The new GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) Focus Edition exam is a more candidate-friendly version of the traditional GMAT test. The GMAT syllabus, which can be found below as per the latest updated exam format, is split into 3 sections, namely:
In this article, we will discuss each section in detail. By understanding the syllabus of the GMAT Focus Edition exam, you can better prepare for each section and maximize your GMAT score.
On this page, we're covering:
The GMAT Exam - Focus Edition is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. It comprises 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning; Verbal Reasoning; and Data Insights. There are total 64 questions in this version.
Category |
Duration |
Number of Questions |
Type of Content |
Format |
Score Range |
Quantitative Reasoning |
45 minutes |
21 problem-solving |
Arithmetic; Algebra |
Multiple Choice |
60-90 |
Verbal Reasoning |
45 minutes |
23 |
Critical Reasoning; Reading Comprehension |
Multiple Choice |
60-90 |
Data Insights |
45 minutes |
23 |
Multi-Source Reasoning; Table Analysis; Graphics Interpretation; Two-Part Analysis; Data Sufficiency |
Like Integrated Reasoning |
60-90 |
The total score you get on the GMAT Focus Edition is determined by your performance on all three sections of the test. The maximum score that can be attained on the GMAT exam is 805.
To learn everything about new GMAT modifications, read our dedicated article on the new GMAT format
The official GMAC website offers the GMAT syllabus in broad categories. As with any important examination, a candidate must be thoroughly familiar with the exam syllabus before beginning preparation for the exam. So, without further ado, let us closely examine the new GMAT Focus Edition syllabus.
The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section assesses your skills in:
There are a total of 23 questions in this section and you get 45 minutes to answer the same. Types of questions in this section are: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.
This section measures your ability to comprehend words and statements. Mainly, the skills tested include:
Categorization of GMAT Reading Comprehension Questions
Let's break down GMAT Reading Comprehension question types for a clearer understanding:
Question Types |
Description/Key Characteristics |
Main Idea Questions |
- One of the most common types of questions in the RC section. - You’ll find at least one main idea question in all the passages. - Identify the answer choice that matches the scope of the entire passage. - Think of the big picture and not get distracted by the individual elements. - Put all the pieces together and try to figure out what is the purpose of the passage. |
Supporting Idea / Substantial Idea Questions |
- Known as detail questions, they zoom in on single sentences or parts in the passage. - Trickier than main idea questions. - Require a thorough reading; may ask about facts or specific arguments that are explicitly cited in the passage. - To answer, understanding the main idea and how details support it is crucial. |
Inference / Assumption Questions |
- More advanced than the two mentioned above. - Require more critical thinking abilities. - Include arguments and ideas that are implied by the author but not mentioned explicitly in the passage. - To answer, think logically and make calculated assumptions about the author’s intentions. - Read between the lines to comprehend implied, not explicitly stated, meanings. |
Out of Framework / Out of Context |
- Not related to the passage directly. - These questions ask you to absorb the information present in the passage and apply it in an out of context situation. - May ask you about the author’s views regarding a matter that is completely unrelated to the passage. - Take the similar approach as with the inference type question. - Primarily test your understanding of the main idea of the passage and your ability to apply it elsewhere; so take a much farther logical leap than before while answering. |
Coherent Logical Structure |
- Talk about the overall structure of the passage. - Asks what the author is accomplishing by writing a passage in a particular way. - For example, the question might have the following wording, “Does the passage refute an idea?”, or “Is the author contrasting two ideas?”. - Tests your ability to understand the structural flow of the passage. - Sometimes, there can also be a question that asks for a suitable title for the passage. |
Application Questions |
- Applying passage information to new situations. - Evaluate the passage structure, understanding specific elements' roles. - May involve identifying why the author includes certain elements. |
Style and Tone Questions |
- Concentrate on determining the perspective or tone of mentioned individuals. - Often inquire about agreement, disagreement, attitude, or beliefs of someone in the passage. - You may be asked to identify the ideas in the passage and the tone used by the passage to express those ideas (generally, using a single word or a phrase. For example, critical, enthusiastic, optimistic, objective, etc. are the frequent choices). |
GMAT Reading Comprehension passages, typically around 350 words, assess your ability to interpret, infer, and identify logical relationships. While engaging with the passage, it is important to avoid straying from the given content. Ensure you stay focused on the passage's topic and refrain from incorporating your personal ideas. Bringing external worldly knowledge into the interpretation may lead to divergence from the actual passage content.
Key components to consider:
Your GMAT Verbal Ability score significantly depends on Reading Comprehension. Here are foolproof strategies to structure and time your GMAT Reading Comprehension preparation:
- Skimming entails a quick read of the entire passage to grasp its general idea.
- Different from scanning, which seeks specific facts, skimming focuses on understanding the tone and overall concept.
- After skimming, glance at related questions, identifying their types.
- Mark questions based on types and approach each accordingly, considering the various question types mentioned above.
- Refer back to the passage, reading it thoroughly for tiny details and specific facts.
- Stay focused, mindful of the timed nature of the GMAT; prioritize information relevant to the questions.
- Start with main idea questions first, requiring less mental effort.
- Progress to supporting idea questions, addressing explicit facts.
- Proceed in the suggested order for effectiveness, then choose your preferred order.
- Outliers are answer choices not explicitly stated but align with the question.
- Sharp attention and a strong grasp of the passage's main idea help identify outliers.
- Leverage these outliers with solid reasoning to your advantage.
In addition to these preparation tips, you should definitely check out our unique Strategies to Improve Score in GMAT Reading Comprehension to enhance your performance.
In this section, a candidate has to perform an analysis, based on the given argument and mark the right answer. You will be required to extract the relevant data that would either back or oppose the given argument and select the best possible option.
Here is an effective guide on preparing for Critical Reasoning on the GMAT:
The Quantitative Reasoning section in the GMAT Exam – Focus Edition contains 21 Problem-Solving questions. This section:
Key requirement to excel in this section: Arithmetic and elementary algebra.
You get 45 minutes to solve the Quant section of the GMAT Focus Edition.
The GMAT Quant Focus Edition demands a strategic approach and dedicated effort. To optimize your preparation, follow these essential steps:
Remember that the GMAT Focus Edition Quant section does not feature data sufficiency problems. While the content may have changed, your learning approach should stay constant. So, emphasis on studying math topics since they apply to a variety of question types, particularly in the Data Insights section of the new GMAT Focus exam.
The GMAT Data Insights section evaluates how well you can analyze data to apply it to real-world business scenarios. It also assesses your digital and data literacy. Below is a quick overview:
Total Number of Questions |
20 |
Question Types |
|
Question formats |
Graphics, tables, text passages, numeric information. |
Skills required |
Math, data analysis, verbal reasoning |
Calculator Permitted |
Yes (on-screen calculator is allowed) |
Score Range |
60-90 |
Allotted Time |
45 minutes |
In the GMAT Data Insights section, a mix of questions will assess your analytical abilities. These questions test your proficiency in interpreting different types of information and making informed decisions. Let us break down the key question types:
To master Data Insights, keep these key aspects in mind:
Prepare for the GMAT Focus Data Insights section by understanding its unique question types. This section introduces five distinct categories: Data Sufficiency, Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, and Multi-source Reasoning. The key is to develop your ability to process information effectively.
In Data Insights, you are tasked with extracting insights from potentially imperfect data displays. This section simulates real-world scenarios. Learn to pay attention to the language used in questions and texts.
Data Insights requires a varied skill set, so you would need to adopt a strategic approach to your preparation. While delving into Quant topics like algebra, probability, and statistics, it also incorporates a verbal component like that of critical reasoning. Strengthen your Quant skills, especially statistics, and enhance critical reasoning and reading comprehension skills. From here, gradually integrate Data Insights questions from the newer official guides in your preparation. This ensures a methodical buildup without prematurely exhausting official question resources.
Strengthen understanding and confidence through practice and strategic review. Regular practice tests offer a holistic performance assessment, aligning with your overall strategy. Dive into detailed analytics from mock/practice tests to pinpoint weak areas, enabling effective focus and refinement.
With an average of two minutes and 15 seconds per question, effective time management is crucial. While the new GMAT allows changes to three answers and review flexibility, resist spending excessive time on a single question. While you prepare, allocate time wisely to mitigate the time pressure in the Data Insights section.
In addition to these tips, you can learn to tackle each question type on the GMAT Focus Edition’s Data Insights section with our comprehensive article on Tips to Prepare for GMAT Data Insights.
Also Read: Try Data Insights Sample Questions
Remember, knowledge is power, and familiarity with the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus is your key to success on the exam. By understanding the content and format of the test, you can effectively prepare and strategize for each section. Along with preparing for the examination, it is also important to prepare for the GMAT Video Interview. This will help build your confidence, while strengthening your verbal skills manifold. In conclusion, make sure to utilize all the resources available to you and approach the GMAT Focus Edition with confidence and determination. Good luck!