Format of the GMAT

GMAT Sections

The GMAT includes three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights. The Quantitative section is based on problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, and interpretation of graphs and tables using basic arithmetic and algebra. The Verbal section focuses on the comprehension and evaluation of written texts, as well as some vocabulary. Basic knowledge of the English language is assumed, but students do not need to be familiar with the specific subjects that appear in test passages in order to successfully answer the questions. The Data Insights section measures a test-taker's ability to analyze different types of data from multiple sources to make informed decisions.

Many test-takers are surprised to find that the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) was removed when the GMAT was updated in 2023. The GMAC now offers a Business Writing Assessment (BWA) that applicants can complete if a business program they are applying to requires it. The BWA is an online writing assignment that asks test-takers to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument before writing a critique of it. Arguments include a range of topics relevant to business and general interest, but specific knowledge about a given topic is neither expected nor required.

GMAT Structure

The GMAT underwent significant changes in 2023. The current version of the test is just over two hours and 15 minutes long (not counting breaks). While all three sections must be completed, test-takers can choose the order in which they complete the sections. This means that those taking the GMAT have six options to choose from when it comes to completing the exam, allowing you to choose any order of Data Insights (DI), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR). Taking the exam in the order you prefer gives you greater control over your testing experience, setting you up to achieve your best score.

Regardless of the order in which the three sections are completed, here is some important information to know about each:

The Quantitative section consists of 21 questions, and test-takers have 45 minutes to complete it. This section includes Problem-Solving problems, as well as algebra and arithmetic, but geometry was removed from the GMAT during the 2023 revision. 

The Verbal section consists of 23 questions, and test-takers have 45 minutes to complete it. This section includes Reading Comprehension (RC) and Critical Reasoning (CR) questions, but Sentence Correction questions were removed following the 2023 GMAT update.

The Data Insights section consists of 20 questions, and test-takers have 45 minutes to complete it. This section includes the same Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR), Table Analysis (TA), Graphical Interpretation (GI), and Two-Part Analysis (2PA) problems that were part of the previous GMAT's Integrated Reasoning section. In addition, the Data Insights section also contains the Data Sufficiency problems that were traditionally included in the Quantitative section.

GMAT Administration

All students take the GMAT entirely on a computer, either at a test center or online at their home (the GMAT paper test is no longer offered). The computer presents questions and records answers for all three sections, as well as the BWA if the test-taker chooses to complete this optional test. The computerized GMAT only requires basic computer skills, such as familiarity with tabs and drop-down menus. The computer calculates raw scores for the multiple-choice sections, which are then converted to total scores. The BWA essay is graded by qualified and trained college professors from several academic disciplines using a standardized rubric, and also by a computerized scoring program. Computer adaptation is a feature of the Verbal, Quantitative, and Data Insight sections of the GMAT, in order to control for slight variations in test difficulty level and ensure that each administration is as fair as possible.

GMAT Computer Adaptation Overview

The computer-adaptive format of the GMAT adjusts difficulty level after each question, meaning that a correct answer produces a harder subsequent question and an incorrect answer leads to an easier next question. Each test draws from a question bank that includes the same types of questions, and each test will include the same combination of question types. The test bank also includes a limited number of questions at each level of difficulty. For example, students who have successfully answered all of the difficult questions in the bank will receive easier questions thereafter, but students who struggle with the harder questions may eventually exhaust the store of less difficult questions.

Following the 2023 update to the GMAT, you can now go back and change your answers to questions in each of the three sections, regardless of the order in which you choose to complete the sections.

Unfortunately, this functionality is not unlimited, since the GMAT is a question-adaptive test. For the scoring system to function, the majority of your responses in a section must remain unchanged Because of this, you can change up to three responses in each section, which is still an improvement over the previous GMAT, as the former version didn't allow candidates to change any answers.

In addition, you may review your responses to as many questions as you want in each of the three sections. The bookmarking option allows you to mark as many questions as you like so that you can easily return to them later.

So, let's say you bookmarked five questions in a section because you were uncertain of your responses. Knowing that you can only change responses to three questions, you could, if time allows, revisit and review them, then decide which three responses need to be changed. It is important to note that utilizing this feature is time-dependent and if you run out of time, you will not be able to go back and change any of your answers.

GMAT Format and Test Preparation

Understanding the structure and format of the GMAT is very helpful when it comes to preparing for such an important exam. Unlike many other standardized tests, which present their sections in random order and often include unscored experimental sections, GMAT test-takers are able to have a measure of control over the structure of their examination by choosing the order in which the sections are completed. 

When taking practice tests, students may wish to vary the order in which they complete sections to determine their personal test-taking strengths and weaknesses. Someone who enjoys math may prefer starting with the Quantitative section and saving the Verbal section for last, whereas someone with strong vocabulary skills who enjoys reading may feel most confident starting with the Verbal section. The more familiar you are with each of the three sections, the more confident you will be managing your time and answering questions on the day of your exam.