Before you dive into GMAT preparation mode, it’s important that you take a look at the ins and outs of the GMAT exam. Let’s delve into the new GMAT exam pattern, section-wise GMAT syllabus, and unravel the marking scheme to help you get closer to your MBA dreams.
In this blog:
- GMAT Focus Quant Section Pattern and Syllabus
- GMAT Focus Data Insights Section Pattern
- GMAT Data Insights Section Syllabus
- GMAT Verbal Section Pattern and Syllabus
- GMAT Syllabus for Verbal Section
- How does GMAT work as a computer-adaptive test?
- Is there negative marking in the GMAT exam?
- GMAT Focus Exam Scoring Pattern
GMAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus: Quantitative Reasoning Section
GMAT’s Quantitative Reasoning (QR) section assesses a candidate’s ability to solve quantitative problems using mathematical concepts and reasoning skills. The QR section consists of 21 multiple-choice questions based on topics including arithmetic, algebra, and problem solving that are to be answered in 45 minutes.
Good to know!
GMAT Focus Edition Quantitative section does not permit the use of a calculator.
GMAT Focus Data Insights Section Pattern
GMAT’s Data Insight section is composed of 20 questions that ask candidates 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 maths, data analysis, verbal reasoning, or all three skills. Candidates can use an on-screen calculator while working on this section.
The GMAT Data Insights section measures candidates’ ability to analyse and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios. In the GMAT Focus Edition, 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 Data Insights Section Syllabus
Here is the syllabus or the types of questions you will encounter on the GMAT Data Insights section –
- Data Sufficiency: GMAT Data Sufficiency questions require test-takers to evaluate the sufficiency of given information to solve a problem. These questions assess your ability to analyse and interpret data rather than calculate precise answers. Avoid solving the problem fully and rely only on the given information. Utilise logical reasoning and estimation techniques when applicable.
- Multi-Source Reasoning – One of the question types in the GMAT Data Insights section is Multi-Source Reasoning. In this format, test-takers are presented with a combination of textual information, charts, and tables from multiple sources. The objective is to draw conclusions, identify trends, and answer questions based on the given data.
- Table Analysis – The Table Analysis questions require test-takers to analyse and interpret data presented in a tabular format. These questions often involve interpreting and analysing the given data in the table to answer multiple sub-questions accurately.
- Graphics Interpretation – Graphics Interpretation questions present test-takers with a graph, chart, or diagram, accompanied by a question or statement. The task is to analyse the visual representation and select the most appropriate response from a given set of choices.
- Two-Part Analysis – Two-Part Analysis questions in the GMAT Data Insights section involve solving two related problems based on a given set of data. Test-takers are required to analyse the data, identify relevant information, and determine the relationship between the two problems.
GMAT Verbal Reasoning Pattern and Syllabus
The GMAT Verbal Reasoning or the VR section consists of 23 multiple-choice questions that require candidates to read and analyse passages from various sources, and answer questions based on the information provided. Again, the candidates have 45 minutes to complete this section.
The VR section assesses your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English.
GMAT Syllabus for Verbal Section
The GMAT verbal syllabus comprises Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions. Each question type tests you on a distinct set of skills but they all require strong verbal skills.
- Reading Comprehension- test your ability to understand and analyse complex written passages. You will be asked to identify the main idea of the passage, understand the author’s purpose, and identify supporting details. You may also be asked to draw inferences from the text or to compare and contrast different ideas in the passage.
- Critical Reasoning- evaluates a test-taker’s ability to analyse arguments and draw logical conclusions. It tests your ability to think critically and to evaluate arguments. You will be given an argument and asked to identify the assumptions that underlie the argument, to evaluate the strength of the argument, or to identify the flaws in the argument.
Suggested read: What is the format of the new GMAT Focus exam?
How does GMAT work as a computer-adaptive test?
The GMAT Focus Edition operates on a section-adaptive system. This means that how you perform on part-one of the quant section will determine the difficulty level of part-two. Depending on how you perform on the first quant section, you will either see a harder, medium, or easier second quant section. Same goes for the Verbal Reasoning section.
It is also important to note that your performance on the quant sections will not impact the difficulty of the verbal sections and vice versa.
Is There Negative Marking in the GMAT Exam?
You won’t find any penalty for incorrect answers on the GMAT Exam. Since the GMAT is a section-adaptive test, the question difficulty adapts to your performance. As a result, test-takers are advised to respond to every question without concern for negative marking.
Scoring As Per the GMAT New Exam Pattern
The GMAT scoring chart is designed to help you understand your performance on the exam. All three sections are factored in to calculate GMAT score. The GMAT Focus exam is scored on a scale of 205-805, and the scores are reported in increments of 10. The test-takers will receive scores ending in 5s, for instance 655, 665, 675, etc., in 10-point increments.
GMAT Exam Scoring Pattern
| Section Name | Score Range | Score Interval | Standard error of measurement |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60-90 | 1 | 3 points |
| Verbal Reasoning | 60-90 | 1 | 3 points |
| Data Insights | 60-90 | 1 | 3 points |
| Total | 205-805 | 10 | 30-40 points |
Also read:
GMAT score required for top MBA programs
Top 10 GMAT-accepting colleges in India
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