GMAT Syllabus 2025: Quant, Verbal & Data Insights Syllabus Explained

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 GMAT exam duration is 2.15 hours, compared to 3 hours of the old GMAT format.
• The GMAT Focus edition has 64 questions, whereas the older GMAT version had 80 questions.

GMAT Syllabus 2025

The GMAT syllabus includes Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and a Data Insights section, with 45 minutes allotted for each section.

The new Data Insights section combines elements of Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency from the classic GMAT. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Sentence Correction (SC) sections are no longer part of the GMAT Focus Edition.

The total exam duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Let’s look at the GMAT exam syllabus 2025:

GMAT Syllabus 2025: Topic-wise Details

The GMAT consists of three main sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Data Insights. The Verbal section includes 23 MCQs on Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. The Quantitative section has 21 MCQs on Problem-Solving, focusing on algebra and arithmetic, with no geometry questions. The Data Insights section includes 20 questions covering Data Sufficiency, Two-Part Analysis, Graphic Interpretation, Multi-Source Reasoning, and Table Analysis.

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GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus

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, analyzes mathematical data and draws conclusions based on your reasoning skills. The GMAT quantitative reasoning section spans over 45 minutes.

Key Skills Tested:

• Arithmetic: Mastering fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic number operations.
• Algebra: Solving equations, inequalities, and understanding functions and exponents.
• Data Analysis: Interpreting graphs, tables, and data sets.
• Problem-Solving: Applying mathematical concepts to solve practical problems.
• Logical Reasoning: Identifying relationships and drawing conclusions based on numerical data.

Let's Understand the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus

Arithmetic

• Fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios
• Basic number properties (powers and roots)
• Counting methods and probability
• Ratio and proportion
• Sets and discrete probability

Algebra

• Inequalities and absolute values
• Solving linear and quadratic equations
• Understanding functions and their properties
• Exponents and their applications

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 Verbal Reasoning Syllabus

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT assesses your ability to interpret and evaluate English passages. This section consists of 23 questions to be completed in 45 minutes, divided into reading comprehension and critical reasoning. You'll be expected to identify logical connections and relationships between different points presented in the passage.

Key Skills Tested:

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding main ideas, supporting details, and applying concepts.
• Critical Reasoning: Identifying flaws, assumptions, and strengthening arguments.
• Logical Structure: Recognizing relationships between ideas.
• Style & Tone: Analyzing the writing style and evaluating the effectiveness of the passage.

Let's understand the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus 

Critical Reasoning

• Identifying flaws or weaknesses in an argument
• Strengthening an argument
• Recognizing assumptions underlying the argument
• Drawing logical inferences
• Analyzing the argument's structure
• Understanding paradoxes and contradictions
• Evaluating the conclusion
• Completing an argument with missing information

Reading Comprehension

• Questions on the main idea of the passage
• Questions about supporting details
• Inference-based questions
• Application of ideas to new situations
• Evaluation of the passage’s content or argument

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 Data Insights Syllabus

The Data Insights section is a new addition in the GMAT Focus Edition, combining elements from the previous Integrated Reasoning and Quantitative sections. With a duration of 45 minutes and 20 questions, this section evaluates your ability to analyze and interpret data, similar to the Quantitative and Verbal sections.

Key Skills Tested:

• Data Interpretation: Extracting meaningful insights from tables, graphs, and other data formats.
• Multi-Source Reasoning: Synthesizing and comparing information from different sources.
• Quantitative and Verbal Integration: Combining quantitative analysis with verbal reasoning to answer questions.
• Problem-Solving: Applying reasoning skills to solve complex problems using data.

Let’s dive into the GMAT Data Insights Syllabus:

Data Sufficiency

• Determining if the provided data is enough to solve the problem.
• Evaluating whether the two statements given are sufficient to answer the question.

Multi-Source Reasoning

• Synthesizing, comparing, interpreting, and applying information from multiple data sources such as written passages, tables, graphs, and diagrams.

Table Analysis

• Analyzing data from a table to determine statistics, ratios, proportions, or probabilities.

Graphics Interpretation

• Answering questions based on data from bar graphs, line graphs, scatterplots, and bubble charts.

• Interpreting visual representations and drawing conclusions from them.

Two-Part Analysis

• Solving problems that consist of two connected parts, testing both 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 GMAT Syllabus 2025?

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 syllabus 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.

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