GMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Exam Day Requirements & Total Marks

The updated GMAT Exam Pattern 2026 of the GMAT 11^th Edition states that the test is conducted in two modes which are Remote Proctored Online Test and Centre-Based Online Test. The exam includes 3 sections which are Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, & Data Insights. Previously, there used to be 4 sections in the exam pattern (the additional section was Analytical Writing Assessment). In the latest exam pattern, there will be a total 64 questions asked in the exam paper in a total duration of 135 minutes (45 minutes for each section).

This article contains detailed information about the GMAT 2026 exam pattern according to the sections, mode of examination, marking scheme & other additional features of the exam.

The total score range of the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) exam will be 202-805. The exam score is accepted for admissions in approximately 7700 programs in 2400+ Business Colleges / Institutions / Universities all over the world.

Students opting for Centre-Based Online Test can schedule the Exam Appointment for GMAT during the Exam Centre’s operating hours on any of the 7 days in the week. For Remote Proctored Online Test, students can make the Exam Appointment at any desired time round the clock as per availability.

The given-below table covers the comprehensive information about the GMAT exam pattern 2026:

Based on the GMAT Exam Pattern 2026, the total Score Range of the GMAT test will be 205-805. During the total duration of the exam, applicants will have to complete each section within a time frame of 45 minutes. However, appearing candidates can attempt any of the sections first as per their choice & convenience.

The below-given table gives insights about the total number of questions & the score range of each section of the GMAT 2026:

The GMAT marking scheme of the latest Focus Edition is updated. If the students fail to complete a particular section within 45 minutes; score penalty will be applicable for leaving the questions unanswered.

The updated score range & score interval as prescribed in the GMAT Exam Pattern 2026 will be as follows:

* As per the aforementioned pattern, all the Total Scores will end with 5.

GMAT Exam Pattern 2026 states that the eligible PwD applicants will be provided with various provisions of accommodation as per the norms of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) based on their nature of disability. Students can simply apply for the accommodation provision by navigating the “Apply for Accommodation” tab on the official website of GMAT at “mba.com” & submit the supporting documents.

Some of the testing accommodation facilities available for the PwD candidates are listed below:

• Additional rest break
• 50% additional time
• 100% additional time
• A reader
• A recorder
• Access to JAWS or Zoom Text software

* Apart from the aforementioned provisions, applicants can request additional accommodation provisions in a personal statement.

As per the GMAT Exam Pattern 2026, the appearing candidates will be judged upon certain measures & skills that are crucial for pursuing MBA or any other Graduate Business Program in one of the participating Institutes / Colleges / Universities.

The measures for each section are discussed in detail below:

• Quantitative Reasoning: In this section, candidates will be monitored based on their foundational knowledge in Arithmetic & Algebraic and how they apply their logic & analytical skills to solve the problems. Use of calculators is not allowed for this section.
• Verbal Reasoning: In the Reading Comprehension, there will be approximately 350 word passages based on which the students’ reading skills such as main idea, supporting idea, inference, application, logical structure, and style will be tested. For Critical Reasoning, there will be short reading passages of less than 100 words. Based on these, questions will be asked with 5 options from which students must be able to identify from the 5 options that strengthens or weakens an argument, tell why the argument is flawed, or strongly supports or damages the argument in the asked question based on the short text of less than 100 words.
• Data Insights: This Section is designed to evaluate the candidates’ ability to analyse & interpret the given data and how they apply the information in the practical world business framework. Here, their digital & data literacy will also be measured including their ability to make informed decisions using the graphic, verbal, & numeric data provided. Students will be allowed to use an on-screen calculator for attempting this section.

* Students who meet the GMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 and have completed the GMAT Registration 2026 are suggested to go through the GMAT Syllabus 2026 to effectively understand the exam pattern.

Students will be given certain flexibilities while taking the GMAT exam. Go through the below-listed additional points about GMAT Exam Pattern 2026 designed by GMAC:

• Reviewing & Editing Questions: While attempting the paper, candidates can bookmark the questions up to any limit and review it later. At the end of each section, they can review the bookmarked questions & can change the answers of any 3 questions per section.
  * If there is no time limit left in a particular section, the test screen will automatically redirect to the Optional Break Screen; if not opted for, the page will move to the Next Section.
• Selecting the Section Order: Students are allowed to choose the order of Sections that they prefer to attempt first. Also, they can take the optional 10-minute break only once either after completing the 1^st or the 2^nd Section.
• Unofficial & Official Score: After attempting the whole examination, the unofficial individual score of the candidates’ will immediately appear on the screen. Based on this, candidates can estimate their final official score that will be announced within the next 1-3 days.
• Allowed Items: Remotely appearing candidates are allowed to use a physical whiteboard of the specified dimension / an online whiteboard with a keyboard / or both during the entire exam time.