What are the three sections that make up the current GMAT Exam?
The current GMAT Exam consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. This replaced the previous GMAT 10th edition, which was discontinued on 31 January 2024, and the current exam was originally branded 'GMAT Focus Edition' before GMAC renamed it back to 'GMAT Exam.'
If you are preparing for the GMAT now, you only need to focus on three sections, since the exam structure changed from the older version. Knowing these three areas helps you plan your study time correctly.
Current GMAT Exam structure
| Section | What it tests |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Mathematical and quantitative problem solving |
| Verbal Reasoning | Reading comprehension and critical reasoning |
| Data Insights | Interpreting and reasoning with data across formats |
How this differs from the older exam
The previous GMAT, known as the 10th edition, was discontinued on 31 January 2024 and had a different section structure and scoring range. The current exam was initially called the 'GMAT Focus Edition' before GMAC renamed it simply the 'GMAT Exam,' though its three-section format and scoring scale stayed the same through that rename.
My Advice
Make sure any prep materials you use are built specifically for these three current sections rather than leftover 10th edition content, since question styles and time allocation differ. Prioritise Data Insights in your revision if you have not seen this section type before, as it is the newest addition to the exam.
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