GMAT Sample Papers: Detailed Explanation

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a pivotal milestone for anyone eager to enter top business schools around the globe. To navigate this challenging test successfully, incorporating GMAT sample papers into your study routine is essential. This resource not only helps you familiarise yourself with the exam’s format but also provides insight into the types of questions you’ll encounter.

The GMAT consists of 64 questions across Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, all to be completed within a strict 2-hour and 15-minute time limit. Practising with GMAT exam sample papers can significantly enhance your skills, boost your confidence, and help you develop effective test-taking strategies. For those with ambitions in business, finance, or management, mastering the GMAT through sample papers can be the key to unlocking opportunities in prestigious business education programs.

GMAT Mock Test 2025

When preparing for the GMAT, practising with GMAT sample papers is essential. These mock exams serve as invaluable resources, helping you gauge your readiness for the actual test. Begin your preparation journey by taking a comprehensive GMAT exam sample paper. This initial step will highlight your strengths, pinpoint weaknesses, and identify specific areas needing improvement. Moreover, GMAT sample question papers are designed to closely resemble the actual GMAT format, ensuring you become familiar with the test structure and the various topics covered. To maximize your study efforts, include a variety of GMAT sample paper PDFs in your preparation plan. You can easily find GMAT sample papers online, offering you convenience and flexibility in your study schedule.

Additionally, consider using GMAT sample question papers with answers, as they provide detailed explanations for each question, facilitating better understanding and learning. For those looking for cost-effective options, numerous GMAT free sample papers are available, enabling you to practice without a financial burden. Incorporating these resources into your study regimen will not only enhance your preparation but also build your confidence as you approach exam day. Remember, the more  GMAT sample papers you practice with, the better equipped you will be for success on the GMAT.

Importance of GMAT Sample Papers

• Get Comfortable with the Test Format

Sample papers give you a clear idea of how the actual test looks. The more you practice, the more familiar everything becomes. So when test day comes, you’ll know what to expect.

• Spot Areas You Need to Improve

By practicing, you’ll see where you’re strong and where you need to spend more time studying. This helps you focus on improving your weaker areas.

• Build Confidence

The more practice papers you work through, the more confident you become.

• Learn to Manage Time Better

Timing is everything on the GMAT. Sample papers help you get a feel for how to pace yourself so you don’t rush or run out of time.

• Real-Exam Like Situation

These sample papers provide the most accurate representation of the actual GMAT exam.

GMAT Exam Prep 2025

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Structure of GMAT Exam Sample Paper 2025

The GMAT exam is divided into three main sections. Each section tests different skills. Let’s break them down:

• Verbal Reasoning (23 Questions)

This part checks how well you can read, understand, and evaluate written material. It’s a lot like solving puzzles, except you’re dealing with words and arguments here. You’ll get questions on Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.

• Quantitative Reasoning (21 Questions)

This section is all about math—things like algebra and basic arithmetic. You’ll have to solve real-world problems using these concepts; you can’t use a calculator here.

• Data Insights (20 Questions)

Data Insights focuses on how well you can analyze and interpret data. The latest GMAT Focus Edition blends Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency questions. These questions test your ability to handle data in an important way for business today.

Essential Points Related to the GMAT Exam Pattern

• In the GMAT exam pattern, only one question is displayed on the screen at a time, and multiple-choice options are given for the answer, which will be preceded by circles.
• In the multiple-choice and integrated reasoning sections, various types of questions will also appear on the screen in random order.
• Candidates have to answer using the computer mouse or laptop cursor.
• Candidates can move toward the next question only after answering the question displayed on the screen.
• Studying the GMAT previous year’s paper can be very beneficial for understanding the types of questions that appear on the GMAT exam and for practicing under real test conditions.

Only one question is displayed on the screen at a time, with multiple-choice options indicated by circles. Various types of questions in the multiple-choice and integrated reasoning sections appear in random order.

Candidates answer using the computer mouse or laptop cursor.

Movement to the next question is allowed only after answering the current one displayed on the screen. Studying the GMAT exam sample papers is beneficial for understanding the types of questions on the GMAT exam.

Using a GMAT sample question paper with answers can enhance your preparation.

GMAT sample paper PDFs are useful for practice under real test conditions.

GMAT sample papers online offer flexibility and convenience for studying.

GMAT free sample papers provide additional resources for extra practice.

GMAT Sample Papers 2025

GMAT sample papers cover critical areas:

• Quantitative Section: Tests math skills and quantitative reasoning through problem-solving and data-sufficiency questions.
• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses reading comprehension, argument analysis, and grammar, helping demonstrate strong communication abilities.
• Data Insights: This section requires interpreting data from tables, graphs, and charts, a valuable skill in business analysis.

GMAT Sample Questions 2025

Want to see what a GMAT exam question paper looks like? Here are a few sample questions to give you an idea of what you’ll face. Listed below are a few GMAT sample papers questions fo a better understanding.

GMAT Sample Paper Questions Types

Question 1:

A company sells tea in loose leaf and bagged forms, and in five flavors: Darjeeling, Earl Grey, chamomile, peppermint, and orange pekoe. The tea is packaged in boxes containing either 8 ounces of the same flavor and form, or 8 ounces of four different flavors and the same form. If the order in which the flavors are packed doesn’t matter, how many kinds of packages can they make?

Answer Choices:

1. 12
2. 15
3. 20
4. 25
5. 30

Correct Answer:

1. 20 combinations

Explanation:

The company can make packages of a single flavor (5 flavors, 2 forms = 10 combinations). For the mixed flavor packages, choose 4 out of 5 flavors, giving 5 combinations, and each can come in 2 forms, so 5 x 2 = 10 combinations. In total, that’s 10 single-flavor + 10 mixed-flavor combinations = 20.

Question 2:

Karen sold her house at a 25% loss of its original price, then bought a new house for 30% less than the original price of her first house. She sold the first house for $225,000. What was her net gain from these transactions?

Answer Choices:

1. $15,000
2. $25,000
3. $60,000
4. $75,000

Correct Answer:

1. $15,000

Explanation:

Karen sold her first house for $225,000 at a 25% loss, meaning the original price was $300,000. She lost $75,000 in the sale. She bought the second house for 30% less than $300,000, or $210,000, giving her a net gain of $90,000 – $75,000 = $15,000.

Question 3:

In a company, at least 200 people own manual transmission vehicles. If 12% of them also own automatic transmission vehicles, are there more people who own automatic transmission vehicles than manual ones?

5% of automatic transmission owners also own a manual transmission vehicle.

15 people own both an automatic transmission vehicle and a manual transmission vehicle.

Answer Choices:

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question.

Correct Answer:

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.

Explanation:

Statement (1) provides enough information to compare the numbers of people owning automatic vs. manual vehicles. Statement (2) doesn’t provide sufficient information to calculate the number of automatic vehicle owners.

Question 4:

What is the value of x/2?

Statement (1): x is 1/5 less than 9/10.

Statement (2): x is between 2/5 and 4/5.

Answer Choices:

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.
4. EACH Statement ALONE is sufficient.
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question.

Correct Answer:

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.

Explanation:

Using Statement (1), x = 9/10 – 1/5 = 7/10, which allows us to find x/2 = 7/20. Statement (2) provides a range for x, but not the exact value, so it’s not sufficient.

Question 5:

In order to stand out from generic brands, a cereal company hired a marketing firm to build brand awareness and then retools its factory to produce a variety of shapes of cereal.

Answer Choices:

1. then retools its factory to produce a variety of different shapes of cereal.
2. retools its factory to produce a variety of different shapes of cereal.
3. then retooled its factory to produce a variety of different shapes of cereal.
4. then will retool its factory to produce a variety of different shapes of cereal.
5. then produces a variety of different shapes of cereal by retooling its factory.

Correct Answer:

1. then retooled its factory to produce a variety of different shapes of cereal.

Explanation:

Since the sentence refers to past actions (hired a marketing firm), the correct answer must be in the past tense. Therefore, “retooled” is the correct form.

Question 6:

Believed to be one of the first widely read female authors in the Western world, Christine de Pizan’s The Book of the City of Ladies (1405) is a history of the Western world from a woman’s perspective.

Answer Choices:

1. Believed to be one of the first widely read female authors of the Western world.
2. Written by one of the first widely read female authors of the Western world.
3. One of the first widely read female authors of the Western world, as some believe.
4. Written by what some believe was one of the first widely read female authors of the Western world.
5. Believed by some as one of the first works by a widely-read female author in the Western world.

Correct Answer:

1. Written by one of the first widely read female authors of the Western world.

Explanation:

The modifier must describe the book, not the author, so the correct sentence structure is “Written by one of the first widely read female authors.”

Question 7:

One food writer suggested that reducing animal products in one’s diet could lead to better health. Based on this claim, some people are eliminating meat to become healthier.

The argument relies on which assumption?

Answer Choices:

1. Increasing the number of vegetables and grains can lead to better health.
2. There will be no increase in dairy products in the diets of those who stop eating meat.
3. Most food writers believe some amount of animal products is necessary for a healthy diet.
4. Not all healthy lifestyles require a vegetarian diet.
5. Many people who stop eating animal products do so for health reasons.

Correct Answer:

1. There will be no increase in dairy products in the diets of those who stop eating meat.

Explanation:

The assumption is that people who stop eating meat won’t compensate by increasing other animal products like dairy, otherwise, the reduction in animal products wouldn’t hold true.

Question 8:

Studies show that daily exercise helps stroke survivors regain dexterity. Consulting with a doctor about the exercise routine is an effective way to encourage daily exercise.

From this information, what can be reasonably inferred?

Answer Choices:

1. A stroke survivor who gets a detailed exercise plan and consults her doctor will fully regain dexterity.
2. A stroke survivor without a plan and doctor consultation won’t regain dexterity.
3. Stroke survivors with a routine and doctor consultation will sometimes regain dexterity.
4. An exercise routine and doctor consultation is the best way to help stroke survivors regain dexterity.
5. Only being given a routine is needed to regain dexterity for stroke survivors.

Correct Answer:

1. Stroke survivors with a routine and doctor consultation will sometimes regain dexterity.

Explanation:

The passage implies that combining an exercise routine with a doctor’s consultation increases the chances of regaining dexterity, but it doesn’t guarantee full recovery for every stroke survivor.

Questions 9, 10, and 11 are based on this passage:

Although oft-maligned in modern culture, the pigeon once stood not only for speed and reliability but also for grace and beauty. Darwin himself became a pigeon fancier after beginning to work with the humble Columba livia, discovering them to be more fascinating than he had formerly believed. During the Victorian age, raising show pigeons was a popular hobby, with new breeds continuously arising as amateur (and not-so-amateur) ornithologists crossed animals in the hopes of creating ever more fantastic creatures. One of the most sought-after varieties was known as the Almond Tumbler, a name presumably derived from the color of the birds combined with the distinctive flight style. Throughout many generations, this bird was so manipulated as to have a beak so small as to prevent the adult birds from feeding their offspring. And yet, it was wildly popular, drawing high prices at auctions and winning competitions.

How then did an animal once so well-loved come to be so loathed? As recently as World War II, the military used pigeons to carry messages, but today, many people would kick a pigeon before they would feed one. Perhaps it is just a problem of population density, a lack of esteem for the ubiquitous. Pigeons have become our constant urban companions and, as such, have been transformed from symbols of peace, plenty, and prosperity to representatives of disease and decay.

Question 9:

The primary purpose of the passage is to:

Answer Choices:

1. Convince readers of the nobility of pigeons based on their history.
2. Dissuade readers from mistreating a once-majestic animal.
3. Rebut claims that pigeons carry disease more often than other animals.
4. Promote pigeon breeding and a resurgence of the Almond Tumbler.
5. Suggest that there’s more to the story of urban wildlife than commonly known.

Correct Answer:

1. Suggest that there’s more to the story of urban wildlife than commonly known.

Explanation:

The passage contrasts the pigeon’s past status with its current image, suggesting that urban wildlife, like the pigeon, deserves a more nuanced view.

Question 10:

The case of the Almond Tumbler is most analogous to:

Answer Choices:

1. A strain of wheat that can be grown in large quantities but loses nutritional value.
2. Arabian horses have been bred for speed due to centuries of careful selection.
3. Vitamins that were once thought to be effective but are now seen as less beneficial.
4. Dachshunds, popular dogs that are prone to back problems due to their breeding, are prone to back issues.
5. Wild rock doves found nesting on cliffs far from cities.

Correct Answer:

1. Dachshunds, popular dogs that are prone to back problems due to breeding.

Explanation:

Like the Almond Tumbler pigeon, dachshunds have been bred for specific traits, but this selective breeding also resulted in physical problems, such as back issues.

Question 11:

The passage suggests that:

Answer Choices:

1. Pigeons were once known for flying quickly.
2. The Almond Tumbler was the most beautiful pigeon breed.
3. Darwin was infatuated with pigeons.
4. Modern pigeons are dirtier than past breeds.
5. Only scientists should breed new animals.

Correct Answer:

1. Pigeons were once known for flying quickly.

Explanation:

The passage mentions that pigeons were prized for their speed and reliability, implying that they were known for flying quickly.

Answers to GMAT Sample Questions Recap:

Answer: C. 20 combinations

Answer: A. $15,000

Answer: A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient.

Answer: A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient.

Answer: C. then retooled its factory

Answer: B. Written by one of the first widely read female authors

Answer: B. There will be no corresponding increase in the number of dairy products

Answer: C. Stroke survivors who are given an exercise routine…

Answer: E. Suggest that there might be more to the story…

Answer: D. The dachshund, a popular breed of dog…

Answer: A. Pigeons were once known for flying with speed.

What’s a Good GMAT Score?

Many students aim for a GMAT score of 700 or higher because that’s considered excellent by most top business schools. However, each school has its expectations—some may accept scores around 580, while others expect scores as high as 730 or more. Ultimately, a “good” score gets you into the business school of your choice.

How Is the GMAT Score Calculated?

Your total GMAT score can range from 205 to 805. This score comprises your Verbal and Quantitative sections, while the Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections are reported separately. The more you practice with GMAT sample papers, the better you’ll understand how your score is calculated and what you should aim for.

GMAT 2025 8-week Study Planner 2025

 

GMAT Exam 2025 Study Material

You can utilise the following study materials by IMS Manya-The Princeton Review for GMAT preparation.

• Classroom and Online Prep: Flexible courses that fit your schedule offer expert-led sessions and in-depth reviews.
• Practice Material: Access to printed GMAT books, such as The Princeton Review In-Class Manual, Quantitative Review, and Verbal Review, with strategies and techniques tailored for the GMAT exam.
• Simulated Practice Tests: Full-length, computer-adaptive mock tests help familiarize test-takers with the GMAT format and timing.
• Other Online Resources: MBA.com, the official website for GMAT, offers starter kits, practice exams, eBooks, and practice questions for convenient prep.

GMAT Prep 2025 Tips

• One Question at a Time: You’ll only see one question on your screen at a time, and you can’t move back to previous questions once you’ve answered, so think carefully before clicking “Next.”
• Questions Come in Random Order: The questions will pop up randomly, so be ready to jump from one topic to another quickly.
• No Do-Overs: Once you submit an answer, you’re locked in. Make sure you’re confident before moving forward.
• Using Technology: You’ll answer the questions on a computer, so be comfortable using a mouse or touchpad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, now that you are aware of the various aspects of GMAT sample papers, it’s essential for you to make the most of these resources to boost your preparation. With the intense competition in exams and the high stakes of MBA admissions, you must approach your GMAT exam 2025and its preparation with seriousness and dedication.