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GMAT is a globally recognized entrance exam for MBA and other business management programs. Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the exam is designed to evaluate a candidate’s analytical, quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation skills.
With the launch of the GMAT Focus Edition, the exam structure and syllabus have been updated to make it more relevant to today’s business world. The new format has 3 major sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, instead of the earlier 4-section pattern. The latest GMAT syllabus does not include geometry, AWA, and integrated reasoning.
Understanding the latest GMAT syllabus for 2025 is crucial for aspirants, as it helps streamline preparation, identify important topics, and focus on areas with maximum weightage. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the GMAT syllabus, section-wise topics, exam pattern, and preparation tips.
Also Read
- GMAT Syllabus 2025
- GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus 2025
2.1 Tips to Prepare for GMAT Quantitative Section
- GMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus 2025
3.1 Tips to Prepare for GMAT Verbal Section
- GMAT Data Insights Syllabus 2025
4.1 Tips to Prepare for GMAT Data Insights Section
- GMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Old GMAT vs GMAT Focus Edition
- GMAT Syllabus 2025 Preparation Tips
- FAQs
GMAT Syllabus 2025
The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus 2025 has been designed to test real-world problem-solving, critical thinking, and data interpretation skills that are essential for business management programs. Unlike the earlier version of the GMAT, which had 4 sections, the Focus Edition now has only 3 sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning – Tests mathematical and problem-solving skills.
- Verbal Reasoning – Measures reading comprehension and critical reasoning.
- Data Insights – Evaluates analytical skills, data interpretation, and decision-making.
Each of these sections covers a specific set of topics. The table below gives the detailed section-wise GMAT syllabus.
| GMAT Focus Edition Section 2025 | GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus 2025 |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning (21 Questions in 45 Minutes) |
|
| Verbal Reasoning (23 Questions in 45 Minutes) |
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| Data Insights (20 Questions in 45 Minutes) |
|
The GMAT Focus Edition 2025 syllabus is different from the old GMAT syllabus. The current syllabus does not include AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) and SC (Sentence Correction). Also, the new section called Data Insights (DI) is based on IR (Integrated Reasoning), and this section also contains the DS (Data Sufficiency) topics.
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus 2025
The GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section measures your ability to solve mathematical problems and interpret numerical data. It is designed to test logical thinking and analytical application rather than advanced math.
Key Topics:
- Arithmetic: Integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, averages, speed-distance-time, work, profit & loss, simple & compound interest.
- Algebra: Linear & quadratic equations, inequalities, exponents, absolute values, algebraic expressions, functions.
- Word Problems: Mixtures, sets, probability, statistics, coordinate geometry, number properties.
- Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, coordinate geometry, perimeter, area, volume.
- Statistics & Probability: Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, permutations & combinations.
Note: Advanced topics like trigonometry, calculus, and higher-level mathematics are not part of the GMAT syllabus.
Tips to Prepare for GMAT Quantitative Section
- Strengthen basics in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry instead of focusing on higher math.
- Practice mental calculations and shortcuts to save time.
- Solve official GMAT practice questions to understand the exam’s logic-based approach.
- Pay special attention to data sufficiency problems, which often appear tricky.
- Focus on accuracy first, then improve speed.
Also Check
GMAT Quantitative QuestionsGMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus 2025
The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section evaluates reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and the ability to analyze arguments. It measures how well a candidate can understand and evaluate written material.
Key Topics:
- Reading Comprehension (RC):
- Main idea & passage structure
- Supporting details & examples
- Inference-based questions
- Author’s tone, purpose, and perspective
- Critical Reasoning (CR):
- Strengthen & weaken arguments
- Assumption-based questions
- Evaluate arguments
- Inference & conclusion-based questions
- Paradox & flaw detection
- Logical Structure of Arguments: Understanding the flow of reasoning and evidence.
Note: Sentence Correction (SC) questions, which were part of the old GMAT, have been completely removed in the GMAT Focus Edition.
Also Check
Tips to Prepare for GMAT Verbal Section
- Develop a daily reading habit (editorials, academic journals, business case studies).
- Focus on identifying argument structures while practicing Critical Reasoning questions.
- Learn to eliminate wrong answer choices systematically.
- Practice active reading: highlight keywords, tone shifts, and transitions.
- Manage time by not over-reading passages, and scan for key points.
Also Check
GMAT Verbal QuestionsGMAT Data Insights Syllabus 2025
The GMAT Data Insights section is unique to the GMAT Focus Edition. It combines data interpretation, logical reasoning, and decision-making. It is a combination of the earlier Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency sections.
Key Topics:
- Data Sufficiency: Identify if the given data is enough to answer a problem.
- Multi-Source Reasoning: Analyze data from multiple sources like text, tables, or charts.
- Table Analysis: Interpret tabular data, identify trends, and make logical conclusions.
- Graphical Interpretation: Analyze data presented in bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, and scatter plots.
- Two-Part Analysis: Solve complex quantitative or verbal problems with two related components.
- Data Comparisons: Evaluate and compare datasets for accuracy and efficiency.
Note: The Data Insights section requires both quant and verbal reasoning skills since questions combine numbers, text, and logic.
Tips to Prepare for GMAT Data Insights Section
- Practice Graphic Interpretation, interpreting charts, and data tables quickly.
- Revise the concepts of probability, percentages, and ratios since they are often embedded in data sets.
- Learn to identify irrelevant data — don’t waste time analyzing everything.
- Strengthen logical reasoning and quantitative fundamentals, as both are tested together.
- Time management is crucial — practice skipping lengthy calculations when data trends are obvious.
GMAT Exam Pattern: Old GMAT vs GMAT Focus Edition
The GMAT Focus Edition has streamlined the exam into 3 sections, making it shorter and more skill-focused compared to the old GMAT exam pattern. Below is a quick comparison:
| GMAT Syllabus Section | Old GMAT (10th Edition) | GMAT Focus Edition (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Sections | 4 (Quant, Verbal, IR, AWA) | 3 (Quant, Verbal, Data Insights) |
| Analytical Writing (AWA) | 1 essay (Analysis of an argument) | Removed |
| Integrated Reasoning (IR) | 12 questions (data interpretation) | Merged into the Data Insights section |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 questions – Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry | 21 questions – Similar topics, fewer questions |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 questions – RC, CR, Sentence Correction | 23 questions – RC & CR only (SC removed) |
| Data Insights | Not included separately | 20 questions – Data sufficiency, charts |
| Total Questions | 80 | 64 |
| Exam Duration | 3+ hours | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| GMAT Score Scale | 200-800 | 205-805 |
Also Read
GMAT vs GMAT Focus EditionGMAT Syllabus 2025 Preparation Tips
Preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus requires a balanced approach across all 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Since the exam is adaptive and time-bound, you need both conceptual clarity and strategic test-taking skills.
- Understand the Exam Structure: Familiarize yourself with the updated syllabus and format before starting GMAT preparation.
- Build Conceptual Clarity: Strengthen basics in arithmetic, algebra, logical reasoning, and comprehension.
- Practice Data Interpretation: Since Data Insights is a major addition, practice analyzing charts, tables, and complex datasets.
- Time Management: Allocate fixed time per question and practice full-length mock tests to improve pacing.
- Review & Revise Regularly: Create a revision schedule for formulas, reasoning strategies, and common question types.
- Use Official GMAT Prep Material: Stick to GMAC’s official GMAT practice sets and question banks for the most accurate preparation.
- Analyze Mistakes: Review incorrect answers to identify weak areas and focus more on them.
- Balanced Preparation: Avoid focusing too much on one section; maintain equal practice across Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights.
With a smart preparation strategy, you can master the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus while saving time and maximizing accuracy.
Also Read
The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus 2025 is designed to test your real-world problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis skills. By understanding the topics in Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights sections and following a smart preparation strategy, you can focus your efforts where they matter most. Stay consistent, practice regularly, and you’ll be ready to tackle the exam with confidence.
FAQs
Ques. Is the GMAT Focus Edition easier than the old GMAT?
Ans. The Focus Edition is not necessarily easier. It is more streamlined and shorter. It emphasizes data interpretation and reasoning skills, so preparation needs to be strategic and focused.
Ques. How often does GMAC update the GMAT syllabus?
Ans. GMAC doesn't update the GMAT syllabus annually. Rather, updates are significant structural changes, such as the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition in early last year, which replaced the GMAT Classic.
Ques. Can I prepare for the GMAT syllabus using only online resources?
Ans. Yes, many candidates succeed using online prep materials, practice tests, and official GMAT resources. However, supplementing with books or mock tests can improve time management and accuracy.
Ques. Are calculators allowed in the GMAT Focus Edition?
Ans. A basic on-screen calculator is provided only for the Data Insights section. For Quantitative Reasoning, calculations must be done manually.
Ques. Does knowing the GMAT syllabus guarantee a high score?
Ans. Understanding the syllabus helps focus your preparation, but consistent practice, time management, and solving mock tests are essential to achieve a high score.
Ques. Is there a recommended order to attempt the sections in the GMAT?
Ans. While the order is fixed in the exam, practicing sections strategically during preparation, like starting with your strongest section, can help build confidence and improve overall pacing.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments
Found 2 Comments
Yes, you will get two to three questions from Coordinate Geometry in the GMAT quant section. Questions appear in variants, problem-solving, and data sufficiency. The concepts tested include finding the slope, identifying the quadrants through which a line passes, finding the length of a line segment, determining the equation of a line, equations of parallel and perpendicular lines, area of a triangle, and equation of circles.
The entire GMAT Syllabus is divided into four sections. The change in the new format of GMAT has been made in the Tutorial Screens and the Quant and Verbal Section (scored out of 800) only. The other sections -Analytical Writing Section (AWA) and Integrated Reasoning (IR) remain completely unchanged. GMAT will measure your analytical and reasoning skills through these sections.