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If you’re gearing up to tackle the GMAT Focus edition, you know that it’s not just about acing the Quant and Verbal sections but also mastering the new Data Insights section. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this blog post, we’re diving into the world of GMAT Data Insights, uncovering the types of questions you’ll encounter, and sharing some savvy approaches to help you navigate this challenging section. 

In this blog:

GMAT Syllabus for GMAT Data Insights Section

Here is the GMAT Syllabus for DI or the types of questions you will encounter in the GMAT Data Insights section –

  1. 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.
    To excel in Data Sufficiency, start by understanding the question and its requirements. Carefully evaluate each statement independently, considering the provided information and any given limitations or conditions. Determine if each statement alone is sufficient to answer the question. If not, analyze whether combining the statements yields a unique solution.
  2. 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.
    To excel in Multi-Source Reasoning questions, it is crucial to scan the information provided efficiently, identify key details, and understand the relationships between different data sets. Visualising the connections and organising the information can aid in solving these complex questions effectively.
  3. 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.
    To navigate Table Analysis questions, it is essential to focus on the relevant columns, identify patterns, and compare values across different categories. Creating mental summaries, making calculations, and keeping track of important trends can aid in efficiently answering these questions within the time constraints of the GMAT.
  4. 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.
    To excel in Graphics Interpretation questions, it is essential to understand the components of the graph, identify the relationships between variables, and interpret the implications accurately. Familiarity with common types of graphs, such as bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts, is advantageous for effectively analysing the data presented.
  5. 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.
    An effective approach for tackling Two-Part Analysis questions is to break down the problems into smaller components, analyse each part independently, and then combine the information to arrive at a solution. Utilising the scratchpad or note-taking feature provided during the test can assist in organising the information and streamlining the problem-solving process.

GMAT Data Insights Practice Questions

Here are some challenging GMAT Data Insights practice questions along with their answers:

Question Type – Multi-Source Reasoning

1) A manufacturing company conducted a survey to analyse the factors affecting employee productivity. The results from the survey are presented in the table below:

Factor Percentage of Employees
Work Environment 45%
Training 28%
Compensation 18%
Leadership 9%


Based on the information provided, answer the following questions:

i) What percentage of employees rated work environment and compensation as important factors affecting productivity?

Answer: To determine the percentage of employees who rated work environment and compensation as important factors affecting productivity, we sum up the percentages for both factors:
Percentage = Percentage of Work Environment + Percentage of Compensation
= 45% + 18%
= 63%

Therefore, 63% of employees rated work environment and compensation as important factors affecting productivity.

ii) If the company invests in leadership training to increase productivity, what percentage of employees would be positively impacted?

Answer: Since 9% of employees consider leadership as an important factor affecting productivity, if the company invests in leadership training, it would positively impact 9% of employees.

Question Type – Table Analysis

A mobile phone company conducted a study to evaluate customer satisfaction levels for its three latest models – A, B, and C. The table below presents the results:

Model Very Satisfied (%) Satisfied (%) Neutral (%) Dissatisfied (%)
A 25 45 15 15
B 20 55 10 15
C 30 40 20 10


Based on the information provided, answer the following questions:

i) For which model is the percentage of dissatisfied customers the highest?

Answer: To determine the model with the highest percentage of dissatisfied customers, we compare the values in the “Dissatisfied (%)” column:

Model A: 15%
Model B: 15%
Model C: 10%

Therefore, Model A and Model B both have the highest percentage of dissatisfied customers at 15%.

ii) If the company wants to focus on improving customer satisfaction, which model should receive the most attention?

Answer: To identify the model that requires the most attention for improving customer satisfaction, we need to find the model with the lowest percentage of “Very Satisfied (%)” and “Satisfied (%)” combined.

Calculating the combined percentage for each model:

Model A: 25% + 45% = 70%
Model B: 20% + 55% = 75%
Model C: 30% + 40% = 70%

Therefore, Model A and Model C both have the lowest combined percentage of “Very Satisfied (%)” and “Satisfied (%)” at 70%.

For scoring over 8 on the GMAT Data Insights section, it is essential to practise extensively, hone data interpretation skills, and learn to swiftly identify crucial information within the given time constraints. With diligent preparation and a comprehensive understanding of the question formats, test-takers can navigate the GMAT Data Insights section with confidence and achieve more than their target scores. Click here to take a free demo class with Jamboree’s top GMAT faculty.

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