GMAT Exam Syllabus

The GMAT exam pattern is developed to primarily test a candidate’s Reasoning Skills. The exam is conducted round the year and you can apply and appear in GMAT five times a year to improve your GMAT score and percentile. Below is shared the Sectional composition and score range for GMAT Exam Pattern.

GMAT exam syllabus is clearly defined for each of its sections. Shared below is the GMAT section wise syllabus:

a) Quantitative Reasoning
This section assessed algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge and how you apply this knowledge to solve problems. It is composed of 21 Problem Solving questions. These types of questions require some knowledge of arithmetic and elementary algebra. Answering these questions correctly relies on logic and analytical skills, not the underlying math skills. You cannot use a calculator while working on this section.

b) Verbal Reasoning
This section measures your ability to read and comprehend written material and to reason and evaluate arguments. It is composed of 23 Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions. 
The question types you'll find on this section are:

• Reading Comprehension questions measure your ability to understand words and statements, understand logical relationships between significant points, draw inferences, and follow the development of quantitative concepts. Specifically, the following reading skills will be tested: main idea, supporting idea, inference, application, logical structure, and style.
• Critical Reasoning questions measure your ability to make arguments, evaluate arguments, and formulate or evaluate a plan of action. Critical Reasoning questions are based on a short reading passage, usually fewer than 100 words. Typically, the short text comes with a question that asks you which of the five answer options strengthens or weakens an argument, tells why the argument is flawed, or strongly supports or damages the argument. You will not need specialized knowledge of the subject matter to answer the questions.

c) Data Insights
The Data Insights section measures candidates’ ability to analyze and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios. It also measures digital and data literacy—one of the most relevant and in-demand skills in business today.  

It is composed of 20 questions that ask you to assess how multiple sources and types of information – including graphic, numeric, and verbal – relate to one another and can be leveraged to make informed decisions. Questions may require math, data analysis, verbal reasoning, or all three. You can use an on-screen calculator while working on this section.
The question types you'll find on this section are:

• Data Sufficiency: Measures your ability to analyze a quantitative problem, recognize which data is relevant, and determine at what point there is enough data to solve the problem.
• Multi-Source Reasoning: Measures your ability to examine data from multiple sources including text passages, tables, graphics, or some combination of the three—and to analyze each source of data carefully to answer multiple questions. Some questions will require you to recognize discrepancies among different sources of data, while others will ask you to draw inferences, or require you to determine whether data is relevant.
• Table Analysis: Measures your ability to sort and analyze a table of data, similar to a spreadsheet, in order to determine what information is relevant or meets certain conditions.
• Graphics Interpretation: Measures your ability to interpret the information presented in a graph or other graphical image (scatter plot, x/y graph, bar chart, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution) to discern relationships, and make inferences.
• Two-Part Analysis: Measures your ability to solve complex problems. They could be quantitative, verbal, or some combination of both. The format is intentionally versatile to cover a wide range of content. Your ability to evaluate trade-offs, solve simultaneous equations, and discern relationships between two entities is measured.

• Arithmetic: Topics include basic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, exponents, roots, and number properties.
• Algebra: Covers topics such as equations, inequalities, quadratic equations, functions, and sequences.
• Geometry: Focuses on lines, angles, triangles, polygons, circles, coordinate geometry, and solid geometry.
• Word Problems: Includes application-based questions involving topics like ratios, proportions, rates, work, time, distance, and probability.
• Data Sufficiency: This question format evaluates your ability to determine if the given data is sufficient to answer a problem.

• Reading Comprehension: You'll read passages from various subjects and answer questions related to main ideas, supporting details, inferences, and author's tone.
• Critical Reasoning: Questions in this section require you to evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, strengthen or weaken arguments, and draw logical conclusions.
• Sentence Correction: Focuses on grammar, sentence structure, and effective expression. You'll be asked to choose the best version of a sentence or identify errors.
• Vocabulary: Though not explicitly tested, a strong vocabulary will aid in understanding passages and questions.

• Multi-Source Reasoning: You'll be presented with information from different sources, such as tables, graphs, and text, and asked to answer questions based on the given data.
• Graphics Interpretation: Questions in this format involve analyzing a graph or chart and selecting the correct response that completes the statement.
• Two-Part Analysis: These questions ask you to solve a problem and choose two correct responses from multiple options.
• Table Analysis: You'll be given a sortable table, and you'll need to analyze the data to answer questions accurately.
• Reasoning from Incomplete Information: These questions assess your ability to draw logical conclusions despite missing information.

Analysis of an Argument: In this section, you are provided with an argument and required to analyze its logical soundness, identify assumptions, evaluate evidence, and construct a coherent response.

It's important to note that the GMAT exam does not require in-depth knowledge of specific subjects like business or economics. Instead, it assesses your ability to reason, analyze information, and solve problems. Familiarizing yourself with the question formats and practicing with sample questions and official GMAT materials will help you prepare effectively for each section. Below are shared the GMAT Preparation Tips section wise as per GMAT syllabus.