GMAT Resources and Study Material

The GMAT is the first step in your journey towards pursuing an MBA abroad. Irrespective of what country, university or business program, you need a GMAT score.

But here’s the tough part: Over 2,00,000 candidates attempt the GMAT exam every year. Out of these test-takers, only about 30 scored a perfect 800 last year. Even if you aren’t looking for a 100 percentile, this should give you an idea about how competitive the exam is.

For good overall and sectional scores, you need the perfect preparation. The step to ensure that? Get the best GMAT resources and study materials.

But with a vast range of study materials available (both online and offline) it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. You’ve got GMAT books, online resources, mock tests, apps, video lectures and so much more.

Don’t worry though.

With this blog, we will help you find the right GMAT resources and study material.

Let’s dive right in.

An introduction to the basics of GMAT 

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam. It is designed to assess skills vital for success in business and management programs. It is most commonly required for entrance to MBA programs. It is widely accepted by business schools around the world as a key part of the admissions process.

The GMAT evaluates your abilities in four sections:

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

Tests your ability to analyze an argument and communicate your ideas effectively.

Integrated Reasoning (IR)

Measures your skills in evaluating data from multiple sources to solve complex problems.

Quantitative Reasoning

Assesses your mathematical and analytical skills, focusing on problem-solving and data sufficiency.

Verbal Reasoning

Examines your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction abilities.

The GMAT is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on your performance. The total score ranges from 200 to 800.

Overall, this exam is a crucial stepping stone for aspiring business leaders.

Why choosing the right GMAT study material is crucial

Would you expect a tasty dish with bland ingredients? No, right? In the same way, you cannot expect a good GMAT score without the right study material.

Here’s why selecting the right resources matters:

It Will Cover All Key Sections

A well-rounded study plan includes resources that cover all sections of the GMAT. You need to balance your time between Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and AWA.

It Helps You Get Acquainted With Realistic Question Formats

Practicing with materials that mimic the actual test format helps you become familiar with the test. You get an understanding of the question types and the adaptive nature of the exam.

It Offers High-Quality Explanations

Good study materials do not just give you the answers. It also offers in-depth explanations. This helps you understand why certain answers are correct or incorrect. This is crucial for improving your skills over time.

It Offers a Personalized Approach

When you find resources that match your current skill level and learning style, you can achieve your target score in a streamlined manner.

That’s why you need the right combination of GMAT books, online courses, and mock tests.

Also Read: GMAT Exam Pattern in 2025: Latest & Updated

Top 5 GMAT preparation books for success in 2025

Here are the top five GMAT prep books that have consistently proven to be valuable resources. These books are:

• Trusted by students across the globe
• Offer in-depth content and practice questions
• Are up-to-date for 2025.

Check them out below

The Official Guide for GMAT Review 2025

The Official GMAT Guide is considered the “bible” for GMAT preparation. It’s published by the creators of the GMAT exam, making it the most accurate resource you can get.

• Why it’s great: It contains real GMAT questions from previous exams, giving you a genuine feel of what to expect.
• What’s included: Over 900 practice questions with detailed answers and explanations, covering all sections of the GMAT.

Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guides

Manhattan Prep’s GMAT Strategy Guides are known for their clarity and thoroughness. Each section (Quant, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning) has its guide. This allows for focused preparation.

• Why it’s great: The books are designed for in-depth learning and teach you strategies that help you solve complex problems.
• What’s included: Strategy guides, practice questions, and online resources for full access to the content.

Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus 2025

Kaplan’s GMAT Prep Plus is a popular choice among test-takers because of its all-in-one approach. It combines detailed explanations with strategic approaches for each question type.

• Why it’s great: Kaplan offers online access and practice exams to complement the study guide.
• What’s included: GMAT practice tests, a comprehensive review of test-taking strategies, and explanations.

The GMAT Official Advanced Questions

Looking to go beyond the basics and tackle more difficult GMAT questions? The Official Advanced Questions book is a must-have.

• Why it’s great: It offers a collection of high-difficulty questions that will push your limits.
• What’s included: A full set of advanced-level practice questions with detailed solutions.

GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible by PowerScore

This book is fantastic if you’re looking to improve your Verbal reasoning and critical thinking skills.

• Why it’s great: It focuses solely on critical reasoning, which is one of the trickier aspects of the GMAT.
• What’s included: Techniques and practice questions to master critical reasoning.

5 Online resources for GMAT preparation

Besides GMAT books, there are many online resources that can further enhance your GMAT prep experience. Here are 5 online platforms that are ideal for GMAT 2025

Magoosh

Magoosh offers pocket-friendly, yet comprehensive GMAT study material. It includes video lessons, practice questions, and study schedules.

• Why it’s great: Magoosh’s lessons break down difficult concepts into easy-to-understand sections. This makes them ideal for learners at any level.
• What’s included: 200+ video lessons, 1000+ practice questions, study schedules, and GMAT practice tests.

GMAT Club

GMAT Club is a community-driven platform offering a wealth of free resources. The resources include forums, articles, and user-generated content.

• Why it’s great: You can interact with fellow test-takers and gain insights.
• What’s included: Practice questions, video tutorials, and study plans.

PrepAdviser

PrepAdviser offers free GMAT resources, including practice tests and preparation tips from experts.

• Why it’s great: PrepAdviser’s extensive network of resources provides both free and paid options to help you get the score you need.
• What’s included: Free practice tests, study tips, and expert advice.

4. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a trusted resource for free lessons on math and verbal reasoning, both of which are integral parts of the GMAT.

• Why it’s great: Offers bite-sized lessons that can help you understand fundamental concepts in Quantitative and Verbal sections.
• What’s included: Free lessons on math, reading, grammar, and more.

Target Test Prep

Target Test Prep is known for its extensive Quantitative reasoning course. If you’re struggling with the math portion, this is the perfect platform.

• Why it’s great: It provides tailored study plans and practice questions focused on Quantitative reasoning.
• What’s included: In-depth quantitative reasoning lessons, GMAT practice tests, and strategy guides.

Also Read: GMAT Exam Syllabus (section-wise) in 2025: Latest and Updated

5 Free GMAT study materials: Where to find it

For those on a budget, there are plenty of free GMAT study materials available online. Here are five places where you can find high-quality, free GMAT resources.

GMAT Official Website

The GMAT official website offers free GMAT prep materials. It covers sample questions, test structure, and scoring information.

• What’s included: Free sample questions for each section of the test.

Khan Academy

As mentioned earlier, Khan Academy provides free lessons on math, reading comprehension, and grammar.

• What’s included: Lessons on GMAT-related topics.

GMAT Club Forums

GMAT Club’s forums are full of free study guides, practice questions, and advice from other test-takers.

• What’s included: A variety of free resources like question banks and study schedules.

800Score

800Score offers free GMAT mock tests that are designed to simulate the actual exam.

• What’s included: Free full-length mock tests, practice questions, and answer explanations.

Manhattan Prep’s Free Resources

Manhattan Prep offers free GMAT practice questions, video lessons, and test prep webinars.

• What’s included: Free study materials and a variety of online resources.

10 Benefits of taking GMAT mock tests in 2025

Mock tests are a crucial part of GMAT prep. 

Here’s why you should incorporate them into your study plan:

Mock Tests Offer Real Exam Simulation

With mock tests, you experience the real exam’s structure and time constraints. This helps you be prepared for what’s to come.

It Lets You Practice Time Management

With mock tests, you can practice pacing yourself, which is critical on test day.

It Helps Identify Weak Areas

Mock tests highlight areas where you need improvement so that you can focus more on those areas.

It Helps Track Preparation Progress

Regular mock tests let you see how much progress you’ve made over time.

It Boosts Confidence

Taking mock tests builds confidence and reduces anxiety on test day.

It Helps Understand Question Types

With mock tests, you get comfortable with the different questions that appear on the exam.

It Helps With Stress Management

Knowing the GMAT format and timing in advance reduces test-day stress and give your best.

It Improves Test-Taking Strategies

Mock tests give you the opportunity to refine your test-taking strategies.

It Helps Conduct Error Analysis

Reviewing mock test results helps you understand why you got some answers wrong. Plus, ways to improve those areas.

It Builds Exam Familiarity

Repeated exposure to mock tests helps you get familiar with the GMAT’s adaptive nature.

So remember to not miss out on taking GMAT mock tests.

A few key points to remember about GMAT mocks:

• Start taking GMAT mock tests about 2 to 3 months before their planned exam date.
• Initially, take one mock test every 1 to 2 weeks. This helps build familiarity and focus on improving specific areas.
• As your preparation progresses, increase the frequency to one mock per week. This ensures consistent practice under timed conditions.
• In the final month, aim for 2 to 3 mocks per week to fine-tune your strategy and stamina.
• However, don’t overdo it. Balance mocks with targeted revision to avoid burnout.
• Always analyze each mock thoroughly to understand mistakes and track progress.
• Mock tests should mirror the actual GMAT, so only use high-quality resources for accurate practice.

5 tips for using GMAT resources effectively in 2025

With so many GMAT resources available in multiple formats, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And while having access to these tools is great, simply owning them won’t guarantee success. The key lies in knowing how to use these resources effectively.

So here are 5 expert tips for effectively using GMAT resources in 2025:

Set a Study Schedule

Consistency is your best ally in GMAT preparation. So start by assessing your available time and breaking it into daily or weekly study slots. Then:

• Dedicate specific times for each section to ensure balanced coverage.
• Stick to your schedule diligently. But remain flexible enough to adapt if certain areas need extra attention.
• Plan short but focused study sessions as they are more effective than study marathons.

Mix Resources for a Well-Rounded Approach

A diverse toolkit is essential. Combine high-quality GMAT prep books like the Official Guide with interactive online GMAT courses.

Also, use GMAT practice tests from reliable sources to simulate real exam conditions. And don’t hesitate to explore GMAT-specific apps for quick, on-the-go practice. Each resource complements the other. Ultimately, it helps you build a comprehensive understanding of concepts and strategies.

Target Your Weak Areas

Your mock test results are a goldmine of information. Use them to pinpoint sections or question types where you consistently lose marks. For instance, if you struggle with data sufficiency, dedicate extra time to mastering this question type.

Also, set SMART goals. Learn more about setting and achieving SMART goals here.

Analyze Your Mistakes in Detail

Every error is a chance to improve. Don’t just glance at the correct answer. Instead, dig deep into why you made the mistake.

Ask yourself: Was it a misunderstanding of the concept, a careless error, or poor time management?

You can also write down recurring mistakes in a notebook and review them regularly. This active approach will help you turn weaknesses into strengths.

Stay Updated with the Latest Exam Trends

The GMAT evolves, so your preparation materials should, too. Verify that your resources reflect the latest exam format and question patterns for 2025. Many credible sources regularly update their content. So invest in current editions and stay informed about changes.

With these strategies, you’ll be able to study smarter and approach the GMAT with confidence.

Note: Having the best GMAT resources is one thing, but making sure they align with your university goals is another. Many students prepare for GMAT without a clear idea of what score they actually need for their target universities. But GMAT cutoffs vary widely, and a high score alone won’t guarantee admission.

That’s where GradRight’s university-search platform comes in. It doesn’t just show you top universities—it analyzes key admission factors like:

• GMAT cutoffs from recent years
• Acceptance rates for your profile
• Tuition fees and funding options
• Placement statistics and expected salary after graduation
• Alumni network and post-grad opportunities

With GradRight’s university-search platform, you can find universities that align with your profile and make sure your GMAT preparation is well-directed.

Here’s how it works:

• Create a profile with your academic background and goals.
• Enter your criteria, like budget, location, and specialization.
• GradRight’s AI analyzes 8M+ data points from 40K+ programs.
• Get a personalized shortlist of best-fit universities.
• Consult an expert to finalize your choice.

And it’s completely free.

Now that you know how to align your GMAT prep with your university goals, let’s talk about how to gear up for acing the GMAT itself.

Gearing up for acing GMAT

With the right GMAT study materials and tips your journey will become simpler. But remember: Different universities have different minimum GMAT requirements. Many programs also have sectional cut-offs.

So make sure you know the GMAT scores to aim for.

Not sure about the course and university? Don’t worry. GradRight’s AI-powered tool, GradRight, can help. GradRight’s university-search platform is an advanced analytical tool that uses 60,000+ data points to help you find the right uni.

The tool takes in your personal, academic and financial deals along with your career goals. It matches you with the top schools and programs that match your profile.

Once you’ve found the right program and university, you can focus on preparing for GMAT to achieve the required score.

Find your ideal university right here and take the 1st step today.

Also Read: Understanding the GMAT Evaluation Process

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