GMAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-adaptive examination designed to evaluate a candidate’s analytical, quantitative, and language proficiency skills. GMAT scores hold significant importance as a primary requirement for gaining admission to graduate management and business programs, including the revered MBA
Notably, GMAT scores enjoy widespread acceptance, surpassing many other aptitude tests, with recognition in more than 2,300 colleges and across over 7,000 distinct programs
What is the syllabus of GMAT?
The GRE exam syllabus 2023 comprises three core sections: GRE Analytical Writing, GRE Verbal Reasoning, and GRE Quantitative Reasoning. This syllabus assesses a candidate’s critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing abilities, which are fundamental for success in higher education. Administered by ETS, the GRE provides a detailed outline of the syllabus content within these three sections, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge required for the GRE examination.
Structure of GMAT Syllabus for MBA or other masters courses
| Subject sections | Questions | Duration | Marks | GMAT subjects description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 | 62 | 6-51 | The GMAT Quant Section Evaluates the Test Taker’s Ability to Draw Conclusions Using Analytical Skills and Reasoning |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 | 65 | 6-51 | GMAT Verbal assesses a candidate’s proficiency in reading, comprehending written material, and evaluating arguments derived from it |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 | 1-8 | The GMAT IR Section Evaluates the Test Taker’s Ability to Analyze Diverse Data Represented in Multiple Formats |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 | 30 | 0-6 | Within the AWA Section, the Examination Assesses Critical Thinking and Communication Skills |
| Total | 80 | 3 hr 37 mins | 200-800 |
GMAT course syllabus in Detail
GMAT quant syllabus
The quantitative reasoning section is structured into two subcomponents:
Problem Solving: You encounter questions with five answer choices, necessitating the calculation of numeric values or algebraic expressions to select your answer
Data Sufficiency These questions present two data statements, and your objective is not to compute a numeric answer but to determine which choice provides enough information to solve the problem effectively.
GMAT maths syllabus comprises 31 questions to be completed within 62 minutes, the GMAT quant section evaluates your understanding and application of fundamental mathematical principles. The GMAT mathematics syllabus encompasses the following areas.
- Arithmetic: Covering topics like numbers and their properties, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, sets, counting methods, and discrete probability
- Algebra: Encompassing equations, inequalities, absolute values, functions, and exponents
- Geometry: Involving concepts related to lines, angles, polygons, circles, solids, and coordinate geometry
- Problems: Encompassing various real-world scenarios, including rate, time, work, mixtures, interest, discounts, profit and loss, geometry, measurement, and data interpretation
GMAT verbal syllabus
As per the GMAT syllabus, the verbal section comprises three question types:
- Reading Comprehension
- critical Reasoning
- Sentence Correction
The GMAT verbal section includes 36 multiple-choice questions to be solved within 65 minutes. The topics you can anticipate in the GMAT verbal section are as follows: The GMAT Verbal section assesses your aptitude for comprehending written content and discerning logical connections
- Critical Reasoning involves the analysis and evaluation of provided arguments, culminating in the formulation or appraisal of a course of action, all in the format of multiple-choice questions.
- In Sentence Correction, you’re presented with sentences containing potential grammatical issues. Your task is to identify and rectify any grammatical errors by choosing the correct option from the four alternatives provided.
- Reading Comprehension: consists of short or extended passages, typically spanning 200-400 words. Your challenge is to infer from the text and address three or four multiple-choice questions based on the content
Integrated Reasoning
The Integrated Reasoning section, with a 30-minute time limit to address 12 questions, challenges you to assess and appraise information in various formats. These questions will put your quantitative and verbal skills to the test. The question types can be broadly categorized as follows:
- Multi-Source Reasoning: Involves synthesizing, comparing, interpreting, or applying information from written passages, tables, graphs, diagrams, and visual representations.
- In Table Analysis: Requires determining statistics, ratios, proportions, probabilities, and more from a spreadsheet-like table with a dropdown menu.
- Graphics Interpretation: Comprises fill-in-the-blank questions based on bar graphs, line graphs, scatterplots, and bubble graphs.
- Two-Part Analysis: Involves calculating proportions, evaluating trade-offs, and more, with answer options in a tabular format
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- analyzing issues,
- comprehending information, and
- articulating your thoughts in essay form.
This GMAT topic evaluates your critical thinking skills and your ability to convey your ideas effectively
Scores in this section are assigned on a six-point scale, with the essay receiving two independent ratings, which are then averaged. The essay topics can span from general subjects to business news. For your preparation, here’s a list of 50 AWA practice questions
GMAT Score Validity and Retake Policy
- GMAT scores remain valid for a duration of up to 5 years
- These scores hold the potential to support both your pursuit of an MBA program and your job-seeking endeavors, as many recruitment firms consider GMAT scores in their hiring processes
- Should a candidate find their GMAT results unsatisfactory, they have the option to retake the GMAT exam. However, it’s essential to note that a candidate can attempt the GMAT a maximum of 5 times within a one-year period, equivalent to 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GMAT and CAT syllabus the same?
No, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and CAT (Common Admission Test) have different syllabi. GMAT is primarily used for admission to graduate management programs, especially for MBA, and includes sections like Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. CAT, on the other hand, is an entrance exam for admission to Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and assesses Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability.
Is there a negative marking in the GMAT?
No, there is no negative marking in the GMAT. You do not lose points for answering questions incorrectly. Your score is determined by the number of correct answers and the difficulty of those questions.
Are there specific topics covered in the GMAT syllabus?
The GMAT syllabus includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.
How can I prepare for the GMAT exam?
You can prepare for the GMAT through self-study, GMAT prep courses, or using GMAT study materials. Practice tests and official GMAT guides are also valuable resources.
