GMAT Syllabus 2025: Detailed Guide to Exam Sections, Topics, & more
The GMAT syllabus 2025, set by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), assesses core skills essential for success in business and management. Accepted by thousands of B-schools globally and attempted by lakhs of aspirants each year. GMAT evaluates analytical thinking and foundational knowledge.
The updated syllabus now includes Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data insights. Let us read more in the blog!
Latest Update
Starting from July 1, 2024, GMAC officially reverted to calling the exam simply the “GMAT”. The GMAC has retained the exam structure and GMAT syllabus for 2025, making no changes to the content or format from the previous GMAT Focus Edition- only name has been updated.
GMAT Syllabus 2025
The updated GMAT Focus Edition syllabus for 2025 streamlines the content to emphasize only the most relevant quantitative skills needed in today’s business environments. Quantitative reasoning section is with a shorter test duration, sharper question formats, and a more focused structure.
GMAT Focus Edition syllabus – Quantitative reasoning
In the 2025 GMAT syllabus, the Quantitative Reasoning section consists of 21 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes. It now exclusively covers topics in arithmetic and algebra. Notably, geometry has been completely removed, and Data sufficiency questions have been shifted to the Data Insights section.
This update ensures that GMAT evaluates how well candidates interpret data, apply logic, and solve problems under time pressure- skills.
Key Topics in GMAT Quantitative Reasoning (2025)
| Arithmetic Topics | Algebra Topics |
| Multiples and Factors | Monomials & Polynomials |
| Number Properties | Functions |
| Fractions and Decimals | Exponents & Roots |
| Percentages | Quadratic Equations |
| Averages | Inequalities & Basic Statistics |
| Ratios and Proportions | Algebraic Expressions & Equations |
| Mixtures and Allegations | Permutations and Combinations |
| Pipes, Cisterns, and Work-Time | Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions |
| Speed, Time, and Distance | Set Theory |
| Simple & Compound Interest | Descriptive Statistics |
| Probability | — |
This refined GMAT syllabus reflects the test’s evolution to better align with current business school expectations and industry needs. By narrowing the scope, the exam now prioritizes depth of understanding and real-world application over breadth of content.
GMAT Syllabus 2025: Verbal Reasoning Section Explained
As part of the latest GMAT syllabus, the Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to understand, interpret, and evaluate written material. In the 2025 GMAT Focus Edition format, this section includes 23 multiple-choice questions to be answered within 45 minutes. It focuses on two primary areas- Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.
Reading Comprehension
This question type presents a 350-word passage followed by multiple-choice questions. You don’t need prior subject knowledge to answer them- but you do need sharp analytical and critical thinking skills. These questions assess your ability to:
| Question Type | Skill Tested |
| Main Point | Identify and isolate the central idea of the passage |
| Supporting Idea | Understand relationships between different pieces of information |
| Inference | Draw conclusions that go beyond the explicit content |
| Function | Evaluate the purpose and role of individual elements within the passage |
| Application | Apply the logic of the passage to new situations or scenarios |
| Style and Tone | Interpret the author’s attitude and evaluate the rhetorical impact |
Critical Reasoning
Critical Reasoning questions in the GMAT verbal section are based on short passages (usually under 100 words), followed by five answer choices. These questions assess how well you can break down an argument, identify assumptions, and evaluate logic based on the information provided.
Skills measured include:
- Understanding the structure of an argument
- Identifying flaws or assumptions
- Strengthening or weakening arguments
- Drawing logical conclusions
This part of the GMAT syllabus is crucial for candidates who aim to sharpen their reasoning and decision-making abilities, which are essential for business school and beyond.
Together, the Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus ensures that test takers are equipped with the reading and analytical skills necessary for success in a data-driven, communication-heavy business world.
GMAT Syllabus 2025: Data Insights Section Breakdown
One of the standout features of the updated GMAT Syllabus is the Data Insights section, introduced to reflect the growing importance of data interpretation skills in today’s business landscape. This section evaluates a candidate’s ability to assess information from various formats and apply logical, mathematical, and verbal reasoning to draw accurate conclusions.
This section of the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus includes 20 questions to be completed in 45 minutes. It allows the use of an on-screen calculator. It combines elements from both the Quantitative and Verbal sections, with a heavy focus on data literacy.
Types of Questions in the Data Insights Section
| Question Type | Skill Tested |
| Data Sufficiency | Determine whether the provided data is adequate to solve a given problem |
| Graphic Interpretation | Interpret and conclude visual data formats such as graphs and charts |
| Table Analysis | Understand and analyze structured data presented in table form |
| Two-Part Analysis | Tackle questions with multiple variables or interdependent factors |
| Multi-Source Reasoning | Synthesize information from various sources (text, charts, tables) to find logical answers. |
This section of the GMAT syllabus 2025 tests a wide array of abilities, including analytical thinking, data organization, problem-solving, and decision-making, which are essential for success in modern business programs and corporate environments.
If you’re preparing for the GMAT this year, ensure your preparation strategy includes a strong focus on mastering Data Insights, which could significantly impact your overall score and performance.
GMAT 2025 Paper Pattern Explained: Section-Wise Syllabus Overview
Here is the revised time allocation for each section of the GMAT exam as per the updated Focus Edition format:
| GMAT 2025 Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted | What It Tests |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 questions | 45 minutes | Assesses quantitative reasoning and problem-solving abilities using math concepts |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 questions | 45 minutes | Tests reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and command over English grammar |
| Data Insights | 20 questions | 45 minutes | Evaluates data literacy, interpretation, and analytical skills from multiple sources |
| Total | 64 questions | 135 minutes | Comprehensive assessment across logic, language, and data-driven problem solving |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the syllabus for GMAT?
The GMAT Focus Edition divides the syllabus into three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section with a 45-minute time limit, totaling 2 hours and 15 minutes. This updated format excludes the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Sentence Correction sections, focusing more on relevant, modern business skills.
Is GMAT harder than JEE?
The GMAT and JEE are both challenging but differ significantly. JEE demands greater academic depth, especially in physics and mathematics, and targets engineering aspirants. GMAT, while testing logic and reasoning, is more conceptual and business-focused. Difficulty depends on your background and preparation style.
Is GMAT tough or CAT?
The GMAT and CAT are both competitive, but their difficulty varies by individual. GMAT emphasizes logic, data analysis, and grammar with predictable patterns, making it easier for some. CAT has tougher quantitative sections, unpredictable question types, and no official syllabus. CAT may seem tougher for those unfamiliar with Indian exam formats.
