The Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT – Focus Edition is a computer-adaptive standardised test used for admissions by top b-schools worldwide. GMAT focus scores are accepted for admissions to over 7000 programs across 2300 colleges and universities. The test analyses a candidate’s quantitative and analytical skills for a graduate management program.
Let’s dive into the GMAT exam pattern and syllabus.
The GMAT Focus is a 2-hour and 15-minute long exam, with one optional 10-minute break between any two sections. Scored on a scale of 205-805, the GMAT covers more than 50 topics in three sections, namely:
Quantitative Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning
Data Insights
SECTION |
QUESTIONS |
TIME IN MINUTES |
SCORE RANGE |
Quantitative Reasoning |
21 |
45 |
60-90 |
Verbal Reasoning |
23 |
45 |
60-90 |
Data Insights |
20 |
45 |
60-90 |
TOTAL |
64 |
2 Hours 15 Minutes |
205-805 |
You can select the order of the sections as per your preference.
The quantitative reasoning section contains Problem Solving questions, where you’re given a question that has five answer choices. In order to pick your answer choice, you have to solve for a numeric value or algebraic expression.
Comprising a total of 21 questions to be answered in 45 minutes, the GMAT Focus quant section tests your knowledge and analysis of basic mathematical concepts. The GMAT math syllabus includes the following topics:
Arithmetic – numbers and their powers and roots, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion, sets, counting methods, discrete probability.
Algebra – equations, inequalities, absolute value, functions and exponents.
Made up of 23 questions to be answered in 45 minutes, the Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to read and comprehend written content and to reason and evaluate arguments. The GMAT Focus exam syllabus for the Verbal Reasoning section is based on two question types:
Reading comprehension – questions ask you to refer to a passage of up to 350 words and answer questions based on the main idea, supporting ideas, inferences, context, style, and tone, etc.
Critical reasoning – questions check you on argument construction, argument evaluation, and formulating/evaluating a plan of action based on shorter passages.
The Data Insights section consists of 20 questions to be answered in 45 minutes. This section measures your ability to interpret and analyse data. An on-screen calculator is available for all questions in this section.
Data Sufficiency – Questions have two statements of data, but instead of solving for a numeric value, you pick the answer choice that has enough information to solve the problem.
Multi-Source Reasoning – Questions will ask you to synthesize, compare, interpret or apply the information presented in written passages, tables, graphs, diagrams, and other types of visual representation.
Table Analysis – Questions ask you to determine statistics, ratios, proportions or probabilities, etc., from a given spreadsheet-like table with a drop-down menu.
Graphics Interpretation – Fill-in-the-blank questions to be answered based on given bar graphs, line graphs, scatterplots, and bubble graphs.
Two-Part Analysis – Questions will ask you to calculate proportion, determine trade-offs, etc. and choose answer options that will be given in tabular format.
Sr. No. |
Section Name |
Question Type |
1. |
Quantitative Reasoning |
|
2. |
Verbal Reasoning |
|
3. |
Data Insights |
|
In the quest to find the best-fit candidates, B-schools assess your applications holistically, and your GMAT Focus score plays a crucial part. The GMAT syllabus for MBA is designed to test your analytical, logical, and problem-solving skills. It’s therefore imperative that you give your best on this exam.