GMAT Syllabus

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It is a computer adaptive test which critically evaluates the analytical writing, logical reasoning, quantitative, verbal and reading skills in the English language. The GMAT score is used as a key prerequisite for seeking admission in graduate management and business programs like the MBA and the like. The duration of the exam is about three hours and seven minutes with a maximum score of 800 points. The GMAT syllabus is divided into four different sections. Given below is the segregation of the syllabus for GMAT as per the new GMAT exam pattern:

• Analytical Writing Assessment
• Integrated Reasoning
• Quantitative Aptitude
• Verbal Ability

GMAT examinees can choose the order in which they want to take the exam. The range of the GMAT score is between 200-800. Out of 800, the total GMAT score is only for the quantitative and verbal sections. The other two sections receive their independent scores.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA):

The Analytical Writing Assessment principally tests your essay writing skills. It measures your ability to think critically, communicate your ideas effectively and formulate an appropriate and constructive assessment. In this section, candidates should be discreet about the proper usage of vocabulary and try to avoid grammatical errors. The duration of the section is about 30 minutes and the score ranges on a six-point scale. Since the essay is given two independent ratings, an average of both is considered.

You can also download the GMAT syllabus in PDF format from the below links:

• GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment
• GMAT Integrated Reasoning
• GMAT Quantitative Syllabus
• GMAT Verbal Syllabus

Integrated Reasoning (IR):

In 2012, the Integrated Reasoning section was added to the GMAT syllabus after replacing one of the essays of the Analytical Writing Assessment(AWA) section. The IR section tests your logical reasoning ability to evaluate multiple sources and different types of information on numeric, graphics and verbal data. It requires you to use your analytical skills to solve complex problems. The duration of the section is 30 minutes and there are about 12 questions in this section with a score range between 1 to 8 with an increment of 0.5. The questions in this section are further divided into four different types:

• Table Analysis: Under this type of question, the data are given in a tabular format and GMAT examinees are given to choose their answer from multiple statements in the form of true or false.
• Two-Part Analysis: In this type of question, examinees usually have to pick their answers from multiple choices. As the data are presented in a table format with the components in the first and the second columns and the answer options in the third column. It is upon the judgment of the candidate to select one single option under each component to complete the answer.
• Multi-Source Reasoning: Here, the examinees are asked to gather information from different tabs which may be presented either in tables, charts etc. Candidates have to choose the answer to a respective question from multiple choice options.
• Graphics Interpretation: In this type of question, candidates are given a graph or graphical image and are asked to interpret it and answer the questions with statements given in a drop-down format.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA):

The Quantitative Aptitude section tests your quantitative skills, ability to solve quant problems and interpret numerical data. The duration of the section is 62 minutes and the score ranges between 6 to 51. There are 31 questions in this section which are further divided into two types of multiple-choice questions as per the GMAT Quant syllabus:

• Problem Solving
• Data Sufficiency

The topics are further split into the following categories:

• Arithmetic: Real numbers, decimals, fractions, square root, percentages, discrete probability etc.
• Elementary Algebra: Linear equations, absolute value, exponents and functions, etc.
• Geometry Concepts: Coordinate geometry, angles, circles, polygons etc.
• Word problems: Simple and compound interest, data interpretation and measurement problems, profit and loss, discounts etc.

Verbal Ability (VA):

The GMAT verbal section evaluates your reading and reasoning ability along with your argument analysis skills. Additionally, it checks your power to rectify the written material in accordance with the standard English grammar rules. The duration of the section is around 65 minutes with a score ranging between 6 to 51. As per the GMAT Verbal syllabus, there are 36 multiple choice questions which are categorised into three types:

• Critical Reasoning: In this type of question, the candidates need to answer some critical reasoning questions which are given in the form of an argument with multiple choices. As a GMAT examinee, you would need to analyse the available information and identify the important points which strengthen or weaken the given argument and pick the most appropriate answer to the question.
• Reading Comprehension: In this section, GMAT candidates are given a passage of around 300-350 words (approx.) on any particular topic. They need to read it thoroughly and answer multiple choice questions given under it based on their understanding.
• Sentence Correction: In this question type, candidates are given a sentence with an underlined portion with multiple choices answers to choose from. An examinee should have attention to detail and be familiar with English grammar and choose the best possible answer to a question as per standard written English language.

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