A 5 min read

This article answers all your questions about the GMAT Focus Edition Exam Format and Timing, GMAT Exam Structure, GMAT Sections, and GMAT Question Types.

The updated GMAT is a 2-hour and 15-minute exam, featuring an optional 10-minute break between any two sections. The exam is scored on a scale ranging from 205 to 805 and consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and the new Data Insights section.

The best way to understand the GMAT exam format is by trying the test out for yourself.

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) which owns the GMAT test, GMAT is a trusted and preferred part of the admissions process of more than 7,700 programs across 2,400 business schools worldwide.

This article covers the following sections:

GMAT Exam Format and pattern 2024 – Section-wise Distribution

What are the GMAT Sections?

1. Data Insights
2. Quantitative
3. Verbal

Here’s a brief overview of each of these sections of GMAT:

1) Data Insights – According to GMAC – “The Data Insights section measures candidates’ ability to analyze and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios. With the GMAT™ Focus Edition’s updated test design, Data Insights leverages Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency question types to measure a newly calibrated digital and data literacy dimension—one of the most relevant and in-demand skills in business today.”

• Duration: 45 minutes
• 20 Questions of the following question types:
  • Data Sufficiency (DS)
  • Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR)
  • Table Analysis (TA)
  • Graphics Interpretation (GI)
  • Two-Part Analysis (TPA)

2) Quant – According to the GMAC “This section measures your algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge and how you apply this knowledge to solve problems. These types of questions require some knowledge of arithmetic and elementary algebra. Answering these questions correctly relies on logic and analytical skills, not the underlying math skills.”

• Duration: 45 minutes
• 21 Questions all of Problem-Solving type

3) Verbal –  According to GMAC – “ This section measures your ability to read and comprehend written material and to reason and evaluate arguments.”

• Duration: 45 minutes
• 23 Questions from the following topics:
  • Reading Comprehension (RC)
  • Critical Reasoning (CR)

Read this article for a detailed, section-by-section breakdown of the GMAT syllabus and sample questions!

GMAT Format/ GMAT Exam Pattern

GMAT Focus Edition Sections	No of Questions	Question types	Section duration
Verbal Reasoning	23	Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning	45 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning	21	Problem Solving, (Algebra and Arithmetic)	45 minutes
Data Insights	20	Data Sufficiency; Multi-source Reasoning; Table Analysis; Graphics Interpretation; Two-Part Analysis	45 minutes

If you are wondering how to understand GMAT Scores & Percentiles, here is what you should read!

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Overview | GMAT-Computer Adaptive Test

GMAT is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). This means that the testing software adapts to your performance as you progress through the test. Therefore, your performance on each question will determine the difficulty level of the next few questions in the exam. Consequently, the GMAT score is calculated on your ability level i.e. on the basis of the difficulty level of questions that you solve correctly and not just the number of questions that you get right.

Note All three sections – Verbal, Quant, and DI are computer adaptative. Read our deep-dive on how the Computer Adaptive GMAT Works. Understanding the test is the first step towards acing it.

In a computer adaptive test, based on your response, you will then receive an easier or more difficult question. Your score is a composite result that considers the difficulty of each question you got right and wrong. Because each question you answer directly affects the next question you get, the CAT does not allow you to go back to questions you’ve already answered during the test. But in the Focus edition, you will get a chance to bookmark a question and at the end of the section, time permitting, you are allowed to change the answers of up to 3 questions.

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GMAT exam – Section Order Selection | GMAT Structure

Prior to July 11, 2017, all test-takers had to take the test in that exact order as defined by GMAC. However, this is no longer the case. We’ll now discuss the order in which you can take the GMAT sections.

You can take the exam in any order with only one optional 10-minute gap between any of the two sections, so you have 18 options in total.

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This is GMAC’s attempt to help you build comfort and confidence on exam day. You can choose the order in which you want to take the GMAT sections, just before your exam begins.

As per GMAC, “There is no “correct” or “recommended” GMAT section order to select. This choice gives you more control and flexibility.” For more details, please refer to this article on GMAT Exam Format – Select Section Order.

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GMAT Exam Format or Pattern – Update & Impact

You can also read the following articles on:

1. Section-Wise Details and Question Types
2. GMAT Eligibility Criteria
3. GMAT Cost and Fees
4. GMAT Score & Statistics
5. GMAT Score Reports
6. GMAT Books and Resources
7. GMAT Test Centers
8. GMAT Exam Day Tips

If you have any doubts regarding the format of GMAT EXAM, GMAT Exam Structure or need help with planning your GMAT Prep, feel free to write to us at acethegmat@e-gmat.com. Register for our free trial to get more than 400 practice questions.

Before you start your GMAT Preparation, watch this video:

GMAT Format FAQs