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byVeda Burman Study Abroad Content Specialist
The Exam pattern for GMAT 2025 (Graduate Management Admission Test) has been modified, with a shorter set of topics now being covered. GMAT, which is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), has also introduced changes to the syllabus.
The old syllabus and exam pattern will be continued till the end of the third quarter of this year. The revisions include the introduction of a new topic called "Data Insights" and removing the "Analytical Writing Assessment" section. The exam no longer consists of an essay section; your results will be calculated on a scale of 205 to 805. Candidates planning to take the current version of the exam can Click here to Register for GMAT.
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GMAT Exam Pattern
One thing you need to remember is that the old format of GMAT has stopped testing. The new exam pattern of GMAT, effective since first quarter of last year, comprises three main sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Data Insights.
Know More: GMAT Score for Top 100 MBA Colleges Worldwide
The latest information regarding GMAT with the syllabus of the examination.
GMAT Exam Format
| Section | No. Of questions | Time limits |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 minutes |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 64 | 135 minutes |
Highlights of New Exam Pattern
- Question Review and Editing: You have the flexibility to review any question during the exam and modify up to three answers per section as needed.
- Flexible Section Order: You can customize the sequence of exam sections to suit your preference and exam-taking strategy.
- Enhanced Score Report: Each exam result includes a comprehensive performance analysis, providing you with valuable insights to improve your future exam performance.
- Simplified Score Delivery: After receiving your scores online or at the test center, you can select the programs to send your exam scores to, and every Official Score report will only show one exam score, making the score-sending process easier and more streamlined.
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning
The section in question is different from Data Sufficiency questions and is designed to evaluate your proficiency in algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge, as well as your ability to apply this knowledge in problem-solving scenarios. In GMAT quantitative reasoning, you will be presented with 21 problem-solving questions that require you to utilize logical reasoning and analytical skills, in addition to your foundational maths knowledge, to arrive at a solution.
Important points:
- A candidate will need to apply their knowledge of maths principles and concepts to real-world situations.
- The use of a calculator is not allowed while working on this section.
- It is important to have a solid grasp of basic maths principles and concepts to succeed in this section.
- To arrive at the correct solution, the candidates will need to approach each problem methodically and logically.
- Candidates will also need to accurately interpret the questions and understand what is being asked.
For further details on the Quantitative Reasoning section of GMAT exam, you may refer to GMAT Syllabus section provided in this article.
Also check: GMAT Quant Questions: Math Questions, Practice Questions and Sample Papers
GMAT Verbal Reasoning
This section does not include Sentence Correction questions anymore. Instead, GMAT verbal reasoning evaluates your capacity to understand written material, reason, and assess arguments through 23 Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions. The Reading Comprehension questions test your ability to grasp words and statements, comprehend the logical relationships between significant points, make inferences, and follow the development of quantitative concepts. These questions will specifically examine your skills in identifying the main and supporting ideas, making inferences, applying knowledge, assessing the logical structure, and analyzing the writing style.
Important points:
- Critical Reasoning questions test a candidate's ability to make and evaluate arguments and devise or evaluate a plan of action.
- These questions usually come in the form of short reading passages, which are typically under 100 words.
- The passages are accompanied by a question that requires you to identify which of the five answer options strengthens or weakens an argument, identifies flaws in the argument, or provides strong support or damages the argument.
- Answering these questions does not require specialized knowledge of the subject matter.
GMAT Data Insights
The new "Data Insights" section of GMAT syllabus will incorporate concepts from the integrated reasoning and data sufficiency topics covered in the previous syllabus. Although each section of the exam will be more concise, the test will still maintain the same level of rigor that business schools expect from applicants.
Important points:
- Analytical Writing assessment section evaluates the ability to analyze and interpret data
- Critical skill for success in the business world
- Section draws from integrated reasoning and data-sufficiency topics
- GMAC ensures new section aligns with skills and competencies valued by business schools
The question types you'll find in Data Insights section are:
- Data Sufficiency: Measures your ability to analyze a quantitative problem, recognize which data is relevant, and determine at what point there is enough data to solve the problem.
- Multi-Source Reasoning: Measures your ability to examine data from multiple sources including text passages, tables, graphics, or some combination of the three—and to analyze each source of data carefully to answer multiple questions. Some questions will require you to recognize discrepancies among different sources of data, while others will ask you to draw inferences or require you to determine whether data is relevant.
- Table Analysis: Measures your ability to sort and analyze a table of data, similar to a spreadsheet, to determine what information is relevant or meets certain conditions.
- Graphics Interpretation: Measures your ability to interpret the information presented in a graph or other graphical image (scatter plot, x/y graph, bar chart, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution) to discern relationships, and make inferences.
- Two-Part Analysis: Measures your ability to solve complex problems. They could be quantitative, verbal, or some combination of both. The format is intentionally versatile to cover a wide range of content. Your ability to evaluate trade-offs, solve simultaneous equations, and discern relationships between two entities is measured.
Note: The GMAC has announced that candidates will be given a window of time to choose between the old and new test formats until the new format is fully implemented. This provides reassurance to candidates who have been preparing for GMAT, as they can continue their preparations without worrying about any sudden changes to the exam format.
Also check: GMAT Critical Reasoning - Questions, Strategies, and Practice Papers
Additionally, the GMAC has stated that the new format is being implemented to benefit students. Therefore, candidates can have confidence that the changes to the exam format are being made with their best interests in mind.
Quick Links:
GMAT Scores
Understanding Your GMAT Exam Scores
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test used by business schools to evaluate applicants.
- The exam consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
- Your GMAT Exam - The total GMAT score is based on your performance on all three sections of the exam, with each section weighted equally.
Total Score
- Your GMAT Exam - Total Score scale ranges from 205 to 805, and all Total Score values end in a 5.
- The Total Score is calculated by combining your scores on the three sections of the exam.
- Your Total Score is also valid for five years, which means you can send your score to schools when you are ready.
- However, it's important to note that comparing your GMAT score directly to your score on a previous version of GMAT syllabus is not an accurate comparison.
Section Scores:
- Each section of GMAT is scored on a range from 60 to 90, with a score interval of 1.
- The standard error of measurement for each section is 3 points.
- The Quantitative Reasoning Score measures your ability to reason mathematically and solve quantitative problems.
- The Verbal Reasoning Score measures your ability to read and comprehend written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English.
- The Data Insights Score measures your ability to interpret and analyze data presented in graphical and tabular form.
Score Scale:
- The Total Score scale for GMAT ranges from 205 to 805, while the previous version of the GMAT had a scale of 200-800.
- The new score scale was implemented to differentiate between scores on GMAT and the previous version of the GMAT.
| Note: Understanding your GMAT scores is an important part of the business school application process. By focusing on higher-order critical reasoning and data literacy skills, GMAT Exam - aims to better prepare applicants for the business environment of tomorrow. |
Your Unofficial Score
- Upon completing the exam, your unofficial scores for the Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, as well as your Total Score will be displayed on-screen.
- You cannot record, save, screenshot, or print your unofficial score.
- An email notification will be sent to you when your Official Score Report is available in your mba.com account.
Score Penalty for Unanswered Questions
- There is a penalty for not completing each section of the exam.
- If you fail to finish in the allotted time, your score will be penalized based on the number of questions left unanswered.
- Your GMAT score will provide the best reflection of your performance when all questions are answered within the time limit.
Privacy Information Specific to Your Score and Score Reports
- GMAT scores and personally identifiable information will only be released upon your request, except as otherwise required by law or our policies and procedures.
- Your information may be disclosed to detect or prevent unlawful activity or to cooperate in a judicial or governmental proceeding.
Also check: GMAT Average Score for MBA Programs
Why Choose GMAT
Nearly one hour shorter than before
- Question Review & Edit: You can now bookmark and review multiple questions, and edit up to three answers per section.
- Select Section Order: You have the flexibility to choose the order in which you take each section of the exam.
- Enhanced Score Report: The exam now provides in-depth performance analysis and insights for each section.
- Streamlined Score Sending: You can now choose the programs to which you wish to send your scores after receiving them, and each Official GMAT score report will include only one exam score. This applies to both test centers and online exams.
Reduced content to study
- The guide offers exclusive tips and strategies directly from GMAT exam creators to help test-takers identify strengths and focus areas, track progress, and use GMAT™ Official Prep products to support exam strategy in 6 weeks.
- The FREE GMAT Official Starter Kit includes a sampler of 70 real GMAT questions, step-by-step guided study, and two full-length practice exams to establish a performance baseline.
- GMAT Official Guide Series includes print or electronic versions with an online question bank, three supplemental review books for Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, and hundreds of additional practice questions.
- GMAT Official Practice Exams offer full-length, adaptive GMAT exams that simulate the real test-taking experience with the same scoring algorithm to help manage time and focus studies.
No Essay Section
- GMAT exam does not have an essay section and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions.
Easier Score Sending
- Sending scores to 5 schools is free after receiving the score.
Classroom-Ready Content
- The exam has three sections that focus on relevant business skills.
Personalised Insights
- The Official Score Report provides detailed performance insights personalized to each test-taker.
How Often Does the GMAT Syllabus Change?
The GMAC adds new questions to the test pool and removes the old ones. However, the test itself doesn't change that much. This is because of the difficulty curve of the examination. Even if the types of questions change, the format, the pattern, and GMAT exam pattern remain the same. Every year, the number of candidates increases vastly. To compensate for the huge number of candidates, the GMAC makes the exam more competitive by adding difficult questions from the same syllabus.
GMAT Test Center or Online Exam?
Whether taken at a test center or online, GMAT was designed for candidates who want to accelerate their future and achieve their career ambitions. With two convenient options, you can choose the test delivery channel that works best for you.
| Contents | Test Center | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance | Accepted by over 7,700 programs at more than 2,400 business schools | |
| Duration | 2 hours, 15 minutes. | |
| Structure | 3 sections (64 questions), completed in the order of your choosing: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights. | |
| Appointment Availability | 7 days a week during test center operating hours | 7 days a week, around the clock. |
| Review & Edit | Bookmark and review as many answers as you want, and change up to 3 answers per section, within the section time remaining | |
| Score Scale | 205-805 and all 3 sections are weighted equally towards your total score. | |
| Cost | Fees range depending on location. | Fees range depending on location. |
| Reschedule | Reschedule and cancel fees based on location, currency, and advance notice. | |
| Scratch Work Resources | 5 laminated pages and 2 dry erase markers are provided. | A physical whiteboard, dry-erase marker, and erasers are permitted, and access to an online whiteboard is provided. |
| Accommodations | Additional testing time, break, and access to other resources. | |
| Your Score | View your unofficial score on the screen immediately following the exam. Your Official Score Report will be available typically within 7 business days (but may take up to 20). | |
| Score Validity | Scores are valid for 5 years | |
| Exam Attempts | 5 attempts are permitted in a rolling 12-month period and you can give unlimited attempts in a lifetime across both delivery channels and exam versions. | |
| Score Sending | Send 5 free score reports to programs within 48 hours of receiving your Official Score. Additional score reports are available for a fee. | |
GMAT Score for Top Business Schools Worldwide
According to the official data, 7 out of 10 aspirants rely on GMAT exam. Almost all the business schools worldwide and India now accept GMAT scores for their admission process. GMAT cut-off range for ISB ranges between 530 and 780. You should target a minimum of 655+ score for a successful admission. To understand the percentile, you can use concordance tables which shows score distributions between the two versions of the exam by percentile. The rankings of Universities worldwide are determined by five main criteria: Admissions 15%, Diversity 5%, pre-MBA qualification 20%, Career 40%, and Qualitative Assessment 20%.
- Admissions considers factors in metrics like the total number of applicants and yield rate.
- Diversity considers the class profile in terms of international students, female representation, and US minority enrollment.
- Pre-MBA quantitative qualifications checks the GMAT/GRE scores, GPA, and prior work experience
- Career metrics include average base salary, signing bonus, and employment status
- Qualitative Assessment entails evaluations from peers and employers.
The top business schools worldwide as per the above criterias include:
| Top 5 scorers in the Admissions criteria | Harvard University Stanford University University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) Columbia University Duke University (Fuqua) |
| Top 5 scorers in the Diversity criteria | University of Rochester (Simon) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) Harvard University Northwestern University (Kellogg) |
| Top 5 scorers in the pre-MBA quantitative qualification criteria | Stanford University Yale University Harvard University University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) |
| Top 5 scorers in the career criteria | University of Chicago (Booth) Dartmouth College (Tuck) University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) University of Virginia (Darden) Northwestern University (Kellogg) |
| Top 5 scorers in the qualitative assessment criteria | Stanford University Harvard University University of Chicago (Booth) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) |
The scores of various top business schools worldwide are:
| GMAT Score for Top Ranked Business Schools Worldwide | ||
|---|---|---|
| QS World Ranking | Business School | GMAT Score |
| 1 | Stanford Graduate School of Business | 738 |
| 2 | The Wharton School | 728 |
| 3 | Harvard Business School | 740 |
| 4 | London Business School | 700 |
| 5 | HEC Paris | 690 |
| 6 | MIT Sloan | 730 |
| 7 | Columbia Business School | 730 |
| 8 | IE Business School | 680 |
| 9 | Cambridge Judge | 682 |
| 10 | IESE Business School | 580-750 |
GMAT is not only for studying in abroad colleges but also In India. Few top business schools in India accept the GMAT score to admit Indian students to their flagship MBA programs. This is appliable for both 2 year and 1 year MBA programs. You can apply to all top Indian business schools with a GMAT score of 600+. The reason behind acepting GMAT scores are:
- You can take GMAT and apply to both abroad colleges and Indian universities. There is no need to take seperate exam for Indian universities.
- The standard of assessment is made difficult with tricky questions to access the knowledge and adaptability of the student
Taking GMAT for Indian colleges might vary as per their admission deadlines. So you need to check the deadlines of the business schools in India before taking GMAT test. Some of the top colleges in India accpting GMAT scores are:
- S P Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai – A minimum of 75 percentile in the Quant and Verbal sections and a 85 percentile score in the overall score (690)
- Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai – A minimum GMAT score 600-760 to be eligible for admission
- T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal – A minimum GMAT 630 score and a 50% in undergraduation.
- IIM Ahmedabad – A minimum GMAT Score of 720
- IMT, Ghaziabad – Official score card is received by the school before the announcement of the results in Mid-March.
- ISB Hyderabad – The eligibility score range is 530-780
- IIM Udaipur – Students with a score of 680 and above can apply
- ISB Mohali – A score range between 530-780 can apply
Some other top schools acceping GMAT Scores re:
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Kolkata
- XIM, Bhubaneswar
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Indore
- XLRI Jamshedpur
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Ranchi
GMAT Preparation Tips
On average, most Indian students require 2 to 3 months of GMAT preparation to achieve a higher score. First, you need to understand the exam format, create a proper study plan, and follow the official study materials. As a beginner, you can start your GMAT preparation by reading comprehensive books, taking full-length practice tests, or utilizing free online resources.
- Take a full-length GMAT mock test to measure and identify your strengths and weak areas.
- Create and follow a proper study plan according to your schedule and focus on your weak areas.
- GMAT official guides include the most updated study materials and preparation strategies. You can get GMAT official starter kit for free, which includes 2 practice exams and 70+ real sample questions.
- You can opt for online exam preparation, as it offers flexible batch timings and easily accessible study materials.
- Joining GMAT coaching center will help you to prepare under expert mentorship.
- Best apps and websites like Manhattan Prep, Veritas Prep, Magoosh, and The Economist GMAT Tutor provide effective preparations.
GMAT Sample Papers
Solving GMAT sample papers regularly helps you to understand the different types of questions. You can utilize free resources like demo classes, preparation apps, and websites to practice sample papers. Many GMAT books include effective GMAT practice questions with answers for better practices.
Having a good understanding of the changes in GMAT exam pattern is important. GMAT added a new data insights section. You will be advised to visit the official website for details about the exam pattern and updated preparation materials.
FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between GMAT and GMAT?
Ans. GMAT is much shorter than the old format and only consists of 64 questions in total. You will be given 2 hours and 15 minutes for GMAT, previously it was 3 hours and 7 minutes long.
Ques. Is the GMAT harder?
Ans. GMAT is shorter than the old pattern; the new syllabus consist of only 3 sections and the previous pattern consists of 4 sections. GMAT requires only 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Ques. Does ISB accept GMAT score?
Ans. India’s top-ranked business schools currently accept only GMAT scores for the admission process. The old GMAT patten has stopped testing, and some of the universities currently still accepting the old GMAT score.
Ques. What is the content of GMAT?
Ans. GMAT syllabus contains three sections; quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. The syllabus now scored on 205 to 805 level, and the raw score for each section is scored from 60 to 90 scale.
Ques. Can candidates choose between the old and new test formats?
Ans. Yes, the GMAC has announced that candidates will be given a window of time to choose between the old and new test formats until the new format is fully implemented.
Ques. What is the highest score on the GMAT?
Ans. GMAT score ranges from 205 to 805 level. To get admission to some of the top-ranked business schools, you need to achieve a 720+ GMAT score.
Ques. What is the "Data Insights" section of the GMAT?
Ans. The Data Insights section of GMAT is a new section that evaluates the candidate's ability to analyse and interpret data, which is a critical skill for success in the business world.
Ques. What topics does the Data Insights section draw from?
Ans. The Data Insights section draws from the integrated reasoning and data sufficiency topics covered in the previous syllabus.
Ques. What question types can be expected on the Data Insights section?
Ans. The question types that can be expected on the Data Insights section include data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis.
Ques. Will the new exam format maintain the same level of rigour as the old format?
Ans. Yes, although each section of the new exam format will be more concise, the test will still maintain the same level of rigour that business schools expect from applicants. Additionally, the GMAC ensures that the new section aligns with skills and competencies valued by business schools.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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Comments
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You can register two to three months before your preferred test date, although, you may register up to six months in advance. Use the Registration and Score Reporting Timeline in the GMAT Handbook to assist you in selecting your test date. You can schedule your exam in the following ways - Online: Create your mba.com account or Phone: Call GMAT Customer Service for your region (Note: You may be charged an additional service fee of USD 10).
Yes, you will now have the choice to validate your identity using your Aadhaar Card or passport during the GMAT online exam registration process as long as the Card is current and valid. For the test center version of the GMAT exam, the passport remains the only acceptable ID; Aadhaar Card has been introduced as an alternative for only online GMAT exams.