GMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-Wise Format, Time Limit & More

The GMAT exam pattern is designed to evaluate the core skills essential for success in top business schools. This 2 hour 15 minutes exam (with an optional 10 minute break) includes 64 questions across 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights.

 

Each section tests your analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making abilities- skills that are important for thriving in an MBA program. The GMAT exam pattern emphasises both speed and accuracy, making it important to prepare strategically. Understanding the structure and flow of the exam is your first step toward building a strong GMAT preparation plan and unlocking global MBA opportunities.

 

GMAT Exam Pattern 2025

 

The GMAT 2025 exam follows the updated Focus Edition format and is divided into three core sections, with a total test duration 2 hours 15 minutes. This streamlined structure reflects the revised GMAT exam syllabus 2025, ensuring that the test remains aligned  with modern business school expectations. Here is a quick overview of new format and what the sections entail:

 

GMAT Exam Pattern 2025

 

GMAT Section	Number of Questions	Question Types	Section Time Limit	Score Range
Verbal Reasoning	23 Questions	Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning	45 minutes	60–90
Quantitative Reasoning	21 Questions	Problem Solving, Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra	45 minutes	60–90
Data Insights	20 Questions	Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis	45 minutes	60–90
Total Exam Duration	64 Questions	–	2 hours 15 minutes	200–805

 

In the updated GMAT exam pattern 2025, the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section has been removed, making way for a new section called Data Insights (DI), Additionally, Sentence Correction (SC) questions have been eliminated, while Data Sufficiency (DS) questions have been shifted under the Data Insights section.

 

GMAT Negative Marking & Penalty Explained

 

The GMAT exam has no negative marking, so you won’t lose marks for incorrect answers. This means it’s beneficial to attempt every question. However, if you leave questions unanswered due to poor time management, you’ll face a penalty, which can significantly lower your score.

 

The GMAT exam pattern is computer-adaptive, so the difficulty level of upcoming questions changes based on your previous responses. Hence, it’s essential to manage your time wisely and complete all questions to accurately evaluate skills.

 

GMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Latest Update on Focus Edition

 

The GMAT 2025 Focus Edition introduces a revised exam pattern and scoring system. Your total GMAT score is now an average of all three sections—quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—with equal weightage given to each. The GMAT score remains valid for five years, offering flexibility in business school applications.

 

The scoring scale has been updated to 205-805 to reflect the diverse, global test-taking audience. This change would help to reduce long-term score inflation and ensure a more precise comparison of candidates. Business schools now have a greater emphasis on percentiles rather than raw scores.

 

Key Updates in GMAT 2025 Focus Edition:

 

1. The total score is based on performance across all three sections.
2. Focus on data literacy, problem-solving and critical sections.
3. Refined scoring algorithm for fairer assessment.
4. Refined scoring algorithm for fairer assessment.
5. Introduction of the Question Review & Edit option during the test.
6. A score of 645 in the Focus Edition is rough equal to 700 in the previous version.

 

GMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-Wise Breakdown

Quantitative Reasoning Section

 

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT exam evaluates your ability to apply fundamental arithmetic and algebraic concepts to solve real-world problems. This section contains 21 problem-solving questions, with a 45-minute time limit. All questions are multiple-choice with five options each.

 

Key topics covered include:

 

• Rates & Ratios
• Probability & Combinatorics
• Number Properties
• Arithmetic & Algebra
• Exponents & Percents

 

Verbal Reasoning Section

 

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT consists of 23 questions and is designed to test your reading comprehension and critical reasoning skills. You  have 45 minutes to complete this section.

 

This section is split into two question types:

 

1. Reading Comprehension: Tests your understanding of main ideas, supporting details, inferences and logical flow in written passages.
2. Critical Reasoning: Assess your ability to evaluate and construct arguments. You’ll analyze short passages and choose the best answer that strengthens, weakens or explains the argument presented.

 

Data Insights Section

 

The Data Insights section is a new addition in the GMAT Focus Edition 2025, reflecting the growing demand for data literacy in business. It includes 20 questions, combining math, data analysis, and verbal reasoning. An on-screen calculator is available throughout this section.

 

Here are the types of questions:

 

Question Type	Description
Data Sufficiency	Determine whether the provided information is sufficient to solve a quantitative problem.
Multi-Source Reasoning	Draw conclusions by analyzing multiple sources like text, tables, and graphics.
Table Analysis	Interpret tabular data and filter relevant insights based on specific conditions.
Graphics Interpretation	Analyze visual data (bar charts, scatter plots, etc.) to understand trends and relationships.
Two-Part Analysis	Solve complex problems using both quantitative and verbal reasoning to evaluate multiple factors.

GMAT Test as a Computer-Adaptive Exam (CAT)

 

The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test designed for admission to graduate management programs and evaluates your skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data interpretation.

 

Only the verbal and quantitative sections of the test —quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—are computer-adaptive. This means the test adjusts the difficulty level of questions based on your performance. It begins with moderately complex questions; correct answers lead to more challenging questions, while incorrect ones result in easier ones.

 

You must answer each question before proceeding; skipping or revisiting questions is not allowed. This makes accuracy and focus crucial throughout the exam.

GMAT Pattern 2025: Test Center & Online GMAT 

 

Aspect	GMAT Online	GMAT Test Center
Total Exam Time	2 hours and 15 minutes	2 hours and 15 minutes
Total Score Range	205–805	205–805
Sections	3 sections: Data Insights, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning	3 sections: Data Insights, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning
Registration Fee	USD 300	USD 275
Rescheduling Fee	More than 60 days before the appointment: USD 60  15-60 days before the appointment: USD 120  14 days or less before the appointment: USD 165	More than 60 days before the appointment: USD 55  15-60 days before the appointment: USD 110  14 days or less before the appointment: USD 165
Cancellation Fee	More than 60 days before the appointment: USD 120 Refund  15-60 days before the appointment: USD 90 Refund  14 days or less before the appointment: USD 60 Refund	More than 60 days before the appointment: USD 110 Refund  15-60 days before the appointment: USD 80 Refund  14 days or less before the appointment: USD 55 Refund
Canceling the Score	Not Allowed	Allowed
Reporting Scores	up to 5 free score reports within 48 hours of your Official Score being made available on mba.com.	up to 5 free score reports within 48 hours of your Official Score being made available on mba.com
Additional Score Report	USD 35 each	USD 35 each
Testing Environment	At home in a quiet space	Standardized conditions at the test center
Materials Required	Laptop/desktop, webcam, and reliable internet.	Provided erasable notepad and marker
Breaks	2 breaks: 8 minutes each	2 breaks: 8 minutes each
Exam Retakes	Once every 16 days, max 5 times in 12 months	Once every 16 days, max 5 times in 12 months

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pattern of the GMAT exam?

 

The GMAT exam includes three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. It is computer-adaptive and tests analytical, reasoning, and data interpretation skills over 2 hours 15 minutes.

 

Is GMAT tougher than CAT?

 

GMAT is considered easier than CAT due to its predictable pattern, no negative marking, and focus on reasoning over vocabulary. However, CAT is tougher for Indian students due to competition.

 

How hard is a 700 GMAT score?

 

Scoring 700 on the GMAT is challenging, placing you in the top 10% of test-takers. It requires strong reasoning, time management, and consistent practice across all three sections.