GMAT Syllabus 2024 PDF Download

The GMAT is an online exam lasting 3.5 hours, comprising of four main sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), and Integrated Reasoning (IR). The test is computer-adaptive and scored between 200-800 points. However, only the scores from the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections count towards the total GMAT score, while the scores from the AWA and IR sections are given independently and do not contribute to the overall GMAT score. This article will provide an in-depth exploration of the GMAT syllabus and structure.

GMAT Exam Structure

The GMAT exam is structured in four main sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), and Integrated Reasoning (IR). The exam is computer-adaptive, which means the difficulty level of the questions adapts to the test-taker's performance.

Quantitative Aptitude

In the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT, the exam evaluates the test-takers capability to analyze data and draw feasible conclusions by presenting a variety of question types. The types of questions in the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section can be broadly categorized into two groups: Problem-Solving and Data Sufficiency. Let's take a quick look at each type of question.

Problem-Solving

The GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section includes Problem Solving questions that assess the test-taker's ability to apply basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry to identify the best answer from a list of provided choices. These questions may take the form of mathematical problems or real-life situations that require the application of pure mathematics to solve the problem. The test-taker is expected to select the most accurate answer from the five options provided. Generally, the numbers used in the questions are real, and figures are drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. By testing these skills, the GMAT aims to evaluate the test-taker's analytical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

Data Sufficiency

To answer a Data Sufficiency question in the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section, the test-taker must use their knowledge of basic algebra, arithmetic, and geometry to determine if the given data is adequate to solve the problem. The format of a Data Sufficiency question typically includes a problem statement with two accompanying statements that provide data to solve the problem. The question is then followed by five answer options, indicating whether one statement alone, both statements together, or neither statement can solve the problem. This format helps the exam evaluate the test-taker's analytical skills and ability to use information effectively to solve problems.

GMAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

To successfully answer the Quantitative Reasoning section on the GMAT, a test-taker must be well-versed in a variety of mathematical concepts. The following list provides an overview of the types of concepts that could be tested on the Quantitative Reasoning section:

Arithmetic	Algebra	Geometry
Multiples and Factors	Monomials, polynomials	Triangle
Number Properties	Functions	Lines and angles
Fractions	Exponents	Quadrilaterals
Decimals	Quadratic equations	Circles
Percentage	Inequalities and basic statistics	Rectangular solids and cylinders
Power and Roots	Algebraic expressions and equations	Coordinate geometry
Average	Permutation and combination
Probability	Arithmetic and geometric progressions
Set Theory

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section on the GMAT assesses the test-taker's ability to comprehend and analyze written information using various question formats. The section is computer-adaptive, with difficulty increasing after each correct response. Scores for the Verbal section range from 6 to 51 in 1-point increments. After the 2017 format update, the Verbal section contains only 36 questions and has a time limit of 65 minutes. The mean GMAT Verbal score between Jan 2015 and Dec 2017 was 27.04. The three main question types in the Verbal section are Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension.

Sentence Correction

The Sentence Correction questions in GMAT assess the test-taker's ability to maintain standard English language norms in a sentence. This section tests the test-taker's proficiency in constructing grammatically correct sentences that effectively convey the intended idea. A Sentence Correction question typically features a long sentence with either a part or the entire sentence underlined. The test-taker must determine if the underlined sentence conforms to standard English grammar norms and choose the best answer from a list of 5 answer choices, with the 1st answer choice being the same as the originally underlined portion of the sentence. To excel in this section, the test-taker must be familiar with the syllabus for the Sentence Correction questions in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section. Although GMAT does not provide an exclusive syllabus for the Verbal section, we have compiled a comprehensive list of basic English language concepts to assist test-takers in confidently completing the GMAT Verbal section.

Syllabus for Sentence Correction

The Sentence correction generally require knowledge of the following concepts

• Basic Sentence structure: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives
• Verb Tense
• Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions
• Pronoun Agreement
• Subject Verb Agreement
• Modifiers
• Parallelism
• Phrases and Clauses
• Articles
• Parts of speech
• Direct and Indirect
• Active to Passive

Reading Comprehension

The Reading Comprehension questions in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section evaluate the test-taker's ability to comprehend written information and draw logical inferences from the passage. The passage provided is usually around 350 words long, followed by 4-6 questions based on the content. The test-taker must have the ability to interpret the author's ideas, identify logical relationships between sentences, and apply the information to different contexts. Each question is presented with 5 answer choices to choose from. A thorough understanding of the Reading Comprehension syllabus is essential for a test-taker to perform well in this section.

Syllabus for Reading Comprehension

To ace the Reading Comprehension questions, it is recommended to have knowledge of the following concepts

Context of Reading Comprehension passages:

• Science
• Humanities
• Business and Economics

Types of Reading Comprehension questions:

• Fact-based
• Structure-based
• Inference-based

Critical Reasoning

The Critical Reasoning questions in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section assess the test-taker’s ability to evaluate arguments by interpreting information and analyzing the presented argument. These questions are typically presented in a short passage of about 100 words, followed by five answer choices. The test-taker must determine if the provided statements strengthen or weaken the argument, point out flaws in the argument, or support or negate the argument. To perform well in this section, the test-taker must have a thorough understanding of the syllabus for the Critical Reasoning questions in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section. While GMAT does not provide a specific syllabus for the Verbal section, we have identified a comprehensive list of basic concepts that will help the test-taker confidently tackle the GMAT Verbal section.

Syllabus for Critical Reasoning

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT assesses the test-taker's critical thinking skills in analyzing an argument and presenting a thorough critique of it. Only one question is provided, and the test-taker is allowed only 30 minutes to read, comprehend, analyze, and write a critique of the passage.

The section is scored on a range of 0 to 6, in increments of 0.5 points. The scores correspond to the essay's quality, with the minimum suggesting that the essay was unreadable or did not address the topic, and the maximum indicating that the essay was outstanding.
The essay is evaluated twice, once by a human reader and once by an electronic rater. The final score is an average of the two scores. However, if the scores differ by more than 1 point, a third human evaluator completes the assessment. The AWA section can include the following two types of essay questions:

• Argument essay: The Argument Essay in the GMAT exam requires the test-taker to analyze the reasoning presented in the given argument, considering all the underlying assumptions. The task involves making a conclusion about the argument's logical soundness without making any baseless assumptions or biases. The test-taker must approach the statement and argument objectively and dissect it logically. Additionally, the response should align with the evidence presented in the argument. The candidate must use proper diction, syntax, and academic grammar to support or critique the argument presented in the question.
• Issue essay: The Issue Essay requires the test-taker to write a dissertation of around 600 words on the issue presented in the question. The test-taker can either support or present a biased approach against the given issue while structuring the article. The candidate can brainstorm examples from various prompts or entities presented in the main issue to support their argument. To excel in this type of question in the AWA section, the test-taker must present unique content and style of writing.

Integrated Reasoning (IR)

• The GMAT IR section measures the test-taker's ability to collect and synthesize information from multiple sources and in various formats to solve a set of problems. This information may be presented in graphical formats, as texts, or as numerical data. The test-taker must apply analytical and quantitative skills to integrate the data and identify solutions to the problem presented.
• The GMAT IR section consists of 12 questions, which can be classified into four categories: Multi-source Reasoning, Two-part Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Table Analysis. The test-taker is given 30 minutes to complete this section and may use an on-screen calculator.

Multi-source Reasoning

In the GMAT IR Multi-source Reasoning section, the test-taker must analyze information from a variety of sources, such as text passages, graphics, or a combination of both. After reviewing the data, the test-taker must choose from multiple answer choices to determine if the information is relevant, identify any discrepancies, or draw conclusions. GMAT does not provide a specific syllabus for preparing for these types of questions, but proficiency in analyzing data from multiple formats is necessary to arrive at logical solutions.

Two-part Analysis

In the GMAT IR Two-part Analysis questions, the test-taker is given a situation and a problem statement based on that situation. The test-taker must choose an option from the list of multiple answer choices in each column to solve the problem. Although GMAT does not recommend any specific curriculum for preparing for these types of questions, one must be skilled in solving simultaneous equations and evaluating the correlation between two units to excel in solving the GMAT IR Two-part Analysis questions.

Table Analysis

To solve the GMAT IR Table Analysis questions, the test-taker is presented with data in the form of tables. The questions typically ask whether the provided table contains sufficient information to answer a problem or to provide a concrete answer to the problem, or whether the provided information meets certain given criteria. The test-taker must select the correct answer choice from each column in order to answer the question correctly. While GMAT does not recommend any specific syllabus to prepare for these questions, proficiency in sorting tabular data and possessing analytical skills are essential to answering the GMAT IR Table Analysis questions successfully.

Graphics Interpretation

To solve the GMAT IR Graphics Interpretation questions, the test-taker is presented with data in various graphical formats and must answer questions in a "fill in the blank" format using drop-down menus. The questions typically include two parts and require selecting the correct answer from multiple choices. Proficiency in reading and interpreting various types of graphs, such as x/y graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, scattered plots, and statistical curve distribution is crucial to succeed in this type of question. GMAT does not provide a specific syllabus to prepare for Graphics Interpretation questions, but test-takers must have analytical skills and a strong grasp of graph reading and interpretation.

Preparing for GMAT

Now that you are aware of the syllabus for the GMAT exam, you would be in need of course for proper preparation. EduRev comes to your rescue offering well-structured courses for an ideal GMAT preparation. Access the various courses offered by EduRev by clicking on the links in the table below.

GMAT Course By EduRev	GMAT Quantitative Aptitude	GMAT Verbal Reasoning
GMAT Integrated Reasoning	GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment(AWA)	GMAT Mock Test Series
GMAT Crash Course	100 RC questions for GMAT	Practice Questions for GMAT

Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT Syllabus 

What topics are covered in the GMAT syllabus?

The GMAT syllabus includes four main sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. The topics covered in these sections include writing analysis, data interpretation, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension.

Is there any specific subject knowledge required to take the GMAT?

No, there is no specific subject knowledge required to take the GMAT, most of the questions in the GMAT exam are of high school level. The test assesses the test-taker's ability to reason, analyze, and understand complex information, not their subject knowledge.

Are there any changes to the GMAT syllabus due to COVID-19?

The GMAT exam format and syllabus have not changed due to COVID-19. However, the test delivery method has changed to an online proctored format, allowing test-takers to take the exam from their homes.

How can I prepare for the GMAT syllabus?

There are many ways to prepare for the GMAT syllabus, including self-study with textbooks and practice tests, and online courses from platforms like EduRev. We recommend to use EduRev for GMAT preparation, as it offers not only notes and videos, but mock tests as well.

How long does it take to prepare for the GMAT syllabus?

The time required to prepare for the GMAT syllabus depends on the test-taker's existing skills and the target score. It is generally recommended to spend at least 2-3 months on preparation, with 15-20 hours of study per week. However, some test-takers may require more or less time depending on their individual needs.