GMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-wise Marking Scheme & Question Types

The GMAT exam pattern includes a total of 64 questions divided across three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Verbal Reasoning comprises the highest number of questions, with 23, followed by 21 questions in Quantitative Reasoning and 20 in Data Insights. Data Insights is a recent addition to the GMAT 11th edition exam format, specifically designed to evaluate candidates' data analysis skills. The exam has a total duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, with an overall score ranging from 205 to 805. Additionally, candidates have the option to take one 10-minute break during the exam.

GMAT Exam Pattern 2025

GMAC launched the GMAT Focus Edition, and the GMAT paper pattern has evolved from previous versions. The latest GMAT Focus Edition exam pattern has introduced new changes. The GMAT 11th Edition syllabus and pattern are different from earlier versions of the GMAT exam. The table below provides details of the GMAT Focus Edition pattern for 2025.

New GMAT 2025 Exam Format

Old Vs New GMAT Exam Pattern

The GMAT exam has changed significantly over the years, focusing more on measuring your analytical and problem-solving skills. The new format makes the testing process simpler and highlights how knowledge applies to real-life situations.

The following is a comparison between the old GMAT exams and the new Focus Edition:

GMAT 2025 Marking Scheme

Key Points

• Total Exam Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (including an optional 10-minute break)
• Overall GMAT Score: 205 - 805
• Scoring Format: No negative marking
• Adaptive Format: Question difficulty adjusts based on previous answers

GMAT Exam Pattern for Quantitative Reasoning Section

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests the ability to understand and analyze numbers. It has 21 questions and must be completed in 45 minutes. Each question takes about 2 minutes on average. The score for this section ranges from 60 to 90 and contributes equally to the total GMAT score along with the Verbal and Data Insights sections.

Important topics to study:

• Arithmetic: Fractions, decimals, percentages, powers and roots, counting methods, ratio and proportion, sets, and probability.
• Algebra: Inequalities, equations, functions, and exponents.
• Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, 3D shapes, and coordinate geometry.
• Modern Mathematics: Set theory, sequences and series, permutation and combination, and probability.

How is the Quantitative Reasoning Score Calculated?

The score depends on the number of correct answers, mostly from problem-solving questions. The test is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions changes based on previous answers. The final score is converted into a scale of 60 to 90.

GMAT Exam Pattern for Verbal Reasoning Section

The Verbal Reasoning section checks the ability to read and understand written content, analyze arguments, and correct sentences. It has 23 questions to be solved in 45 minutes.

Main topics covered:

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding written passages (about 350 words) and answering related questions.
• Critical Reasoning: Analyzing arguments and evaluating conclusions.
• Sentence Correction (may not be included): Fixing grammar, sentence structure, and word usage errors.

How is the Verbal Reasoning Score Calculated?

The score ranges from 60 to 90, with 1-point increments. The total GMAT score is between 205 and 805, in 10-point increments. The computer-adaptive system changes the difficulty of questions based on previous answers.

GMAT Exam Pattern for Data Insights Section

This section is a new part of the GMAT exam and tests the ability to analyze and understand data from tables, charts, and graphs. It has 23 questions to be completed in 45 minutes.

Topics covered:

• Data Sufficiency: Deciding if enough data is given to solve a problem.
• Multi-Source Reasoning: Analyzing data from multiple sources like graphs and passages.
• Table Analysis: Understanding data in table format.
• Graphics Interpretation: Answering questions based on charts and graphs.
• Two-Part Analysis: Solving questions that involve both numbers and words.

How is the Data Insights Score Calculated?

The score ranges from 60 to 90. The total GMAT score (205-805) is based on all three sections. Even though Data Sufficiency questions have moved to this section, the test format remains similar.

Penalty for Unanswered Questions in GMAT 2025 Exam 

Each GMAT section has a time limit, and leaving questions unanswered can lower the score. Managing time well is important to complete all questions and get the best possible score.

Changes in the GMAT 2025 Exam

The new GMAT format includes some key changes:

• No Analytical Writing Section: The essay writing part has been removed.
• No Sentence Correction or Geometry Questions: These question types are no longer included.
• New Scoring System: Scores now range from 205 to 805 instead of the old format.
• Simple Section Scoring: Each section (Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights) is scored between 60 and 90.
• Ability to Change Answers: Up to three answers per section can be changed before submitting.
• Bookmarking Questions: Questions can be bookmarked and answered later.
• Flexible Section Order: Any section can be attempted first.
• Shorter Test Duration: The exam is one hour shorter than before.
• Instant Score Report: An unofficial score report is available immediately, and a detailed official report comes within a week.

Choosing the Order of GMAT 2025 Exam Sections

GMAT allows selecting the order of sections from six available options:

How Does the Computer-Adaptive System Work?

The Quantitative and Verbal sections adjust the difficulty of questions based on performance. The first question is of medium difficulty. If answered correctly, the next question is harder. If answered incorrectly, the next question is easier.

• Harder questions = Higher score
• Easier questions = Lower score

Once an answer is submitted, it cannot be changed (except for the three allowed changes per section). This system helps measure skill levels accurately, which is why business schools use GMAT scores for admissions.

GMAT Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs