GMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-wise Structure, Question Types, Order

The GMAT exam pattern comprises both subjective and objective questions. With a total of 64 questions that must be answered within a time duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, the GMAT Focus Edition, or simply the GMAT, is one of the most pivotal exams for students wanting to study at premier business schools in the world. The test emphasizes higher-order reasoning skills to evaluate one’s readiness for the modern business environment. The GMAT exam format is set by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC – the test administrator). It is question-adaptive throughout the three sections, namely:

• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning
• Data Insights

Now, we will explore the details of the new GMAT exam pattern, covering each aspect of the test. This comprehensive breakdown will ensure you are well-equipped for the exam.

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What is the GMAT Paper Pattern?

As mentioned above, the new GMAT pattern consists of 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights.

The mode of the GMAT is computer-based, and the medium of instruction is English. The score range of the GMAT is between 205 and 805. In the previous version, test-takers scored between 400 and 500 on average. With the shift to the GMAT Focus Edition, the average and median scores will change across all areas. In this new version, a score of 705 puts you in the 99th percentile compared to other test-takers.

In this video, we will comprehensively examine the GMAT paper pattern:

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Key Highlights for GMAT Exam Pattern

The GMAT exam format is designed in such a way that test-takers can showcase their skills across various domains relevant to graduate-level business education.

• The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test across all three sections
• The GMAT format has no defined curriculum. However, you can prepare for the exam by learning about the different topics that shape GMAT questions.
• In the GMAT exam pattern, there are 64 questions that you need to solve in 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• The GMAT pattern is designed to test one’s quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data analysis skills.
• The GMAT exam allows candidates to choose the order of sections as preferred.
• As per the new GMAT format, candidates can bookmark and review their answers, and change a maximum of 3 answers per section if they have time left.
• There is no negative marking in the GMAT exam.
• There is one optional 10-minute break, which can be taken after the first or second section, based on the candidate's preference.

The table below gives some more details about the GMAT Exam Pattern:

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What Are the Sections under GMAT Exam Pattern?

The classic GMAT had four sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), and Integrated Reasoning (IR). This version was discontinued on January 31, 2024, and the GMAT Focus Edition was introduced on November 7, 2023.

The GMAT Focus Edition has three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights.

The table below elaborates on the new GMAT format:

Right before your exam begins, you'll get to choose your paper pattern. That means you can pick the order in which you want to take the GMAT. You can take one break during the test. If you don't return within the set time, they'll subtract that time from your next exam section. However, if you choose not to take a break, you won't get extra time to work on the test.

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GMAT Exam Pattern for Quantitative Reasoning Section

This 45-minute section comprises 21 problem-solving questions. It consists of:

• Arithmetic
• Elementary algebra

This section in the GMAT paper pattern tests how well you can use this knowledge to tackle problems (reason quantitatively). The questions focus on logic and analytical skills rather than complex mathematical concepts. You cannot use a calculator in this section.

GMAT Quant Question Types

Value, Order, and Factors Question

• Numbers and the Number Line
• Factors, Multiples, Divisibility, and Remainders
• Exponents
• Decimals and Place Value
• Properties of Operations

Algebra, Equalities, and Inequalities Questions

• Algebraic Expressions and Equations
• Linear Equations
• Factoring and Quadratic Equations
• Inequalities
• Functions
• Graphing
• Formulas and Measurement Conversion

Rates, Ratios, and Percents Questions

• Ratio and Proportion
• Fractions
• Percents
• Converting Decimals, Fractions, and Percents
• Working with Decimals, Fractions, and Percents
• Rate, Work, and Mixture Problems

Statistics, Sets, Counting, Probability, Estimation, and Series Questions

• Statistics
• Sets
• Counting Methods
• Probability
• Estimation
• Sequences and Series

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GMAT Exam Pattern for Verbal Reasoning Section

The next section in the GMAT paper pattern that we will discuss is Verbal Reasoning. In this 45-minute section, you'll get 23 questions. There are two types of questions:

• Reading Comprehension: Evaluate your ability to understand written text, identify main ideas, draw inferences, and follow the development of concepts.
• Critical Reasoning: Tests your ability to make and evaluate arguments and formulate action plans from short passages.

These questions have subtypes that test specific verbal skills. Let’s understand the GMAT pattern for the Verbal section below:

GMAT Reading Comprehension Section

In the GMAT exam format, the Reading Comprehension section features passages of approximately 350 words. Each passage has several questions that assess your ability to:

• Interpret the passage content
• Draw logical inferences
• Apply the information to broader contexts

These passages in the GMAT pattern discuss topics from:

• The social sciences or humanities
• The physical or biological sciences
• Business-related fields, such as marketing, economics, and human resource management

GMAT Reading Comprehension Question Types:

• Main idea questions
• Supporting idea questions
• Inference questions
• Application questions
• Evaluation

Also Read: Strategy to Improve Score in GMAT Reading Comprehension

GMAT Critical Reasoning Section

Critical Reasoning questions evaluate your analytical skills across four key areas:

• Analysis
• Construction
• Critique
• Plan

GMAT Critical Reasoning Question Types:

• Weaken the argument/find the flaw in the argument
• Strengthen the argument
• Find the assumption (know the Negation Test)
• Draw inference/conclusion
• Structure of the argument, including boldface structure questions and dialogue structure questions
• Paradox
• Evaluate the conclusion
• Complete the argument

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GMAT Exam Pattern for Data Insights Section

The Data Insights section of the new GMAT format is replacing the old Integrated Reasoning part and includes elements from the former Data Sufficiency questions. It lasts 45 minutes and has 20 questions to evaluate how well you can analyze and interpret data. There are 5 types of questions in this section:

• Data Sufficiency
• Multi-Source Reasoning
• Table Analysis
• Graphics Interpretation
• Two-Part Analysis

This section allows you to use an on-screen calculator.

Key Skills Required for Data Interpretation Questions

To fully grasp the GMAT paper pattern, it is crucial to understand the key skills assessed in it. Let's examine the skills required for the Data Interpretation questions of the GMAT format.

Questions with Quantitative Component:

• Basic arithmetic
• Elementary algebra
• Fundamental statistical concepts

Questions with Verbal Component:

• Critical abilities
• Reading comprehension
• Logical reasoning
• Argument evaluation

Mastering these skills will enhance your performance on DI questions, allowing you to effectively analyze both numerical and text-based information within the GMAT pattern.

GMAT Data Insights Question Types

The following section outlines the various question types you will encounter in the Data Insights section of the GMAT paper pattern.

Multi-Source Reasoning Questions

The data in this section may be in the form of:

• Text passages
• Tables
• Graphics
• Or some combination
• The data may relate to each other, but each tabbed page offers different information.

Directions

• For multiple-choice questions, you select the best answer choice you’re given.
• For two-choice questions - yes/no, true/false, inferable/not inferable - you assess the three statements against a single set of criteria.

Table Analysis Questions

This section of the GMAT pattern may include:

• A sortable table of information, similar to a spreadsheet, with columns you can arrange in alphabetical or numeric order.
• In some cases, brief text that explains the table or provides additional information.

Directions

• You’ll be presented with four phrases, statements, numerical values, or algebraic expressions according to the information in the table and any accompanying text. Judging by the table and text, indicate whether answer statements are accurate.

Two-Part Analysis Questions

In this section of the GMAT exam pattern, you will find a brief written scenario or problem for which you're asked to make two choices related to the information. The choices are connected to each other in some way; for example, there might be two steps involved in solving a problem or two components required to complete a task. Possible answers will be presented in a table format with a column for each component and rows with possible options.

Directions

• In the response table, mark the best answer for the first part of the question in the first column and the best answer for the second part of the question in the second column. The third column will contain the answer choices.

Graphics Interpretation Questions

This section in the GMAT paper pattern may include:

• A graph or other graphical image - such as a scatter plot, x/y graph, bar chart, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution - followed by a set of statements.
• Prompts may also have some textual explanations.

Directions

• Analyze the image and select the most appropriate word, number, or phrase from the provided options to accurately complete each statement.

Data Sufficiency Questions

This section of the GMAT pattern measures your ability to:

• Analyze a quantitative problem
• Recognize which information is relevant
• Determine at what point there is enough information to solve the problem

Directions

• Each Data Sufficiency problem consists of a question and two statements-labeled (1) and (2)- in which certain data are given.
• Using the data given in the statements, plus your knowledge of math and everyday facts (such as the number of days in July or the meaning of counter-clockwise), decide whether you’ve been given enough data in the statements to answer the question asked.
• Then indicate one of the following answer choices:
• Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question.
• Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question.
• BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.
• EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question.
• Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

Note: In Data Sufficiency problems, when you're asked to find a specific value, understand that the given statements are only considered sufficient if they allow you to calculate one precise answer. It is not about actually calculating the value, but rather determining if you could theoretically arrive at a single, specific answer given the data provided. This approach is a key aspect of data sufficiency questions in the GMAT pattern, designed to test your analytical skills and ability to evaluate information.

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Section-wise Order of the GMAT Exam

The new streamlined GMAT exam pattern not only allows candidates to take the test in their preferred structure, but it also includes an optional 10-minute break now. As per the new GMAT format, this break can be taken between any two sections.

• Flexible section order: You can choose the order of the three sections (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights) based on your preference.
• Question Review & Edit feature: The GMAT paper pattern allows you to bookmark questions for review and edit up to 3 answers in each section.
• Exam duration: The total exam time is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Optional break: There is one optional 10-minute break, which can be taken after the first or second section.
• Score reporting: Unofficial scores can be viewed immediately after the exam. The official score report, including detailed performance insights, will be received within 1-3 days of completing the exam.

Disclaimer: You must login into the home variant system 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.

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What is meant by "GMAT is Computer-adaptive?"

The GMAT exam format follows a computer-adaptive approach for testing. This type of test changes its difficulty based on how well a test-taker performs. In these parts, the first question is typically medium-hard. If someone gets it right, they'll see a harder question next. If they get it wrong, their next question will be a bit easier. These tests are curated to measure the abilities of each candidate in an individual manner, moving away from the "one size fits all" technique that is usually followed by test administrators.

As for candidates, this form of assessment offers targeted questions in a short period of time. It does this by presenting only questions related to the candidate's area of study. Also, the exam has been designed to adapt to the test-taker's cognitive abilities. The newest version of GMAT computer adaptive testing includes online scoring. GMAT administrators find it more practical to use a computerized score, and test-takers get their results (unofficial scorecard) as soon as they finish the exam.

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How Computer-Adaptive Testing Works in GMAT?

The GMAT pattern incorporates computer-adaptive testing, which adjusts question difficulty based on your performance. This is how the GMAT is evaluative in a computer-adaptive mode:

• In the new GMAT format, if you answer the first question correctly, the system calculates your ability and presents a slightly more challenging question.
• The system provides the next question that you have a 50-50 shot at answering .
• The next level of questions in the GMAT exam pattern is of moderate complexity level, which helps the system soak up as much information about the candidate's level of preparation as possible.
• Each question of the GMAT new pattern can seem a bit challenging as it is designed in a psychometric manner to assess your analytical ability. So, don’t jump out of your skin if you come across an extremely easy question after answering an extremely difficult one.
• With each question answered correctly in the new GMAT format, the overall score calculation keeps getting more accurate.
• All questions in the GMAT paper pattern are mandatory to answer. You can change up to 3 answers in each of the GMAT sections if you have time left after answering all questions.

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