GMAT Syllabus 2025: Topics and questions asked on Verbal, Quant, Data Insights

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam designed to assess the skills most relevant to success in graduate business programs like the MBA. The GMAT is a key component of the business school admissions process, accepted by more than 7,700 programs at over 2,400 universities and institutions worldwide.

In 2023, the test underwent a major overhaul with the launch of a streamlined and more focused version of the exam, often referred to as the GMAT Focus Edition. This updated version emphasizes real-world, business-relevant skills like critical thinking, data interpretation, and logical reasoning—all of which are essential for today’s business leaders.

This article offers a comprehensive breakdown of the GMAT syllabus, helping you understand what topics are tested, how each section works, and how to prepare effectively. Whether you’re just starting your GMAT journey or fine-tuning your study plan, understanding the syllabus is the first step toward a high score.

GMAT Syllabus Overview

The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test that evaluates your ability to solve problems, reason critically, and interpret data. It now consists of three key sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—and has a total testing time of 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Unlike the earlier version of the test, the new GMAT removes Analytical Writing and Sentence Correction components, focusing instead on skills that directly correlate with success in business school and beyond. Each section is designed to test your decision-making skills in high-pressure, time-bound situations.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the new GMAT structure:

GMAT Syllabus at a Glance

• Total Questions: 64
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Score Range: 205–805 (in 10-point increments)
• Section Order: You can choose the order in which to take the three sections.

The test also includes one optional 10-minute break between sections.

The adaptive nature of the GMAT means that the difficulty level of the questions adjusts based on your performance. The better you do, the more challenging the questions become, allowing the test to accurately assess your skill level.

Understanding the structure and focus of each section will help you plan your preparation more strategically, which we’ll explore in the next parts of this guide.

GMAT Syllabus Breakdown by Section

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT evaluates your ability to analyze data and solve mathematical problems using logic and reasoning. This section does not test complex mathematical concepts but focuses on foundational math skills and your ability to apply them in problem-solving situations.

You’ll face 21 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, all under the format of Problem Solving—meaning there are no Data Sufficiency questions in this new version of the test.

Topics Covered in Quantitative Reasoning

Here’s a breakdown of the core topics you need to know:

1. Arithmetic

• Properties of integers (even/odd, prime numbers, divisibility)
  
• Fractions, decimals, percentages
  
• Ratio and proportion
  
• Powers and roots
  
• Absolute values
  

2. Algebra

• Linear and quadratic equations
  
• Inequalities
  
• Algebraic expressions and manipulation
  
• Word problems involving variables
  
• Exponents and radicals
  

3. Number Properties

• Factors and multiples
  
• Least common multiple (LCM) and greatest common divisor (GCD)
  
• Positive/negative numbers
  
• Remainders and modular arithmetic
  

4. Word Problems

• Work and time
  
• Speed, distance, and time
  
• Mixtures and alligation
  
• Profit, loss, and interest
  
• Age problems
  

5. Probability & Combinatorics

• Basic probability
  
• Permutations and combinations
  
• Counting techniques
  

Note: Geometry has been completely removed from the Quant section in the GMAT Focus Edition, so no need to study angles, triangles, circles, or coordinate geometry.

Skills Tested

• Translating word problems into mathematical equations
  
• Applying logical reasoning to eliminate answer choices
  
• Solving problems efficiently under time pressure
  
• Estimating and working with numbers without a calculator
  

Tips to Prepare for Quantitative Reasoning

• Master the fundamentals: Make sure your basics in arithmetic and algebra are rock solid.
  
• Practice mental math: Since calculators are not allowed in this section, quick mental calculations are essential.
  
• Learn to identify traps: Many wrong choices are designed to match common calculation errors—develop the habit of double-checking.
  
• Take timed practice tests: Build your stamina and speed by simulating real test conditions.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT tests your ability to understand written material, evaluate arguments, and draw logical conclusions. It’s designed to assess how well you can read critically and reason effectively—two key skills for success in business school and in professional decision-making.

You’ll face 23 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes. The section contains two primary question types:

• Reading Comprehension
  
• Critical Reasoning
  

The Sentence Correction questions from the previous GMAT version have been removed in this new format.

Topics Covered in Verbal Reasoning

1. Reading Comprehension (RC)

You’ll be presented with short to medium-length passages (typically 250–350 words) on topics related to business, science, social sciences, or humanities.

Skills tested:

• Identifying the main idea or primary purpose
  
• Understanding supporting ideas
  
• Drawing inferences and logical conclusions
  
• Evaluating the author’s tone, assumptions, or intent
  

2. Critical Reasoning (CR)

These questions test your ability to evaluate arguments and logical structures. You’ll read a short paragraph (an argument) and then answer a question that asks you to strengthen, weaken, or analyze that argument.

Skills tested:

• Identifying assumptions
  
• Evaluating reasoning and evidence
  
• Strengthening or weakening an argument
  
• Drawing logical conclusions
  

Note: There’s no requirement to memorize grammar rules or idioms in the GMAT now, which makes the Verbal section more focused on logic and comprehension.

Skills Tested

• Reading and understanding complex written material
  
• Identifying key points and details
  
• Evaluating arguments and logical structures
  
• Applying reasoning to draw conclusions or make inferences
  

Tips to Prepare for Verbal Reasoning

• Read actively: Whether it’s a GMAT passage or a business article, practice identifying the main point, tone, and structure of an argument.
  
• Practice logical thinking: Get comfortable with the structure of arguments—what supports them, what weakens them, and what assumptions they rest on.
  
• Eliminate carefully: Learn to rule out answer choices that are out of scope, extreme, or misleading.
  
• Use official GMAT materials: These will best reflect the tone, structure, and difficulty level of the questions you’ll see on test day.
  

Data Insights

The Data Insights section is the most innovative part of the GMAT, designed to assess how well you can analyze and interpret data to make business-relevant decisions. This section combines mathematical reasoning, data interpretation, and logical analysis, reflecting real-world problem-solving in today’s data-driven business environment.

You’ll face 20 questions in 45 minutes, and this is the only section where you’ll be allowed to use an on-screen calculator.

The questions here are interactive and often based on charts, tables, spreadsheets, and multiple sources of information. Think of it as a mix of the old Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency questions, now grouped under a single, more cohesive section.

Question Types in Data Insights

1. Data Sufficiency (DS)

• A familiar format from the older GMAT Quant section.
  
• You’re given a question and two data statements; your task is to determine whether the data provided is sufficient to answer the question.
  
• Tests your ability to think critically without solving fully.
  

2. Table Analysis

• Interactive tables that you can sort to extract relevant data.
  
• Often requires interpreting percentages, averages, ratios, etc.
  

3. Graphics Interpretation

• Analyze graphs, charts, and plots to interpret trends or relationships.
  
• Questions often use fill-in-the-blank or dropdown formats.
  

4. Two-Part Analysis

• A question with two interrelated parts and multiple answer choices.
  
• Tests logical reasoning and decision-making under data constraints.
  

5. Multi-Source Reasoning

• Provides data from multiple tabs or sources (like emails, reports, or charts).
  
• Questions may ask you to compare, synthesize, or draw conclusions from diverse data sets.
  

Skills Tested

• Interpreting data from visuals and tables
  
• Applying mathematical logic to data-driven problems
  
• Evaluating sufficiency of information
  
• Making comparisons and informed decisions based on multiple sources
  

Tips to Prepare for Data Insights

• Practice reading data: Get comfortable interpreting visual data—bar charts, line graphs, tables, etc.
  
• Use the calculator wisely: Don’t rely on it for every calculation; use it for complex arithmetic only.
  
• Familiarize with DS logic: DS questions are more about knowing what you need than computing exact answers.
  
• Take your time with tabs and tables: Multi-source questions can be tricky—scan all data sources before diving in.
  
• Review real-world business cases: They often mirror the kind of reasoning you need here.

GMAT Focus Edition vs Earlier GMAT: Key Syllabus Changes

In 2023, the GMAT underwent a major transformation. The new GMAT—streamlined and skill-focused—is designed to better reflect the real-world demands of business school and the modern workplace. If you’ve looked at older prep materials or heard advice based on the earlier version of the GMAT, it’s important to know what’s changed and why it matters for your preparation.

Here’s a comparison of the GMAT Focus Edition and the Earlier GMAT:

GMAT Syllabus Comparison

What These Changes Mean for You

• Shorter Test, Sharper Focus:
  The test has been reduced by nearly an hour. This makes the test more efficient and less mentally draining—good news for test-takers!
  
• No More Essay Writing (AWA):
  Analytical Writing Assessment has been removed, freeing up time and focus for the core quantitative and verbal skills.
  
• Sentence Correction is Gone:
  The new Verbal section is entirely reasoning-focused, meaning no more complex grammar or idiomatic structures to memorize.
  
• Data Insights Is the New Challenge:
  This unique section blends the reasoning of Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency. It emphasizes practical data interpretation—just like what you’d do in a business setting.
  
• Emphasis on Reasoning, Not Rote Learning:
  With less focus on memorization and more on interpretation and logic, the GMAT is now a test of how you think—not just what you know.
  
• Score Range Adjusted:
  The scoring now ranges from 205 to 805, but still aligns percentile-wise with the old 200–800 system. A score of 645+ remains a strong benchmark for top B-schools.
  

How Should Your Prep Change?

• Focus more on logic and reasoning than on rote memorization.
  
• Don’t spend time on geometry or grammar rules—they’re no longer tested.
  
• Make Data Insights a regular part of your study plan—practice interpreting charts, tables, and multi-source data.
  
• Use up-to-date GMAT Focus Edition study materials—avoid older guides that still focus on sentence correction or the essay.
  

GMAT Syllabus FAQs

1. Is geometry included in the GMAT syllabus?

No. Geometry has been completely removed from the GMAT. The Quantitative Reasoning section now focuses only on arithmetic, algebra, number properties, and word problems. So, you no longer need to study angles, triangles, coordinate planes, or other geometry topics.

2. Is sentence correction still tested on the GMAT?

No. Sentence Correction questions are no longer a part of the Verbal Reasoning section. The current GMAT only includes Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions, making the section more logic- and reasoning-based rather than grammar-focused.

3. What is the Data Insights section all about?

The Data Insights section is a new part of the GMAT that tests your ability to analyze and interpret data presented in charts, tables, spreadsheets, and written formats. It includes question types like Data Sufficiency, Table Analysis, Multi-Source Reasoning, Two-Part Analysis, and Graphics Interpretation. You are allowed to use an on-screen calculator in this section.

4. How many sections are there in the GMAT?

There are three sections in the current GMAT:

• Quantitative Reasoning
  
• Verbal Reasoning
  
• Data Insights
  

Each section has 45 minutes allotted and contains between 20 to 23 questions.

5. What is the total duration of the GMAT?

The GMAT lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes, plus one optional 10-minute break between sections. That makes it significantly shorter than the earlier version of the exam.

6. Can I choose the order in which I take the GMAT sections?

Yes. The GMAT allows you to choose the order in which you take the three sections. This helps you play to your strengths and manage test-day stamina better.

7. Is a calculator allowed on the GMAT?

Yes, but only in the Data Insights section. You’ll have access to an on-screen calculator for questions involving complex calculations. Calculators are not allowed in the Quantitative or Verbal sections.

8. What’s a good GMAT score with the new scoring scale?

The GMAT now uses a 205–805 scoring scale. A score of 645+ is generally considered strong and competitive for top business schools. However, “good” is relative and depends on your target schools’ average scores.

9. Are older GMAT prep books still useful?

Not really. Older prep materials often focus on topics that are no longer tested—like sentence correction, geometry, and essay writing. For best results, use resources specifically designed for the current GMAT format.

10. Has the syllabus become easier with the new GMAT?

Not necessarily. While some topics have been removed, the focus on reasoning and data interpretation has increased. The test is shorter and more efficient, but you still need sharp critical thinking skills to score well.

Final Thoughts

The GMAT has evolved—and so should your prep. With its sharper focus on real-world skills like data interpretation, critical thinking, and problem solving, the new GMAT is more aligned than ever with the demands of business school and modern careers.

But here’s the good news: by understanding the updated GMAT syllabus, you’re already one step ahead. You no longer need to memorize obscure grammar rules or complex geometry formulas. Instead, your preparation should center on clarity, logic, and strategy.

Remember:

• Build strong fundamentals in math and logic.
  
• Practice reading and reasoning under time pressure.
  
• Get comfortable with visual data and decision-making scenarios.
  
• Use official, up-to-date materials tailored for the current test format.
  

A high GMAT score isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about mindset. With the right approach and consistent practice, you can conquer each section and position yourself for success at a top global business school.