GMAT Exam Syllabus 2024: What is the Syllabus of GMAT

Updated on 08 May, 2024

A good Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT score can confirm your seat at some of the most reputed B-schools in the world. The scores of this standardized entrance test are widely accepted by the top-ranked business schools across the globe. A complete and detailed understanding of the GMAT syllabus and the breakdown of the exam pattern can increase your chances of earning a high score.

And, so, here you go:

The latest GMAT exam consists of three sections - Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights, and spans 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

The GMAT score ranges between 205 to 805, and the score is valid for five years. The medium of the exam is English and can be taken at the test center or online. 

The top universities usually accept students with a GMAT score of 720+. Though the examination is considered challenging, an in-depth understanding of the pattern and GMAT exam syllabus and regular practice can pave the way for a high score.

Complete Pattern For GMAT Exam 2024

GMAT Exam 2024 Highlights
Exam nameGraduate Management Admission Test
Commonly known asGMAT
Exam levelInternational Level Exam
Conducting BodyGraduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
LanguageEnglish
GMAT 2024 Registration modeOnline
GMAT 2024 Exam ModeOnline
GMAT 2024 focus Edition test duration2 hours 15 min
GMAT focus Edition exam feeUSD 275 (at test center); USD 300 (online)
GMAT exam fee payment optionsCredit Card and Debit Card
Chances for Re-attemptsOverall 8 attempts (only 5 chances per year)

The GMAT exam pattern and syllabus are quite simple to understand. It is a 2-hour 15-minute-long examination and consists of 64 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). You should know that each unanswered question is penalized, and will affect your overall score. 

Questions Per Section and Time Allotted to Each in GMAT 2024

SectionNumber of QuestionsScore RangeDuration
Verbal2360-9045 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning21 60-9045 minutes
Data Insights 20 45 minutes
Total duration:  2 hours 15 minutes

GMAT 2024 Features: 

The latest GMAT structure offers several aspirant-friendly features and flexible score sharing options. 

  1. More control with Question Review & Edit tool: The feature allows test-taker to bookmark a question and review its response later. One can review as many questions as they like but will be able to edit the response only up to three times. 
  2. Personalized experience with Selection order: The aspirant can now answer the three sections of the test in any order. There's also an optional 10-minute break that one can take after attempting the first or second section. 
  3. Convenient score sending: One can now choose which schools to send the scores to after the exam, and not necessarily worry about it even before attempting it. 
  4. Quicker and detailed score delivery: The test-takers can now receive the GMAT result within 3 to 5 days of taking the test. Also, the insights that come with scorecard are detailed and includes heads like Performance by Section, Performance by Program & School, and other information. 

Read More About GMAT:

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GMAT Pattern 2024 Latest Update

GMAC launched the GMAT Focus Edition in 2024. GMAT Focus Edition syllabus and pattern are different from the previous version of the GMAT exam. The table given below provides the details of the GMAT Focus Edition pattern 2024:

Features GMAT 2023GMAT 2024 (Focus Edition)
Number of sections43
Sections includedVerbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Data Insights
 Test Duration3 hours 30 minutes2 hours 15 minutes
Section duration75 minutes for Verbal & Quant, 30 minutes for IR & AWA45 minutes each for Verbal & Quant, and Data Insights
Number of questions8064
Score range200-800 (each section 0-80)205-805 (each section 60-90)
FocusGeneral business school admissionsEmphasis on skills most valued by business schools (e.g., data analysis, problem-solving)

GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus 2024

1. Quantitative Reasoning

The section contains problem-solving questions and requires knowledge of mathematical concepts like arithmetic, elementary algebra, and word problems. Quant will analyze the aspirant's mathematical ability and numerical literacy. 

The topics that need to be studied as part of the GMAT Quant syllabus or the GMAT Math syllabus are:

i) Geometry

ii) Arithmetic

iii) Elementary algebra

iv) Properties of Integers

v) Ratio Proportion

vi) Exponents

vii) Linear equation

viii)Permutations and Combinations

Know More about : GMAT Quantitative Section

2. Verbal Reasoning

To understand GMAT verbal reasoning syllabus, it is essential to understand the pattern of questions. The verbal reasoning section has 23 questions, and the duration is 45 minutes. This section assesses critical reasoning and reading comprehension skills. 

a) Reading comprehension: Based on a passage of up to 350 words, there will be multiple-choice questions. The students need to read the entire passage and then answer the questions. The answers will be checked for the following skills-application, inferences, ideas, style, and structure. 

b) Critical reasoning: This part will be based on analyzing the argument. There will be a few argument-based questions. The students need to analyze them, support, or go against the argument with a valid reason. There will be eight different types of critical reasoning questions and every question will judge a student on reasoning, argumentation, finding a solution, or evaluation of a plan. 

3. Data Insights: 

Aspirants read and analyze data through tables and graphs. Question formats like Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis, are a part of the test. 

Know More about : GMAT Preparation Books

How to Apply for GMAT 2024

1. Log on to mba.com and click ‘sign up’ located in the top right corner. 

2. Candidates applying for the GMAT examination need to fill out the GMAT 2024 registration form by visiting the website. Registration will be done for the online mode of the exam. 

3. Candidates need to fill out all the information as required by the portal. If any information is missed out, the application form will be rejected. 

4. During registration, students need to mention their contact number and email address. All important notifications and alerts will be communicated via these two mediums. So cross-check before you submit the form. 

5. Candidates will also have to choose test dates as per the available slots. 

6. Candidates can choose up to three location preferences for the examination. Only pick the location that can be accessed on the date of examination. 

7. Upload a passport-size photograph along with your digital signature. The sizes will be mentioned in the online portal. 

8. Once all the details are filled in, submit the registration form. The details will be sent to your registered mobile number and email address. Keep a printout of the form for future reference. 

 

GMAT Pattern 2024: Test Centre and Online GMAT

The table given below provides a comparison of GMAT pattern 2024 for the GMAT exam at a test centre and for the GMAT exam taken in online mode:

FeaturesTest Center GMATOnline GMAT
AvailabilityYear-roundYear-round 
Testing environmentProctored Testing CenterSecure home environment with required webcam and software
TechnologyTraditional computer setupPersonal computer with specific requirements
Test duration2 hours 15 minutes2 hours 15 minutes 
Section duration45 minutes for Verbal, Quant, and Data Insights45 minutes for Verbal, Quant, and Data Insights
Number of questions6464
Section orderflexible flexible 
BreaksOne optional 10-minute breakOne optional 10-minute break
Scratch paperLaminated papers provided at the centerDigital scratchpad available online

Exam Tips for GMAT Candidates

1. Start your test prep in advance and develop a plan to cover the GMAT full syllabus. 

2. Time yourself for each section while practicing mock papers.

3. Choose the right study material/plan. 

4. Be sure to have a clear grasp of basic concepts of Math and English grammar.

How to Prepare GMAT Syllabus for MBA?

Here are the steps to prepare the GMAT syllabus for MBA:

  • Understand the GMAT syllabus for MBA exams thoroughly.
  • Go through the question types to understand how they are asked.
  • Take baseline exams, which are available on the official website.
  • Study the correct answer to each wrong question after attempting the baseline exam.

For the latest GMAT exam syllabus 2024 updates, important notifications, and exam tips, get in touch with upGrad Abroad.

Know More:

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Validity of GMAT ScoreGMAT Exam Dates

 

Expert Tips on Pursuing MBA Abroad

Learn everything about MBA abroad with this e-guide. Get to know about different types of MBA, the benefits of pursuing an MBA degree abroad, how to choose an MBA degree, top business school requirements, top MBA universities, scholarships, job prospects after an MBA abroad, and more.

Now, get answers to every MBA abroad-related question with this ebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CAT and GMAT syllabus?

GMAT syllabus includes verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing assessment, whereas for CAT the topics are quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning, and reading comprehension. The syllabus is very different, but the difficulty level is almost the same for both.

How is the GMAT test score calculated?

GMAT does not have any passing or failing marks. It is a compilation of four different sections and offers five scores. One score each is given from the four sections and the fifth score is calculated from verbal and quantitative sections in a combined manner. 

How to get a perfect GMAT score?

A perfect GMAT score is certainly possible. It can be attained if the students are very clear with the basics, reasoning, and logic. Practice is the key to the quantitative and reasoning sections.

Which countries accept GMAT scores?

GMAT is a widely accepted examination for MBA aspirants. It is accepted in public and private universities in India, Australia, the United States of America, Canada, Europe, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and Germany. Students can seek admission in globally reputed universities and B-schools with a good GMAT score.

What is a good GMAT score?

A good GMAT score is 690 and above. The maximum score is 800, and the top 10 ranked B-schools set a cut-off of 720+. 

What is the full syllabus for GMAT?

The GMAT exam consists of three sections - Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights. The questions measure a candidate’s problem-solving and critical reasoning abilities, data sufficiency, and logic.

Is GRE and GMAT syllabus the same?

The syllabus for these two exams is the same however there is a difference in the exam sections. While GRE exam has 3 sections - Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, GMAT has an additional section of Integrated Reasoning along with the above 3.

Is the GMAT exam tough?

GMAT is certainly a challenging exam as the score is used to determine admission to some of the top business schools in the world. Only 6% of candidates are able to score 720+. It is still taken by millions of students every year. As per official figures, a total of 1,73,176 GMAT exams were taken by prospective business school students around the world in the year 2020 (From July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020).

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Urvi Agrawal

Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.

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