GMAT Syllabus 2024
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GMAT 2024 Syllabus
The Graduate Management Entrance Test (GMAT) is a computer adaptive test used to evaluate certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in graduate management degree admission. It began in 1953 and now offers over 7000 programmes at over 2300 graduate business schools throughout the world. For the most part, B schools use the GMAT score as a criterion for admission. The competition is fierce, and passing the GMAT exam is no walk in the park. Candidates must be completely prepared for the exam.
Syllabus
The syllabus for the GMAT Focus Edition differs from that of the current exam, as it excludes the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) and SC (Sentence Correction) sections. Instead, a new section titled Data Insights (DI) has been introduced, which encompasses IR (Integrated Reasoning) and includes DS (Data Sufficiency). Below is a table outlining the syllabus for the GMAT Focus Edition.
The GMAT Focus Edition has three sections with a total of 64 questions that must be completed in 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- The Quantitative Reasoning section has 21 questions and covers Algebra and Arithmetic.
- The Verbal Reasoning section has 23 questions and assesses skills such as Logical Structure, Style, Inference, Application, Supporting Idea, and Main Idea.
- The Data Insights section has 20 questions and covers Data Sufficiency, Multi-Sources Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analyses.
In contrast, the GMAT Exam is a 3-hour and 7-minute computer adaptive test scored on a scale of 200-800. It covers over 50 topics and is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Verbal Reasoning.
GMAT Syllabus for Analytical Writing Assessment
The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment section requires candidates to write an essay based on a given topic. The syllabus for this section is diverse, as the topics can be related to any area of interest. The main focus is on the structure of the answer, rather than the arguments presented. It is important to maintain a neutral opinion and avoid expressing personal viewpoints. In this section, you will be asked to write a critique of the argument presented. You are NOT being asked to present your own views on the subject. Specifically:
- Evaluate the argument and plan a response before you begin writing
- Organize your ideas and develop them fully
- Provide relevant supporting reasons and examples
The Argument Essay requires candidates to analyze a given argument and present their own reasoning. The essay should be well-reasoned and logically sound without any baseless assumptions. Emphasis should be given to syntax and grammar to support or critique the presented argument.
In the Issue Essay, candidates are given a statement on which they have to write an opinion essay within 600 words. The opinion can either support the given statement or present a personal perspective. The essay must be properly structured and well-organized, as it will be evaluated based on these factors.
GMAT Syllabus for Integrated Reasoning
The Integrated Reasoning section is a recent addition to the GMAT Syllabus, which evaluates candidates’ capacity to assess data presented in tables or graphs. This section includes 12 questions that are divided into the following types:
Table Analysis: This segment assesses the candidate’s ability to analyze a table containing data, similar to a spreadsheet, to determine relevant information or the data that fulfills certain conditions.
Two-Part Analysis: This part measures the candidate’s ability to solve complex problems that can be verbal, quantitative, or a combination of both. The format is comprehensive, covering a wide range of content, and measures the candidate’s ability to solve simultaneous equations, assess trade-offs, and recognize relationships between two entities.
Multi-Source Reasoning: This section evaluates the candidate’s aptitude to examine data from multiple sources, including tables, graphics, text passages, or a combination of all three, and thoroughly analyze each source to answer multiple questions. Candidates will be asked to make inferences, and in some instances, they will need to identify discrepancies among different sources of data.
Graphics Interpretation: This part tests the candidate’s capability to interpret information from graphical images such as scatter plots, x/y graphs, bar charts, pie charts, or statistical curve distributions, to identify relationships and make inferences.
GMAT Syllabus for Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Section of the GMAT consists of a total of 31 questions, which are divided into two sections: Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. All the questions in this section are multiple-choice and objective in nature. The following math syllabus can be expected in this section:
Problem Solving: It assesses the candidate’s ability to use logical and analytical reasoning to solve quantitative problems.
Data Sufficiency: It measures the candidate’s ability to analyze a quantitative problem, identify the important data, and determine the point at which there is enough data to solve the problem.
GMAT Quant Section Topics: These topics are categorized as follows:
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Arithmetic |
Algebra |
Geometry |
Modern Math |
|---|---|---|---|
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Number System |
Elements of Algebra |
Lines and Angles |
Set Theory |
|
Averages |
Linear Equations |
Triangles |
Sequences and Series |
|
Ratio and Proportion |
Quadratic Equations |
Polygons |
Permutation and Combination |
|
Mixtures and Allegations |
Inequalities |
Circles |
Probability |
|
Percentages |
Logarithm |
Solids (3D Geometry) |
|
|
Profit, Loss, and Discounts |
Functions |
Coordinate Geometry |
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Time, Speed, Distance, and Work |
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GMAT Syllabus for Verbal Reasoning Syllabus
The Verbal Skills section of the GMAT consists of 36 multiple-choice questions and is divided into three categories: Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Sentence Correction. This section evaluates the candidate’s ability to comprehend written material and understand the logical relationship between concepts and points mentioned in the passage.
The Critical Reasoning category measures the candidate’s ability to evaluate arguments, make arguments, and formulate or evaluate a plan of action.
The Reading Comprehension category measures the candidate’s ability to draw inferences, understand logical relationships between important points, and follow the development of quantitative concepts. It also assesses the candidate’s reading skills such as inference, application, main idea, supporting idea, logical structure, and style.
The Sentence Correction category evaluates the candidate’s language proficiency in two aspects: correction of expressions in grammatically and structurally sound sentences and effective expression in sentences that clearly, concisely, and grammatically convey an idea or relationship.
The Verbal Skills section covers the following areas:
- Critical Reasoning
- Rhetorical construction of sentences
- Misplaced modifiers
- Sentence correction related to finding errors or omissions
- Parallelism
- Reading unseen passages
- Subject-verb agreement
- Countable vs. uncountable nouns