“Curiosity is the beginning of knowledge, but understanding is the beginning of wisdom.” ~Dr. Debasish Mridha.
Now that you are curious about learning about GMAT syllabus, you must also understand the importance of its various sections and frequently asked questions. In this article, we will shed light on all the critical areas of GMAT 2024.
GMAT 2024
GMAT is one of the most popular globally-recognized entrance exams. It lays the pathway to MBA and other masters programs across 2300+ schools of the world. Nearly two lakh aspirants appear in GMAT every year. It is conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) all round the year, and the test-takers can choose their preferred exam date and time as per their convenience. However, the difficulty level of the exam is on the higher side and it does pose a stiff competition. So, it is imperative that you get a thorough understanding of GMAT exam syllabus before starting its preparation.
GMAT Exam Pattern 2024
GMAT is a computer-adaptive test that assesses test-takers’ potential based on their expertise in different areas/sections of the exam. It is a 3.5-hour test composed of four sections. Each section is separately timed, and the candidate has to choose the sectional order prior to beginning the exam. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, and each section is scored on a particular range. GMAT is scored in the range of 200-800. The following table displays the section-wise breakup of GMAT 2024:
|
Sections
|
No. of Questions
|
Duration(minutes)
|
Marks
|
|
Analytical Writing Assessment
|
1
|
30
|
0-6 (in 0.5 – point increments)
|
|
Integrated Reasoning
|
12
|
30
|
1-8 (in 1 – point increments)
|
|
Quantitative Reasoning
|
31
|
62
|
6-51 (in 1 – point increments)
|
|
Verbal Reasoning
|
36
|
65
|
6-51 (in 1 – point increments)
|
Further, there are two optional 8-minute breaks given in the exam.
GMAT Syllabus 2024
GMAT covers areas that check your suitability for business education. Here, we list the crucial topics and skills required for the exam. Also, you will get to know about the scoring criteria of each part of the GMAT exam syllabus.
Analytical Writing Assessment
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) includes one question. You are required to analyze an argument in your essay. You have to display your reasoning and critical thinking skills by presenting a methodical approach to support your answer. Your answer must be supported with good explanations and examples. The topic is general or related to business issues.
Essays are scored by a trained human rater as well as a machine algorithm. In case of any discrepancy between the two types of score, the marking is reviewed by another human rater, and adjusted accordingly.
Integrated Reasoning
Reasoning forms a vital portion of GMAT syllabus. In integrated reasoning (IR) section, you are evaluated for your ability to integrate large amount of information and find the possible solutions. Data is given in form of graphics, numbers or text and you have to organize it to identify the inter-relations. IR section features the following types of questions:
- Two-Part Analysis: This is a complex type of question that involves data in quantitative, verbal, or combination of both formats. In these questions, you may be asked to solve simultaneous equations, deduce relationships, or reach a trade-off.
- Table Analysis: In this, data is presented in tabular format, and you are to sort out the relevant information as per the given conditions.
- Multi-Score Reasoning: Here, data is fetched from multiple sources in the form of passages, graphics, tables, or a combination of all three. You are required to analyze the given data and answer questions accordingly. The questions involve spotting inconsistencies, drawing inferences, or checking data relevance.
- Graphic Interpretation: In this area, information is shown in a graph or any other graphical form (scatter plot, pie chart, bar chart, x/y graph, or statistical curve distribution),and you have to interpret the requisite data, comprehend relationships, and make inferences.
Your IR score depends upon the number of questions you answered correctly. But, since some questions have multiple parts, you are required to answer all parts of such question correctly to get marks for the entire question.
Did you Know: Integrated Reasoning was introduced in GMAT in 2012.
Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) is another crucial component of GMAT exam syllabus. Similar to the IR section, this also consists of multiple-choice questions. There are usually two types of questions in QR: Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. The questions are based on the topics of basic arithmetic, geometry, and algebra.
Data Sufficiency: As the name suggests, this kind of question delves into your ability to discern the relevancy and sufficiency of the given data, to find the required solution. Here, you will have a problem that comprises two statements and a question. Using the information given in the statements and a few mathematical concepts, you will be able to tackle the question.
Problem Solving: Here also, you will be required to solve quantitative problems and choose the best of the given answer options.
Generally, you will need to know the following concepts to ace QR section:
- Percentage
- Profit and Loss
- Integers
- Decimals
- Fractions
- Permutation and Combination
- Quadratic Equations
- Speed, distance and time
- Sets Theory
- Statistics: Average, Median, Mode, Range, Standard Deviation
- Power and Roots
- Coordinate geometry
- Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, etc.
NOTE: Calculators are not allowed for this section.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning (VR) is considered a difficult part of the GMAT syllabus. This section has multiple-choice questions from the following major segments: Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction.
Reading Comprehension (RC): There are 3-5 RC passages in this section, followed by 3-4 questions each. These questions mainly revolve around the central theme of the passage, supporting ideas, inferences, applications, structure, author’ stone and writing style. RC passages are drawn from the topics of social sciences, humanities, sciences, business, or management fields.
Critical Reasoning: This part is based on passages of less than 100 words each. Every passage is accompanied by a question. These questions relate to strengthening/weakening an argument, assessing the arguments, or suggesting a course of action.
Sentence Correction: Here, your grasp of grammatical rules and language proficiency is tested. You will be asked to check whether or which of the sentences are grammatically correct and clear in expression. Each question will have a highlighted or underlined part, which may require rephrasing and you will have to choose the answer option accordingly.
For the VR section, you need to have a sound knowledge of the parts of speech, tenses, modifiers, subject-verb agreement, idioms, rules of sentence structure, and similar other concepts.
QR and VR sections are scored adaptively, and your score will depend upon the number of attempted questions, the accuracy of your answers, difficulty level and other such parameters. Primarily, you will get a higher score if you answer more questions, give more correct answers, and also, the more difficult ones.
So, by now, you are fully acquainted with the GMAT syllabus and should ideally, start a rigorous preparation for the exam!
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