Introduction The Graduate Admission Test (GAT)

 

The Graduate Admission Test (GAT)  

is a test designed to measure verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills, which are important for success in graduate studies. The results help determine who is eligible to apply for graduate programs in universities nationwide. The test is divided into three sections:

1. Verbal Reasoning: Assesses the ability to understand and analyze written passages, understand complex ideas, make inferences, and evaluate arguments.
2. Quantitative Reasoning: Measures the ability to understand and interpret numerical data, solve math problems, and apply mathematical concepts.
3. Analytical Reasoning: Evaluates the ability to analyze and evaluate logical relationships, recognize patterns, and draw conclusions from given information.

Administration of GAT

The GAT is administered by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Addis Ababa University (AAU), the Institute of Educational Research (IER) - Testing Center, Ethio-telecom, and public universities. The test is conducted online through AAU's testing portal at gat.aau.edu.et, using the MoE’s private network. The digital format improves efficiency, streamlines administration, and allows for automated scoring. Test takers must take the test in designated computer labs at public universities to ensure standard conditions for all.

About the Exam

• The GAT consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning (60 questions), Quantitative Reasoning (40 questions), and Analytical Reasoning (25 questions). Each section lasts for one hour, and the entire exam takes three hours to complete.
• Students with visual impairments will only take the Verbal Reasoning section.
• Before the exam, you must complete a brief survey. The system will not allow you to start the exam without completing the survey.
• You can move back and forth within the Verbal Reasoning section to review and correct your answers. However, once the 60 minutes are over, the system will move you to the next section.
• At the end of the exam, you will immediately see your raw scores. However, you must wait about two weeks for the official cut-off score to be announced on the AAU website.
• A passing score on the GAT is required for admission to graduate programs but is not the only requirement. After passing the GAT, you must also take a department-level exam.

Responsibilities of GAT Test Takers

• Identify your testing site ahead of time, preferably a day before the test.
• You can bring your own calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section, but it must not have the capability to copy or transmit information.
• You will be provided with scratch paper for the Quantitative and Analytical sections. Write your full name and registration number on each sheet and submit them to the invigilators before leaving the exam hall.
• Bring a valid identification document (passport, Kebele/Woreda ID card, driving license, employee ID card) along with your GAT admission ticket and proof of payment (750 birr). You will not be admitted without these.
• Be on time. Morning session candidates should arrive by 8:00 am, and afternoon session candidates should arrive by 1:00 pm. Latecomers (more than 30 minutes) will not be allowed to enter.
• Follow all instructions from the supervisors and invigilators at the test center.
• Cheating or attempting to cheat will have serious legal consequences.

Materials Prohibited in the Testing Hall

• Electronic devices (mobile phones, smartwatches, cameras) are strictly prohibited. If you bring them, they must be stored in your bag at designated areas.
• Books, notes, and any other materials in hard or soft copy are not allowed.
• Food and drinks are not permitted in the testing hall.

Note

This document includes 60 verbal, 40 quantitative, and 25 logical/analytical reasoning sample exam questions with answers. These sample questions cover English, math, and logic, and some of them may appear on the actual GAT. The last page of each section contains the answer key. I encourage you to answer the questions first before checking the answers.

Contents of the GAT

A. Verbal Reasoning Section

• Reading comprehension
• Sentence completion
• Vocabulary
• Sentence equivalence
• Grammar

B. Quantitative Reasoning Section

• Basic mathematical concepts and their applications to real-world scenarios
• Topics include percentages, ratios, age problems, squares, square roots, exponential laws, logarithms, word problems, linear equations, perimeter, area, volume, polygons, mean, median, and variance.

 

 

C. Logical Reasoning Section

• Syllogisms (valid deductive arguments)
• Short paragraph understanding
• Interpretation of graphs, histograms, line charts, and pie charts