GMAT Syllabus 2025: Section-Wise Breakdown & Exam Format

Acing the GMAT exam requires a clear understanding of the GMAT syllabus and how the test is structured. 

The GMAT Focus Edition evaluates candidates across three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section assesses different skills essential for business school admissions.

In this guide, we will break down the GMAT syllabus section by section, including the exam format, types of questions, and important topics to help you prepare effectively.

GMAT Exam Format 2025

Before diving into the syllabus, it is essential to understand the GMAT exam format. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the number of questions, time limits, and question types in each section.

Section	Number of Questions	Time Limit	Question Types
Quantitative Reasoning	21 questions	45 minutes	Problem-Solving, Data Sufficiency
Verbal Reasoning	23 questions	45 minutes	Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction
Data Insights	20 questions	45 minutes	Data Sufficiency, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Multi-Source Reasoning

Total Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes, with an optional 10-minute break.

If you're curious about GMAT scores and what qualifies as a good score in 2025, check out this detailed guide: GMAT Results: What is a Good GMAT Score? 

Now, let's explore the GMAT syllabus in detail for each section.

GMAT Syllabus 2025 - Section-Wise Breakdown

The GMAT Focus Edition (2025) consists of three sections:

Each section evaluates different cognitive abilities, and mastering the syllabus is essential for success. Below is a detailed breakdown of each section, covering exam format, question types, and topics.

Quantitative Reasoning (21 Questions, 45 Minutes)

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests mathematical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning. It does not require advanced math (like calculus or trigonometry) but focuses on fundamental concepts from high school mathematics.

📌 No calculator is allowed in this section, so mental math and approximation skills are crucial.

Question Types:

1. Problem Solving – Requires direct calculations and logical problem-solving using mathematical formulas.
2. Data Sufficiency – Tests the ability to determine if given data is enough to solve a problem.

Skills Tested:

 ✅ Numerical reasoning
✅ Algebraic manipulation
✅ Geometric analysis
✅ Logical evaluation of mathematical statements

Detailed Topic Breakdown:

Topic	Concepts Tested
Arithmetic	Number properties, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, averages
Algebra	Linear & quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, exponents
Geometry	Lines, angles, triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, volume & area
Word Problems	Probability, permutations & combinations, set theory, time-speed-distance

💡 Preparation Tip: Focus on solving mixed-difficulty questions and review incorrect answers to improve weak areas.

Verbal Reasoning (23 Questions, 45 Minutes)

The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and grammar proficiency. The focus is on analyzing written material, understanding argument structures, and identifying errors in sentence construction.

📌 This section does not test vocabulary directly but requires strong comprehension skills.

Question Types:

1. Reading Comprehension – Tests the ability to extract and interpret information from passages.
2. Critical Reasoning – Evaluates argument structures and logical assumptions.
3. Sentence Correction – Assesses grammar, sentence clarity, and proper usage of idioms.

Skills Tested:

 ✅ Logical argument analysis
✅ Grammar and sentence structuring
✅ Reading efficiency and comprehension

Detailed Topic Breakdown:

Topic	Concepts Tested
Reading Comprehension	Identifying main ideas, drawing inferences, distinguishing facts from opinions
Critical Reasoning	Strengthening/weakening arguments, logical assumptions, argument flaws
Sentence Correction	Parallelism, subject-verb agreement, modifiers, pronouns, idioms

💡 Preparation Tip: Read business articles, scientific journals, and editorial pieces daily to build analytical reading skills.

Data Insights (20 Questions, 45 Minutes)

The Data Insights section replaces the Integrated Reasoning (IR) section and incorporates data analysis skills from both Quantitative and Verbal sections.

📌 A calculator is allowed in this section, making it different from Quantitative Reasoning.

Question Types:

1. Data Sufficiency – Determines whether given data is enough to answer a question.
2. Graphics Interpretation – Analyzes data in graphs, charts, and flow diagrams.
3. Table Analysis – Extracts trends and patterns from structured tables.
4. Multi-Source Reasoning – Synthesizes data from multiple sources (text, tables, and charts).

Skills Tested:

 ✅ Data-driven decision-making
✅ Graphical data interpretation
✅ Statistical reasoning

Detailed Topic Breakdown:

Topic	Concepts Tested
Data Sufficiency	Identifying minimum data needed for solving problems
Graphics Interpretation	Analyzing pie charts, bar graphs, scatter plots
Table Analysis	Sorting & filtering data, trend identification
Multi-Source Reasoning	Synthesizing information from multiple datasets

💡 Preparation Tip: Improve data visualization skills and practice decision-making questions under timed conditions.

GMAT Preparation Tips - Syllabus Focused

A well-structured study approach can significantly improve your GMAT performance. Focus on section-wise strategies, effective time management, and the right study resources to strengthen your grasp of the syllabus. 

Below are key preparation tips to help you excel in each section.

Section-Wise Study Plan

Here’s how you can optimize your preparation for each section:

• Quantitative Reasoning: Strengthen fundamental math concepts such as algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. 
  • Focus on mental calculations and approximation techniques to improve speed and accuracy. 
  • Solve a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult problems to develop problem-solving flexibility.
• Verbal Reasoning: Read complex texts daily from diverse sources like business journals, scientific articles, and editorials. 
  • Practice critical reasoning exercises to enhance logical thinking. 
  • Refine grammar skills by reviewing sentence structure, modifiers, parallelism, and idioms.
• Data Insights: Develop proficiency in analyzing charts, tables, and graphical data efficiently. 
  • Learn quick data interpretation strategies and practice multi-source reasoning questions. 
    • Focus on decision-making based on quantitative and qualitative data to improve accuracy under time constraints.

💡 Tip: Create a study schedule with dedicated time slots for each section, regularly attempt mock tests, and review errors to refine your approach.

Also Read: GMAT Exam Preparation: How to Start Preparing For GMAT

Study Resources & Materials

To prepare effectively for the GMAT syllabus, refer to:
📘 Official GMAT Guide (Latest Edition) – The best source for practice questions.
📊 Online Question Banks & Adaptive Learning Platforms – Personalized study recommendations.
📝 Full-Length Mock Tests – Simulate real exam conditions and track your progress.

Conclusion

A clear understanding of the GMAT syllabus and exam format is essential for a strategic study plan. By focusing on section-wise preparation and using high-quality study materials, you can maximize your score and improve your chances of getting into a top business school.