Complete Guide to the GMAT Syllabus (Updated 2026)
Published on 2025-05-01 • 8 min read
Quick Takeaways
- No Geometry: It's completely gone from the GMAT Focus.
- No Sentence Correction: Grammar rules are no longer tested.
- New Section: Data Insights combines Data Sufficiency + Integrated Reasoning.
- Pure Math: Quant is now focused on Arithmetic and Algebra only.
- Verbal: Focuses purely on Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus (21 Questions)
The Quant section now purely tests your logic using numbers. Since Geometry is out, the focus is deeper on Arithmetic and Algebra.
| Topic Area | Key Concepts |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Integers, Fractions/Decimals, Percents, Ratios, Powers/Roots, Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode, Range), Sets, Counting Methods, Probability |
| Algebra | Linear Equations, Quadratics, Inequalities, Absolute Value, Functions, Coordinate Geometry (very basic slopes/intercepts only), Word Problems |
Verbal Reasoning Syllabus (23 Questions)
The Verbal section is now a test of high-level reading and logic skills. No more grammar drills.
| Question Type | Key Skills Tested |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Main Idea, Supporting Idea, Inference, Style/Tone, Logical Structure, Application |
| Critical Reasoning | Strengthen/Weaken, Assumption, Inference, Paradox, Evaluate the Argument, Boldface (Method of Reasoning) |
Data Insights Syllabus (20 Questions)
This is the 'modern' section of the GMAT, testing your ability to derive insights from various data sources. You ARE allowed an on-screen calculator here.
| Question Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Sufficiency | Analyze a math problem to see if you have 'enough' info to solve it. (Now covers verbal logic too!) |
| Graphics Interpretation | Read graphs, scatter plots, bubble charts, and tables to answer drop-down questions. |
| Table Analysis | Sort and filter a data table (like a spreadsheet) to determine if statements are true/false. |
| Two-Part Analysis | Solve a complex problem with two related answers (e.g., speed of car A AND car B). |
| Multi-Source Reasoning | Synthesize data from emails, texts, and charts to answer multiple questions. |
What's Removed (Don't Study This!)
If you are using old prep books (from before 2024), SKIP these chapters completely.
- ❌ Geometry: Circles, Triangles, Polygons, cylinders, etc.
- ❌ Sentence Correction: Grammar, idioms, parallelism.
- ❌ Analytical Writing (AWA): The essay is gone.