The beginning stages of GMAT preparation can be intimidating. The GMAT exam syllabus can be overwhelming for a newcomer, and fitting in study around an otherwise full schedule is no mean feat.
The last thing you should have to worry about is finding comprehensive, reliable, and up-to-date information on the structure of the GMAT.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the current GMAT exam pattern and format.
The current GMAT is called the GMAT Focus Edition, and it’s a condensed version of the former GMAT exam, totaling 2 hours and 15 minutes (compared to the old version’s 3 hours and 7 minutes).
The current GMAT syllabus evaluates candidates’ Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning abilities, placing greater emphasis than the old exam did on higher-order reasoning skills—especially within the Verbal Reasoning section. It also includes a Data Insights section assessing data literacy.
| Section | Time | No. of Questions | Purpose |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 45 minutes | 21 questions | Evaluates problem-solving skills |
| Verbal Reasoning | 45 minutes | 23 questions | Assesses critical reasoning and reading comprehension |
| Data Insights | 45 minutes | 20 questions | Assesses data literacy |
Comprising 20 questions, the Data Insights section requires applicants to evaluate and synthesize information presented in different formats—such as visuals, numerical data, and text—in order to make well-informed decisions.
Some of these questions might involve mathematical calculations, data analysis, verbal reasoning, or a combination of these elements. For this section only, an onscreen calculator is available.
There are fives types of questions in the Data Insights section:
The primary difference between the traditional GMAT exam format and the Focus Edition is the elimination of the Analytical Writing Assessment section.
However, although the GMAT Focus Edition doesn’t include the Analytical Writing Assessment, the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections continue to test an MBA applicant’s aptitude and readiness for a graduate business education.
These changes to the exam mirror the evolving requirements of business schools and employers, who seek candidates with advanced critical thinking and data literacy abilities.
In addition, the GMAT Focus edition includes an innovative Data Insights section. This component is designed to assess candidates’ competence in data analysis and interpretation.
This change is a sensible one, considering how relevant this skill is in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. It combines Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency question formats to gauge an applicant’s digital and data literacy.
Consult the table below to see all the details.
| GMAT Focus Edition | Traditional GMAT (No Longer Used) | |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes | 3 hours 7 minutes |
| Sections | Quantitative Reasoning (45 mins) Verbal Reasoning (45 mins) Data Insights (45 mins) | Quantitative Reasoning (62 mins) Verbal Reasoning (65 mins) Integrated Reasoning (30 mins) Analytical Writing Assessment (30 mins) |
| Section Order | Question types could appear in any order | Question types will appear in one of three orders: Order 1: AWA and IR – QR – VR Order 2: VR – QR – IR and AWA Order 3: QR – VR – IR and AWA |
| Flexibility | Bookmark and review as many questions as you like Change up to 3 answers per section | No option to bookmark, edit, or review questions |
| Score Sending | Send scores to 5 schools for free You can review your score before sending it to your schools | Send scores to 5 schools for free You cannot review your score before sending it to your schools |
| Performance Insights | Improved Official Score Report with detailed insights into your performance | Additional insights available by purchasing the Enhanced Score Report |
The structure of the current GMAT is less complicated than you might imagine. There are three sections:
The total exam takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, although each section of the GMAT is afforded a different amount of time.
To get a sense for what score to target, you can start by reviewing the Average GMAT Scores of Top MBA programs.
You can also prepare for the GMAT by taking a look at our GMAT study plan, which we’ve specifically designed to help you prepare for the exam in only 10 weeks.
Master the current GMAT exam pattern and format with our comprehensive GMAT prep courses designed for success.
Dave de Koos
GMAT Tutor
Education: BA, MBA
With 10 years of tutoring experience—in addition to lecturing experience in entrepreneurship and financial management—Dave looks at the GMAT as a series of fun logic puzzles, emphasizing the concepts underlying each question and encouraging his students to break down problems into these manageable pieces.
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