GMAT 2025 Syllabus: Section-Wise Breakdown & Preparation Tips

The Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) evaluates aspirants aiming for admission to top business schools worldwide. GMAT is a 2-hour 15-minute exam with a total score of 805 points. Scoring high in this test increases candidates’ chances of admission to top MBA programs across the globe with avenues of earning scholarships. Acing GMAT requires thorough preparation and understanding of the exam syllabus and format. GMAT evaluates students on Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights to assess varied skills necessary for B-school admissions.   

This guide summarizes the section-wise GMAT syllabus 2025 for Focus Edition and preparation tips. Read on to know more.

GMAT Syllabus 2025 - Section-wise Breakdown and Details

The GMAT Focus Edition 2025 Syllabus contains three key sections:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Data Insights

Each section of the GMAT Exam is of a 45-minute duration. Candidates are expected to complete the exam within a total duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes to score 700 or more in GMAT.

GMAT 2025 Syllabus: Section-wise Details

Here’s the GMAT Syllabus 2025: Section-Wise Breakdown of the Key Topics

GMAT Section	GMAT Section-wise Syllabus
Quantitative Reasoning	Algebra Arithmetic
Verbal Reasoning	Reading Comprehension: Main idea + Supporting idea + Inference + Application + Logical structure + Style Critical Reasoning: Strengthen + Weaken + Flawed + Supports + Damages
Data Insights	Data Sufficiency Multi-source Reasoning:  - Analyses of data from various sources (text, tables, graphics)  - Recognition of discrepancy - Inference - Determination of the relevance of data Table Analysis Graphics Interpretation: - Interpretation of information from graphics (scatter plot, x/y graph, bar chart, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution) - Finding relationship - Inference Two-part Analysis: - Quant, Verbal, or a combination  - Evaluating trade-offs  - Solving simultaneous equations  - Finding relationships

GMAT 2025 Syllabus: Take a look at the table below for a summary of the topics covered in each of the above-mentioned sections:

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning	GMAT Verbal Reasoning	GMAT Data Insights
Fractions	Assumptions	Data Sufficiency
Decimals	Inference	Graphics Interpretation
Number Properties	Evaluate	Table Analysis
Percentage	Bold Face	Two-Part Analysis
Power and Roots	Paradox	Multi-Source Reasoning
Average	Strengthen and weaken
Probability	Main Point
Set Theory	Detail/Supporting idea
Multiples and Factors	Inference (RC)
Mixtures and allegations	Style and Tone
Ratio and proportion	Function
Descriptive Statistics	Application
Pipes, cisterns, and work time
Speed, time, distance
Simple and Compounded Interest
Monomials, polynomials
Functions
Exponents
Progressions
Quadratic equations
Inequalities and Basic Statistics
Algebraic expressions and equations
Permutation and combination

GMAT Syllabus for Verbal Reasoning Section

The Verbal Skills section of GMAT tests the ability of a candidate to understand written materials and analyze the logical connections between ideas in a passage. This section includes 23 multiple-choice questions to answer in 45 minutes divided into two types – 

• Critical Reasoning 
• Reading Comprehension.

1. Critical Reasoning (CR)

The questions asked in the Critical Reasoning section are asked from a short passage of over 100 words. They evaluate;

• The skill of candidates to analyze and construct arguments
• To develop and measure plans of action

The answers chosen by the candidates help strengthen, weaken, or assess an argument. Candidates do not need any special topic knowledge to attempt these questions.

2. Reading Comprehension (RC)

Questions asked in the Reading Comprehension section test candidates’ ability to understand a passage and to interpret the logical connections between the key points.  

The syllabus includes long and short passages and candidates are evaluated on:

• Recognizing main ideas and subordinates 
• Drawing inferences
• Applying information
• Understanding logical structure
• Analyzing style

Topic Breakdown of Verbal Reasoning Syllabus:

Critical Reasoning	Strengthening/weakening arguments, logical assumptions, argument flaws
Reading Comprehension	Identifying main ideas, drawing inferences, distinguishing facts from opinions

Tips to Prepare for GMAT 2025 Exam Verbal Reasoning Section:

Tips for Critical Reasoning

• Understand the question types 
• Practice similar questions
• Learn to identify the gaps and assumptions in a given argument

Tips for Reading Comprehension

• Understand the question type
• Develop a habit of writing the main point of a passage during your GMAT preparation

Also Read: Reading Comprehension GMAT- Examples and Tips

GMAT Syllabus for Quantitative Reasoning Section

The Quantitative Reasoning or the Quant section of the GMAT evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply their understanding of algebra and arithmetic fundamentals in problem-solving scenarios.

• Candidates are given 45 minutes to solve 21 multiple-choice questions in this section. 
• This section doesn’t allow candidates to use a calculator
• Questions asked in this section include problem-solving and data sufficiency
• Problem-solving requires candidates to use mathematical formulas for direct calculations and logical problem-solving

Topic Breakdown of GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus:

Arithmetic	Algebra
Multiples and Factors	Monomials, polynomials
Number Properties	Functions
Decimals	Exponents
Fractions	Quadratic Equations
Percentage	Inequalities and basic statistics
Power and roots	Algebraic expressions and equations
Average	Permutation and combination
Probability	Progressions
Set Theory
Mixtures and allegations
Ratio and proportion
Descriptive Statistics
Pipes, cisterns, and work time
Speed, time, distance
Simple and Compounded Interest

Tips to Prepare for GMAT 2025 Exam Quantitative Reasoning:

• Try to memorize math formulas and concepts by writing them on paper. 
• Always go back to them often to revise them 
• You can revise these formulas while traveling or doing any other work.
• Note that scoring well on the GMAT requires dedication.
• Try to memorize squares up to 30, cubes up to 20, and some tricks to help solve these problems quickly.

GMAT Syllabus for Data Insights Section

The Data Insights section is a key component of the GMAT exam that highlights the growing importance of data analysis in business. It carries equal weightage in the total GMAT score.

This section tests the candidate’s ability to:

• Study complex data to interpret meaningful information 
• Apply verbal and mathematical skills to make informed decisions

The section gives test-takers 45 minutes to answer 20 questions. Candidates can avail of an on-screen calculator for this section.

Key Topics covered in this section are:

• Data Sufficiency
• Graphics Interpretation
• Table Analysis
• Two-Part Analysis
• Multi-Source Reasoning

Topic Breakdown of GMAT Data Insights Syllabus:

Data Sufficiency	Data Sufficiency topics test the ability of candidates to decide if a particular problem can be solved with the given information. Candidates are required to analyze the given data to determine whether it leads to a clear answer.
Graphics Interpretation	Test takers in this section study charts and graphs presented to them to understand data visualization and to answer questions about trends and patterns, as well as the relationships shown in the graphs.
Table Analysis	Candidates are required to study data given in table form. The topics may require students to sort data to recognize trends and make comparisons as per the information provided.
Two-Part Analysis	These questions require solving multi-step problems by analyzing a situation, applying concepts, and considering different factors to find the correct answer.
Multi-Source Reasoning	These questions test the ability of test takers to analyze information from different sources, like charts, numbers, and text, to find relationships and draw conclusions.

Tips to Prepare for GMAT 2025 Exam Data Insight Section:

• Practice Data Interpretation by analyzing graphs, tables, charts, etc. to help recognize trends
• Enhance your logical and critical thinking ability to evaluate details from varied courses
• Enhance your quantitative skills by reviewing your basic math concepts
• Develop strategies for time management by setting timers to improve speed while practicing
• Use official GMAT resources for preparation.

GMAT Exam Pattern 2025

Below is the section-wise breakdown of the GMAT Exam Pattern:

Section	Number of Questions	Time Allocated	Skills Tested
Quantitative Reasoning	21	45 minutes	Tests candidates’ ability to use quantitative reasoning to draw conclusions
Verbal Reasoning	23	45 minutes	Assesses skills like critical reasoning, reading comprehension, and knowledge of grammar
Data Insights	20	45 minutes	Evaluates the ability of students to extract data and analyze it from different sources for problem-solving
Total	64	2 hours 15 minutes

GMAT Syllabus 2025 Preparations: Month-wise Study Plan

Here is a 4-month study plan to prepare for GMAT Exam:

Month 1:

• Focus Area - Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning Sections
• How to Prepare?

Build a robust foundation in the key concepts of these two GMAT sections and thoroughly understand the syllabus.

• Tips:

1. Understand the basics of both verbal and quantitative reasoning sections.
2. Avoid attempting complex questions before understanding the basics well.
3. Try attempting mock tests for each section to accurately estimate standards.
4. Practice the basics of math and grammar

Month 2:

• Focus Area - Data Insights Section
• How to Prepare? 

Practice Data Insights questions carefully to strengthen core concepts and solve complex problems across all sections.

• Tips:

1. Cover data interpretation basics and learn to draw logical conclusions.
2. Practice complex problems.
3. Focus on improving areas that were challenging in the first month.
4. Start practicing under timed conditions.

Month 3:

• Focus Area - Practice Mock Sessions
• How to Prepare?

Practice mock tests and identify areas for improvement.

• Tips:

1. Start full-length and timed mock tests.
2. Practice key areas and weaker concepts.
3. Analyze test reports to identify weaknesses and improve strategies.

Month 4:

• Focus Area - Strategy Building
• How to Prepare?

Review key concepts, practice expected questions, and refine strategies of the scheduled test day with regular mock tests.

• Tips

1. Review concepts. 
2. Strategies for each section.
3. Practice weaker areas.
4. Develop best practices that work for you.
5. Practice mock tests regularly.
6. Prepare yourself mentally.
7. Improve time management.

Also Read: How to Prepare for GMAT exam - Complete guide

GMAT Syllabus 2025 Preparation Tips

Here are some common preparation tips to consider:

• Understand the pattern of the exam carefully for each section.
• Use official GMAT study materials as your base for your preparations for the test.
• After completing your preparations with the official study material, you can move on to other authentic and highly regarded GMAT preparation books and study materials. 
• Practice multiple GMAT mock tests as much as possible.
• It will help you understand where you stand in terms of your preparation and progress.

Also Read: GMAT Scholarships

How upGrad Can Help in GMAT Preparations?

Being an extremely competitive global exam, the difficulty level to ace GMAT is high, making thorough preparations crucial. upGrad offers comprehensive guidance with a structured program to prepare candidates to achieve their target scores. We provide study materials, practice mock tests, and guidance through expert faculty. Our flexible and self-paced online learning programs help aspirants aiming for GMAT high scores.