if($_SERVER['REQUEST_URI']=='/' || $_SERVER['REQUEST_URI']=='/index.php'){?>
...for what may lead to a life altering association!
The GMAT syllabus includes Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Quant covers arithmetic and algebra. Verbal includes reading and critical reasoning. Data Insights tests analytical skills through data sufficiency, charts, tables, and logical evaluation across multiple formats.
Wish to experience the GMAT format? Take a free full length GMAT practice test
The GMAT is a standardized test used for admission to graduate management programs across the world. It is designed to assess analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning skills that are considered important for success in business school. The test consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section plays an equal role in determining the total score, and each is carefully structured to evaluate a specific set of abilities. A well-structured GMAT preparation course can help you master these sections with focused strategies and practice. The total test duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes, including an optional 10-minute break. The scoring scale ranges from 205 to 805 in increments of five points. Each section is scored on a scale of 60 to 90.
This article outlines the syllabus for each section and the skills required to excel in them. It is intended to offer a long-term, comprehensive reference for students preparing for the GMAT.
The table below summarizes the three main sections of the GMAT:
Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Question Types | Topics Covered |
---|---|---|---|---|
Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 minutes | Problem Solving | Arithmetic, Algebra, Sets, Statistics, Word Problems, Combinatorics |
Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 minutes | Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning | Argument Analysis, Inference, Logical Structure, Main Idea, Style |
Data Insights | 20 | 45 minutes | Data Sufficiency, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Multi-Source Reasoning, Two-Part Analysis | Integrated Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning, Data Interpretation |
The Quantitative Reasoning section contains 21 multiple-choice questions. These questions test the ability to reason quantitatively, solve numerical problems, and interpret quantitative information efficiently. The mathematics involved does not go beyond school level, but the reasoning required is often complex and multi-layered. There are no hardcore geometry questions in this section but geometrical figures may show up in certain questions. The focus remains on arithmetic and algebra. Candidates are expected to work quickly and accurately, as time pressure is a critical element of the section.
The main topics covered in this section include:
The section tests not only the ability to calculate, but also the ability to identify the most efficient method to solve a problem.
The Verbal Reasoning section includes 23 questions and focuses on reading comprehension and critical reasoning. All questions are multiple-choice. There are no grammar-based questions in this section. The objective is to evaluate how well a candidate can understand written material, analyze arguments, and draw logical conclusions.
Passages in this section are typically 300 to 400 words long and are drawn from areas such as business, social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Questions based on these passages test the ability to:
Candidates are not required to have prior knowledge of the subject matter discussed in the passages.
Critical Reasoning questions consist of short arguments followed by a question. These questions measure the ability to evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, detect reasoning flaws, and assess plans of action.
The skills tested in this area include:
These question types test clarity of thought, logical analysis, and the ability to assess relationships between statements. Candidates must understand not only what is being said, but how the argument is structured and where its reasoning may be flawed or supported.
The Data Insights section, containing 20 questions, integrates quantitative and verbal reasoning. It measures the candidate’s ability to evaluate information presented in various formats and requires a combination of interpretation, logic, and decision-making. An on-screen calculator is available in this section.
There are five question types in this section:
These questions present a question followed by two statements. The task is to determine whether the statements, alone or together, are sufficient to answer the question. The objective is not to solve the problem, but to evaluate whether there is enough information to solve it.
Information is presented across two or three tabs in the form of text, tables, or graphics. Candidates must synthesize data from different sources to answer related questions. These questions test the ability to recognize inconsistencies, draw conclusions, and evaluate information in context.
Candidates must analyze data organized in a sortable table. Each question is followed by a series of statements, and candidates must determine whether each statement is true based on the data presented.
These questions present data in visual formats such as bar charts, pie charts, scatter plots, or line graphs. Candidates must interpret the data and select the correct responses to complete given statements.
These problems involve two related questions that must be answered together. The format may be quantitative, verbal, or a combination of both. Candidates must consider relationships between the parts and apply logical reasoning.
Overall, the Data Insights section is intended to reflect the kinds of analytical tasks commonly encountered in business environments. It emphasizes data literacy and integrated reasoning.
Each of the three sections of the GMAT contribute equally to the total GMAT score. Each section is scored on a scale of 60 to 90, in one-point increments. These three section scores combine to yield a total score ranging from 205 to 805. The scoring increment is 10 points. The test is computer adaptive at the section level. The difficulty of questions adapts to the performance of the candidate as the test progresses. This ensures that the test remains challenging and accurately reflects a candidate’s skill level. The GMAT score report also includes percentile rankings to show how a candidate’s performance compares to that of other test takers.
Candidates have 45 minutes for each of the three sections, totalling 2 hours and 15 minutes of testing time. An optional 10-minute break is available between the sections. An important feature of the test structure is the ability to review and revise up to three questions per section. Candidates can mark questions for review and revisit them before the section time ends. Section order selection is also available, allowing candidates to choose the order in which they complete the sections.
A well-structured preparation plan should focus on the following points:
Consistency and discipline are essential. The GMAT does not reward last-minute cramming but responds well to focused and sustained effort.
An experienced MBA admission consultant can play a valuable role even before the actual application process begins. By involving the consultant early, you can receive tailored guidance on approaching the GMAT syllabus strategically – understanding which areas to focus on, how to allocate preparation time, and which resources best suit your learning style. The consultant can also help align your study plan with parallel profile-building efforts, ensuring that your preparation is not just effective but well-rounded.
The GMAT syllabus is designed to evaluate the skills most relevant to graduate management education. The Quantitative section assesses mathematical reasoning, the Verbal section tests reading and argument analysis, and the Data Insights section combines quantitative and verbal interpretation in a business-relevant format. Candidates who approach their preparation with clarity and commitment can perform well on the test. Understanding the structure, question types, and underlying skills required for each section is the first step toward a strong performance.
Streamline your B-school journey through our integrated offering that covers both GMAT prep and admissions guidance