GMAT Syllabus 2023: Section-wise GMAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern

GMAC introduced the GMAT Focus Edition in 2023. The current GMAT exam will be available until at least early 2024. Registrations for both the GMAT exam formats were available from August 29, 2023. In the GMAT Syllabus Update section of this article, we will inform you of the new syllabus of the GMAT (i.e. GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus).

The GMAT syllabus for the GMAT Focus Edition is different from the GMAT syllabus of the current exam. AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) and SC (Sentence Correction) have been removed. In addition, a new section called Data Insights (DI) has been launched which is based on IR (Integrated Reasoning) and will also contain DS (Data Sufficiency). The table given below provides the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus:

Important: For a complete analysis of the GMAT Focus Edition, students must visit our GMAT Focus Edition article.

GMAT is a 3-hour and 7-minute long computer adaptive test that is scored on a scale of 200-800. GMAT syllabus consists of various topics spread across the following sections:

• Analytical Writing
• Integrated Reasoning
• Quantitative Aptitude Section
• Verbal Reasoning Section

Before understanding the GMAT syllabus, it is important to know about the GMAT exam pattern. The GMAT exam pattern is divided into four sections Writing, Reasoning, Verbal and Quantitative skills. Further, the GMAT is a Computer Adaptive Test of 3 hours 30 minutes and comprises both objective and subjective questions. There are a total of 91 questions. 

Before we understand the finer details of the GMAT exam syllabus, it will be good to know an overview of all the types of questions asked on the GMAT. The table given below provides the types of questions asked on the GMAT:

Whether it is the GMAT Quant syllabus, GMAT Math syllabus, GMAT Verbal syllabus, or GMAT English syllabus, we have discussed all the sections of the GMAT syllabus 2023 below.

The Analytical Writing section will have topics on which the candidate will have to write, or a passage may be given on which questions will be asked. On the basis of the passage, the candidate will have to answer. The syllabus for this section is vast and varied as the topic of the passage could be any topic of interest. The main idea is to focus on the structure of the answer and not the arguments presented. Remember, it is not a test of your opinion but your writing style, so it is safer to stick to a neutral opinion.

• Argument Essay:

  In this section, you have to analyse the reasoning and then present your argument. Remember, you will be judged on how well-reasoned you find a given argument. Also, check whether the argument is logically sound or not and make sure not to make any baseless assumptions. Give importance to syntax and grammar to support or stand against the critique presented in the question.

• Issue Essay:

  In this section, you have to write an essay on the issue given to you. The candidate has to give an opinion in around 600 words. The opinion can be supportive of the given statement or candidates can give their own opinion. However, make sure to give your opinion in a properly structured manner as you will be judged on this basis.

Tips to Prepare for GMAT 2023 Exam AWA

In order to score well on the GMAT AWA section, students must keep in mind the following points:

• Structure: Your GMAT AWA essay has to be structured. The introduction, body, and conclusion should be distinct from one another. To ensure a smooth transition between concepts, each paragraph needs to be integrated with the one after it.
• Argument Analysis: It is vital to break down the given argument and understand the assumptions, weaknesses, and strengths of the same. This will help you critically analyse it and put your points across clearly.
• Examples: Mention relevant examples that can support your points as you critique the argument.
• Solution: In the conclusion, mention how the argument can be strengthened. The solution must be based on the flaws that you found in the argument.

The Integrated Reasoning section is the newest addition to the GMAT Syllabus. This section tests the candidates’ ability to evaluate the data presented in graph or table format. This section has 12 questions of the following type:

• Table Analysis:

  This section measures candidates’ ability to sort and analyze a table comprising data, like a spreadsheet, to determine the important information or the one that meets certain conditions.

• Two-Part Analysis:

  Measures the candidates’ skills to solve complex problems. The problems can be verbal, quantitative, or a combination of both. The format is versatile and covers a wide range of content. The candidates’ ability to solve simultaneous equations, evaluate trade-offs, and discern relationships between two entities is measured.

• Multi-Source Reasoning:

  It measures candidates’ skills to examine data from multiple sources tables, graphics, text passages, or a combination of all three and analyze each source of data carefully for answering multiple questions. The candidates will be asked to draw inferences and others may require you to determine whether data is important. In a few questions, candidates will have to recognize discrepancies among different sources of data.

• Graphics Interpretation:

  It measures candidates’ ability to interpret the information presented in a graph or graphical image (scatter plot, x/y graph, bar chart, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution) to find out relationships, and make inferences.

Tips to Prepare for GMAT 2023 Exam IR Section

Here are some important GMAT IR tips:

• Understand the Skills Required: Understand what skills are tested in the GMAT IR section. These include analysis of the given information, organizing it, and combining it to solve the given questions.
• Notes: Take notes of each tab. It will help you keep track of the information.
• Understand the Problem Type: Understand how the large volume of data works. It will come through practice.
• Guessing: If you are stuck on a question or you are not comfortable with that question type, you may make a calculated guess and move on to the one you are comfortable with.

The Quantitative Section comprises a total of 31 questions which are spread over two sections, namely Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. In the Data Sufficiency section, there will be 13-14 questions and in the Problem Solving section, there will be 17-18 questions. The questions will be objective type and will have multiple-choice answers. In this section, the questions can be expected from the following math syllabus:

• Problem Solving

  17-18 of the total questions in the GMAT Quantitative section are from the Problem Solving. It measures the candidates’ skills in using logic and analytical reasoning for solving quantitative problems.

• Data Sufficiency

  It measures the candidates’ ability to examine a quantitative problem, identify which data is important, and determine at what point there is enough data to solve the problem.

GMAT Quant Section Topics

The topics are further divided into the following categories:

Tips for GMAT 2023 Exam Quants

The following GMAT Quantitative Reasoning tips will help you score well on the Quants Section. To know the details GMAT 2023 Quants syllabus, students may visit this link.

• Starting Point: Start with the basics. You may begin with Manhattan guides if you feel that your math is weak. If you have a good base, you may directly start by solving the GMAT OG.
• Note Making: As you prepare, make sure to write the math formulae, concepts, and tricks on A4 sheets. Revise them from time to time. In order to utilize your time, you may revise them while you are travelling. Please understand that scoring well on any exam requires sacrifice and dedication.
• Practice: This point needs to elaboration.
• Memorize: Yes! You must memorize squares up to 30, cubes up to 20, and tricks to quickly solve square roots and cube roots. The best way to do this is to visit the Banking Exam prep websites that have excellent tricks for speed math.

This Verbal Skills section will have 36 multiple-choice questions. This section is divided into Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Sentence Correction. This section tests the candidates’ ability to comprehend the written material and read and understand the logical relationship between the points mentioned in the passage and concepts.

• Critical Reasoning

  GMAT Critical Reasoning syllabus consists of different types of arguments that measure candidates’ skills to analyse argument structure, evaluate arguments, assumptions, formulate or evaluate a plan of action, strengthen/weaken an argument, complete an argument, etc.

• Reading Comprehension

  It measures the candidates’ skill to draw inferences, understand logical relationships between significant points, understand words and statements, and follow the development of quantitative concepts. GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) syllabus includes short and long passages wherein candidates are tested on the following reading skills: inference, application, main idea, supporting the idea, logical structure, and style.

• Sentence Correction

  This section measures two broad aspects of the candidates’ language proficiency. The first aspect is to correct expressions while referring to sentences that are grammatically and structurally sound. The second aspect is an effective expression while referring to sentences that effectively express an idea or relationship clearly, concisely, and grammatically.

GMAT Sentence Correction (SC) consists of the following topics:

• • Grammar and its rules: This is the most important part of the Sentence Correction syllabus as it forms the building block of your Verbal Reasoning preparation.
  • Structure of a Sentence
  • Modifiers
  • Parallelism
  • Comparison
  • Nouns & Pronouns
  • Verbs
  • Idioms
  • Other Topics: Combination of the above topics such as Parallelism and comparisons, Verbs and pronouns, etc.

Tips for GMAT 2023 Exam Verbal Reasoning

The following tips for the GMAT verbal section will help you score well:

• Starting Point is GMAT SC: Start with grammar rules. Pick up the GMAT SC guide by Manhattan, read it thoroughly, and prepare short notes of the same. Then you can move on to the GMAT OG and other official study material.
• GMAT RC: Understand the different types of questions that are asked in the GMAT RC section. During your preparation, make sure to develop a habit of writing the main point of any paragraph. It will help you immensely during the exam.
• GMAT CR: Understand the different question types asked in the GMAT CR section. Make sure that you practice all of those. Learn to identify the gaps, assumptions, strengths, weaknesses, etc. in a given argument.

To be able to study on your own effectively, you need a few good GMAT books and resources, along with study material, motivation, and self-discipline. On the other hand, if time is a constraint and you feel the need for professional guidance to ensure a competitive edge in GMAT exam preparation, then joining a coaching centre for GMAT in your location is the better option.

Covering the GMAT syllabus in 3-6 months is not a difficult task. Here are a few tips that will help you plan your GMAT syllabus preparation:

• Understand the GMAT exam syllabus and pattern thoroughly.
• Make sure to start your preparation with the official GMAT study material, which includes the GMAT OG. Official study material must be the base and the starting point of your preparation.
• Once you complete the official study material, you can move on to Manhattan Prep GMAT guides. They are an authentic source of GMAT preparation. In addition, you may consult other sources such as Veritas, Magoosh, etc.
• Make sure that you visit the GMAT Club and Beat the GMAT forums on a regular basis. You can find practice questions, B-school reviews, toppers’ experiences, etc.
• Appear for multiple GMAT mock tests. It will help you gauge your preparation levels and progress.

Check out Preparation Tips for GMAT Syllabus in detail.

Most top MBA Colleges require a good GMAT score and it is extremely critical for candidates to score well on the GMAT exam to meet the GMAT cut-off for their desired B-School. Besides a GMAT score, students also need to submit their updated resume, transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, admission essays, etc. in order to receive admission from an MBA college.

In order to prepare the GMAT syllabus for MBA, students typically require 3-6 months (average 4 months). The table given below provides a 4-month plan to cover the GMAT exam syllabus:

It is advised that students take their GMAT exam syllabus completion very seriously. GMAT score is something that you can control with your efforts. For more details on the GMAT exam syllabus, check our FAQs.

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