GMAT Syllabus 2024: Section-Wise Syllabus, Exam Pattern

9 minute read
GMAT Syllabus 2024: Section-Wise Syllabus, Exam Pattern

GMAT Syllabus: GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test is an examination conducted by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) which assesses the candidate’s reasoning, verbal, analytical, and quantitative skills to grant admissions to some of the top MBA colleges around the globe.

Providing MBA aspirants a platform to take admission in an array of Management courses, the GMAT is one of the most important exams when it comes to pursuing an MBA from abroad. The exam is divided into 4 separately timed sections namely- Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning Section. Let us have a detailed analysis of each of the sections constituting a part of the GMAT syllabus. 

GMAT Exam Highlights

Exam NameGMAT
Full-FormGraduate Management Admission Test
Official Websitehttps://www.mba.com
Popular ForMBA courses abroad 
Conducted byGMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Test Duration3 hours 7 minutes
Mode of ExamComputer-based adaptive test
GMAT feeUS $250 (INR 18,565 approx.)
Score RangeMin=200
Max=800

GMAT 2024 Exam Format

GMAT Exam Format: The overall duration of the GMAT exam has been reduced to 2 Hours and 15 Minutes. The shorter duration of the exam makes it a more convenient and efficient experience for test takers. The GMAT Focus Edition Test only has three sections, i.e., Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data insights.

The new GMAT does not have integrated reasoning, sentence correction and geometry. Instead, the new format of the GMAT includes Data insights in place of these segments. The GMAT Focus Edition comprises 64 questions, with a scoring range of 205-805.  Refer to the table given below to get an overview of the section-wise format of the GMAT 2023 exam.  

Section Questions Duration
Quantitative Reasoning Section 2145 Minutes 
Verbal Reasoning 2345 Minutes
Data Insights 2045 Minutes 

GMAT Syllabus 2024

GMAT Syllabus: The GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus excludes the Analytical Writing Assessment and Sentence Correction sections. It introduces a new section called Data Insights (DI), drawing upon the concepts of Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency. The table below summarises the section-wise GMAT Focus Edition syllabus. 

SectionSyllabus (2024)
Verbal ReasoningInference questions Logical structure Weakening/Strengthening arguments Application based questions 
Data Insights Data SufficiencyMulti-source Reasoning Table AnalysisGraphics Interpretation Two-part Analyses 
Quantitative ReasoningAlgebra Quadratic Equations Lines and Angles Set Theory Probability TrianglesProbability Ratio and ProportionInequalities

GMAT Syllabus: Analytical Writing Assessment

GMAT Analytical Writing: The Analytical Writing Assessment of the GMAT syllabus tests your critical aptitude skills, and the ability to communicate ideas through a given argument. Here, you will be required to write a judgment or critique of that argument in your own words.

The duration of this section is 30 minutes and includes topics of general interest such as business, corporate, and other related fields. There is no necessity for specific knowledge in one field, rather, the ability to effectively communicate the idea and analytical skills are mostly evaluated.

Argument essay

You must analyse the logic in this part before making your case. Keep in mind that your grade will depend on how convincing you believe a certain argument to be. Additionally, make sure the argument is logically solid and avoid making any unfounded assumptions. Give syntax and grammatical priority while defending or opposing the critique offered in the question.

Issue essay

You must compose an essay on the topic assigned to you for this portion. The contender must express their viewpoint in around 600 words. Candidates may express their own opinions or ones that concur with the supplied statement. However, be careful to present your viewpoint in a well-organized manner because this will be the basis on which you are evaluated.

GMAT Syllabus: Integrated Reasoning Section

GMAT Integrated Reasoning: Under the GMAT syllabus, the Integrated Reasoning Section evaluates data comprehension ability and how you integrate it to make sound and meaningful decisions in favour of the organization.

This section would include amalgamating information present in the form of various graphics, texts, and numbers and you will be required to research and evaluate data from diverse sources and analyze the relation between two or more aspects to solve multiple problems. The Integrated Reasoning Section of the GMAT exam would include the following types of questions.

Table Analysis

These questions test the skills of the candidates to interpret and sort the data given in a table or spreadsheet and determine the relevant parts.

Multi-Source Reasoning

You will be given infographics, numbers, and/or text passages. You have to analyze the information, answer the multiple-choice questions entailing it, identify the relevant data, any discrepancies in the sources of data and draw conclusions.

Two-Part Analysis

Through verbal and quantitative types of questions, the sub-section of the GMAT syllabus will test your ability to solve complex problems, discern relationships, solve equations, etc. The two-part analysis is versatile enough to cover a large chunk of content.

Graphics Interpretation

You will have to go through the type of questions that are presented in the form of graphical images, such as bar chart, pie chart, statistical curve, x/y graphs, scatter plot, etc, draw inferences from the given information, and answer the questions based on it.

GMAT Syllabus: Quantitative Reasoning Section

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning: The mathematical part of the GMAT syllabus, the Quantitative Reasoning Section will test your complex problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and graphical interpretation ability. The questions in the quantitative section are of two types- Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency and include Inequality Questions, Time and Distance Questions, Percentage Questions, Probability Questions, etc. 

Problem-Solving Questions

These types of questions require you to use your logical and analytical skills to solve various complex quantitative problems and answer the multiple-choice questions entailing them.

Data Sufficiency

This sub-section of the GMAT syllabus assesses the Data Interpretation ability. Consisting of a question and two statements, you will be required to use the two statements and through their mathematical and analytical skills ascertain whether there is sufficient data in the statement to work out that question.

Here is a list of all the quant topics that can be expected in a GMAT exam:

  1. Monomials, polynomials
  2. Algebraic expressions and equations
  3. Functions
  4. Exponents
  5. Arithmetic and geometric progression
  6. Quadratic equations
  7. Inequalities and basic statistics
  8. Lines and angles
  9. Triangles
  10. Quadrilaterals
  11. Circles
  12. Rectangular solids and cylinders
  13. Number properties
  14. Multiples and factors
  15. Fractions
  16. Decimals
  17. Percentages
  18. Averages
  19. Powers and roots
  20. Coordinate geometry
  21. Profit and loss
  22. Simple and compound interest
  23. Speed, time, and distance
  24. Pipes, cisterns, and work time
  25. Ratio and proportion
  26. Mixtures and alligations
  27. Descriptive statistics
  28. Set theory
  29. Probability
  30. Permutation and combination

GMAT Syllabus: Verbal Reasoning Section 

The GMAT syllabus of the Verbal Reasoning Section is designed to evaluate reading and comprehension abilities through written essays, arguments, Sentence Correction rules, Critical Reasoning, etc. Consisting of 36 multiple-choice questions, the section comprises the following three important topics: 

Reading Comprehension

This sub-section of the GMAT syllabus includes a comprehension passage that evaluates your ability to understand the words and the logic behind them, draw inferences determine the relationship between two aspects and interpret the relevancy of the information. The topics may include business-related fields, humanities, biological and physical sciences, social science, etc.

Critical Reasoning

The questions in this section are based on a short passage where you will be required to ascertain which of the given 5 options strengthens or weakens the arguments, or why the argument is flawed, damaged, or supportive. This section measures your ability to comprehend arguments and formulate an action plan during certain circumstances.

Sentence Correction

In this section of the GMAT syllabus, your English language proficiency is evaluated. While attempting sentence correction questions, you will see that a part or all of the question is underlined and below are five different ways of phrasing the question. By analyzing the grammar, choice of words, construction of sentences, and other aspects, the questions can be solved. 

The subjects covered in the GMAT verbal portion are as follows. They are usually centred on basic grammatical principles.

  • Rhetorical construction of the sentences
  • Sentence correction related to finding error or omission
  • Reading unseen passages
  • Subject-verb agreement
  • Critical reasoning
  • Misplace modifiers
  • Countable Vs Uncountable
  • Parallelism
  • Basic Sentence structure: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives
  • Verb Tense
  • Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions
  • Pronoun Agreement
  • Modifiers
  • Parallelism
  • Phrases and Clauses
  • Articles
  • Parts of speech
  • Direct and Indirect
  • Active to Passive

GMAT Preparation Tips 2024

GMAT Preparation: The only trick to ace your GMAT is strengthening your conceptual knowledge. Enlisted are a few general tips that could help you prepare for the GMAT exam better:

  • Practice on a Computer: The exam is purely computer-based and lasts 3 hours. Some people can not overcome the mental fatigue of sitting in front of a computer for a long time. Make sure you are prepared for it and the best way for this is to practice as many sample papers as you can, regularly.
  • Track your Time: Every section on the GMAT comes with a specific time duration and you need to answer every question in the stipulated time. Start this exercise of tracking your speed with a timer when you practice for the exam.
  • Feed the Brain: Having good memory aids in solving questions effectively. Start by solving sample papers, mark your incorrect questions and redo them until they’re perfect. Talk to those who have already taken the exam. You can even solve scores of questions or clear your concepts of difficult topics from some of the best books for GMAT!
  • Find your Forte: It’s impossible to be perfect at everything. There will be some sections of the GMAT exam which will take you longer to learn. But there will be some which won’t take you long to ace. Thus, gauge your strengths and weaknesses and prepare accordingly!
  • Keep an Eye on Mistakes: Make a habit of identifying and working on your mistakes. If you get stuck on a question, eliminate the process of guessing and answering incorrectly. Take your time and fill in the answer which completes the sentence!

GMAT Syllabus vs CAT Syllabus: What’s the Difference

Refer to the table below to review the differences between GMAT and CAT. Have a look.

ParticularsGMATCAT
Full-FormGraduate Management Admission Test Common Admission Test
Conducted ByGraduate Management Admission Council Indian Institute of Management
ValidityFive years One year
EligibilityAt least 13 years of age Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks
FrequencyOnce a yearRound the year
Accepted ByGlobal Business SchoolsIndian Business Schools
Exam ModeOnlineOnline
No. of Sections43
No. of Questions80100
Exam Duration187 minutes120 minutes
Exam FeeUSD 250 (INR 18,000)INR 2000

GMAT Eligibility Criteria 2024

GMAT Eligibility Criteria: Individuals who wish to take the GMAT exam in 2024 must go through the eligibility criteria to have a thorough understanding of the prerequisites that must be met by students. Refer to the table below to go through the eligibility criteria for taking GMAT in 2024.

NationalityAll Nationalities Accepted
Age Limit18 Years
Candidates belonging to the 13-17 age group require written proof of their guardian’s consent before taking the GMAT exam.
No upper age limit has been prescribed
Academic QualificationBachelor’s Degree
Number of Attempts5 times in a calendar year and up to 8 times in a lifetime
Retaking the GMAT exam16 Days (Minimum)

Best Preparation Books for GMAT Focus Edition in 2024

GMAT Preparation Books: Refer to the following table to purchase the best GMAT preparation books of 2024. 

Name of the Book Name of the Author/Publisher PricePurchase Link 
GMAT Official Guide 2023-2024 BundleGMACINR 4,999Click Here
All The GmatManhattan PrepINR 9,498Click Here 
GMAT Prep Plus 2022-2023Kaplan Test PrepINR 8,478Click Here 
GMAT Prep Book 2022-2023: GMAT Study Guide SecretsMometrix Test Prep INR 2,166Click Here 
Gmat Official Advanced QuestionGMACINR 1,417Click Here 

So that was all about the GMAT syllabus. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding your queries.

                                                              Related Blogs 
What is the Importance of GMAT Scores?GMAT Registration: Step-By-Step GuideHow to Crack GMAT in 3 Months: The Ultimate Cheatsheet
Top B-Schools in India Accepting GMAT ScoresTop Universities Accepting GMAT ScoresGMAT Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Academic Requirement ..

FAQs

Are the GMAT and CAT syllabi the same?

When it comes to the syllabus, it is almost the same for GMAT and CAT. However, the difficulty level of the CAT’s Quantitative section is higher in comparison to the GMAT. Apart from this, there are differences in the pattern, number of questions, sections, and frequency of the exam.

What type of Maths questions are there in GMAT?

The Maths questions in GMAT are Problem-solving and Data sufficiency based. To solve these problems, you should have a good hold over arithmetic, elementary algebra, and some important concepts of geometry.

Is there any negative marking in GMAT?

No, a negative marking scheme is not followed in the GMAT exam. However, the problems are adaptive in nature i.e. the difficulty level will increase if you keep getting correct answers.

What is the syllabus for GMAT?

The GMAT syllabus includes subjects such as Quantitative, Logical, and Verbal Reasoning, which are divided into three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Integrated Reasoning. The Analytical Writing Assessment portion of the GMAT exam is also included, which is not available on the CAT exam.

Build a plan with Leverage Edu‘s Leverage Live classes and our top trainers and strengthen your English score as well as your application so that you can secure your spot in your dream college. Reach out to Leverage Eduon 1800572000 and schedule a free session today.

Leave a Reply

Required fields are marked *

*

*