GMAT Syllabus 2025 is a foundation roadmap for folks willing to write busines school entrance test, it tells you which topics and question types are expected to appear in the test. There are 4 main parts of the GMAT syllabus – Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). Sections are actually decided to check the candidates logical thinking, problem-solving skills and communicative ability. If you understand the syllabus then you are halfway through in preparing for your exam. Thus, the first step of any serious MBA aspirant should be getting an overview of the syllabus.
The GMAT syllabus is basically high-school level maths, English grammar, but the method of testing these subjects is evolved. This implies that GMAT concepts may appear to be simplistic but their application can be quite complicated. As a result aspirants must analyze the exam syllabus in detail and frame a strategy for each section separately. Knowing the GMAT syllabus inside out helps you in both preparation and handling time management.
GMAT Exam Pattern & Format
Understanding the GMAT exam pattern and format is as important as understanding the syllabus. GMAT is a computer adaptive test (CAT), which means if you answer correctly the next question becomes a little tough and if you answer incorrectly the next question becomes a little easy. This adaptive format ensures that the exam accurately judges the candidate’s actual ability. There are a total of 4 sections in the exam – Quant, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning and AWA. Different time and marking criteria are defined for each section. The total exam duration is approximately 3 hours 7 minutes excluding optional breaks. Candidates are given a fixed order from one section to another and skipping is not allowed.
So it is important to develop time management strategies after understanding the pattern. The overall score on the GMAT is calculated in the 200-800 range, based on combined performance in Quant and Verbal. Integrated Reasoning and AWA scores are reported separately.
| Section | No. of Questions | Time | Score Range | Key Focus |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 62 mins | 6-51 | Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 65 mins | 6-51 | Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 mins | 1-8 | Data Analysis, Multi-source Reasoning |
| Analytical Writing (AWA) | 1 Essay | 30 mins | 0-6 | Argument Analysis |
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus
GMAT Quantitative — The GMAT Quantitative Reasoning portion evaluates how well a candidate uses their mathematical and logical skills. Section 2: 21Qs | 62 minutes The major question types in the Quant section are Problem solving (PS) and Data Sufficiency (DS). In Problem Solving, candidates need to solve standard mathematical problems that require understanding of algebra, arithmetic and geometry. One thing that makes Data Sufficiency different is that instead of answering a question with the statements provided. Quant section — Mainly Concentrtrated with major topics being Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, Averages), Algebra (Equations, Inequalities), Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry) and Word Problems (Time, Speed, Work, Mixtures) This part is high-school level mathematics but its the logical twists that can be tricky. Quant section of the GMAT does not allow calculators, making aspirant rely on mental Math and approximation.
This section tests your numerical ability and data interpretation.
Topics:
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Averages
- Algebra: Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Circles, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry
- Word Problems: Speed, Time & Distance, Work & Time, Mixtures
- Number System: Integers, LCM & HCF, Prime Numbers
- Data Sufficiency Questions
Difficulty Level: High-school level mathematics but with logical reasoning.
GMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus
Verbal Reasoning section tests how good you are in English and reasoning and analyse your English skills professionally. It contains 23 questions which must be answered in 65 minutes. It consists of 3 broad sections – The Reading Comprehension, The Critical Reasoning and The Sentence Correction. For example, in Reading Comprehension, the candidates are expected to read passages from academic and business fields and answer questions based on the inference and facts from the passage.
Critical Reasoning checks whether you can scrutinize logical arguments, spot faults, assumptions and points of strengthening/weakening. Sentence Correction deals with grammar and sentence formation, especially parallelism, modifiers, subject-verb agreement and idioms. The greatest challenge with Verbal Reasoning is not only to ensure proper English syntax but also to ensure logical clarity and precision in interpretation. This part is challenging for candidates who do not come from an English oriented education or work background.
The Verbal section tests your English comprehension and reasoning ability.
Topics:
- Reading Comprehension: Long & short passages, inference-based questions
- Critical Reasoning: Strengthen/Weaken arguments, assumptions, logical flaws
- Sentence Correction: Grammar rules, modifiers, idioms, parallelism
Tip: Understanding the logical flow along with grammar is important in GMAT.
GMAT Integrated Reasoning Syllabus
The Integrated Reasoning (IR) section was introduced by the GMAT to evaluate a candidate’s data interpretation and multi-source analysis skills. It consists of 12 questions with 30 minutes to solve. Question types in the IR section include Multi-Source Reasoning (combine data from tables, graphs and texts), Graphics Interpretation (analyze charts and graphs), Two-Part Analysis (solve dual conditions simultaneously) and Table Analysis (draw correct conclusions from large data sets). The IR section focuses on real-life business scenarios where managers must make decisions using data from different sources.
This section has a scoring scale of 1-8 which is a separate report and is not included in the overall GMAT score. IR section becomes a tough nut for the aspirants as it requires quick data analysis along with logical reasoning.
This is a relatively new section that tests your data analysis and decision making skills.
Topics:
- Multi-source reasoning (tables + text + charts)
- Graphics interpretation
- Two-part analysis
- Table analysis
The score of the IR section is becoming very important for MBA admissions.
GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Syllabus
What is the AWA? The AWA section consists of 1 essay based writing task which tests a candidate on his critical thinking and written communication skills. The counter-argument based essay to be written in 30 minutes. The essay involves finding the weaknesses in an argument and proposing stronger logical alternatives. Each essay is graded on a 0-6 scale depending on how clear, organized, grammatically sound the flow of connected thoughts is in the essay.
The AWA is ultimately meant to see if you can analyze an intricate argument and organize your thoughts clearly and logically. For MBA admissions, AWA is not given as much weightage, but the top B-schools perceive the AWA score as an indication of a candidate’s communication and analytical ability. Candidates are recommended to read the editorial every day and practice essay writing to enhance analytical writing skill.
There is an essay in AWA in which you have to write argument analysis.
- Word Limit: 400-600 words approx
- Evaluation Parameters: Clarity, logic, grammar, structure
- Focus: Identifying arguments and suggesting better reasoning.
Pro Tip: Daily Newspaper Editorial Analysis is a best practice for AWA.
GMAT Focus Edition vs Old Edition
The GMAT Focus Edition was introduced in 2023 and brought significant changes to the exam structure and syllabus. The traditional GMAT had four sections – Quant, Verbal, IR and AWA but in the Focus Edition, AWA has been completely removed and IR has been merged to form Data Insights. This new edition has a total of 64 questions which need to be completed in 2 hours and 15 minutes, whereas the duration of the old edition was more than 3 hours.
The Focus Edition has been made student-friendly as the scope of the exam has become slightly narrower and report features like section order selection and detailed sub-score analysis have been included. Both the Old and Focus editions will be available until 2025 but the Old edition will gradually be discontinued. Aspirants should decide which version to opt for based on the requirements of their target B-schools.
| Feature | Old GMAT | GMAT Focus Edition |
| Total Time | 3 hrs 30 mins | 2 hrs 15 mins |
| Sections | 4 | 3 (Quant, Verbal, Data Insights) |
| AWA | Included | Removed |
| IR | Separate | Merged into Data Insights |
The Focus Edition is more student-friendly but both versions will be available until 2025.
Difficulty Level of GMAT Syllabus
In terms of difficulty level, GMAT is a tricky exam in which the questions may not seem individually tough but the adaptive pattern of the exam, time pressure and accuracy requirement make it challenging. The level of Quant section is of high-school math but it can seem moderate to difficult due to the logical framing. Verbal section is tricky for those aspirants who are weak in English comprehension.
Integrated Reasoning and AWA are easier but they should not be neglected as they too count in your overall profile. GMAT is a skill based exam where understanding the concepts and applying them in practice is more significant than the course-way learning. So, aspirants have to treat this exam as not a test of knowledge but a test of aptitude and reasoning. If you regularly practice and work on your time management, and mock test analysis, the GMAT won’t be as hard as it seems.
- Quant Section – Moderate to High
- Verbal Section – Moderate
- IR Section – Moderate (depends on practice)
- AWA – Easy to Moderate
Overall GMAT syllabus is conceptually simple but becomes challenging due to time management + accuracy.
GMAT Preparation Tips Section-Wise
The golden rule of GMAT preparation is – concept clarity + consistent practice + mock test analysis. For Quant, you should revise basic mathematical formulas and properties, especially Arithmetic and Algebra. For Data Sufficiency, practice logical elimination method. For Verbal, develop daily reading habit and practice passages with grammar rules. For Critical Reasoning, learn to identify assumptions and argument patterns. For Integrated Reasoning, daily practice of charts and tables analysis is a must. For AWA, analyze editorials and sample essays.
Allocating 1-2 hours daily for each section and giving weekly mock tests is the best approach. After the mock test, analyzing your mistakes and reworking on weak areas is equally important. 3-4 months of dedicated preparation is sufficient for GMAT if proper strategy is followed.
- Quant: Revise high-school math concepts + engage in daily problem-solving.
- Verbal: English novels, articles and grammar practice improve comprehension.
- IR: Practice daily charts and tables for data interpretation.
- AWA: Write sample essays and get feedback.
Mock tests are done every 2 weeks for self-analysis.
FAQs
Q1: How tough is the GMAT syllabus?
Ans: Moderate but challenging due to the adaptive format.
Q2: What topics are there in GMAT Quant?
Ans: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Word Problems and Data Sufficiency.
Q3: What is the difference between the GMAT and GRE syllabus?
Ans: The Data Sufficiency and IR sections are unique in the GMAT, while the Quant and Verbal sections are broader in the GRE.
Q4: Can the GMAT syllabus be covered through self-study?
Answer: Absolutely, if you practice consistently for 3-4 months.
Q5: Is there a syllabus difference between the GMAT Focus Edition and the old edition?
Ans: In the Focus edition, AWA was removed and IR was merged to form Data Insights.
Conclusion
GMAT Syllabus 2025 – A Comprehensive Guide. The GMAT Syllabus 2025 serves as an essential groundwork for aspirants targeting MBA admissions. If B-schools are your targets, then you need to master the topics and question patterns of Quant, Verbal, IR and AWA sections. GMAT is a test of aptitude where conceptual clarity has as much to do with speed of problem solving. But mock tests and practice drills with the official guide play a crucial role in your preparation. Last Tip – All the sections should be given equal focus and practice to improve your weak areas. In GMAT, it is all about a clear syllabus + practice + managing time.