GMAT Pattern 2024: GMAT Focus Edition, Section-wise Marking Scheme

GMAT Pattern 2024: As per the recent update by GMAC, the GMAT exam pattern has undergone substantial changes this year. GMAC has launched the new version of the exam called GMAT Focus Edition. This version is said to be more flexible and efficient. The total duration of the GMAT Focus edition is 2 hours and 15 minutes. This edition does not contain AWA and IR sections. Further, a new section called Data Insights has been introduced. The detailed pattern for the new version is available on the official website - mba.com.

The GMAT question paper will have a total of 64 questions distributed among Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. The GMAT exam will have multiple-choice questions except for the AWA section. All the questions will be adaptive in nature where the subsequent difficulty increases based on the previous correct answers. Hence, preparing for the exam well with recommended GMAT Books is crucial. 

The test assesses candidates on various parameters to determine their skill set needed to secure admission in management programs like Management of Business Administration, Master in Management, Master in Business Analytics, Master in Finance, etc. The exam is designed to evaluate candidates' knowledge and intelligence required for admission to World's top Business schools. 

Also check: GMAT Syllabus

GMAT Pattern 2024

The GMAT exam comprises a total of three sections, which are: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. Each section has a sectional time duration and candidates have to attempt them within a given time limit. Candidates are allowed to take a 10-minute break during the test. Students are advised to dedicate time to each question so that they can attempt the maximum number of correct questions within the stipulated time limit. The table below shows the GMAT 2024 pattern with respect to sectional time limit and questions. 

GMAT Question Review and Edit 

The Question Review & Edit tool allows candidates to edit responses later in each section. This provides flexibility as candidates can spend less time on questions that they are uncertain about. Students can also bookmark questions and review them later. The test allows candidates to review as many questions as they want and edit up to three responses. 

GMAT Pattern 2024: Types of Questions Asked

The questions asked in each section vary. To perform well in the GMAT exam, candidates should know the types of questions they must tackle in every section. Read on to know the types of questions that will be asked in the paper.

GMAT Verbal Reasoning Pattern

This section measures a candidate’s ability to comprehend texts and spot given errors. There are three types of questions in the verbal section, which are: Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, and Critical Reasoning. Candidates will be evaluated based on how they answer these questions.

Reading Comprehension: Measures the candidate’s ability to comprehend words and statements. Applicants will be required to analyze the information given in the passage and interpret data. The passage can be from the field of humanities, social sciences, physical & biological sciences, or business. 

Critical Reasoning: The questions here are based on shot-form passages, usually less than 100 words. Candidates will have to carefully read the passage and identify its error. They will be asked to spot the passage's flawed part, which will evaluate how candidates formulate a plan of action.

Sentence Correction: Measures the candidate’s ability to spot grammatical errors and evaluate their English proficiency. Sentences will be given and they will have to find alternative phrases for the underlined part. These alternative phrases should be grammatically and structurally correct. 

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Pattern

In this section, candidates will have to draw conclusions using arithmetic and reasoning skills. Analytical skills will be essential to draw correct answers. This section includes two types of questions, which are: Problem-Solving and Data Sufficiency. 

Problem-Solving: Candidates will be tested on their ability to solve numerical problems and apply fundamental logic and reasoning to work out quantitative questions. 

Data Sufficiency: Candidates will be required to recognize data relevancy and clarity. Problems will be given and students will have to identify if there is enough relevant data to solve those questions. 

GMAT Data Insights Pattern

This section is designed to examine the candidate’s ability to solve complex problems and integrate data. It includes the following types of questions: 

Multi-Source Reasoning: Applicants will need to examine data through multiple sources in the form of passages, graphics, tables, or even a combination of the three. Through this, candidates will be tested on how they determine data relevance,  spot errors, and interpret data.

Table Analysis: Candidates will be asked to determine and analyze data which would be given in a tabular format. 

Graphics Interpretation: Interpretation of information given in various graph forms like- (graphical image scatter plot, x/y graph, bar chart, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution)

Two-Part Analysis: Here, applicants will need to solve complex and versatile problems, which cover a wide range of content. The questions will be presented as two problems based on similar information.

What Is a Computer Adaptive Test?

The GMAT is a computer adaptive test. In a computer adaptive test, every next question presented is based on the candidate’s response to the previous question answered. 

What that means is after every answered question, the score will be automatically updated. If the updated score is higher in number, the next question will be more complex and difficult in nature. Similarly, if the score is not getting better, the next question will be comparatively easier. This pattern helps in accurately examining the abilities of candidates.

Put simply, a computer adaptive test determines the level of the applicants’ abilities in real-time by measuring the manner in which they are answering the given questions.