Before starting the GMAT exam preparation you must understand the pattern of GMAT exam. GMAC has streamlined the GMAT exam pattern and made it more efficient for its latest version. The GMAT exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, testing 64 questions across three sections. GMAT is scored on a scale of 205-805. There are three sections tested on GMAT including Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. Like other standardised exams, GMAT is also an adaptive test. The difficulty increases or decreases based on sectional performance. Only objective or MCQ type questions are tested on GMAT. Want more details around GMAT exam pattern? We will discuss everything in detail here to make it easy for applicants to understand.
There are currently three sections on GMAT:
- Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
- Verbal Reasoning (VR)
- Data Insights (DI)
All the three sections are timed equally, that is for 45 minutes each.
GMAT is a standardized exam, score of which are used for obtaining admissions to B-schools abroad and in India as well. Most of the US, UK, Italian, Australian and Canadian universities accept GMAT scores for admissions to MBA programs. Students who are pplying for MBA or MS in Management related courses may have to submit GMAT scores. GMAT is now GMAT Focus Edition, thus, those who are applying for the first time can submit GMAT Focus scores, while those who have previously taken GMAT can submit the scores if they still are valid.
GMAT pattern is easy to understand for students including Indian students. There are three sections and 64 MCQs that have to be answered in 2 hours 15 minutes. There is no essay question or sentence correction questions. Exam is adaptable and sections get difficult based on previous section's performance. The GMAT's exam pattern has changed over time and there is no major challenge in understanding it. Students who are thinking of applying for GMAT should first read and understand its pattern and structure and then start exam preparation.
- GMAT Exam Pattern 2026
- GMAT Exam Pattern: Quantitative Reasoning Section
- GMAT Exam Pattern: Verbal Reasoning Section
- GMAT Exam Pattern: Data Insights
- GMAT Test is Computer Adaptive
- GMAT Exam 2026 Pattern FAQs
GMAT Exam Pattern 2026
GMAC launched its 11th or GMAT Focus Edition and exam pattern has evolved from its previous versions. The latest GMAT Focus Edition exam pattern has brought in new changes. There are three sections and each of them are timed equally but have different number of questions. A closer look at the GMAT exam pattern is as follows:
| GMAT Focus Edition Section | Number of Questions | Time | GMAT Focus Edition Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 21 Questions | 45 Minutes | 60-90 (1-point Increment) |
| Verbal Reasoning (VR) | 23 Questions | 45 Minutes | 60-90 (1-point Increment) |
| Data Insights (DI) | 20 Questions | 45 Minutes | 60-90 (1-point Increment) |
| Total | 64 Questions | 2 Hours + 15 Minutes | 205-805 (10-point Increment) |
| Breaks | - | 1 Optional Break of 10 Minutes | - |
It can be noted that the AWA section has been removed and a new section, Data Insights has been introduced. In addition to this, Sentence Correction has been removed and Data Sufficiency is now a part of Data Insights section.
Commonly asked questions
Yes, you can review and change your answers while attempting your GMAT exam. In casee applicants mark some questions for reviewing, they can go back to them and review them and alter answers if needed.
The GMAT Focus Edition pattern has been eleborated below:
- Quantitative Reasoning: 21 Questions in 45 Minutes
- Verbal Reasoning: 23 Questions in 45 Minutes
- Data Insights: 20 Questions in 45 Minutes
- Total: 64 Questions in 2 Hours and 15 Minutes
- Break: 1 Optional Break of 10 Minutes
GMAT Focus Edition is the latest version of the GMAT exam, an evolved version which has recorded certain changes from its previous exam pattern. The GMAT Focus Edition is shorter in duration, has just one break in between, has no writing sections and has just three sections with overall 64 questions. The older GMAT was longer in duration, had four sections and included a writing section.
GMAT Exam Pattern: Quantitative Reasoning Section
It measures the candidates' ability to analyse data and give conclusions using reasoning skills. GMAT QR section includes 21 questions in 45 minutes around Arithmetic and Algebra topics. Here is how the Quant section GMAT is assessed:
- Applicants will be tested on their problem-solving skills through the use of algebraic and arithmetic concepts.
- The applicants benefit from the GMAT Focus Edition because, for the Quant section, there is an on-screen calculator available. Thus, they will not have additionally carry one with them.
- Geometry questions have been scrapped from the GMAT exam pattern of Focus Edition.
There are 21 questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section on GMAT Focus. The GMAT exam retains its Quantitative Reasoning section.
Check out:
| Syllabus for GMAT Quantitative Reasoning | Arithmetic in GMAT Focus QR section |
| Prep Tips for GMAT Quant Section | GMAT Sample Questions on Quantitative Reasoning |
Commonly asked questions
No, applicants cannot access or use an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section of GMAT (Focus Edition). There is no manual calculator also that is allowed for use for this section.
The new section has 21 questions. You get 45 minutes to finish. Good news is there is no Geometry anymore. It is just Problem Solving now. Data questions moved to another part.
GMAT Exam Pattern: Verbal Reasoning Section
This section measures applicants ability to skillfully understand reading comprehension and evaluate critical reasoning in standard English. GMAT VR section is also 45 minutes long and tests 23 MCQs based on English language. Along with this, the section also evaluates:
- The assessment evaluates an applicant's comprehension skills and ability to make inferences from written texts. It does this through two types of MCQs.
- The first type involves reading passages up to 350 words long, followed by answering certain questions. These questions test your capacity to interpret the given text, draw inferences from it, and identify logical connections between different parts of the content.
- The second type, Critical Reasoning questions, measures your ability to conclude from short argumentative passages.
GMAT exam pattern for Verbal Reasoning on the Focus Edition is relatively similar to the previous one.
Commonly asked questions
There are 21 questions on Verbal Reasoning section of GMAT exam. The VR section pattern is simple, it tests applicants on reading comprehension and critical reasoning areas of applicants. In the VR section ability to understand written material, analysing the given arguments and evaluation of information is tested for its applicants. Applicants have 45 minutes to attempt this section.
GMAT Exam Pattern: Data Insights
Data Insights is the new section on GMAT exam and has been introduced to assess data analysis skills of applicants. This is the new version of the Integrated Reasoning section tested on the previous version of GMAT. Here's the pattern on the GMAT exam for the Data Insights on the Focus Edition:
- The GMAT Focus will assess the applicant's ability to read and interpret data in multiple formats, including tables and graphs.
- The GMAT exam pattern for this section is designed to imitate how today’s business world runs on data. How businesses and managers procure data from multiple sources and identify patterns, to make decisions, and solve small or big business problems.
- Hence, the applicant will be tested on 20 questions for 45 minutes in this new section.
This section also requires precision and time management skills when solving problems. One must focus on GMAT sample papers to gain more edge on preparation for this section.
Commonly asked questions
The Data Insights (DI) section on GMAT Focus Edition is structured this way -
- DI is timed for 45 minutes
- DI consists of 20 MCQ based questions
- Questions on DI will test applicant's knowledge in the areas of:
- Data Sufficiency
- Multi-Source Reasoning
- Table Analysis
- Graphics Interpretation
- Two-Part Analysis
- Applicants will be scored on a 60-90 scale for this section and based on the overall sectional scores, GMAT scores will be generated.
Thus, this is how the structure of DI has been defined by GMAC for the latest GMAT exam's edition.
Unlike other sections on the GMAT Focus, there are just 20 questions on the Data Insights section. All 20 questions are tested around the topics of - multiple-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, and data sufficiency.
GMAT Test is Computer Adaptive
After discussing the GMAT pattern, we will explain how the GMAT test is computer adaptive. Out of the four sections of the GMAT the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative sections are computer adaptive. It means that the difficulty of the test changes according to the test taker's sectional performance. This feature allows the test to assess the candidate's ability with utmost precision. This is the reason that business schools trust the GMAT test scores to give admission to the aspirants.
The first question that comes either in the Quantitative or in Verbal Sections is of medium difficulty level. As the test taker proceeds with the test, the computer scores the answers and uses them and your responses for the next question. If your first answer is incorrect then the next question will be less hard. If you answer the second question correctly then the next question will be harder.
Every correct answer will increase the difficulty of the exam. Whereas, if you keep answering the questions incorrectly, you will keep getting easier questions but your GMAT score report will not be very impressive.
Commonly asked questions
The most significant change in GMAT Focus Edition is its flexibility. The applicants can choose the questions they wish to answer based on their choice and bookmark unlimited number of questions to review as well. Only three answers can be changed by the applicant during the course of GMAT Focus Edition. This flexibility was unavailable on the previous format of GMAT.
GMAT Exam 2026 Pattern FAQs
Please visit the FAQs section to know more about the GMAT pattern.
Commonly asked questions
The most important point for any examination prep is familiarity with the exam pattern and the exam syllabus. Without these, you will not be able to start the preparation. Hence, the starting point for the GMAT exam 2023 is its pattern and syllabus. Once you are clear with the GMAT pattern 2023 and its syllabus, you can start with the official GMAT study material. Make sure that you complete the GMAT official study material at least twice. Once you are done with that, you can move on to other GMAT books and online resources. The most important aspect of your GMAT 2023 preparation is your GMAT mock tests. Candidates must appear for as many mocks as possible to gauge their level of preparation from time to time.
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The current version of the GMAT exam "will continue to be available until early next year". There is no specific date for the same. After MCom, you may opt for an MBA as it will enhance your profile. You might as well venture into a new field (e.g. supply chain management) if you find it interestin
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Hello. Now that you have completed your graduation, you can very well appear for the GMAT exam. Please make sure to check the eligibility criteria for MBA abroad as certain B-schools demand prior work experience. You may also apply for MIM programmes as they are also rewarding. You may check the to