Structure of the GMAT™ Exam

The GMAT Exam has four separately timed sections. You will have the opportunity to take two
optional eight-minute breaks during the exam.

Test Section Time Limit / Number of Question Types Score Range

Questions

Analytical Writing 30 minutes Analysis of an Argument 0-6

Assessment 1 question (in 0.5-point
increments)

Integrated Reasoning 30 minutes Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Multi-source Reasoning, 1-8
12 questions Two-part Analysis (in 1-point
increments)

Quantitative Reasoning 62 minutes Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving 6-51

31 questions (in 1-point
increments)

Verbal Reasoning 65 minutes Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction 6-51
36 questions (in 1-point
increments)

Control Your Test Taking Experience

When you arrive at your test center, you have the flexibility to choose from three options for your
exam's section order:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal

2. Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
3. Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment

This choice simply gives you more control and flexibility to take the GMAT exam based on your
strengths and testing preferences. Read more about selecting your exam’s section order.

The GMAT Exam is Computer Adaptive. What Does That Mean?

The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections of the GMAT are computer-adaptive, meaning the
difficulty of the test tailors itself in real-time to your ability level. This feature allows the exam to
assess your potential with a higher degree of precision and deliver scores that business schools trust.

Here’s how it works: The first question you receive in either the Verbal or Quantitative sections will
be of medium difficulty. As you answer each question, the computer scores your answer and uses it
as well as your responses to any preceding question to select the next question. If you answer the first
question correctly, the computer will usually give you a harder question. If you answer the first
question incorrectly, your next question will be easier. This process continues until you complete the
section, using responses to all previously answered questions, at which point the computer will have
and accurate assessment of your ability in that subject.

You will not be able to skip, return to, or change your answers to questions. This is because the
computer uses your response to each question to select the next one.