GMAT Syllabus 2025: Section-wise GMAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern

 It is important for the candidates who intend to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) to review the GMAT 2024 syllabus and exam format carefully. Successfully passing this exam allows candidates to get admission into some of the top B-schools abroad for courses, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

This exam is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) to evaluate applicants' analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading abilities. So, if you plan to apply to top B-schools and want to appear for the GMAT, go through the section until the end.

The GMAT syllabus for the current exam is not the same as the GMAT syllabus for the GMAT Focus Edition. Sentence correction (SC) and analytical writing assessment (AWA) have been eliminated. Furthermore, DS (Data Sufficiency) and IR (Integrated Reasoning) are included in the recently introduced Data Insights (DI) section. The current syllabus for the GMAT Focus Edition is provided in the table below:

The GMAT is a computer adaptive test that lasts for three hours and seven minutes and is graded from 200 to 800. The topics covered in the GMAT syllabus are divided into the following sections:

• Analytical Writing

• Integrated Reasoning

• Quantitative Aptitude Section

• Verbal Reasoning Section

There are four sections to the testing, totalling 187 minutes. The computer-adaptive structure of the exam is used to conduct the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections according to the skill level of the test taker. The most recent GMAT exam pattern is provided below:

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) requires candidates to compose an essay on the provided topic in 30 minutes. The essay will receive two independent scores: one from a computerised reading assessment and one from a GMAC employee. The test taker's AWA score is calculated by averaging these ratings. Based on a range of 0 (lowest) to 6 (highest), the AWA rating is assigned. Remember that your writing style is being evaluated, not your opinion. Therefore, it is safer to maintain objectivity.

Argument Essay: You must first evaluate the logic in this area before putting forward your position. Remember that your evaluation will depend on how convincing you think a certain argument is. Ensure you make reasonable assumptions and assess whether the argument makes sense. Consider the importance of grammar and syntax while defending or opposing the criticism made in the question.

Issue Essay: You are required to write an essay on the assigned issue in this area. The candidate has to provide a 600-word viewpoint. The candidates' opinions or those supporting the statement can be expressed. You will be evaluated based on how well you present your viewpoint, so be sure to do so.

Students need to remember the following in order to perform well on the GMAT AWA section:

• Organisation: Your GMAT AWA essay needs to be organised. It is important for the introduction, body, and conclusion to stand alone from one another. Every paragraph must be interwoven with the one that follows it to guarantee a seamless transition between ideas.

• Argument Analysis: Dissecting the provided argument and recognising its underlying presumptions, flaws, and advantages is critical. This will enable you to evaluate it thoroughly and clearly express your ideas.

• As an illustration: As you evaluate the argument, bring up pertinent instances that bolster your arguments.

Integrated Reasoning

In June 2012, the Integrated Reasoning (IR) part was unveiled. The purpose of this section is to assess your ability to analyse data provided in various formats. There are four categories of questions in the integrated reasoning section:

1. Analysis of Tables: This portion assesses applicants' ability to sort and evaluate a data table, like a spreadsheet, to identify the pertinent information or the data that satisfies predetermined criteria.

2. Interpretation of Graphics: It assesses candidates' capacity to interpret relationships and draw conclusions from data provided in graphical images such as scatter plots, x/y graphs, bar charts, pie charts, and statistical curve distributions. 

3. Multiple Sources of Information: It assesses the applicants' ability to carefully review each piece of data in order to provide answers to several questions. The sources of data can be tables, visuals, text passages, or a mix of all three. Candidates will be expected to make deductions, and certain tasks can ask you to assess the significance of the data. Candidates must identify differences between several data sources in a few questions. 

4. Two-Split Analysis: This part evaluates a candidate's ability to handle challenging issues. The issues may be verbal, numerical, or a mix of the two. The format is adaptable and has a broad scope of use. The candidates' simultaneous problem solving, trade-off analysis, and relationship-making skills are tested. 

The following are some crucial GMAT IR advice:

• Recognise the Needed Skills: Recognise the abilities that are assessed in the GMAT IR part. These involve breaking down the provided data, arranging it, and putting it together to answer the questions.

• Make sure to take notes on every tab. It will assist you in monitoring the data.

• Recognise the Type of Problem: Recognise the functioning of the vast amount of data. It will become apparent with practice.

• Guessing: You can make a calculated guess and move on to the question type you are comfortable with if you are stuck on a certain question or if you are uncomfortable answering a particular question type.

This portion assesses the student's aptitude for handling quantitative problems and analysing data in various formats. This area contains arithmetic, geometry, and algebraic questions. There are two different kinds of questions in the quantitative section.

Problem-Solving: Problem-solving accounts for 17–18 of the total problems in the GMAT Quantitative section. It assesses how well applicants can solve quantitative issues using analytical thinking and logic.

Data Sufficiency: It assesses the applicants' capacity to analyse a quantitative problem, pinpoint the pertinent data, and establish when there is sufficient information to resolve the issue.

Quantitative thinking and problem-solving abilities are evaluated through problem-solving questions. On the other hand, questions about data sufficiency assess one's capacity to understand and evaluate quantitative problems, identify pertinent and irrelevant data, and ascertain whether enough information is provided to address a specific problem.

Note: Students are not allowed to use calculators for this part of the test.

You can improve your GMAT Quantitative Reasoning score by using the following advice. Continue reading to learn more about the GMAT 2024 Quants syllabus.

• Commence: Let's start with the fundamentals. If you think your maths is lacking, you could start by getting guidance from our experts at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants. You can tackle the GMAT OG immediately if you have a solid foundation.

• Taking Notes: Make sure to jot down the mathematical formulas, thoughts, and tips on A4 sheets as you prepare. Make periodic revisions to them. You can edit them on the go to make the most of your time. Please be aware that studying hard and making sacrifices are necessary to do well on any exam.

• Practice: More explanation is needed for this point.

The Verbal Reasoning (VR) portion aims to assess the candidate's critical reasoning capabilities, reading comprehension abilities, and vocabulary and grammatical knowledge in English. The following categories of questions are included in the verbal reasoning section:

Reading Comprehension: It assesses the candidates' ability to comprehend words and phrases, follow the development of quantitative concepts, draw conclusions, and comprehend the logical linkages between important elements. The GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) curriculum consists of short and lengthy texts that assess students' reading ability for the following: style, logical structure, inference, application, main concept, and supporting details. 

Critical Reasoning: The GMAT Critical Reasoning syllabus comprises many argument types that assess students' abilities to analyse argument structure, assess arguments and assumptions, develop or assess a plan of action, complete an argument, strengthen or weaken an argument, etc. 

Sentence Correction: This portion assesses the candidates' linguistic proficiency in two general areas. First, while referring to grammatically and structurally sound statements, correct expressions should be used. Sentences that succinctly, grammatically, and effectively convey a concept or relationship are referred to as effective expressions in the second part. 

The sort of reading comprehension question assesses the student's capacity to evaluate the passage's content and reach a conclusion. Grammar and effective communication abilities are examined in the sentence correction question type, while reasoning ability is evaluated in the critical reasoning question type.

You can improve your GMAT verbal section score by using the following advice:

• Start with GMAT SC: First, learn grammar standards. Get guidance from our experts at the Meridean Overseas Education Consultants to start with your SC preparation. Study the GMAT SC guide thoroughly and make brief notes on it. After that, you can start studying for the GMAT OG and other formal exams. 

• GMAT RC: Recognise the various questions included in the RC segment of the test. Practice writing the primary idea of each paragraph while you prepare. You will find it very beneficial for the exam. 

• GMAT CR: Recognise the many questions asked in the GMAT CR segment. Make careful to put all of those into practice. 

You will need study materials, self-discipline, motivation, and good GMAT books and resources in order to be able to study on your own efficiently. However, if you're short on time and believe that you need expert advice to give yourself a competitive advantage when preparing for the GMAT, enrolling in a local GMAT tutoring centre is preferable.

It is possible to finish the GMAT course in three to six months. The following advice can assist you in organising your GMAT course preparation:

• Gain a solid understanding of the GMAT exam's syllabus and format.

• Make sure you begin your preparation with the GMAT OG and other official GMAT study materials. Your preparation process must begin and end with official study materials.

• Make sure you frequently visit the Beat the GMAT forums and the GMAT Club. Practice questions, B-school reviews, toppers' experiences, and other information are available.

• Attend several GMAT practice papers. It will enable you to assess your degree of readiness and advancement. 

The best MBA schools typically require a strong GMAT score, and applicants must achieve this requirement in order to meet the cut-off point for their intended B-School. In order to be admitted to an MBA programme, candidates must submit other materials in addition to their GMAT results, such as an updated CV, transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, entrance essays, etc.

Students usually need three to six months (averaging four months) to prepare for the GMAT coursework for MBA programmes. The following table offers a four-month schedule for studying for the GMAT exam:

The GMAT exam has made a number of academic options available to those who want to study overseas. International students have been able to enrol in prestigious universities thanks to high test scores. It's time to start studying for the GMAT now that you have the syllabus and exam format in hand. So, to aid in your preparation, here is a four-month GMAT study schedule.

1: What are the sections covered in the GMAT syllabus?

The four main sections of the GMAT test are Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Analytical Writing.

2: Is the syllabus of the GMAT exam tough?

While it is not that difficult, it does not guarantee that you’ll not be facing any challenges. You can complete your whole syllabus with hard work and dedication and easily crack the exam.

3: Can I cover the GMAT exam syllabus in 4 months?

Those who put a lot of effort and planning into their preparation can finish the GMAT course in four months.

4: Has the GMAT syllabus changed for 2024?

Unlike the previous syllabus style, which had sections, the GMAT 2024 syllabus has three sections.  Every significant section of the previous GMAT test syllabus is still included in the revised GMAT format. Instead of the sAWA and IR sections, a new one called "Data Insights" is included.