GMAT Syllabus 2025: Section-wise GMAT Exam Syllabus (Focus Edition)

GMAT exam pattern 2024 and the GMAT syllabus for the current version of the GMAT Focus Edition exam can be understood from the table given below:

Moreover, this is the latest GMAT Focus Edition syllabus that is being followed across.

To cover the GMAT syllabus in 3 months, you can follow a structured study plan and make efficient use of your time. Here's a suggested approach to cover GMAT syllabus:

• Understand the GMAT syllabus: Learn the topics covered by the GMAT's syllabus, including Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. You can prioritise your study topics with this assistance.
• Create a study schedule: Divide your 3-month study period into weekly and daily goals. Allocate specific time slots for each section of the GMAT syllabus. Ensure that your schedule is realistic and allows for regular practice and revision.
• Gather study materials: Gather pertinent study materials that span the whole GMAT course, both online and off. Textbooks, question banks, GMAT prep books, and online materials may all be included in this.
• Focus on weak areas: Identify your weak areas and allocate more time to study and practice those topics.
• Practice regularly: Set aside dedicated time for GMAT practice questions and mock tests.
• Seek guidance and support: Consider enrolling in a GMAT prep course or working with a tutor who can guide you through the syllabus and provide feedback on your progress.
• Review and revise: Regularly review the topics you have covered and revise key concepts. Make use of flashcards, summaries, and mnemonic techniques to reinforce your learning.
• Take mock exams: As you approach the end of your 3-month study period, take full-length mock exams to simulate the actual GMAT test conditions. Analyze your performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Keep in mind that perseverance and commitment are essential for success. Stick to your study schedule, stay inspired, and keep a good outlook throughout the GMAT prep process. Good fortune!

Yes, GMAT exam syllabus is quite vast and despite some topic slashes like sentence correction, geometry and AWA (essay), the syllabus still has lots of topics. The Quant section has the maximum topics and is one of the biggest sections. Followed by Verbal Reasoning section where reading and critical analysis is tested. Finally, the latest Data Insights section is the next the biggest section with graph interpretation, data interpretation and tables along with other topics. Thus, GMAT includes a wide range of topics to test its applicants for admissions. 

Yes, it is possible that applicants can choose the section order on GMAT.  There are three sections, namely Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Data Insights (DI) on the GMAT. Any of the section can be followed:

1. QR - VR - DI, or,
2. QR - DI - VR or,
3. VR - QR - DI or,
4. VR - DI - QR or,
5. DI - QR - VR or,
6. DI - VR - QR

There are six variations, applicants can choose any as per GMAT question pattern to attempt GMAT exam.

Yes, more or less the GMAT books are same for preparing for Focus edition with older versions. Applicants can just selectively choose the topics that are relevant for the current GMAT edition and can easily prepare for the exam. However, there are options to buy official guides or prep material from MBA.com website for GMAT Focus Edition. 

The GMAT exam format is developed to test applicant's business aptitude. The exam is divided into three sections, which are tested over 2 hours and 15 minutes along with an optional 10-minute break. Overall, there are 64 questions, each section has a different set of questions, but all are timed equally. More details on GMAT exam format are given below: 

• Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions, 45 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, 45 minutes
• Data Insights: 20 questions, 45 minutes.

GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, it adapts to the performance of the candidate while he is giving the test. The difficulty level of the questions changes based on whether the candidate is answering the questions right or wrong. If the candidate is answering the questions right, the level of the questions will rise, similarly, if the candidate is answering the questions wrong, the candidate will start getting easy questions. Also, as the next question is generated based on the performance in the current question, the candidate cannot visit the previous question. The candidate needs to answer a question about whether he is able to solve it or not in order to move ahead in the exam. If you get an easy question while taking the GMAT exam, you need not panic whether the previous question was correct or incorrect. Instead of wasting your time, you must focus only on solving the current question.

The table given below provides a comparison between the current version of the GMAT exam and the GMAT Focus Edition:

Check out: GMAT Focus Edition vs GMAT: Key Differences

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. 

GMAC has launched the GMAT Focus Edition in the year 2023. The GMAT Focus Edition is significantly different for the current version of the GMAT exam. The GMAT Focus Edition is shorter (by about an hour), efficient (no AWA and no SC), more flexible, and more details (with respect to the performance report). The current version of the GMAT exam will be available until at least early 2024. Hence, students will have an option to register for both the exams. There have been no changes in the pattern of the current version of the GMAT (test centre) and the online GMAT exam at home.

GMAT Focus Edition syllabus includes three sections each of the same time limit. Check out the sections on the new GMAT along with the number of questions and topics tested on the exam:

• Quantitative Reasoning (21 Questions in 45 Minutes) = Algebra + Arithmetic
• Verbal Reasoning (23 Questions in 45 Minutes) = Reading Comprehension + Critical Reasoning
• Data Insights (20 Questions in 45 Minutes) = Data Sufficiency + Multi-source Reasoning + Table Analysis + Graphics Interpretation + Two-part Analysis

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Sentence Correction (SC) do not form a part of the GMAT Focus Edition.

You can get the GMAT exam syllabus on the official website or you can check it out on - https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/exams/gmat/syllabus.

There are three sections on GMAT and the syllabus in brief is as follows:

• Quantitative Reasoning - Algebra & Arithmetic 
• Verbal Reasoning - Reading Comprehension & Critical Reasoning
• Data Insights - Data Sufficiency, two Part Analyses, Table Analysis, Graphs, etc.

The following topics have been removed from GMAT's syllabus upon transition:

• Sentence Correction
• Geometry
• Analytical Writing Assessment or the AWA section which was the essay section

The GMAT exam syllabus is fixed and is not dynamic. There are a fixed set of topics per section that applicants have to look at to prepare for the syllabus. The exam sylabus does not change randomly or at a short span, official statements are released and time is given for implementation as well. 

GMAC has introduced the GMAT Focus Edition. The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus and pattern are different from the current GMAT 2023 exam. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Sentence Correction (SC) are not a part of the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus. A new section, called Data Insights (DI), has been introduced. Data Sufficiency (DS), which used to form a part of the GMAT Quants section, will now be a part of the Data Insights (DI) section. Moreover, the GMAT Focus Edition is shorter than the current version of the GMAT 2023 exam by about an hour.

Below are some of the topics that need to be covered to prepare for the GMAT Quants:

• Arithmetic: Number system (unit digit, powers, roots, fractions, decimals, etc.), average, ratio and proportion, mixtures and allegations, percentages, profit and loss, interest, speed, time and distance, sets, probability, statistics, etc.
• Algebra: Equations, quadratic equations, polynomials, functions, exponents, inequalities, permutation and combination, etc.
• Geometry: Triangle, lines and angles, quadrilaterals, circles, coordinate geometry, etc.

Students must note that the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus and pattern for Quantitative Reasoning section is different from the current version of the GMAT 2023 exam. In the GMAT Focus Edition Quants, there will be two topics, viz. Algebra and Arithmetic. Data Sufficiency will form a part of the Data Insights (DI) section.

When preparing for GMAT exam, extra focusing on Quantitative section is crucial to scale the scores. Especially, if this section is not an easy one for you. Ideally you should focus on all major topics of this section, prepare thoroughly, use mnemonics to get formulae, get some hardcore practice and be confident enough to ace the section like a pro. 

For some, the QR section maybe a cakewalk, however for some it may not be. Thus, this is a very subjective question and will not have a cut-to-cut answer. Applicants who are confident enough would require some additional practice to crack the section. But those who are not very confident, would need to give extra time for preparation, take a lot of practice tests and be adept to make through the minimum cutoff requirement. 

There are different topics on GMAT QR section and these include:

Arithmetic:

• Fractions
• Time Speed, Distance & Work
• Word Problems
• Stats
• Percentages
• Ratio & Proportion
• Averages
• Decimals
• Exponents, Powers & Roots

Algebra: 

• Quadratic & Linear Equations
• Algebraic Expressions
• Permutation & Combination
• Functions
• Logarithms
• Inequalities

GMAT's Quant section preparation can be tricky for some applicants. The main aim is to test the applicant's analytical reasoning plus how they can analyse data and consequently draw conclusions. The strategy to target these type of questions on Quant section of GMAT shoudl ideally require applicants to time themselves, understand the strong and weak points plus work on them, most importantly practice as much as possible and finally, have your own shortcuts and tricks to solve lengthy questions. 

This is a very subjective question and the answer may vary per applicant. Those who have a good command over the English language can be more confident for this section. While those who are not very confident about the language and the rules may falter a bit. But with enough practice and a good preparation strategy it will be a cakewalk to ace this section like a pro!

The best way to improve English language skills is through:

• Having a habit of reading regularly - books, magazines or journals.
• Brushing up English langiage rules and implementing them.
• Learning new words everyday to build vocabulary. 
• Build communication skills and conversing in English with friends and family. 
• Also journaling in English language can be a plus point. 

The Verbal Reasoning section preparation on GMAT exam requires applicants to focus on their reading abilities, comprehension of the given context of questions and reason their answers based on arguments tested in this section. There are three question types targetted in this section namely - Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction. In order to tackle these questions, applicants will have to focus more on their practice and regular reading habits. Discussions will also help applicants understand different perspectives and contexts. 

The Verbal Reasoning on GMAT tests applicants on:

• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Reasoning
• English grammar and skills

A well planned study schedule, regular practice and brushing up the English language skills are essential to score more on VR section of GMAT. Applicants must also have a thorough understanding of the VR section's syllabus and must cover it end to end to aim for a high score.

The syllabus of Data Insights (DI) section on the GMAT exam consists of the following topics:

• Data Sufficiency
• Multi Source Reasoning
• Table Analysis
• Graphics Interpretation
• Two Part Analyses

In order to target Integrated Reasoning questions on GMAT which include - Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis, applicants will have to think critically and show their analytical skills. Based on these skills and ofcourse practice, applicants can target these type of questions on the GMAT exam. Applicants will get only 30 minutes to target 12 questions, which they mut time during their mock tests and preparation also. The major focus should be on understanding the questions and then answering them.

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. 

DI section includes a lot of topics that require critical and analytical prowess which comes only with practice. Applicants who are good with interpreting data can be at an added advantage here. This section can be best attempted only after looking at different data sets and assessing them and answering the questions accordingly. 

There are various sources available online where one can get useful study material to prepare for the GMAT test. Following are the sources where one can study and prepare for the GMAT for free:

• Official GMAC site (mba.com): Here, you can get tips to prepare for the exam and free GMAT practice tests as well
• Manhattan Prep: It offers free GMAT online prep tools that are very useful for the candidates preparing for the GMAT exam
• Veritas Prep: It offers free GMAT lessons and free tools that will come in handy while preparing for the exam

If at some point you prepared for GMAT 10th Edition and are planning to appear for the GMAT Focus Edition, then here are a few strategies to help you adjust your study plan for GMAT Focus. 

1. Since GMAT Focus is shorter, applicants will have to effectovely plan their question solving capacity.
2. Understand that answering more correct questions here is the key rather than aiming for multiple questions and answering them incorrectly.
3. Practice taking GMAT and solve multiple GMAT sample papers to understand the pattern of the paper. The mock test of GMAT Focus may be difficult to access so relying on available materials is important. 
4. Since GMAT Focus has the bookmarking questions feature where applicants can come back to review and edit, will also be an added advantage for the applicants.

Being able to follow these will aid applicants in their GMAT preparation and also transition from GMAT 10th edition to GMAT Focus. 

In order to understand about the GMAT exam prep timeline and MBA admissions, you need to take into account multiple factors. These factors include the study abroad intakes. MBA or MIM admission deadlines, your current GMAT prep level, and the time required for preparing the admission documents (statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, an updated resume, admission essays, etc.). You must begin your MBA abroad process 10-12 months before the application date. Research the institutes and arrange your finances. Typically, it will take 3-6 months to prepare for the GMAT. During this time, you must prepare your admission documents as well. Hence, your GMAT preparation must begin at least 10-12 months before the MBA application date. Once you are done with the GMAT exam, you can then focus on other aspects of your MBA application.

Yes, GMAT exam preparation is quite time consuming and requires a lot of precision in terms of applicant's understanding. The sections on GMAT are four in total and each section has a certain set of question type that are targetted in a timebound manner. Applicants have to time their preapration for GMAT because there's lots to cover based on syllabus and pattern. Plus for some the Quant section may be challenging, while for others the Verbal Reasoning section may be challenging. Based on the difficulty time should be allocated for GMAT preparation for individual sections and holistically as well.

Once the applicant decides to give GMAT exam, he or she should first understand the time that will be taken for GMAT preparation. The GMAT exam preparation varies with each applicant, and some applicants may need more time while the others may not. Once the applicant is completely sure of the fact that they wish to appear for GMAT, they should begin their preparation. The preparation for GMAT exam should be timely divided and applicants should identify their strategies first. 

One needs to have a strategy to prepare for the GMAT to get a perfect score on the GMAT. Step 1: Make sure to understand the GMAT syllabus and GMAT pattern. Step 2: Candidates need to study regularly Step 3: Practice study material consistently Step 4: Learn the fundamentals Step 5: Focus on increasing your speed Step 6: Practice mock tests and learn where you are stuck. Here are some additional points:

• Do not leave the official GMAT study material. It is non-negotiable if you wish to score well on the GMAT. You must complete the official GMAT study material at least twice.
• Prepare short notes during the course of your GMAT preparation 2023. They will aid in your revision.
• Appear for GMAT mocks every week. Do not leave them at any cost.

GMAT exam is actually very tough, as only a handful number of students crack the exam. Out of 200,000 students, only 6% of the students qualified the exam. SIne the competition is very high, these tests are a hard nut to crack. Students preparing for GMAT exam will have to prepare rigorously and solve question papers in order to crack the exam. GMAT is hard to crack but not impossible. With the right strategies, students can aim to crack the exam. 

Check out: Is GMAT exam tough?

CAT syllabus comprises topics like Quantitative, Logical and Verbal Reasoning, under the sections - Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).

Whereas, GMAT Focus Edition syllabus comprises sections on Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. Irrespective of the exam, it is important for the students to understand the pattern and the syllabus of the exam they are appearing for.

When it comes to the GMAT entrance exam, different countries and MBA colleges have different preferences. However, the GMAT entrance exam is a popular standardized exam that is accepted for MBA admission by more than 2,400 institutions. Some of the popular countries where GMAT is widely accepted for MBA and MIM admissions include the US, Canada, Australia, India, the UK, Singapore, Germany, Finland, Norway, etc. It is crucial to examine the unique prerequisites of each MBA programme you are considering to find out which admissions examinations are recognised and what score range is competitive. Additionally, candidates may decide to take practice exams or enrol in a GMAT prep course to increase their chances of passing the exam and getting accepted into the MBA programme of their choice.

More than 7,700 graduate management programs across the world use GMAT scores to give admission to aspirants. However, the GMAT score is not the only criterion for getting selected for a good MBA college. B-Schools usually look for candidates who have a holistic profile that has sound academic, managerial work experience, extracurricular activities, etc. Moreover, your admission documents (statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, resume, admission essays, etc.) also matter to a large extent. Hence, you need to be careful with your application documents also.

Usually, anything above 700 is considered a good GMAT score. With consistency, one can score 700+ on the GMAT. With a proper study plan, one should also practice mock tests and have a grip on the fundamentals. You should start by understanding the GMAT exam syllabus and pattern. Then, you must select the correct GMAT books and resources. Do not buy too many books else, you will be confused. Once you have completed the GMAT official guide and other official material, you can refer to Manhattan guides. You must give full-length mock tests every week to gauge your performance.

650 - 690 is a good score, however, if you score above 700 then it is great and it also enhances your chances of securing admission to a top B-school. However, a good GMAT score is not the only criterion for securing admission to a top MBA college. Students need to build a holistic profile that should have a decent balance of work experience, academic excellence, extracurricular activities, etc. Nonetheless, a good GMAT score will definitely help you in improving your candidature. Make sure to cover every aspect of the GMAT syllabus with the correct resources.

GMAT exam tests different skill sets like the ability to think critically, the ability to analyse data, and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. According to an estimate, only 5-6% of candidates are able to score more than 720+. So, one needs to develop these skills to get a decent score in order to get admission to their dream B-school. Students must look at the GMAT from the perspective of B-schools. GMAT is only testing those quantitative and verbal reasoning skills that are required by a student to survive a B-school curriculum. It is not a test of management, but of general reasoning skills.

Yes, applicants who will appear for GMAT Focus Edition will have to put in lower time for preparing for the exam, plus, questions on Geometry and Sentence Correction are no more a part of the GMAT syllabus. Also applicants will not have to prepare for the writing section because it is not a part of the new GMAT exam version. Hence, one sectional reducation can benefit the students with their overall preparation. 

First, you must jot down the wntire GMAT exam syllabus on a paper, section wise and pin it up on your study desk. Then plan your study schedule as per the time you would need per topic. Approach the syllabus one topic at a time and keep it marking when its complete on the paper that is pinned. Keep revising the topic on a regular basis and ensure that you have practiced enough on that topic and also on the complete syllabus. This is the ideal way to target your GMAT exam syllabus.