Guidebook to the New Exam Structure for GMAT 2025
Accepted by more than 7,700 management programs and 2,400 accredited graduate business schools around the world, the score obtained on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is set to have an indispensable impact in setting the direction for your career advancement. Many GMAT online coaching centres in Delhi are preparing candidates with structured study plans and official mock tests to help them obtain a competitive score in GMAT 2025. If you are one of those striving for admission to a top-notch business institution in 2025, we have important information for you!
Recently, the GMAT exam format underwent a significant change with the newly introduced GMAT-Focus edition. In comparison to the older version of the GMAT, which had four sections (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Sentence Correction, and Analytical Writing Assessment), the updated syllabus now consists of three main sections (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights).
The Data Insights (DI) section has replaced the previous Sentence Correction (SC) and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) sections. The former Integrated Reasoning (IR) and Data Sufficiency (DS) sections have actually been merged into Data Insights. This highlights the growing importance of data analysis in business decision-making.
GMAT 2025 Exam: A Quick Review
The following section explores key components of GMAT 2025, the updated syllabus, and how the changes made might impact your GMAT final score.
Take note of the following to gain a better understanding of GMAT 2025:
* The most recent changes have been incorporated into the GMAT 11th edition, also known as the GMAT Focus Edition. It consists of three major sections, which are Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
* Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the number of maximum attempts each candidate can take has been limited to 5.
* The allotted duration for attempting each section is 45 minutes/section, where the composite score is graded on a 10-point scale, ranging from 205 to 805, with an average of 500. In short, the GMAT Focus Edition lasts for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
* The newly launched GMAT 2025 exam structure was precisely designed to evaluate the candidate's analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities within a shorter time frame. Applicants need to answer 64 questions in 135 minutes, where they are being evaluated on the scale of critical thinking and problem-solving analysis.* The GMAT fees you will need to pay if you attempt the exam at the test centre or online from anywhere differ, i.e., at the test center you will be charged $275, and in the case where you are attempting it online, you will have to pay $300.
The GMAT Eligibility Criteria for 2025
The Mandatory Age Criterion:
Candidates must be at least 18 years old to take the GMAT test. However, in some cases, students between 13 and 17 years old can still take the exam with a parent's or legal guardian's consent.
Required Educational Qualification
No special qualifications or degree are needed to sit for the GMAT. However, most GMAT applicants seek admission to specific business programs, such as MBA and PGDM, each with its own set of requirements.
Number of Attempts
According to the authorities, you can take the GMAT exam upto five times within a time span of 12 months. Any candidate can attempt the GMAT only eight times in their lifetime.
Work Experience
A prior experience of working in the niche is not required for attempting the GMAT. Nonetheless, most MBA and business programs worldwide prefer candidates who have some professional work experience, particularly in roles involving strategic decision-making, leadership, or business operations.
Key Takeaways Governing the Revised Exam Format:
1. The time allotted for attempting all three sections, i.e., Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, is 45 minutes each.
2. There is no fixed sequence with which you should attempt (a set sequential question format); the GMAT Focus Edition allows you to choose among the sections you want to start with.
3. The 2025 GMAT syllabus eliminates the Sentence Correction (SC) section from the Verbal Reasoning part and removes the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) altogether, simplifying the exam structure.
4. Candidates can take advantage of a 10-minute optional break after completing their first or second section.
5. In case you get spare time, take the opportunity to review your answers. The official GMAT exam features an option that allows you to make changes to up to three questions per section, providing candidates an opportunity to fix their mistakes.
6. There is no negative marking in the newly launched GMAT Focus Edition scoring system. Even if you answer a question incorrectly, it won’t affect your overall score as a penalty.
Note: We suggest you join a reputed GMAT online coaching academy to delve deeper into changes made in the new exam format and learn effective strategies to make it through. Such institutions not only strengthen your existing skillset but also help in developing the necessary confidence in you!
Overview of the Core Sections and the Scoring System
Along with the newly revised examination structure, the GMAT Focus Edition 2025 now has a new scoring structure. Instead of the previous 200- 800 graded system, the new scale calculates scores between 205 and 805. According to the experts, these changes will help in a more refined assessment of candidates’ performance across all three sections.
Quantitative Reasoning (QR): This section tests the candidate's problem-solving abilities and mathematical reasoning skills, with a reduced emphasis on Geometry. All in all, the list of major topics covered belongs to Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Modern Maths. The QR section not only tests your mathematics or strategic thinking skills, but also how well you perform under pressure.
Verbal Reasoning (VR): This section of the GMAT lays strong emphasis on Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning, along with testing your abilities to see how quickly you comprehend complex content and put it to application.
Data Insights (DI): The newly introduced section in the GMAT Focus Edition 2025 combines traditional Integrated Reasoning (IR) and Data Sufficiency (DS), focusing on data interpretation and analytical skills. To know more about the detailed GMAT 2025 syllabus, go through this blog. Additionally, enroll yourself in the GMAT training online institute to give your best and obtain a competitive score in 2025.Summarising It All
The GMAT Focus Edition 2025 brings a significant change in the traditional GMAT exam pattern. The reason behind the revised framework can be attributed to the evolving demands of global business education and hence the admission procedures. GMAT 2025 exam paper is expected to be more streamlined, with greater emphasis on analytical and problem-solving skills. Moreover, with fewer sections, a refined scoring scale and more flexibility in attempting answers, candidates actually get to showcase their potential in a more efficient manner.
Success on the GMAT depends on how well you address the conceptual gaps, effective time management, consistent practice, and targeted preparation that includes gaining familiarity with the revised syllabus. Whether this involves strengthening your quantitative reasoning, improving your verbal skills, or mastering the newly introduced data insights, comprehensive preparation guided by expert GMAT coaching can make all the difference.
In essence, the GMAT Focus Edition is not just a test of your knowledge but also of your competence to thrive in the ever-evolving corporate landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to GMAT 2025
Question - Is the GMAT Focus Edition easier than the previous GMAT structure?
Ans - The GMAT Focus Edition is more streamlined and user-friendly, i.e., a shorter duration exam offering flexibility in choosing the section order. On the other hand, the difficulty level is still quite similar to the previous version, with a new Data Insights section replacing a few older sections.
Question - Is the Sentence Correction (SC) Section still on the new GMAT?
Ans - No, the Sentence Correction section has been removed. The Verbal Section now consists only of Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
Question - How is the Score Obtained in the GMAT Focus Edition Calculated
Ans - Unlike the previous GMAT, the total score gets calculated based on the cumulative marks obtained in all three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Scores are now reported on a new scale ranging from 205 to 805.