GMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-Wise Breakdown, Time Limit & Negative Marking
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 analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making — key skills for success in business school. 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 MBA goals.
GMAT Exam Pattern
The GMAT 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 GMAT Focus Edition format, designed to test the most relevant skills for MBA programs efficiently. 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(10 minute Optional Break) | 200–805 |
In the GMAT focus edition pattern, 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 removed from the Verbal section. In contrast, Data Sufficiency (DS) questions from Quant have been shifted under the Data Insights section.
GMAT Negative Marking & Penalty Explained
The GMAT does not deduct points for incorrect answers. You must answer every question before moving on, as the exam does not allow skipping. Failing to complete a section within the allotted time will reduce your score, since unanswered questions incur a penalty. So, guessing is always better than leaving a question blank at the end. Careful time management is therefore essential to ensure your score accurately reflects your abilities.
As a computer-adaptive test, the GMAT adjusts question difficulty based on your performance: correct answers lead to more complex questions, while incorrect answers lead to easier ones. Maintaining accuracy and pacing throughout the exam is crucial for an optimal score.
While the GMAT does not deduct points for incorrect answers, this “no negative marking” is somewhat of a catch. Since the test is computer-adaptive, each answer affects the difficulty of the next question. Incorrect answers lead to easier questions, which can limit your opportunities for higher scores.
GMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Latest Update on Focus Edition
The GMAT Focus Edition introduces a revised exam pattern and scoring system. Your total GMAT score reflects your performance across all three sections — Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights — with each section contributing equally to the overall score. The score remains valid for five years, allowing flexibility in business school applications.
The GMAT Focus Edition uses an updated total score scale of 205–805, designed to provide more precise differentiation of candidate performance. This refined scale works in conjunction with percentiles, which business schools continue to rely on as the primary method for interpreting GMAT scores.
Key Updates in GMAT 2025 Focus Edition:
- The total score is based on performance across all three sections.
- Focus on data literacy, problem-solving, and critical sections.
- Refined scoring algorithm for fairer assessment.
- Introduction of the Question Review & Edit option during the test.
- A score of 645 in the Focus Edition is roughly equal to 700 in the previous version.
GMAT Exam Pattern: 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
- Statistics
- 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:
- Reading Comprehension: Tests your understanding of main ideas, supporting details, inferences and logical flow in written passages.
- 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 Quant, 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, evaluating your skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data Analysis.
Each section of the GMAT is individually section-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.
Question Review and Edit Tool:
The GMAT Focus Edition includes a limited Question Review & Edit feature that allows test-takers to review and change up to three previously answered questions per section. This feature applies separately to Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, and all edits must be completed within the section’s time limit. The tool does not allow free navigation within a section—students must answer each question in sequence before moving on. Instead, it provides a controlled opportunity to revisit and revise select responses before the section ends. Because the GMAT is a computer-adaptive exam, changing an earlier answer may influence scoring outcomes, making this feature one that should be used strategically rather than routinely. The Review & Edit tool is designed to offer limited flexibility while preserving the integrity of the adaptive testing model.
Section Order Selection in the GMAT
The GMAT allows candidates to choose the order in which they attempt the three sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—at the start of the exam. There are six possible section orders available, covering all permutations of the three sections. Once a section order is selected and the exam begins, it cannot be changed. Each section carries a fixed time limit of 45 minutes, and all sections contribute equally to the total GMAT score, regardless of the order chosen. This flexibility enables candidates to begin the test with a section they are most comfortable with or prefer to attempt while mentally fresh, without affecting scoring or difficulty.
The six possible section orders are:
- Quantitative → Verbal → Data Insights
- Quantitative → Data Insights → Verbal
- Verbal → Quantitative → Data Insights
- Verbal → Data Insights → Quantitative
- Data Insights → Quantitative → Verbal
- Data Insights → Verbal → Quantitative
GMAT Pattern: 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 |
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| Cancellation Fee | More than 60 days before the appointment: USD 120 Refund
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More than 60 days before the appointment: USD 110 Refund
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| Canceling the Score | Not Allowed | Allowed(within 72 hours for an additional fee) |
| 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 |
Note: Some business schools or specific programs (especially in India) may prefer or require a test centre score, so always verify with the schools on your list before choosing the online option
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?
It depends on your strengths.
The GMAT and CAT are both competitive, but their difficulty varies by individual. GMAT emphasizes logic and reasoning, data analysis,with predictable patterns, making it easier for some. GMAT is more structured and predictable, with clear question patterns and a defined syllabus.CAT has tougher quantitative sections, unpredictable question types, and no official syllabus and the difficulty can vary each year.If you’re not comfortable with higher-level Quant and unpredictable formats, CAT feels tougher.
How hard is scoring a a 700+ score in GMAT?
A 700+ score on the GMAT Focus Edition is an excellent performance, placing you in approximately the 98th percentile of test-takers. For context, a score of 715 corresponds to the 99th percentile, and scoring 655 or above already puts you in the top 10% of candidates. Achieving 705 or above requires consistent accuracy, effective time management, and strong performance across all three sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—making it highly competitive for top business schools.
How is the GMAT scored?
The GMAT Focus Edition scores candidates on a scale of 205–805, based on performance across Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section contributes equally to the total score. Additionally, the scoring is adaptive within each section, meaning the difficulty of subsequent questions depends on prior answers. Percentiles are often emphasized by business schools rather than raw scores.
Are there any penalty or negative marking in GMAT?
The GMAT does not have negative marking, so incorrect answers do not directly reduce your score. However, unanswered questions due to running out of time can result in a penalty, as incomplete sections will reduce the score reported. This is why time management is crucial in every section.
Can I skip or return to questions during the GMAT?
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT). Within a section, you must answer the current question to proceed, and you cannot freely skip or revisit previous questions. With Bookmark and Review & Edit tool you can book Bookmark as many times as you want but you can edit and change answers to only up to 3 questions per section before the section ends.
How long is the GMAT, and can I take breaks?
The total GMAT Focus Edition exam time is 2 hours 15 minutes, with one optional 10-minute break. Each section—Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights—is 45 minutes long. Breaks cannot be taken mid-section.
Can I choose the order of sections in the GMAT
Yes. Candidates can choose the order in which they attempt the three sections at the start of the exam. There are six possible section orders. Once the exam begins, the chosen order cannot be changed. This allows candidates to start with the section they feel most confident about or prefer to tackle first.
What is the GMAT Data Insights section?
Data Insights is a new section in the GMAT Focus Edition, combining elements of Quantitative and Verbal reasoning with a focus on data interpretation and analysis. It includes 20 questions covering Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis. An on-screen calculator is available for this section.
