Samsung’s 70-year-old aptitude test features HBM chip questions

Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

Samsung Group held its 2024 fall Global Samsung Aptitude Test (GSAT) on October 25–26, featuring questions on cutting-edge technologies such as high bandwidth memory (HBM) and foldable smartphones, reflecting the company’s evolving focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor innovation.

According to Samsung on Sunday, 19 affiliates participated in the GSAT this year, including Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Samsung SDI, Samsung SDS, Samsung Biologics, Samsung Bioepis, Samsung C&T, Samsung Heavy Industries, Samsung E&A, Samsung Life Insurance, and Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance.

Posts shared by test-takers on online communities indicated that reasoning problems referenced HBM and HBF (high bandwidth flash memory) technologies, while other sections included topics related to foldable smartphones—specifically the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip models. Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 in July, both of which have seen strong sales.

Test-takers described this year’s exam difficulty as moderate to slightly high. Samsung began accepting applications in August and will finalize new hires after interviews in November and health screenings. The company remains the only one among Korea’s four major conglomerates to maintain an open recruitment system.

The GSAT is designed to assess candidates’ comprehensive thinking and problem-solving abilities. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Samsung has conducted the exam online. To ensure smooth operation, the company held a pre-test orientation a week in advance to verify participants’ network and PC environments.

Samsung conducts one of the largest recruitment drives among Korean conglomerates. In September, it announced plans to hire 60,000 new employees over the next five years, averaging 12,000 per year, the highest among major conglomerates.