How To Make A GMAT Study Plan: 5 Sample Schedules

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PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) is generally considered to be the first step toward the MBA or other business-oriented graduate degrees. The test covers skills in analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning and integrated reasoning. A high GMAT score can be a game-changer for your application which is why many students ask professionals ‘Can you do my online exam for me? But there is more to getting it than just your standard study routine; you need a carefully designed study plan customized to your timetable, skills and weaknesses.

In this article, we are going to walk you through how to create an effective GMAT study plan, as well as share 5 sample schedules based on different timelines and situations.

Reasons to Create a GMAT Study Plan

A proper GMAT study plan allows you to keep your day organized and optimally manage your time to cover all parts of the exam correctly. Without a plan, it’s easy to get into a rut of studying irregularly or even too much of your strengths and not paying enough attention to weak areas. A good plan includes:

Clear goals
Realistic timelines
Balanced content review
Practice tests
Time for review and refinement

However, students can always opt to get professional help because nowadays many students have this common question, Can I hire someone to take GMAT for me? Therefore, do your best preparation and even then if you cannot handle the burden, taking a helping hand is not at all wrong for your career.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a GMAT Study Plan

The following steps will answer the question of students how to make a GMAT study plan. Follow the steps and start preparing today.

Take a Diagnostic Test

First, take a full-length practice GMAT. This will provide you with a baseline score and also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Set a Target Score

Look into the average GMAT scores for your target programs. This also gives you a benchmark to achieve and will help you assess how much time you need to improve.

Decide Your Timeline

Are you preparing for 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months? Your timeline will influence how many hours per week you need to study.

Allocate Time Based on Needs

Devote more time to your weak areas while still practicing your strong suits. Include regular full-length practice tests and review sessions.

Stay Consistent

Set aside fixed hours daily or weekly for studying. Consistency matters more than cramming.

5 Sample GMAT Study Schedules

1-Month Intensive GMAT Study Plan (Full-Time Commitment)

Best For: Test-takers with a lot of free time, possibly taking a break from work or studies.

Weekly Commitment: 25–35 hours/week

Week	Focus
1	Diagnostic test, foundational concepts in quant and verbal, daily study blocks (3–5 hrs/day)
2	Advanced practice questions, start integrated reasoning and AWA, one full-length practice test
3	Focus on weak areas, two practice tests, timed sections, review errors thoroughly
4	Final review, two more practice tests, AWA practice, stress-management techniques

Tips: Use high-quality prep resources like GMAT Official Guide, Manhattan Prep, or Magoosh. Schedule study breaks to avoid burnout.

2-Month Balanced GMAT Study Plan

Best For: Working professionals with moderate availability.

Weekly Commitment: 15–20 hours/week

Week	Focus
1-2	Diagnostic test, core math and verbal concepts, reading comprehension, sentence correction
3-4	Data sufficiency, integrated reasoning, start analytical writing practice
5-6	Full-length practice tests, refined strategies, targeted drills
7-8	Final review, work on pacing, review practice test mistakes, simulate real test conditions

Tips: Use weekends for longer study sessions or practice tests. Track your accuracy and speed using error logs.

3-Month GMAT Study Plan (Ideal for Most Students)

Best For: Those who want a balanced pace without burning out.

Weekly Commitment: 10–15 hours/week

Month	Focus
1	Foundational learning: Quant (arithmetic, algebra, geometry), verbal (RC, SC, CR), take a diagnostic test
2	Intermediate level practice, start timed quizzes, practice integrated reasoning and AWA
3	Practice tests every weekend, review mistakes, adjust strategies, focus on time management

Tips: Combine short daily sessions with longer weekend blocks. Use video lessons for challenging topics and maintain an error log for progress tracking.

6-Month Flexible GMAT Study Plan (Long-Term Strategy)

Best For: Busy professionals or students managing full-time commitments.

Weekly Commitment: 6–10 hours/week

Phase	Focus
Months 1-2	Build fundamental skills gradually, and work through concepts at a comfortable pace
Months 3-4	Introduce timing strategies, integrate verbal and quant drills, take first full-length practice test
Months 5-6	Focused practice on weak areas, regular practice tests, simulate test-day conditions

Tips: Use apps and mobile flashcards to study on the go. Keep your motivation high with progress checkpoints.

Weekend-Only GMAT Study Plan (For Extremely Busy People)

Best For: Professionals with minimal weekday availability

Weekly Commitment: 8–10 hours/week (mostly weekends)

Week	Focus
Week 1	Diagnostic test, build a roadmap based on results
Week 2-4	Alternate between quant and verbal each weekend, practice questions, learn key concepts
Week 5-8	Begin taking full-length tests on Sundays, review answers on weekdays if possible
Week 9-12	Final review, full-length test each weekend, revise weak topics

Tips: Use your commute or breaks to revise concepts. Focus on maximizing weekend productivity.

General Tips for Any GMAT Study Plan

Use Official GMAT Materials

ETS’s official guides and practice exams are your best resource for realistic questions and formats.

Track Your Progress

Use a spreadsheet or app to monitor your practice test scores, question accuracy, and section timing.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Don’t just solve hundreds of problems—analyze why you got questions wrong and fix your approach.

Simulate Real Exam Conditions

Take practice tests in a quiet setting, without breaks (except those allowed on test day), and with a timer.

Stay Healthy

Rest, fluids, and nutrition are all important. A fatigued brain will not do well on test day.

Conclusion

GMAT Study Plan: How to Create an Effective One to Maximize Your Score and Application Whether you have one month to prepare or six months, there’s a plan that suits your lifestyle. It's all about consistency, honest self-assessment, and a commitment to iterating your approach based on results.

Study smart, not just study hard. However, with a clear plan of action, good quality study materials, and discipline, you can conquer the GMAT and take the next leap forward in your academic and professional journey.