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

Preparing for the GMAT in 2025? You're not just studying for an exam - you're gearing up to take on the world's most recognised test for business schools. With new changes in the syllabus, it's more important than ever to know what you're up against. In this guide, we'll break down the updated GMAT sections, the topics you need to focus on, and how to plan your prep for the best possible results. Let's get into what's new and how you can ace it.

Key Highlights:

• The GMAT Syllabus includes three sections: Quantitative Reasoning; Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
• The new GMAT's 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.

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 mins. A summary of the sections are 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 quantitative reasoning section of GMAT evaluates your ability to analyse mathematical data and draw conclusions using your reasoning skills. The GMAT quantitative reasoning section spans over 45 minutes. It consists of the following parts:

• 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.
• Geometry: Lines and angles, Triangles, Special right triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Polygons, 3D geometry, Rectangular solids and Cylinders, Coordinate geometry.
• Modern Maths: Set Theory, Sequences and Series, Permutation and Combination, Probability.

How to Prepare for the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus?

The GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section can be difficult, but you need proper preparation to ace it. The following GMAT Quantitative Reasoning tips will help you score well on the Quants Section.

• Start with the basics like simple maths problems
• Prepare notes of formulas, concepts, and tricks. Revise them regularly.
• Practise different types of questions daily.
• Memorise squares up to 30, cubes up to 20, and tricks to quickly solve square roots and cube roots.

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GMAT Syllabus for Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section of GMAT measures your ability to understand and evaluate English text. The total time for this section is 45 minutes. You will cover the following parts in this section:

• Reading comprehension (RC): Refer to the given passage and answer questions based on the main idea, supporting ideas, inferences, context, style, and tone.
• Critical reasoning (CR): Argument construction, argument evaluation, and formulating/evaluating a plan of action based on shorter passages.

How to Prepare for the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus?

The following tips for the GMAT verbal section will help you score well:

• Familiarise yourself with the different types of questions in the Reading Comprehension (RC) and Critical Reasoning (CR) section.
• Develop a habit of writing the main point of any paragraph.
• Learn to identify the gaps, assumptions, strengths, weaknesses, etc. in a given argument.

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. The applicants can prepare for the Data Insights Section based on the syllabus given below for reference:

• 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?

Here are some tips mentioned below to help you score better on the GMAT exam:

• Build Skills in Data Analysis.
• Practice regularly.
• Familiarise yourself with the question types.
• Review and Analyse Mistakes

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Preparation Tips for the 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 below steps 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 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!