GMAT Syllabus 2023

GMAT Exam Syllabus: Different Syllabus for GMAT 2023 & GMAT Focus Edition 2024; Check the Key Differences in Exam Pattern & Syllabus; Options Available

Starting from Nov 7, 2023 there are two versions of GMAT exam – Present 4 section GMAT of 3 hours, 7 Minutes duration; and GMAT Focus Edition exam with 3 sections and 2 hours 15 minutes duration. Both the exams will be available till January 31, 2024 and from February 1, 2024, only GMAT Focus Edition will be available for the candidates. The present version of GMAT exam will discontinue after Jan 31, 2024.

GMAT and GMAT Focus Edition exam syllabus is clearly defined for each section. While GMAT 2023 exam has four sections, the GMAT Focus Edition has only three sections. As such the GMAT syllabus will change in 2024 as the GMAC has announced to launch the new format of ‘GMAT Exam Focus Edition’ with three sections.

Conducted by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for more than 60 years, the GMAT is a ‘Computer Adaptive Test’ which is backed by decades of peer-reviewed research including hundreds of validity studies in the last 10 years alone. The GMAT is a standardized exam used as a criterion for admission into many graduate-level business programs, such as MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs.

The GMAT exam score is accepted by more than 2,400 MBA colleges and universities across the Globe. Before we go deep into GMAT 2023 syllabus and new format of GMAT Focus Edition syllabus, let’s know the key points to Note about GMAT syllabus:

• The GMAT 2023 exam syllabus is developed to primarily test a candidate’s Reasoning Skills
• GMAT is conducted round the year and you can apply and appear in GMAT 5 times a year to improve your GMAT score and percentile
• GMAT is conducted in two testing modes – Computer based test at Exam Centers and Online Proctored Test which you can take from the convenience of your home
• The GMAT syllabus for both testing modes is same

Read Table of Contents below to know all about the GMAT 2023 Exam Syllabus, GMAT Focus Edition 2024 Syllabus, Difference & Section wise syllabus highlights that would help you in your preparation strategy as per latest GMAT syllabus.

Table of Contents

1. GMAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern 2023: Key Highlights
2. GMAT Exam Focus Edition 2024 Syllabus: Key Highlights
3. GMAT 2023 Exam and GMAT Focus Edition 2024: Key Comparison
4. GMAT 2023 Syllabus: Key Facts
5. GMAT Exam Sectional Syllabus & Paper Composition 2023
6. GMAT Section Wise Syllabus at a Glance 2023
7. GMAT Syllabus 2023 for Quantitative Reasoning
8. GMAT Syllabus 2023 for Verbal Reasoning
9. GMAT Syllabus 2023 for Integrated Reasoning
10. GMAT Syllabus 2023 for Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
11. GMAT Syllabus 2023 Preparation Tips: Overall & Section wise
12. Current GMAT Pattern to Change as GMAT Exam Focus Edition in 2024

1. GMAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern 2023: Key Highlights
There are four different sections in GMAT Exam Format 2023, namely Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA); Integrated Reasoning (IR); Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning.

Total duration of GMAT 2023 is three hours and seven minutes with specific time allotted for each of the four sections. Key highlights of GMAT Syllabus & pattern 2023 are as shared below:

2. GMAT Exam Focus Edition 2024 Syllabus: Key Highlights
There are three different sections in GMAT Exam Focus Edition 2024 Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. Total duration of GMAT Focus Edition 2024 is 2 hours 15 minutes with 45 minutes allotted for each of the three sections. Key highlights of GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus & pattern 2024 are as shared below:

2.1 GMAT Focus Edition: Sectional Syllabus
Details of GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus for all the three Sections is as below:

2.1.1 GMAT Focus Edition Section-1 Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus

• This section no longer contains Data Sufficiency questions.
• This section measures your algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge and how you apply this knowledge to solve problems.
• The section is composed of 21 Problem Solving questions.
• The questions in this section would require some knowledge of arithmetic and elementary algebra. Answering these questions correctly relies on logic and analytical skills, and not only on the underlying math skills
• You cannot use a calculator while working on this section.

2.1.2 GMAT Focus Edition Section-2: Verbal Reasoning Syllabus

• This section no longer contains Sentence Correction (SC) questions
• This section measures your ability to read and comprehend written material and to reason and evaluate arguments
• VR in GMAT Focus Edition is composed of 23 Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions
• 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 of fewer than 100 words
• 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.

2.1.3 GMAT Focus Edition Section-3: Data Insights Syllabus
The Data Insights section measures candidates’ ability to analyze and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios

With the GMAT™ Exam - Focus Edition’s updated test design, Data Insights leverages Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency question types to measure a newly calibrated digital and data literacy dimension—one of the most relevant and in-demand skills in business today  

GMAT Focus Edition Data Insights section 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.

3. GMAT 2023 Exam and GMAT Focus Edition 2024: Key Comparison
GMAC has announced to launch new version of GMAT - GMAT Exam Focus Edition in 2024 with more flexibility, shorter duration, three sections instead of present four sections with the score of all the 3 sections taken into account for score and percentile calculation. The registration for the GMAT Exam Focus Edition begins on August 29, 2023 and the first GMAT exam focus edition will be conducted from October 2023.

The current version of the GMAT™ exam will continue to be available until early 2024 to facilitate your in-progress preparation and applications for business school. The GMAT new version – GMAT Exam Focus Edition will be launched with many aspirant friendly changes as below:

4. GMAT 2023 Syllabus: Key Facts About Existing Syllabus
For 2023 and early 2024, the present GMAT 2023 syllabus with 4 sections will continue as below

• GMAT exam has a sectional time limit which varies with each section.
• Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections in GMAT Exam are computer adaptive and have multiple-choice questions.
• In the Quantitative Reasoning & Verbal Reasoning sections, one cannot skip, return to or change the response to the previous questions.
• There are two 8-minutes breaks during the GMAT exam. These breaks are, however, optional
• Test takers are given three options to choose the order in which they can attempt the four sections of the GMAT exam. Test takers can attempt the exam in one of the following three orders –
  • Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal
  • Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
  • Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
• Analytical Writing Assessment consists of an essay question and Integrated Reasoning consists of non-MCQs

5. Current GMAT Exam 2023 Sectional Composition & Syllabus
The GMAT exam is designed to test skills that are highly important to business and management programs. It assesses analytical writing and problem-solving abilities, along with the data sufficiency, logic, and critical reasoning skills that are vital to real-world business and management success. The sectional composition of GMAT syllabus 2023 is as below:

6. GMAT Syllabus Section-Wise at a Glance
Business schools worldwide use GMAT scores as part of their admissions process to evaluate applicants' academic abilities and potential for success in graduate business programs. The exam is designed to measure a test-taker's abilities in four main sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This section involves analyzing an argument and presenting a well-structured, coherent essay response within a given time limit.
• Integrated Reasoning (IR): The IR section measures the ability to evaluate and analyze data presented in various formats, such as tables, graphs, and multi-source reasoning questions.
• Quantitative Reasoning (QR): The QR section tests mathematical and analytical skills. It includes questions related to data sufficiency and problem-solving, covering topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
• Verbal Reasoning (VR): The VR section assesses reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills. It includes passages to read, questions to answer based on those passages, and questions that test English grammar and usage.

The GMAT is a computer adaptive test in nature, meaning the difficulty level of subsequent questions adjusts based on the test-taker's performance.

7. GMAT Syllabus for Quantitative Reasoning (QR)

• 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.

8. GMAT Syllabus for Verbal Reasoning (VR) 2023

• 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.

9. GMAT Syllabus for Integrated Reasoning (IR) 2023

• 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.

10. GMAT Syllabus for Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) 2023

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.

11. GMAT Syllabus 2023 Preparation Tips
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 2023 Preparation Tips section wise as per GMAT syllabus:

11.1 GMAT Syllabus Integrated Reasoning Preparation Tips
Preparing for the GMAT Integrated Reasoning (IR) section requires strong understanding of the question types and effective strategies. Below is shared a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for each type of question in the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section:

Preparation for Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR):

• Understand the structure: MSR questions present information from multiple sources (e.g., tables, graphs, text) and require you to analyze and draw conclusions.
• Practice data synthesis: Learn to extract relevant information from different sources and integrate it to answer the question.
• Develop critical thinking skills: Focus on identifying key relationships, patterns, and trends across the sources to arrive at the correct answer.

Preparation for Table Analysis:

• Familiarize yourself with different table formats: Practice interpreting and analyzing data presented in tables, such as sorting, filtering, and calculating percentages.
• Identify trends and patterns: Learn to recognize trends, outliers, and relationships within the table data.
• Time management: Develop strategies to quickly scan and comprehend the table information to answer questions efficiently.

Graphics Interpretation:

• Understand the visual representation: Interpret charts, graphs, and diagrams to identify trends, comparisons, and relationships.
• Practice data extraction: Learn to extract specific data points or relationships from the graphical representation.
• Use estimation and approximation: Develop skills to estimate values or proportions based on visual cues rather than precise calculations.

Two-Part Analysis:

• Recognize the relationship: Identify the relationship between the two parts of the question and how they interact.
• Evaluate options systematically: Consider each answer choice by testing different scenarios or using logical reasoning to determine the correct response.
• Time management: Allocate sufficient time for each part while considering the overall time limit for the section.

To effectively prepare for the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section, consider the following general tips:

1. Familiarize yourself with the question formats: Understand the structure and requirements of each question type by practicing sample questions from official GMAT preparation materials or reputable test prep resources.
2. Practice time management: Integrated Reasoning has 12 questions to be completed in 30 minutes, so develop strategies to efficiently allocate time for each question. Aim for accuracy and pacing during practice sessions.
3. Review answer explanations: After attempting practice questions, thoroughly review the explanations to understand the reasoning behind correct and incorrect answers. This will help you identify areas for improvement and develop better strategies.
4. Develop data interpretation skills: Work on enhancing your ability to extract relevant information from different sources, analyze it, and draw logical conclusions. This involves practicing with real-world data and refining your data interpretation techniques.
5. Take practice tests: Simulate the actual GMAT experience by taking full-length practice tests. This will help you assess your progress, build stamina, and identify areas that need further improvement.
6. Utilize study resources: Make use of GMAT prep materials, such as official guides, online courses, and practice books, to reinforce your understanding of Integrated Reasoning concepts and practice more questions.

Remember that regular practice, consistent effort, and a strategic approach are key to mastering the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT.

11.2 Preparation Tips for Quantitative Reasoning Section as per GMAT Syllabus
To effectively prepare for the different types of questions asked in the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section, follow these strategies for each question type:

Problem Solving Questions:

• Understand the question: Read the question carefully, identify the information provided, and determine what is being asked.
• Identify the appropriate approach: Determine the most efficient method to solve the problem based on the given information and the available answer choices.
• Solve systematically: Break down the problem into smaller steps and solve it methodically. Double-check your calculations and ensure you answer the question that was asked.
• Practice a variety of problems: Practice solving different types of problem-solving questions, including those related to arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.

Data Sufficiency Questions:
Understand the question format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of data sufficiency questions, which provide a question followed by two statements.

• Evaluate each statement individually: Determine the sufficiency of each statement to answer the question independently. Analyze the given information and avoid making any assumptions beyond what is provided.
• Combine the statements: Determine if both statements together are sufficient to answer the question. Avoid solving the question unless necessary.
• Use the answer choices effectively: Use the answer choices to guide your analysis. Eliminate options based on the sufficiency of the statements.
• Practice data sufficiency questions: Develop familiarity with the different types of data sufficiency questions and practice identifying the sufficiency of each statement.

Word Problems and Applied Mathematics:

• Translate word problems into equations: Break down the word problem into equations or mathematical expressions. Identify the variables, relationships, and constraints.
• Understand real-life scenarios: Relate the problem to a real-life scenario to better grasp the context and apply the appropriate mathematical concepts.
• Apply problem-solving techniques: Utilize problem-solving strategies such as drawing diagrams, making assumptions, using logic, and solving step-by-step.
• Practice word problems across various topics: Work on a wide range of word problems involving topics like ratios, percentages, probability, rate-time-distance, and mixtures.

Geometry Questions:

• Review geometry principles and formulas: Refresh your knowledge of basic geometry principles, such as angles, triangles, circles, polygons, and volume formulas.
• Visualize geometric figures: Practice visualizing and manipulating geometric figures in your mind. Draw diagrams when necessary to aid in problem-solving.
• Apply geometric properties: Recognize geometric properties and relationships to solve problems related to angles, areas, volumes, and similarity.
• Practice geometry questions: Solve a variety of geometry questions to strengthen your understanding and problem-solving skills in this area.

Remember to practice regularly, review your mistakes, and analyze your weak areas to focus on improvement.

11.3 Preparation Tips for Verbal Reasoning Section as per GMAT Syllabus
To effectively prepare for the different types of questions asked in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section, follow these strategies for each question type:

Reading Comprehension:

• Improve reading skills: Enhance your reading speed and comprehension by regularly reading articles, essays, and academic passages.
• Identify the main idea: Focus on understanding the main idea, purpose, and tone of the passage.
• Pay attention to structure and organization: Notice the passage's structure, transitions between paragraphs, and the author's logic and argumentation.
• Practice active reading: Highlight or take notes on important details, key arguments, and supporting evidence while reading passages.
• Practice answering questions: Solve a variety of reading comprehension questions to strengthen your ability to identify main ideas, make inferences, and answer specific questions based on the passage.

Sentence Correction:

• Brush up on grammar rules: Review grammar rules and concepts, such as subject-verb agreement, verb tense, parallelism, pronoun usage, modifiers, and idiomatic expressions.
• Develop an ear for correct English: Train yourself to identify grammatically correct and incorrect sentence structures.
• Focus on meaning: Understand the intended meaning of the sentence and how different choices impact clarity, conciseness, and logical flow.
• Eliminate answer choices systematically: Use process of elimination to identify grammatically incorrect or awkward options.
• Practice sentence correction questions: Solve a variety of sentence correction questions to reinforce your understanding of grammar rules and sentence construction.

Critical Reasoning:

• Understand argument structure: Analyze the structure of arguments, including premises, evidence, assumptions, and conclusions.
• Identify the question type: Recognize the type of critical reasoning question being asked, such as strengthen, weaken, assumption, inference, or evaluate the argument.
• Identify key elements: Pay attention to words or phrases that indicate the author's stance, logical flaws, or evidence.
• Evaluate answer choices: Carefully evaluate each answer choice, eliminating options that do not directly address the question or weaken/strengthen the argument.
• Practice critical reasoning questions: Solve a variety of critical reasoning questions to sharpen your analytical skills and ability to evaluate arguments.

Regular practice and exposure to a variety of passages, questions, and essays will help you become familiar with the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section and improve your performance. Utilize official GMAT practice materials, online resources, and practice tests to simulate the exam environment and become comfortable with the question formats. Analyze your mistakes, focus on areas of weakness, and actively work on improving your reading comprehension, grammar, critical thinking, and writing skills.

11.4 Preparation tips for Analytical Writing Assessment Section as per GMAT Syllabus

• Understand the essay structure: Familiarize yourself with the structure of analytical writing essays, which include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Practice brainstorming and outlining: Spend time brainstorming ideas, organizing your thoughts, and creating an outline before writing the essay.
• Develop strong arguments: Craft clear, concise, and well-supported arguments using relevant examples and evidence.
• Practice time management: Write practice essays within the time limit to develop your ability to express ideas effectively under time pressure.
• Seek feedback: Share your essays with others or seek feedback from experts to improve your writing skills.

12. Current GMAT Pattern to Change as GMAT Exam Focus Edition in 2024
The current version of the GMAT™ exam will continue to be available until early next year and will change to GMAT Exam Focus Edition in 2024 with more flexibility, shorter duration, three sections instead of present four sections with the score of all the 3 sections taken into account for score and percentile calculation. The registration for the GMAT Exam Focus Edition begins on August 29, 2023 and the first GMAT exam focus edition will be conducted from October 2023.