMAT exam on any day of the year by scheduling it prior. However, if you are residing at a place where test centres are not open, you can take a proctored exam at home. 

In India, you can give the exam at the test centers in cities like Amritsar, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Dehradun, Pune, Bhopal, etc. However, the number of slots may differ based on the number of applicants in that specific place. Hence, it is important to plan ahead and ensure you get the slot you want and at a time when you want. Whether you are giving the exam in the online mode or at a test center, there are some guidelines that you may have to follow. Let’s take a look at those:

At a test centre:

• Carry a valid id card. The ID requirements vary from location to location. If you are from India, a passport is the best possible ID proof to show. However, make sure the details match what you’ve provided in your application.
• Owing to the pandemic situation, you are required to wear face masks and disposable gloves.
• You can store your belongings in a locker while you’re taking the test.
• No personal items other than the ID, prescription eyeglasses, locker key and jacket are allowed in the test room. 

While taking the Online exam:

• Your computer system must be in a good condition. Besides, make sure all the essential items such as ID, whiteboard (preapproved), and markers are within arm’s reach. Cell phones are not allowed.
• Avoid unnecessary interruptions during the test. Inform your family members or roommates not to enter the room which you are in, during the test.
• Check-in 15 minutes before the test starts.

We hope this article has given you an overview of the GMAT verbal section and the GMAT test centres. Consider the above information before you begin the application process to avoid any hassle. Good luck!