GMAT Exam Syllabus 2025

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Section

The Quantitative Reasoning section (time allotted: 45 minutes) tests basic algebra and arithmetic skills through 21 problem-solving questions. To succeed in this section, candidates need logical thinking and quick problem-solving, not just math. The use of calculators is not permitted in this section.

GMAT Data Insights Section

The Data Insights section, (time allotted: 45 minutes), evaluates a candidate's ability to analyze and interpret data in real-world business contexts. It also assesses proficiency in digital technologies and literacy. Comprising 20 questions, this section includes data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis. Skills in math, data analysis, and verbal reasoning may be required. This section permits the use of an on-screen calculator.

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GMAT Exam Pattern 2025

The GMAT exam takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. It comprises 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. This version has 64 questions.

Here is an overview of the GMAT Focus Edition sections:

The total score you get on the GMAT Focus Edition is determined by your performance on all three sections of the test. The maximum score that can be attained on the GMAT exam is 805.

Video Explaining GMAT Exam Pattern, Scoring System and Exam Order

To learn everything about new GMAT modifications, read our dedicated article on the new GMAT format

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GMAT Verbal Syllabus

The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section assesses your skills in:

• Reading written material,
• Comprehending written material, and
• Evaluating arguments.

There are a total of 23 questions in this section and you get 45 minutes to answer the same. Types of questions in this section are: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.

GMAT Reading Comprehension Syllabus

This section measures your ability to comprehend words and statements. Mainly, the skills tested include:

• Comprehending logical structure
• Recognizing supporting idea
• Understanding application
• Identifying main idea
• Drawing inferences
• Analysing style

Crucial Components of Passage in GMAT Reading Comprehension

GMAT Reading Comprehension passages, typically around 350 words, assess your ability to interpret, infer, and identify logical relationships. While engaging with the passage, it is important to avoid straying from the given content. Ensure you stay focused on the passage's topic and refrain from incorporating your personal ideas. Bringing external worldly knowledge into the interpretation may lead to divergence from the actual passage content.

Key components to consider:

• Topic: What is the main subject of the passage?
• Scope: Which specific aspect of the topic does the passage concentrate on?
• Purpose: Why did the author write the passage?
• What notes would you jot down on your note board?

Types of Questions for GMAT Reading Comprehension

Let's break down GMAT Reading Comprehension question types for a clearer understanding:

GMAT Critical Reasoning Syllabus

In this section, a candidate has to perform an analysis, based on the given argument and mark the right answer. You will be required to extract the relevant data that would either back or oppose the given argument and select the best possible option.

Types of Questions in GMAT Critical Reasoning Section

The Critical Reasoning section of the GMAT Focus Edition is designed to assess a candidate's ability to evaluate arguments and develop logical reasoning skills. This section typically features the following types of questions:

• Strengthen the Argument: These questions ask test-takers to identify new information that would make the argument more convincing. Candidates need to grasp the main point of the argument and find proof that supports it.
• Weaken the Argument: In these questions, the task is to find information that undermines the argument's validity. This means identifying assumptions and showing possible flaws or conflicts in the logic.
• Identify Assumptions: These questions focus on uncovering unstated ideas that are critical to the argument's conclusion. Spotting these assumptions is vital to understand the basis of the argument.
• Evaluate the Argument: Test-takers must determine which piece of information would be most useful to check how strong the argument is. This involves critical thinking to identify what evidence would impact the argument's validity.
• Resolve a Paradox: These questions show statements that seem to clash. You have to find an answer that makes sense of the discrepancy using logic.
• Infer a Conclusion: Candidates must draw a logical conclusion based on the information provided, demonstrating their ability to put information together and derive logical outcomes.

These question types collectively test a candidate's ability to construct, critique, and analyze arguments in the Critical Reasoning section of the GMAT exam.

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GMAT Quant Syllabus

The Quantitative Reasoning section in the focus edition contains 21 Problem-Solving questions. This section:

• evaluates your basic knowledge in algebra and arithmetic.
• demands logical and analytical thinking.
• does not permit the use of calculators.

Key requirement to excel in this section: Arithmetic and elementary algebra.

You get 45 minutes to solve the Quant section.

Types of Questions in GMAT Quant Section

The Quantitative Reasoning section aims to test a candidate's problem-solving skills using basic math concepts. This section has problem-solving questions, divided into two main categories:

Algebraic Questions

These questions require understanding and applying various algebraic concepts, including:

• Inequalities: Solving and interpreting inequalities.
• Functions: Understanding and manipulating functions.
• Quadratic Equations: Solving quadratic equations and interpreting their solutions.
• Linear Equations: Working with linear equations and systems of equations.
• Word Problems: Translating real-world situations into mathematical expressions and solving them.
• Absolute Values: Solving equations and inequalities involving absolute values.
• Sequences: Analyzing arithmetic and geometric sequences.
• Statistics: Understanding basic statistical measures and their applications.

Arithmetic Questions

These questions focus on fundamental arithmetic concepts, such as:

• Ratios & Percentages: Calculating and interpreting ratios, proportions, and percentages.
• Number Systems: Understanding properties of integers, prime numbers, and other number types.
• Fractions & Decimal Systems: Operations involving fractions and decimals.
• Operations: Basic arithmetic operations and their properties.
• Root Numbers & Power Systems: Solving problems involving roots and exponents.

Note: Data Sufficiency questions were previously a part of the Quantitative section. Now, they have been moved to the new Data Insights section. This change allows the Quantitative section to focus more on direct problem-solving skills while the Data Insights section evaluates data literacy and analytical skills.

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GMAT Data Insights Syllabus

The GMAT Data Insights section evaluates how well you can analyze data to apply it to real-world business scenarios. It also assesses your digital and data literacy. Below is a quick overview:

Types of Questions in GMAT Data Insights Section

In the GMAT Data Insights section, a mix of questions will assess your analytical abilities. These questions test your proficiency in interpreting different types of information and making informed decisions. Let us break down the key question types:

1. Data Sufficiency (4-8 Questions)

• Evaluates the ability to dissect and analyze quantitative problems.
• Assesses the capability for identifying data relevance.
• Determines skill in identifying the point where there is sufficient data to solve the problem.

2. Multi-Source Reasoning (2-4 Questions)

• Measures one’s aptitude in examining various data sources, like text passages and tables.
• Checks the ability to analyze each data source to answer multiple questions.
• Assesses whether one can draw inferences and evaluate data relevance.

3. Table Analysis (2-4 Questions)

• Gauges the ability to sort and analyze tabular data.
• Determines proficiency in identifying relevant information or identifying specific conditions.

4. Graphics Interpretation (4-6 Questions)

• Assess the capability to interpret information presented in graphical formats.
• May require discerning relationships and making inferences based on graphical data.

5. Two-Part Analysis (2-4 Questions)

• Measures problem-solving skills in handling complex scenarios.
• Tests the ability to evaluate trade-offs, identify relationships between two entities, and solve simultaneous equations.

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What are the Subjects under GMAT?

The GMAT exam does not categorize questions into traditional "subjects" but rather organizes them into three key sections, each focusing on specific skills and topics relevant to business management. This means you should study based on these sections and what topics they cover. So for example, if you are preparing for the category of Verbal Reasoning, you will study topics under the Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Similarly for Quant, you will focus on arithmetic and algebra topics. To ace the GMAT, you need to get the hang of each section's topics step by step. Using resources like study guides, online GMAT coaching, and practice tests will help you get better at everything and boost your overall scores.

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Section-Wise GMAT Exam Syllabus Preparation

How to Prepare for GMAT Reading Comprehension Section?

Your GMAT Verbal Ability score significantly depends on Reading Comprehension. Here are foolproof strategies to structure and time your GMAT Reading Comprehension preparation:

1. Skim the Passage [1 minute]:

• Skimming entails a quick read of the entire passage to grasp its general idea.
• Different from scanning, which seeks specific facts, skimming focuses on understanding the tone and overall concept.

2. Read the Questions [1 minute]:

• After skimming, glance at related questions, identifying their types.
• Mark questions based on types and approach each accordingly, considering the various question types mentioned above.

3. Read the Passage in Detail [2 minutes]:

• Refer back to the passage, reading it thoroughly for tiny details and specific facts.
• Stay focused, mindful of the timed nature of the GMAT; prioritize information relevant to the questions.

4. Answer Questions [1 minute]:

• Start with main idea questions first, requiring less mental effort.
• Progress to supporting idea questions, addressing explicit facts.
• Proceed in the suggested order for effectiveness, then choose your preferred order.

5. Identify Outliers [0.25 minutes]:

• Outliers are answer choices not explicitly stated but align with the question.
• Sharp attention and a strong grasp of the passage's main idea help identify outliers.
• Leverage these outliers with solid reasoning to your advantage.

In addition to these preparation tips, you should definitely check out our unique Strategies to Improve Score in GMAT Reading Comprehension to enhance your performance.

How to Prepare for GMAT Critical Reasoning?

Here is an effective guide on preparing for Critical Reasoning on the GMAT:

• Follow the "map that leads to you": Familiarize yourself with the topic of critical reasoning. GMAT critical reasoning questions are intentionally analytical and confusing, often filled with jargon and sentences in harmony with themselves rather than being helpful to the student. Avoid excessive reading and focus on decoding controversial theories to identify evidentiary clues crucial for solving the question.
• Believe that slow and steady wins the race: Being ambitious means being slow and steady towards your ambition. Speed reading can only help you get so far. For every noteworthy entrance examination in the world, speed reading will only exhibit your reading ability. You need to interpret what's going on in the question. This will help you understand the information provided from the data that needs to be assumed.
• Break down the questions sentence-wise: This will help you mindfully assess the situation presented in the question. As much as this question is subjective to an individual candidate’s own prepping strategy, this is also a quandary that states that you need to be smart, rather than being hard on yourself.
• Get a "reason" to start over new: Avoid wishy-washiness in critical reasoning questions. Align the question with your analytical reasoning capabilities and draw necessary conclusions. Identify both dominant and weak parts of the sentence, practicing the technique of gathering information based on the contextual meaning of the question.
• Learning reasoning helps you examine the dense usage of written content: Explore historical, geographical, and social themes within the paragraph. This will help assume or predict solutions for given questions.
• Steer ahead of conventional reading practices: Don’t just read, understand, summarize and formulate a derived context with related comments. It is all about throwing yourself open to challenges and successfully testing your power to extract the correct meaning from complex written information. This is also the "main idea" behind the birth of the critical reasoning (CR) questions.

How to Prepare for GMAT Quant Syllabus?

The GMAT Quant demands a strategic approach and dedicated effort. To optimize your preparation, follow these essential steps:

1. Familiarize Yourself with GMAT Quant Format:

• The GMAT Quant comprises 21 Problem-Solving questions, allowing 45 minutes for completion. The syllabus encompasses arithmetic and algebra.
• Common topics include percentages, ratios, rate problems, algebraic expressions, combinatorics, linear and quadratic equations, and statistical concepts.
• Study each topic thoroughly, understand underlying concepts, and assess your strengths and weaknesses.

2. Develop a Comprehensive Study Plan:

• Tailor a realistic study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses, ensuring a balanced approach.
• Allocate dedicated time to each topic, becoming an expert before moving on.
• Consistent and focused study sessions are key to mastering the diverse content of the GMAT Quant syllabus.

3. Utilize Official GMAT Materials:

• Leverage official GMAT preparation materials like the GMAT Official Guide and GMATPrep software, available on com.
• Practice with real GMAT questions to familiarize yourself with the exam's structure and question types.

4. Strengthen Fundamental Concepts:

• Study core principles of arithmetic and algebra to build a strong foundation.
• Master basic skills for solving questions of fractions, decimals, percentages, and setting up equations.

5. Emphasize Problem-Solving Techniques:

• Develop effective problem-solving techniques.
• Practice solving problems under timed conditions to enhance speed and accuracy.

6. Review Mistakes Regularly:

• Analyze and understand the reasoning behind incorrect answers to improve.
• Identify patterns in errors and refine your problem-solving approach.

7. Take Mock Tests:

• Simulate real exam conditions with full-length GMAT practice tests.
• Assess performance, identify weak areas, and refine strategies.

8. Focus on Time Management:

• Practice effective time management during study sessions to complete the section within the allotted time on exam day.

9. Explore Additional Resources:

• Supplement learning with online courses, tutoring, and GMAT forums for diverse perspectives.

10. Prepare with Our Expert GMAT Faculty:

• Enroll in our comprehensive GMAT Focus Edition coaching classes structured to create a conducive learning atmosphere. Our experienced mentors provide valuable support, helping you ace your GMAT preparation.

Remember that the GMAT Quant section does not feature data sufficiency problems. While the content may have changed, your learning approach should stay constant. So, emphasis on studying math topics since they apply to a variety of question types, particularly in the Data Insights section of the Gmat Focus Edition.

How to Prepare for Data Insights?

To master Data Insights, keep these key aspects in mind:

• Understanding Data Insights Question Types
• Prepare for the Data Insights section by understanding its unique question types. This section introduces five distinct categories: Data Sufficiency, Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, and Multi-source Reasoning. The key is to develop your ability to process information effectively.Mastering Real-World Data Processing Skills
• In Data Insights, you are tasked with extracting insights from potentially imperfect data displays. This section simulates real-world scenarios. Learn to pay attention to the language used in questions and texts.Build Strategic Study Approach
• Data Insights requires a varied skill set, so you would need to adopt a strategic approach to your preparation. While delving into Quant topics like algebra, probability, and statistics, it also incorporates a verbal component like that of critical reasoning. Strengthen your Quant skills, especially statistics, and enhance critical reasoning and reading comprehension skills. From here, gradually integrate Data Insights questions from the newer official guides in your preparation. This ensures a methodical buildup without prematurely exhausting official question resources.Utilize Practice Tests for Holistic Assessment
• Strengthen understanding and confidence through practice and strategic review. Regular practice tests offer a holistic performance assessment, aligning with your overall strategy. Dive into detailed analytics from mock/practice tests to pinpoint weak areas, enabling effective focus and refinement.Mastering Time in Data Insights

With an average of two minutes and 15 seconds per question, effective time management is crucial. While the new GMAT allows changes to three answers and review flexibility, resist spending excessive time on a single question. While you prepare, allocate time wisely to mitigate the time pressure in the Data Insights section.

In addition to these tips, you can learn to tackle each question type on the GMAT Focus Edition’s Data Insights section with our comprehensive article on Tips to Prepare for GMAT Data Insights.

Also Read: Try Data Insights Sample Questions

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Does Understanding the GMAT Syllabus Boost Exam Preparation?

A thorough understanding of GMAT topics can help you prioritize your study time and allocate more time to areas where you need improvement. Additionally, check out our articles on GMAT preparation to streamline your study approach.

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