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GMAT is an essential gateway for admission into top business schools worldwide. The GMAT Focus Edition has brought several significant changes to the exam pattern. The new pattern still evaluates key skills in critical thinking, data interpretation, and problem-solving, but with a more efficient and simplified testing experience.
The GMAT Focus Edition has 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) has been eliminated, while the exam's total duration is shortened to just 2 hours and 15 minutes. This simplified pattern focuses on assessing your ability to analyze data, think critically, and solve problems. GMAT is an adaptive test, which means it adjusts question difficulty based on performance. The changes aim to provide a more efficient testing experience while maintaining the exam's relevance for business school admissions.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the latest GMAT exam pattern, highlighting the new pattern, scoring system, and key differences from the previous version. Whether you're preparing to take the exam or just curious about the changes, this article will help you navigate the GMAT Focus Edition with ease.
GMAT Exam Pattern 2025
The GMAT Focus Edition features a concise exam pattern with 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, each lasting 45 minutes. This new format is designed to efficiently test your analytical, verbal, and data interpretation skills within a total duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The table below gives a detailed breakdown of the GMAT exam pattern for 2025:
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Score Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 minutes | 60-90 (1-point increment) | Focuses on problem-solving and data sufficiency questions, assessing quantitative skills like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 minutes | 60-90 (1-point increment) | Includes reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction to evaluate English language skills. |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 minutes | 60-90 (1-point increment) | Tests the ability to analyze data from multiple sources, including graphs, tables, and text. |
| Total | 64 | 2 hours and 15 minutes (including an optional 10-minute break) | 205-805 (10-point increment) | Assesses your ability to analyze data, think critically, and solve problems. |
The Data Sufficiency and Integrated Reasoning topics are now combined under the new Data Insights section, and the AWA and Sentence Correction questions have been eliminated.
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GMAT Syllabus 2025GMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Quantitative Reasoning
The GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates your mathematical skills and ability to solve quantitative problems efficiently. It measures how well you can interpret data, apply mathematical concepts, and use logical reasoning, skills essential for success in business school.
Section Pattern:
- Number of Questions: 21
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Score Range: 60-90, with 1-point increments
Key Topics:
- Focuses on problem-solving and data sufficiency questions
- Covers topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and basic statistics
- Tests your ability to analyze quantitative data and apply logical reasoning
- Questions require calculation and determining if the provided data is sufficient
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Preparation Tips:
- Revise fundamental math concepts
- Practice solving problems quickly and accurately
- Work on interpreting and analyzing data effectively
- Take timed GMAT practice tests to build speed and accuracy
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GMAT Quant QuestionsGMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Verbal Reasoning
The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section evaluates your ability to comprehend and analyze written material and to critically assess arguments. This section focuses on skills essential for clear communication and logical thinking in business settings.
Section Pattern:
- Number of Questions: 23
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Score Range: 60 to 90, with 1-point increments
Key Topics:
- Includes reading comprehension and critical reasoning questions
- Tests your ability to understand complex texts and draw logical conclusions
- Assesses how well you evaluate and strengthen arguments
Preparation Tips:
- Practice reading and interpreting various passages from academic, scientific journals, novels, etc.
- Develop skills to identify assumptions and logical flaws in arguments
- Take timed practice tests to improve reading comprehension and reasoning speed
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GMAT Verbal QuestionsGMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Data Insights
The GMAT Data Insights section is a new addition in the Focus Edition. It includes topics from the old Data Sufficiency and Integrated Reasoning, evaluating your ability to interpret, analyze, and synthesize data from multiple sources, like graphs, tables, charts, etc.
Section Pattern:
- Number of Questions: 20
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Score Range: 60 to 90, with 1-point increments
Key Topics:
- Includes questions based on charts, graphs, text, and table analysis
- Tests your ability to draw conclusions and make decisions using data
- Combines data sufficiency and analysis tasks into a single section
Preparation Tips:
- Practice interpreting different types of data visualizations, like graphic interpretation.
- Work on multi-source reasoning.
- Focus on improving your speed and accuracy in data analysis.
- Use timed practice to get comfortable with the 45-minute time limit.
GMAT as a Computer-Adaptive Test
The GMAT Focus Edition is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) for all 3 sections. This means the test adjusts to your ability level as you progress through the questions.
What Does Computer-Adaptive Mean?
- The difficulty of the questions changes based on your previous answers.
- If you answer a question correctly, the next one will likely be harder.
- If you answer incorrectly, the next question may be easier.
- This helps the test better estimate your true skill level.
Key Points for Students:
- You cannot skip, go back, or change answers once submitted.
- Each question has a direct impact on your overall GMAT score.
- Focus on accuracy early in the section—early questions carry more weight.
- Don't panic if questions seem hard—that could mean you're doing well!
Note: GMAC has clarified that the Data Insights section IS adaptive like the other two sections.
GMAT Preparation Tips 2025
Students always believe that proper preparation for the GMAT is required to score the highest. A few preparation tips for GMAT are as follows:
- Start practising for GMAT at least 6-7 months before the scheduled test date, and get hold of the GMAT syllabus.
- Always study one section of the exam daily and identify your weaknesses in it.
- Go for the best GMAT Preparation Books for practice papers, latest questions, and further guidance.
- In the beginning, find out the basic strengths and weaknesses of subjects.
- Improve quantitative skills and try practising calculations mentally to save time.
- Focus on time management for a better result on the GMAT.
- Get a proper idea about the exam pattern of the GMAT.
- Practice one mock test a week to pace up with the preparation.
- Practice is the main key to scoring the best score on GMAT.
Each of the sections of the GMAT examination pattern examines your abilities and skills in real-world business situations. Having a better understanding of the updated GMAT test pattern is important to begin your preparation. Top business schools abroad or in India require and 720+ GMAT score for their admission process.
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FAQs
Ques. Can I choose the order of sections in the GMAT Focus Edition?
Ans. Yes, you can choose the order in which you want to take the 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. This flexibility lets you start with the section you're most comfortable with, which can help you stay calm and focused during the test.
Ques. Can I review or change my answers during the test?
Ans. Yes, the GMAT Focus Edition allows you to review and change your answers. You can flag questions and revise up to 3 responses per section before moving on.
Ques. How many times can I take the GMAT in a year?
Ans. You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in 12 months, with 16-day gaps between 2 consecutive attempts. This includes 3 online-delivered and 2 test center-delivered tests. There is no bar on the number of attempts in a lifetime.
Ques. How long is a GMAT score valid?
Ans. Your GMAT score is valid for 5 years from the test date. You can use this score to apply to business schools any time during this period.
Ques. Is a calculator allowed in the GMAT Focus Edition?
Ans. Yes, a basic on-screen calculator is available, but only in the Data Insights section. You cannot use a calculator in the Quantitative section.
Ques. Can I cancel or reschedule my GMAT exam?
Ans. Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your GMAT exam through your GMAC account. However, rescheduling or cancellation fees apply based on how early you make the change.
Ques. When will I get my GMAT Focus Edition scores?
Ans. You will see your unofficial scores immediately after completing the exam. The official score report is usually available within 3 to 5 business days.
*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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If you cancel anytime up to 14 days before your test date, you will receive a USD 50 refund from your registration fee. If you cancel between 15 days and 60 days before your test date, you will receive a refund of USD 75. If you cancel more than 60 days before the appointment, you will receive a USD 100 refund. If you do not show up for the test, you will be responsible for the full exam fee.
The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), frequently called the GMAT essay, consists of a single question. The AWA prompt will ask you to read a brief passage that presents an argument. In your essay, you will explain and critique the argument and the reasoning behind it. The GMAT AWA measures your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written English, to think critically, and to analyze an argument.