GMAT Exam Syllabus for 2025: Section-wise Syllabus & Important Topics

Preparing for the GMAT in 2025 means tackling the world’s most recognised business school entrance exam with a fresh perspective. The GMAT Focus Edition, introduced in 2023 as the 11th edition, is now the standard format and brings some major changes to the syllabus. The exam now features three core sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, down from the previous four.

Notably, topics like geometry, Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), and Integrated Reasoning have been removed. With these updates, it is more important than ever to understand what to expect and how to prepare effectively. This guide breaks down the revised GMAT syllabus and shows you how to plan your prep for the best results.

Key Highlights:

• The GMAT Syllabus includes three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
• The new GMAT exam duration is 2.15 hours, compared to 3 hours of the old GMAT format.
• The GMAT Focus edition has 80 questions, whereas the old GMAT had 64 questions.

Why Did the GMAT Syllabus Change?

GMAT syllabus changed to better reflect the analytical and decision-making skills that business schools value most. The changes aim to streamline the test while aligning it with the evolving demands of management education and corporate careers.

What’s New in GMAT Focus Edition? 

• AWA and IR removed
• Sentence Correction removed
• Data Insights added
• Shorter test: 2 hours 15 mins
• New scoring range: 205–805
• Section selection and review flexibility

GMAT Exam Pattern 2025

The GMAT exam pattern in 2025 is quite a change from the previous edition. Now with 3 parts, the GMAT focus version is shorter than the previous edition, and consists of Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. You get 45 minutes for each section, which in turn has 2 parts (like the Quant section consists of 2 parts - algebra and arithmetic, and so on). The score range for each section is 60 to 90. 

Let’s look at the GMAT exam pattern in 2025:

GMAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern 2025 (Focus Edition)

GMAC introduced the GMAT Focused Edition in 2023. All GMATs have been changed to the Focus edition from February 2025. The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus is different from the old GMAT syllabus. The new GMAT syllabus consists of Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning, with additional Data Insights, which are drawn from the old integrated reasoning and data sufficiency. The analytical writing assessment (AWA) and sentence correction (SC) sections from the old GMAT have been discontinued in the GMAT Focus edition. The new GMAT focus edition has a total time of 2 hr 15 minutes.

A summary of the sections is as follows:

• Verbal Reasoning: It has 23 MCQs on Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This has 21 MCQ-type questions on Problem-Solving (algebra and arithmetic). There are no geometry questions.
• Data Insights (latest addition): This section has 20 questions on Data Sufficiency, Two-Part Analysis, Graphic Interpretation (tables, charts, graphs), Multi-Source Reasoning, and Table Analysis.

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GMAT Syllabus for Quantitative Reasoning

The GMAT syllabus for quantitative reasoning has only arithmetic and algebra sections. The GMAT quantitative section consists of 21 questions, and you have to answer them in 45 minutes. The GMAT Focus edition syllabus for quantitative reasoning includes questions on fractions, decimals, equations, set theory, permutations and combinations, and probability. This section evaluates your analytical skills, analyses mathematical data and draws conclusions based on your reasoning skills. The GMAT quantitative reasoning section spans over 45 minutes.

Let's understand GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus 

• Arithmetic: fractions, decimals, percentages, numbers - their powers and roots, counting methods, ratio and proportion, sets, discrete probability.
• Algebra: inequalities, absolute value, equations, functions, and exponents.

How to Prepare for the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus?

The GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section can be difficult, and you need 3-4 months of consistent preparation to score well in it. Most students find it difficult to acquaint themselves with the new math syllabus, but with consistent practice, you can ace it. Refer to GMAT math guides, solve previous years’ question papers, take mock tests and memorise the formulae for various math problems. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and take the exam confidently. 

Here are a few tips that can help you prepare for the GMAT quantitative reasoning:

• Start with the basics, like simple math problems. You don’t have to take the complicated ones immediately. Start slow, read up on the syllabus, and refer to a GMAT math guide like Manhattan GMAT prep.
• Write down math formulae, concepts, and tricks that will help you on A4 sheets. Revise them from time to time. 
• Make sure you take enough (3-4 months) for a holistic preparation.
• Additional tip - memorise squares up to 30, cubes up to 20, and tricks to quickly solve square roots and cube roots. The best way to do this is to create mnemonics and learn formulae.

GMAT Syllabus for Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT measures your ability to understand and evaluate passages in English. Divided into reading comprehension and critical reasoning, this section has 23 questions to be covered within 45 minutes, and it needs you to identify the logical relationships between various points mentioned in the passage. 

The GMAT syllabus for verbal reasoning includes short and long passages wherein candidates are tested on the following reading skills: inference, application, main idea, supporting the idea, logical structure, and style.

Let's understand the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus 

• Reading comprehension (RC): Here, you refer to the given passage and answer questions based on the main idea, supporting ideas, inferences, context, style, and tone.
  This measures your skill to draw inferences, understand logical relationships between various points in the content, understand the vocabulary, and follow the development of concepts. 

• Critical reasoning (CR): This section evaluates your ability to construct arguments,  evaluate arguments, and formulate a plan of action based on shorter passages. You need to be able to identify the gaps, strengths, and weaknesses in the arguments. 

How to Prepare for the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus?

The questions for the GMAT verbal reasoning are usually 350 words. You need to be able to critically analyse the passages, so reading them thoroughly is very important. The passage consists of a main point, a supporting idea, inferences, and functions. You should also be able to identify the style and tone of the passage.

Here are a few tips to prepare for the GMAT verbal reasoning:

• Get familiar with the different sections of GMAT verbal reasoning: the Reading Comprehension (RC) and Critical Reasoning (CR).
• Learn to identify the gaps, assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses in a given argument.
• Use GMAT reference guides to help you with the GMAT syllabus, exam pattern, and format. 
• Solve previous years’ question papers, take mock tests, and topic-based practice questions to ace the GMAT verbal section.

GMAT Syllabus for Data Insights (New Addition)

Data Insights is a streamlined version of the old Integrated Reasoning section and includes elements from the previous Quantitative section. This is a new section introduced in the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus. Similar to the quant and verbal sections, this section is also for 45 minutes.

Let's understand the GMAT Data Insights Reasoning Syllabus 

• Data Sufficiency: Based on two data statements, pick the answer choice with enough information to solve the problem.
• Multi-Source Reasoning: Synthesise, compare, interpret, or apply the information presented in written passages, tables, graphs, diagrams, and other types of visual representation.
• Table Analysis: Determine statistics, ratios, proportions, or probabilities from a spreadsheet-like table with a drop-down menu.
• Graphics Interpretation: Answer fill-in-the-blank questions based on data from bar graphs, line graphs, scatterplots, and bubble charts.
• Two-Part Analysis: Questions comprise two problems that are connected in some way and test your quantitative and verbal reasoning skills.

How to Prepare for the GMAT Data Insights Syllabus?

GMAT data insights has been newly introduced, and has questions on data sufficiency, graphic interpretation, table analysis and multi-source reasoning. This section gauges how well you can analyse, translate and filter data. All in all, this section tests both your mathematical skills and verbal reasoning. 

Here are a few tips to prepare for the GMAT data insights section:

• Understand the GMAT syllabus for data insights, familiarise yourself with the patterns of questions, and practice regularly.
• Refer to GMAT guides for data insights that will help you get deeper into each question type and offer solutions.
• Learn how to simplify the DS questions, analyse the statements, and take time-based practice sessions. 
• You can practice 20 questions with a set timer of 45 minutes, and this will help you with the syllabus, question format, and pattern. 

How to Prepare for the New GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus?

Preparing for the GMAT exam requires a strategic approach and consistent efforts. A good GMAT score will help you gain admission to a top MBA school.

You can follow the steps below to prepare for the GMAT exam effectively.

• Understand the updated GMAT exam syllabus and pattern thoroughly with emphasis on the Data Insights section.
• Start your preparation with the official GMAT study material.
• Once you complete the official study material, you can move on to the Manhattan Prep GMAT guides.
• Check out forums like GMAT Club and Beat the GMAT for practice questions, business school reviews, and advice from top scorers.
• Appear for multiple GMAT mock tests. It will help you gauge your preparation levels and progress.

From the Desk of Yocket

As you take the first step in your GMAT preparation, you need to remain informed about the latest changes to the syllabus and format. While the exam may seem more concise, the challenges it presents are designed to test critical thinking and data analysis skills. This makes thorough preparation crucial. Leave no room for avoidable errors!

Utilising the right resources will give you an edge, especially when navigating the new Data Insights section. If you're looking for a better approach to your GMAT preparation, consider exploring Yocket Prep. It is a reliable tool to guide you through your journey with practice tests and expert insights.

At Yocket, we intend to equip you with all the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. Beyond GMAT Prep, Yocket Premium provides support to refine your business school applications - from shortlisting to scholarships. Take charge of your academic journey now!