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GMAT Exam Format (2024)- Latest exam pattern, GMAT Focus Sections, and GMAT Question Type

GMAT Exam Format (2024)- Latest exam pattern, GMAT Focus Sections, and GMAT Question Type
A 6 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. To start with, here’s how GMAC defines it – The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer adaptive test (CAT) intended to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as an MBA.”

Of course, with the GMAT Focus being the exclusive test started 1st February 2024, the writing skills part of the definition is not applicable. The new exam continues to assess the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning abilities of the candidates but with a more significant emphasis on higher-order reasoning skills and data interpretation skills. This adjustment reflects the evolving needs of business schools and employers, who are looking for candidates with a high level of critical reasoning and data literacy skills.

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 Pattern Latest update :

The previous edition of GMAT is not available from 1st of February 2024 and the students can only opt for GMAT Focus edition.

GMAT Focus Edition syllabus and pattern are different from the previous version of the GMAT exam. The table given below provides the overview of the GMAT Focus Edition pattern 2024:

GMAT Focus Edition SectionsNo of QuestionsQuestion typesSection duration
Verbal Reasoning23Reading Comprehension,
Critical Reasoning
45 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning21Problem Solving,
(Algebra and Arithmetic)
45 minutes
Data Insights20Data Sufficiency;
Multi-source Reasoning;
Table Analysis;
Graphics Interpretation;
Two-Part Analysis
45 minutes

Read our GMAT Focus Edition Series Articles, to have the detailed understanding of the exam.

GMAT format and structure

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 Format and pattern 2024 – Section-wise Distribution

GMAT Exam Format

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.”

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)

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

If you are planning to take the GMAT, we can help you with a personalized study plan and give you access to quality online content to prepare. Write to us at acethegmat@e-gmat.com. We are the most reviewed GMAT prep company on gmatclub with more than 2600+ reviews. Why don’t you take a free trial and judge for yourself?

GMAT Format/ GMAT Exam Pattern

GMAT Focus Edition SectionsNo of QuestionsQuestion typesSection duration
Verbal Reasoning23Reading Comprehension,
Critical Reasoning
45 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning21Problem Solving,
(Algebra and Arithmetic)
45 minutes
Data Insights20Data Sufficiency;
Multi-source Reasoning;
Table Analysis;
Graphics Interpretation;
Two-Part Analysis
45 minutes

Now that you have an idea of the GMAT Exam Pattern, let’s focus on the other aspects of the 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.

GMAT exam – Section Order Selection | GMAT Structure

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.

GMAT exam - Section Order Selection

If you’re looking for the right strategy to ace the GMAT, attend our GMAT Strategy webinar, where we help you create a plan to achieve your target GMAT score.

GMAT Exam Format or Pattern – Update & Impact

The previous edition of GMAT is not available from 1st of February 2024 and the students can only opt for GMAT Focus edition.

We invite you to read our GMAT Focus Edition Series Articles, an invaluable resource to keep you at the forefront of your GMAT preparation journey.

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

What is the new GMAT format change? Is GMAT changing to GMAT focus Edition in 2023?

GMAC has recently announced a new version of the GMAT test called the GMAT Focus edition. Starting from February 1, 2024 the only version of GMAT available will be GMAT Focus Edition. Read this article to know all about the GMAT Focus edition

How many sections are there in the Current GMAT Exam?

There are three sections on the GMAT. They are:
1. Quant
2. Verbal
3. Data Insights

How many sections are on the GMAT Online?

GMAT Online has 3 sections. They are Verbal, Quant, and Data Insights.

What’s the duration of GMAT and GMAT online?

The duration of in-center GMAT and online GMAT is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

What is the GMAT Syllabus?

Please read this article to know all about GMAT exam syllabus- GMAT Syllabus 2024 | Top 50 topics to study & latest GMAT exam syllabus .

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