GMAT Exam Syllabus: Section-Wise Syllabus, GMAT Exam Pattern, & Tips to Prepare (2024 Guide)

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a globally recognized exam designed for students preparing to get admission at top business schools and pursue advanced management degrees. The GMAT exam syllabus is designed to assess skills crucial for success in graduate management programs, such as quantitative reasoning, data insights, and verbal reasoning. Whether you are aiming for an MBA or another business-related graduate program, understanding the structure of the exam and preparing effectively becomes important to achieving a competitive score. This blog will explore the GMAT syllabus breakdown and preparation tips to help you better appear for the exam.

GMAT Exam Overview

Administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) that adjusts question difficulty based on your answers. It means if you answer questions correctly, the following ones will be more challenging, allowing the exam to analyze your skill level more precisely.

The GMAT exam is recognized by over 7,700 programs across 2,400+ universities and institutions globally. Thus, making it one of the most sought-after exams for business school admissions. The GMAT examination fee in India stands at $275 (Rs 22,600 approx).

The GMAT exam pattern and syllabus are crafted to assess a candidate’s analytical, quantitative, verbal, and critical reasoning skills, all of which are essential for success in a business or management program.

GMAT Exam Pattern

The GMAT exam pattern has undergone a significant update in 2023 with the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition, which is now the only version available for the test. This version of the GMAT exam is shorter, lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes, compared to the previous 3 hours and 7 minutes. The exam now has three sections that aim to reflect the skills needed for business courses. 

Aside from the quantitative and verbal reasoning, the data insights section has been introduced in the GMAT paper pattern. This section evaluates a candidate’s ability to interpret, analyze, and reason with complex data, which is essential in the present data-driven business landscape.

The GMAT test subjects as per the new pattern, along with the number of questions, duration, and applicable score range, have been mentioned below:

Section	Number of Questions	Duration	Applicable Score Range
Quantitative Reasoning	21	45 Minutes	60 – 90
Verbal Reasoning	23	45 Minutes	60 – 90
Data Insights	20	45 Minutes	60 – 90
Grand Total	64	2 Hours 15 Minutes(with an optional 10-minute break)	200 – 800

GMAT Exam Syllabus

The GMAT exam is prepared to evaluate key skills required for success in the field of business and management. Each section of the GMAT examination syllabus targets specific skill sets like math and problem-solving, language and reasoning, and data analysis, respectively. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the GMAT syllabus for each section:

1. GMAT Exam Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus

The GMAT exam quantitative reasoning syllabus analyzes your ability to solve mathematical problems using basic principles of arithmetic and algebra. The use of calculators is not permitted for this section. Therefore, a solid understanding of core mathematical concepts is essential. The focus of this section is to test your ability to approach each problem methodically, applying reasoning skills to arrive at the correct answer. 

Here are the key areas covered in the GMAT maths syllabus:

a. Arithmetic Questions

The arithmetic questions involve the following: 

• Decimals and Fractions
• Ratios and Proportions
• Percentages
• Speed, Time, and Distance
• Probability
• Simple and Compounded Interest
• Average
• Multiples and Factors
• Number Properties 

b. Algebra and Problem Solving Questions

The algebra and problem-solving questions involve the following:

• Permutation and Combination
• Algebraic Expressions and Equations
• Arithmetic and Geometric progression
• Statistics
• Exponents
• Functions

2. GMAT Exam Verbal Reasoning Syllabus

The GMAT exam verbal reasoning syllabus is designed to evaluate your comprehension and reasoning abilities through critical reasoning and reading comprehension. It emphasizes your ability to analyze written material and develop logical arguments. 

The key elements of the GMAT English syllabus include:

• Reading Comprehension: It consists of comprehension passages up to 350 words long.
• Critical Reasoning: It includes short passages typically under 100 words.

For both of these sections, the candidates will be asked to work on the following types of questions:

• Sentence Correction
• Subject-Verb Agreement
• The Rhetorical Construction of the Sentences
• Countable vs. Uncountable
• Misplace Modifiers

3. GMAT Exam Data Insights Syllabus

The data insights section of the GMAT exam tests your ability to interpret and analyze data for business applications. Unlike the quantitative section, an on-screen calculator is provided to assist with calculations. You will be required to interpret complex data from graphs, tables, and charts, making logical conclusions and decisions based on the information provided.

The data insight section of the GMAT syllabus covers:

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

Looking for expert guidance to crack the GMAT exam? Check out Internshala’s study abroad program and build a winning strategy with the help of experts.

GMAT Exam Preparation Tips

Preparing for the GMAT examination syllabus requires a strategic approach that focuses on understanding key concepts, improving problem-solving skills, and developing time management skills. With the updated GMAT focus edition syllabus, here are some general tips to help you succeed:

1. Understand the Exam Structure:

Familiarize yourself with the three sections, which are, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. Knowing what types of questions to expect and the time limits for each section will help you develop a more effective study plan.

2. Build a Strong Foundation:

Focus on mastering the basics in areas like arithmetic, algebra, reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and data interpretation. The GMAT exam syllabus tests your ability to apply these fundamental skills to solve complex problems. Therefore, having a solid foundation of the basic concepts is important.

3. Stay Consistent and Organized:

Create a structured study plan that covers all the major topics of the GMAT exam syllabus. Break your preparation into manageable sections and set regular goals to track your progress. Consistency in your study routine will help you cover all areas of the syllabus efficiently.

4. Simulate Exam Conditions:

Take full-length GMAT practice exams under timed conditions to simulate the real test environment. This will help you get used to the pressure of completing the exam within the allotted time and help reduce your anxiety.

Additionally, you can use official practice tests to familiarize yourself with the GMAT exam pattern, and consider enrolling in GMAT preparation courses if you need additional support.

Conclusion

The GMAT exam syllabus is designed to test a range of critical skills needed for success in graduate business programs. By understanding the updated syllabus and preparing strategically, you can effectively tackle all the questions asked in the GMAT examination. Further, the tips mentioned above will greatly enhance your performance in the exam.

If you want to find out more about pursuing management courses abroad, read our guide on MBA in the USA. Learn about the universities, eligibility requirements, study and living expenses, and more. 

FAQs