GMAT Syllabus

The Graduate Management Admission test (GMAT) is a computer-adaptive test that helps measure the test takers’ analytical writing, verbal skills, and aptitude in mathematics. The new GMAT Focus Edition syllabus comprises three major sections: quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. Each section has fixed types of questions. The exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long and consists of 64 questions.

GMAT Focus Edition is a new format of the GMAT exam introduced to assess applicants on current standards catering to business-level aptitude in various B-schools.

It comprises 3 sections, contrary to the older one, which had 4 sections. Its duration is also shorter than the old one.

The GMAT syllabus for the GMAT Focus Edition differs from that of the GMAT syllabus of the previous exam. A new section named Data Insights (DI) has been added, whereas SC (Sentence Correction) and AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) are removed from the GMAT syllabus. The new DI section is based on Integrated Reasoning (IR) and Data Sufficiency (DS).

The test time has also been reduced significantly.

GMAT Exam Pattern​ 2024

Here is what the 2024 GMAT exam pattern looks like:

GMAT Exam Syllabus 2024: Section Wise 

The following is a section-wise break-up of the GMAT syllabus:

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus

This section of the GMAT syllabus seeks to measure your foundational understanding of algebra and basic arithmetic. It is composed of 21 problem-solving-type questions to be answered in 45 minutes.

To efficiently attempt these questions, candidates must have a working knowledge of both types of question areas. Answering the problems under these sections hinges on a good application of logic and analytical skills, instead of simply mathematical skills. You cannot use a calculator while working on this section.

GMAT Quant Section Topics

Tips for GMAT Exam 2024: Quants

Use these tips when preparing for the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT:

• Create a schedule, divide your time, and ensure you do not deviate from your plan.
• Try to get a better understanding of core topics like Algebra and Arithmetic.
• Practice the calculations using formulas to ensure you resolve the questions quickly.
• Avoid using calculators; instead, focus on mental math tips and tricks to solve the questions.
• Practice different questions based on different strategies.
• Focus on time management, as it’s very crucial for the GMAT exam.

GMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus

This section is a test of your reading and comprehension ability. It seeks to score your ability to reason and evaluate arguments as a future business professional. It comprises 23 Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions and must be attempted in 45 minutes.

• Reading Comprehension: These types of questions measure your ability to accurately comprehend complex statements and derive the logical relationships between argument points. The following reading skills will be tested: your understanding of a reading’s main idea, supporting idea, inference, application, logical structure, and style.
• Critical Reasoning: This question type scores your argument-crafting ability and critiques how well you can formulate or evaluate plans. These CR questions are typically based on a short reading passage of 100 words. Questions ask you to choose which answer strengthens or critiques a particular argument. Don’t worry- you will not need specialised knowledge in a particular domain.

Tips for GMAT Exam 2024: Verbal Reasoning

Use the following tips when preparing for the GMAT to tackle the Verbal Reasoning section seamlessly:

• Structure your thoughts before attempting questions. It’s always beneficial to take a second to think about things and avoid common tricky questions intended to confuse you.
• Try and identify key ideas and core decision points to easily pick out errors and poor arguments. Remember, just because it sounds correct doesn’t mean it’s right.
• Prioritize question types. The three question types of this section will be mixed up together on the test. Attempt the type of questions you tend to have more success with first.
• For critical reasoning questions, it is wise to steer clear of options that present new information instead of building up on established information.
• For reading comprehension, do not try and memorize a presented passage. Try and understand it as you read it and pick out key arguments simultaneously. It is also wise to avoid answer choices that appear to be absolutes.

GMAT Data Insights Section Syllabus

The Data Insights section seeks to measure a candidate’s ability to analyze and interpret data points and subsequently apply them to real-world business scenarios.

It comprises 20 questions that must be answered in 45 minutes. The questions ask test-takers to assess how types of information relate to one another and can be used to make informed decisions. Candidates are allowed the use of a calculator for this section.

The question types you’ll find in this section are:

• Data Sufficiency: This type is involved with the analysis of a quantitative problem. It asks candidates to identify relevant streams of data for particular problems.
• Multi-Source Reasoning: This type of question tests your ability to extrapolate and examine data from various sources to answer questions. You may be asked to identify discrepancies or draw inferences.
• Table Analysis: This type measure your ability to sort and analyze data independently. This hinges on your ability to determine relevancy and incorporate sources that meet conditions.
• Graphics Interpretation: In this type, you shall be asked to interpret data in a graphical representation and answer related questions.
• Two-Part Analysis: These measure your ability to solve complex data problems involving quantitative and/or verbal skills. It assesses your skill in solving equations and identifying relationships.

Tips for GMAT Exam 2024: Data Insights

Use these tips to expertly attempt the Data Insights section on the GMAT:

• You get 45 minutes to solve 20 DI section questions. Focus on data sufficiency questions and examine the data interpretation from multiple sources.
• Build your understanding and speed for graphic interpretation and table analysis.
• Try solving as many questions as possible.
• As this is a new section, you can source the questions and their solutions from preparation materials or the official website.
• Focus on increasing your speed and time efficiently to answer maximum questions.

GMAT Syllabus 2024 Preparation Tips

Keep the following tips in mind when going through the GMAT syllabus:

• Carefully understand the GMAT exam pattern and syllabus.
• Be sure to study only from the official GMAT study material.
• After studying the official material, move towards other authentic sources.
• Find the practice questions, read the B-school reviews, and toppers’ experiences and their tips.
• Appear for as many mock tests as possible to understand where you stand in terms of your preparation and progress.

GMAT Preparation Resources

1. The Princeton Review GMAT Quantitative Review For The GMAT

This guide focuses on fundamental math concepts tailored to the GMAT’s approach. This guide is an excellent resource to prepare for all types of Quants questions.

2. The Princeton Review Verbal Review For The GMAT

This guide prepares candidates with basic grammar rules that are typically tested on the GMAT while supplying tips on tackling complex reasoning. With various examples and in-depth strategies, this guide is a great resource for preparation.

3. The Princeton Review: GMAT Practice Test

This mock test accurately simulates GMAT testing conditions with an adaptive-by-section algorithm. It also supplies candidates with a personalised score report and a detailed explanation of each question.

4. GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review 2024-2025

This guide comes with real exam questions, 200+ additional verbal reasoning questions, and detailed explanations.

5. GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review

With 150+ additional Quantitative Reasoning questions, this guide is the go-to choice for students willing to master the quantitative section.

6. GMAT Official Practice Exams 3 & 4

Students get a full-length practice exam, which helps them develop their test-taking strategy and experience before the day of the exam.

7. GMAT Official Practice Questions – Verbal

To grasp reading comprehension and critical reasoning questions, students should try practicing using the GMAT Official Practice Questions – Verbal guide. It has 100+ verbal practical questions to help you ace the GMAT exam.

GMAT Exam Fees

Here is a detailed explanation of the approximate GMAT exam fees:

Reschedule Fees

Cancellation Refunds

How to Prepare GMAT Syllabus for MBA?

Here’s a 4-month study plan to ace the syllabus for the exam:

Month 1: Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning Sections

• Work on understanding the fundamentals of quantitative and verbal reasoning sections.
• It’s best to avoid complex questions before thoroughly understanding the basics.
• It is advisable to attempt one mock test for each section to accurately estimate benchmarks and required preparation.
• Recap the basics of math and grammar.
• Practice every day.

Month 2: Data Insights and Core Concepts

• Go over the basics of data interpretation and how to draw conclusions.
• Start working on more complex problems.
• Build up on what was challenging in the first month.
• Begin working under timed conditions.

Month 3: Comprehensive Practice and Mock Tests

• Begin taking full-length and timed mock tests.
• Identify key focus areas and practice weaker concepts.
• Focus on improvement strategies by carefully analyzing test reports.

Month 4: Review and Strategy Building

• Go over key concepts and strategies for each section.
• Continue to practice weaker areas.
• Develop best practices and identify strategies that work for you.
• Take full-length mock tests as frequently as possible.
• Ensure you are prepared mentally.
• Focus on time management.