GMAT is one of the most widely accepted entrance exams for MBAs worldwide. Understanding the GMAT syllabus and exam pattern before appearing for it is important. This will help you build a strategic approach, making it easy to achieve a good score. This blog provides insights into the latest section-wise GMAT exam syllabus and pattern along with tips for preparing for the exam.
Key Highlights of the Blog:
- The GMAT Syllabus includes three sections: Quantitative Reasoning section; Verbal Reasoning section and Data Insights.
- The new GMAT exam duration is 2.15 hours, compared to 3 hours of the old GMAT format.
- The GMAT Focus edition has 80 questions, whereas the old GMAT had 64 questions.
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Table Of Contents |
GMAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern 2024: Section-wise Overview
GMAC introduced the GMAT Focused edition in 2023. All GMAT exams have been changed to the Focus edition from February 2024. The GMAT exam syllabus for the GMAT Focus Edition is different from the old GMAT syllabus. The new GMAT focus syllabus consists of Quantitative and Verbal reasoning, with additional - data insights, which draws from the old integrated reasoning and data sufficiency. The analytical writing assessment (AWA) and sentence correction (SC) sections from the old GMAT have been discontinued in the GMAT Focus edition.
The new GMAT focus edition has a total time of 2 hr 15 mins. A summary of the sections are as follows:
- Verbal Reasoning: It has 23 MCQs on reading comprehension and critical reasoning.
- Quantitative Reasoning: This has 22 MCQ type questions on problem-solving (algebra and arithmetic). There are no geometry questions.
- Data Insights (latest addition): This section has 20 questions on data sufficiency, two-part analysis, graphic interpretation (tables, charts, graphs), multi-source reasoning, and table-analysis.
GMAT Focus Edition Exam Sections |
Number of Questions |
Time Allocated |
GMAT Syllabus Topics |
---|---|---|---|
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) |
21 Questions |
45 Minutes |
|
Verbal Reasoning (VR) |
23 Questions |
45 Minutes |
|
Data Insights |
20 Questions |
45 Minutes |
Data Sufficiency Multi-Source Reasoning Graphics Interpretation Table Analysis Two-Part Analysis |
Total |
64 Questions |
2 Hours + 15 Minutes (Plus an optional 10-minute break in between) |
- |
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus and Pattern
The quantitative reasoning section of GMAT evaluates your ability to analyze mathematical data and draw conclusions using your reasoning skills. The GMAT quantitative reasoning section spans over 45 minutes. It consists of the following parts:
- Arithmetic: fractions, decimals, percentages, numbers - their powers and roots, counting methods, ratio and proportion, sets, discrete probability.
- Algebra: inequalities, absolute value, equations, functions, and exponents.
- Geometry: Lines and angles, Triangles, Special right triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Polygons, 3D geometry, Rectangular solids and Cylinders, Coordinate geometry
- Modern Math: Set Theory, Sequences and Series, Permutation and Combination, Probability
How to Prepare for the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus?
The GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section can be difficult, but you need proper preparation to ace it. The following GMAT Quantitative Reasoning tips will help you score well on the Quants Section.
- Start with the basics like simple maths problems
- Prepare notes of formulas, concepts, and tricks. Revise them regularly.
- Practice different types of questions daily
- Memorize squares up to 30, cubes up to 20, and tricks to quickly solve square roots and cube roots.
GMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus and Pattern
The Verbal Reasoning section of GMAT measures your ability to understand and evaluate English text. The total time for this section is 45 minutes. You will cover the following parts in this section:
- Reading comprehension (RC): Refer to the given passage and answer questions based on the main idea, supporting ideas, inferences, context, style, and tone.
- Critical reasoning (CR): Argument construction, argument evaluation, and formulating/evaluating a plan of action based on shorter passages.
How to Prepare for the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus?
The following tips for the GMAT verbal section will help you score well:
- Understand the different types of questions asked in the GMAT RC and CR section
- Develop a habit of writing the main point of any paragraph
- Learn to identify the gaps, assumptions, strengths, weaknesses, etc. in a given argument
GMAT Data Insights Syllabus and Pattern (New Addition)
This is a new section introduced in the new GMAT exam syllabus, but it is a concise version of the Integrated Reasoning and a part of the Quantitative Section of the previous GMAT exam. Similar to the quant and verbal sections, the DI section is also for 45 minutes. The applicants can prepare for the Data Insights Section based on the syllabus given below for reference:
- Data Sufficiency: Based on two data statements, pick the answer choice with enough information to solve the problem.
- Multi-Source Reasoning: Synthesize, compare, interpret, or apply the information presented in written passages, tables, graphs, diagrams, and other types of visual representation.
- Table Analysis: Determine statistics, ratios, proportions, or probabilities, from a spreadsheet-like table with a drop-down menu.
- Graphics Interpretation: Fill-in-the-blank questions to be answered based on given bar graphs, line graphs, scatterplots, and bubble graphs.
- Two-Part Analysis: Questions comprise two problems that are connected in some way, and test your quantitative and verbal reasoning skills.
How to Prepare for the GMAT Data Insights Syllabus?
Here are some tips mentioned below to help you score better in the GMAT exam:
- Build Skills in Data Analysis
- Practice regularly.
- Familiarize yourself with the question types.
- Review and Analyze Mistakes
Expert Tips to Prepare for the New GMAT Syllabus?
Preparing for the GMAT exam requires a strategic approach and consistent efforts. A good GMAT score will help you gain admission to a top MBA school. You can follow the below steps to prepare for the GMAT exam effectively.
- Understand the GMAT exam syllabus and pattern thoroughly.
- Start your preparation with the official GMAT study material.
- Once you complete the official study material, you can move on to Manhattan Prep GMAT guides.
- Visit the GMAT Club and Beat the GMAT forums regularly. You can find practice questions, B-school reviews, toppers’ experiences, etc.
- Appear for multiple GMAT mock tests. It will help you gauge your preparation levels and progress.
From the Desk of Yocket
The GMAT test is the first step towards admission to the world's best business schools. Understanding the latest syllabus for all the important sections, namely Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights, is crucial in planning your journey to take the GMAT. Practicing questions from all sections regularly will boost your confidence and further enhance your chances of securing good scores in the GMAT exam.
If you want help planning your GMAT journey and understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. Connect with Yocket Premium. We have helped 10,000+ students secure admission at the top universities abroad. You can too fulfill your dream with our assistance. To know more, reach out to us at the earliest!