The GMAT has three sections, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights, with 64 questions in 2 hours 15 minutes. Quant tests arithmetic and elementary algebra, Verbal tests Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning, and Data Insights uses five question types; the total score runs from 205 to 805.
GMAT exam pattern at a glance
GMAC, the organization that runs the GMAT, sets out the exam pattern on its exam structure page. The whole exam takes 2 hours 15 minutes, plus one optional 10-minute break, and every section gets the same 45 minutes.
| Section | Questions | Time | Question types | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 minutes | Problem Solving | No |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 minutes | Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning | No |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 minutes | Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis | Yes, on-screen |
| Total | 64 | 2 hours 15 minutes (+ optional 10-minute break) |
Three features shape how you sit the exam. You can take the sections in any order you like and choose whether to take the break after the first or second section. Within each section you can bookmark questions, then use the Question Review & Edit screen to revisit as many as you like and change up to three answers. There is no essay: GMAC confirms the current exam has no analytical writing assessment and no sentence correction.
This guide focuses on what each section covers. For a walk-through of test day, pacing and timing strategy, see our guide to GMAT format and timing.
Quantitative Reasoning syllabus
GMAC describes Quantitative Reasoning as measuring your algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge and how you apply it to solve problems. The section is 21 Problem Solving questions, and GMAC says they need some knowledge of arithmetic and elementary algebra, with correct answers relying more on logic and analytical skill than on the underlying maths. You can't use a calculator in this section.
In a GMAC article on preparing for the section, the main maths concepts are listed as arithmetic, algebra, ratio, statistics and probability. Geometry isn't named in GMAC's description of the Quant section, and Data Sufficiency questions no longer appear in Quant: GMAC says the section contains none of the data sufficiency questions, which now sit in Data Insights.
| Item | What GMAC says |
|---|---|
| Question type | 21 Problem Solving questions |
| Content | Arithmetic and elementary algebra |
| Main concepts named in GMAC prep advice | Arithmetic, algebra, ratio, statistics and probability |
| Calculator | Not allowed |
| Section score | 60 to 90 |
To see where you stand, try our free GMAT Quantitative practice test. If percentages are a weak spot, our guide to GMAT percentages and changing denominators works through a common trap.
Verbal Reasoning syllabus
Verbal Reasoning measures your ability to read and understand written material and to reason about and evaluate arguments. It has 23 questions, split between two types.
- Reading Comprehension. You read a passage and answer questions on it. GMAC lists the reading skills tested as main idea, supporting idea, inference, application, logical structure and style.
- Critical Reasoning. Each question is based on a short passage, usually fewer than 100 words. You might be asked which of five options strengthens or weakens an argument, or why an argument is flawed. GMAC says you don't need specialist knowledge of the subject.
Grammar isn't tested any more. Sentence correction questions were removed from the current edition, and GMAC's FAQs note the GMAT doesn't test vocabulary or grammar. Practise both question types with our free GMAT Verbal practice test.
Data Insights syllabus
Data Insights measures how well you analyse and interpret data and apply it to business scenarios. Its 20 questions ask how information in graphs, numbers and text fits together, and questions may need maths, data analysis, verbal reasoning or all three. This is the only section with an on-screen calculator.
| Question type | What it measures |
|---|---|
| Data Sufficiency | Whether you can tell which data is relevant and when you have enough to solve a problem |
| Multi-Source Reasoning | Analysing several sources (text, tables, graphics) to answer several questions |
| Table Analysis | Sorting and analysing a spreadsheet-style table to find what is relevant |
| Graphics Interpretation | Reading graphs and charts to find relationships and make inferences |
| Two-Part Analysis | Solving a two-part problem, which may be quantitative, verbal or both |
Each type has its own answer format, and we walk through all five with short examples in our GMAT Data Insights guide. When you're ready, try the free GMAT Data Insights practice test.
How the GMAT is scored
You get a total score and three section scores, each with a percentile ranking. The total score runs from 205 to 805, and each section score runs from 60 to 90. GMAC says the three sections are weighted equally in your total score, so Data Insights counts as much as Quant or Verbal.
| Score | Range |
|---|---|
| Total score | 205–805 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60–90 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 60–90 |
| Data Insights | 60–90 |
GMAC says your Official Score Report arrives within 3–5 days of the exam, though it can occasionally take up to 20 days, and scores are valid for five years. For how section scores combine and what the percentiles mean, see GMAT scoring explained, and for targets see what is a good GMAT score.
Is there an official GMAT syllabus PDF?
GMAC sets out what the exam covers on its web pages rather than in a single syllabus document. The two pages to bookmark are Exam Structure (sections, timing and features) and Exam Content (what each section tests and the question types). GMAC also publishes sample questions for all three sections, which are the best way to see the real question formats.
If you studied for the older GMAT, GMAC says the question types in the current exam are the same ones you've already prepared for, minus sentence correction and the essay. Our GMAT Focus Edition changes guide covers the differences in more detail.
How to use the syllabus in your prep
- Take a timed diagnostic first. Our free GMAT practice test covers all three sections, so you can see which one needs the most work.
- Fix the foundations for Quant: arithmetic and algebra without a calculator. Practise mental arithmetic, because the calculator only appears in Data Insights.
- Learn each Data Insights answer format before test day so the layout doesn't slow you down.
- Practise your section order. Because you choose the order, try a few orders in practice and settle on one before test day.
- If you're also weighing other tests, compare the GMAT and the GRE, or the GMAT and India's CAT.
Before booking, check the GMAT exam fee for your country and decide whether to test online or at a test center.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GMAT syllabus for 2026?
The GMAT has three 45-minute sections: Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions), Verbal Reasoning (23) and Data Insights (20). Quant covers arithmetic and elementary algebra, Verbal covers Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning, and Data Insights has five question types.
Is geometry on the GMAT?
GMAC describes the Quant section as testing arithmetic and elementary algebra, and geometry isn't named in that description or in GMAC's list of main maths concepts (arithmetic, algebra, ratio, statistics and probability).
Is sentence correction on the GMAT?
No. GMAC says sentence correction was removed, and the exam has no analytical writing essay. Verbal is now Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning only.
Can you use a calculator on the GMAT?
Only in Data Insights, which has an on-screen calculator. You can't use a calculator in Quantitative Reasoning.
How many questions are on the GMAT?
64 questions in total: 21 in Quant, 23 in Verbal and 20 in Data Insights, with 45 minutes for each section.
Next steps
Link to this guide
Using these figures on your site or in class? You're welcome to quote them with a link back:
<a href="https://www.keiko.study/blog/gmat-syllabus">GMAT Syllabus 2026: Sections, Topics and Exam Pattern</a>
Try a few GMAT questions
A short free quick check with worked answers. No account needed.
Sources
Every source below was accessed on the listed date. Pages — especially department admissions pages — change without notice; the links go to the live versions.
- GMAT Exam Structure — GMAC (mba.com). Accessed 2026-10-01.
- GMAT Exam Content — GMAC (mba.com). Accessed 2026-10-01.
- Understanding Your Score — GMAC (mba.com). Accessed 2026-10-01.
- GMAT Scores — GMAC (mba.com). Accessed 2026-10-01.
- GMAT Exam FAQs — GMAC (mba.com). Accessed 2026-10-01.
- GMAT Focus: Is the GMAT Test Prep Different? — GMAC (mba.com). Accessed 2026-10-01.
- Details of New GMAT Exam Revealed, Including Content, Structure & Test Prep — GMAC. Accessed 2026-10-01.
- How to prepare for GMAT quantitative questions — GMAC. Accessed 2026-10-01.
- GMAT Sample Questions — GMAC (mba.com). Accessed 2026-10-01.
Related guides
Sources and corrections
Sources last checked 2026-10-01Every source cited on this page was checked on the date shown, and we update the page when a source changes. If something looks wrong, tell us and we'll recheck it.