Planning to apply for an MBA or a management program abroad? The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a globally recognized entrance exam that evaluates your readiness for business school. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a working professional aiming to advance your career, understanding the GMAT exam pattern and syllabus is the crucial first step in your journey.
At Skyline Scholars, we specialize in offering structured and flexible GMAT preparation designed for busy learners. In this blog, we break down the GMAT exam format, section-wise syllabus, and the smart preparation strategy that helps you achieve a 700+ score—without stress.
What is GMAT?
The GMAT is a computer-based, adaptive test accepted by over 2,400 universities and business schools globally. The exam evaluates four key skills:
Analytical Writing
Integrated Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning
The total test time is 3 hours and 7 minutes, excluding optional breaks, and the total score ranges between 200 and 800.
GMAT Exam Pattern – Section-Wise Breakdown
Section | Time Limit | Number of Questions | Score Range |
---|---|---|---|
Analytical Writing | 30 minutes | 1 Essay | 0–6 (in 0.5 steps) |
Integrated Reasoning | 30 minutes | 12 Questions | 1–8 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 62 minutes | 31 Questions | 6–51 |
Verbal Reasoning | 65 minutes | 36 Questions | 6–51 |
✨ Only the Quant and Verbal sections contribute to your final GMAT score (200–800).
The GMAT is computer-adaptive, which means the difficulty level of questions adjusts based on your answers in real-time.
About Skyline Scholars – Your GMAT Partner
At Skyline Scholars, we understand the unique challenges faced by busy students and professionals. That’s why we offer:
Flexible class formats (online/offline/weekend)
Mentor-guided individual support
Performance analytics with mock test breakdown
Targeted strategies for all four sections
Access to official GMAT materials + in-house resources
Our curriculum is built to align 100% with the official GMAT syllabus, ensuring you prepare only what matters—nothing more, nothing less.
GMAT Syllabus Explained – Section by Section
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
Task: Write an essay evaluating a given argument
Skills tested: Critical thinking, writing clarity, argument structure, grammar
Tip: Use a structured template to organize your thoughts in 30 minutes
2. Integrated Reasoning (IR)
Question Types:
Multi-source reasoning
Table analysis
Graphics interpretation
Two-part analysis
Skills tested: Data interpretation, logical reasoning, combining information
Tip: On-screen calculator available in this section
3. Quantitative Reasoning
Two Question Types:
Problem Solving
Data Sufficiency
Topics covered:
Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, averages)
Algebra (equations, inequalities, functions)
Geometry (lines, angles, triangles, circles)
Number properties and word problems
Tip: No calculator allowed; mental math practice is crucial
4. Verbal Reasoning
Three Question Types:
Reading Comprehension
Critical Reasoning
Sentence Correction
Topics covered:
Grammar and usage
Logical structure and reasoning
Reading strategies and inference
Tip: Focus on idioms, modifiers, subject-verb agreement, and parallelism
Smart Study Tips & Importance of Mock Tests
Smart Study Techniques:
Pomodoro method: 25-minute focus sessions
Flashcards: For formulas, grammar rules, idioms
Error Log: Track and review your mistakes weekly
Topic rotation: Don’t study the same section back-to-back
📊 Importance of Mock Tests:
Simulate real exam conditions
Improve time management
Identify question-level patterns
Boost test-day confidence
Skyline Scholars provides adaptive mock tests and AI-driven analysis reports that help you improve strategically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in GMAT Prep
Inconsistent study schedule – Avoid gaps of 3–4 days between study sessions
Skipping AWA & IR – Don’t neglect these sections; B-schools review the complete scorecard
Too many resources – Stick to a few high-quality ones
Not reviewing mock tests – Learn from every mistake
Leaving mocks for the end – Start taking mock tests midway through your prep
Final Thoughts
The GMAT is not about intelligence—it’s about strategy. Understanding the exam pattern, knowing the right syllabus, and preparing with smart techniques are the keys to success.
At Skyline Scholars, we equip you with everything you need—from expert faculty and structured content to personal mentoring and advanced mock test analytics. So start at GMAT Coaching in Jaipur and GMAT Coaching in Bhopal