The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test required for admission to MBA, business, and management programs worldwide. Understanding the GMAT syllabus is crucial for preparing effectively and achieving a high score.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the GMAT syllabus, including section-wise topics, key concepts, and expert preparation strategies to help you excel in the exam.
GMAT Exam Structure & Format
✔ The GMAT exam consists of four sections, each designed to test different skills required for business and management studies:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) (30 minutes)
- Integrated Reasoning (IR) (30 minutes)
- Quantitative Reasoning (62 minutes)
- Verbal Reasoning (65 minutes)
✔ The total GMAT exam duration is 3 hours and 7 minutes (without breaks).
📌 GMAT Exam Pattern Overview
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) | 1 essay task | 30 minutes | 0-6 |
| Integrated Reasoning (IR) | 12 questions | 30 minutes | 1-8 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 questions | 62 minutes | 6-51 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 questions | 65 minutes | 6-51 |
💡 Why It Matters? The GMAT syllabus is designed to assess critical thinking, problem-solving, and business-related skills that are essential for graduate-level management programs.
GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Syllabus
✔ The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section measures your ability to analyze an argument and express ideas clearly.
📌 GMAT AWA Topics
✔ Analysis of an Argument
- Evaluate an argument and provide a critique.
- Identify logical flaws and suggest improvements.
- Support your response with evidence and reasoning.
📌 Evaluation Criteria for GMAT AWA
| Scoring Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Clarity & Organization | High |
| Logical Development of Ideas | High |
| Grammar & Sentence Structure | Moderate |
| Use of Examples & Evidence | High |
💡 Pro Tip: Use a structured format: Introduction, Body (3-4 key points), and Conclusion.
GMAT Integrated Reasoning (IR) Syllabus
✔ The Integrated Reasoning section tests your ability to analyze data and make decisions based on multiple information sources.
📌 GMAT IR Question Types
✔ Multi-Source Reasoning
- Analyze information from multiple text, table, or chart sources.
✔ Table Analysis
- Interpret data presented in a sortable table.
✔ Graphics Interpretation
- Analyze data from graphs, bar charts, and scatter plots.
✔ Two-Part Analysis
- Solve complex business-related problems with two components.
📌 GMAT IR Scoring Scale
| Score Range | Performance Level |
|---|---|
| 7-8 | Excellent |
| 5-6 | Good |
| 3-4 | Average |
| 1-2 | Needs Improvement |
💡 Pro Tip: Practice interpreting charts, tables, and graphs efficiently to solve IR questions faster.
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus
✔ The Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates your ability to solve mathematical problems, interpret data, and apply logical reasoning.
📌 GMAT Quantitative Topics
✔ Arithmetic
- Integers, fractions, decimals
- Exponents, roots, and percentages
- Ratios, proportions, and absolute value
✔ Algebra
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Quadratic equations and functions
- Algebraic expressions
✔ Geometry
- Properties of angles, triangles, and circles
- Coordinate geometry
- Volume, area, and perimeter calculations
✔ Word Problems & Data Sufficiency
- Problems requiring logic, statistics, and probability
- Identifying whether provided data is sufficient to solve a problem
📌 GMAT Quant Question Format
| Question Type | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Problem-Solving (Multiple Choice) | 15-16 |
| Data Sufficiency | 15-16 |
💡 Pro Tip: Data Sufficiency questions require strategic thinking—don't try solving the problem, just determine if enough data is given.
GMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus
✔ The Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to understand written content, evaluate arguments, and correct grammatical errors.
📌 GMAT Verbal Topics
✔ Reading Comprehension
- Identifying main ideas and supporting details
- Drawing inferences from the passage
✔ Critical Reasoning
- Evaluating arguments and finding logical flaws
- Strengthening or weakening an argument
✔ Sentence Correction
- Identifying and correcting grammatical errors
- Improving sentence clarity and conciseness
📌 GMAT Verbal Question Format
| Question Type | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 12-14 |
| Critical Reasoning | 10-12 |
| Sentence Correction | 10-12 |
💡 Pro Tip: Practice eliminating incorrect answer choices quickly to improve accuracy.
How to Prepare for the GMAT Syllabus?
✔ Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with question types and time limits.
✔ Use Official GMAT Practice Tests: Take full-length GMAT Official Practice Tests to simulate real exam conditions.
✔ Improve Data Interpretation Skills: Use business case studies, financial reports, and charts to practice real-world problem-solving.
✔ Practice Time Management: Allocate specific time per question to avoid running out of time in any section.
✔ Take GMAT Mock Tests: Regular practice tests help improve accuracy and speed.
💡 Pro Tip: Take at least 5-7 full-length GMAT mock tests before the exam to build confidence and manage timing.
FAQs About GMAT Syllabus
1. What is covered in the GMAT syllabus?
✔ The GMAT syllabus includes Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing (AWA).
2. Is the GMAT syllabus the same for all MBA programs?
✔ Yes, the GMAT General Test syllabus is standard across all business schools.
3. How difficult is the GMAT syllabus?
✔ The GMAT syllabus is challenging but manageable with consistent practice and strategic preparation.
4. Can I prepare for the GMAT syllabus in 3 months?
✔ Yes, 3-4 months of dedicated study is sufficient for achieving a high GMAT score.
5. How long is the GMAT score valid?
✔ GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.
Conclusion
Understanding the GMAT syllabus is the first step toward effective preparation. By focusing on Quant, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and AWA sections, practicing with mock tests, and improving time management, you can maximize your GMAT score.
