A 6 min read

This article answers all your questions about the new GMAT 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.” You can take these GMAT sections in three different orders, on the basis of your preference.

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 7,000 business and management programs worldwide.

This article covers the following sections:

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GMAT – Computer Adaptive Test | GMAT Exam Format

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 – Only Verbal and Quant sections are computer-adaptive. IR and AWA are not adaptive in nature. Read our deep-dive on how the Computer Adaptive GMAT Works. Understanding the test is the first step towards acing it.

Each section starts with medium difficulty level questions. 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. It only shows one question at a time and does not allow you to see the next question until you’ve answered the current one. Therefore, you must review each response before confirming and moving on to the next one.

GMAT Format 2023 – Section-wise Distribution

GMAT Sections:

1. Analytical Writing Analysis
2. Integrated Reasoning
3. Quantitative
4. Verbal

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

• AWA – “The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) measures your ability to think critically and to communicate your ideas. During the AWA, you are asked to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique of that argument”.
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Analysis of Argument for 1 Topic
• IR – “The Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT measures your ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple sources – skills you need to succeed in our technologically advanced, data-driven world.”
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • 12 Questions of the following question types:
    • Multi-Source Reasoning
    • Graphics Interpretation
    • Two-Part Analysis
    • Table Analysis
• Quant – “The Quantitative section measures your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. The mathematics needed to understand and solve the questions in this section of the GMAT exam is no greater than what is generally taught in secondary school classes.”
  • Duration: 62 minutes
  • 31 Questions of the following question types:
    • Problem Solving (PS)
    • Data Sufficiency (DS)
• Verbal –  “The Verbal section measures your ability to read and understand written material, to evaluate arguments, and to correct written material to conform to standard written English.”
  • Duration: 65 minutes
  • 36 Questions from the following topics:
    • Reading Comprehension (RC)
    • Critical Reasoning (CR)
    • Sentence Correction (SC)

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

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GMAT Format/ GMAT Exam Pattern

GMAT SECTIONS	NUMBER OF QUESTIONS	TYPES OF QUESTIONS	DURATION
Analytical Writing Assignment (AWA)	1 essay	Argument analysis and communication in the form of a critique	30 minutes
Integrated Reasoning (IR)	12 multiple choice	Two-Part Analysis, Multi-source reasoning, Graphic interpretation, Table analysis	30 minutes
Quantitative	31 multiple choice	Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving	62 minutes
Verbal	36 multiple choice	Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction	65 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 pattern – Section Order Selection | GMAT Structure

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The original order before GMAC introduced the “Select Section Order” feature was: “Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal”. Now, there are three options from which you can take the GMAT: The Select Section Order feature was designed to allow GMAT test-takers to put their best foot forward and take the test based on their strengths and testing preferences. 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.

1. Original Order – Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, <Break 1>, Quantitative, <Break 2>, Verbal
2. Verbal, <Break 1>, Quantitative, <Break 2>, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
3. Quantitative, <Break 1>, Verbal, <Break 2>, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment

As per GMAC, “There is no “correct” or “recommended” 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 Structure – GMAT Exam pattern
Order 1	Order 2	Order 3
Analytical Writing Assessment	Verbal	Quantitative
Integrated Reasoning
8-min break (optional)
Quantitative	Quantitative	Verbal
8-min break (optional)
Verbal	Integrated Reasoning	Integrated Reasoning
Analytical Writing Assessment	Analytical Writing Assessment

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GMAT Exam Format or Pattern – Latest Update & Impact

In the new GMAT format, the GMAT test is shorter by 30 minutes (made effective from April 16, 2018). GMAC has reduced the total time duration of the GMAT from 4 hours to 3.5 hours. The change in this new format has been made in the Tutorial Screens and the Quant and Verbal Section (scored out of 800).

In this article on the new GMAT exam format update, we have tried to answer all your questions about the latest update in the exam format and its impact on scoring and sectional break up. The article also addresses a major concern among the re-takers – “Is RC the most important section on GMAT Verbal now?“. Attend our Verbal Verbal RC Strategy Webinar to know the answer.

This article covers most of the basics of the GMAT Exam that you need to know. For further reading, please visit the official GMAT site. 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