How should I start preparing for the GMAT 2026 exam?

Start by understanding the GMAT 2026 exam pattern, syllabus, and question types. Then, create a personalised study plan and begin with GMAT materials.

What are the most important topics for GMAT Quantitative Reasoning?

Key topics include Arithmetic and Algebra. Focus on problem-solving strategies and practice mental math regularly.

How can I improve my GMAT Verbal Reasoning score?

Read high-level English articles daily, practice Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions, and review mistakes to strengthen your logic and comprehension.

What is the best way to prepare for GMAT Data Insights?

Practice interpreting data from charts, graphs, and tables. Work on multi-source reasoning and table analysis questions from GMAT Focus Edition sample papers.

How long should I prepare for the GMAT 2026 exam?

Ideally, a 3-6 month preparation period is sufficient, depending on your familiarity with the topics and the number of hours you can study each week.

Are GMAT mock tests important for preparation?

Yes. Mock tests simulate the real exam environment, help you manage time better, and reveal your strengths and weaknesses for targeted improvement.

Can I prepare for the GMAT 2026 exam without coaching?

Absolutely. With the right resources, official guides, and free GMAT practice materials from platforms like GMAT Point, self-preparation is fully possible.

What is a good GMAT score for top MBA colleges?

A score above 700 is considered competitive for top business schools worldwide, though the requirement varies depending on the institute and program.

How to Prepare for GMAT 2026, Section-Wise Strategy

Raju|

Oct 28, 2025

How to Prepare for GMAT 2026

Preparing for the GMAT might feel overwhelming due to its vast syllabus and the level of questions asked in the exam. However, if you have the right approach and the right attitude, it will be totally doable. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a key for students who want to get an MBA or any other business-related field program at the world's best universities. If you are completely new to the test or you already know its format, a well-defined study plan will really empower you. Read the blog till the end and have all the preparation tips for the GMAT.

GMAT Exam 2026 Overview

GMAT 2026 is a computer-adaptive test aimed at assessing the analytical, quantitative, verbal, and reasoning skills of a candidate. Here’s the overview of the GMAT exam 2026:

Section	No. of Questions	Duration	Score Range
Quantitative Reasoning	21	45 minutes	60-90
Verbal Reasoning	23	45 minutes	60-90
Data Insights	20	45 minutes	60-90
Total	64	2 hours 15 minutes	205-805

How to Start Your GMAT Preparation Step-by-Step?

Starting your GMAT preparation can seem overwhelming at first, but following a structured plan makes the process much easier. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach to help you begin your GMAT 2026 journey confidently:

Understand the Exam Format: Familiarise yourself with the GMAT exam structure, sections, and question types so you know exactly what to expect on test day.
Know the Syllabus: Understand the syllabus and have a list of all topics to ensure that you don’t miss any important topics. You can download the GMAT syllabus PDF for detailed insights into the new GMAT pattern.
Set a Target Score: Set a realistic score goal based on the average GMAT scores of your target business schools.
Create a Study Plan: Allocate daily or weekly study hours and divide them among Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights sections based on your performance.
Focus on Concept Clarity: Strengthen your basics in math, grammar, and reasoning before jumping into advanced-level questions.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Solve a mix of timed and untimed questions to improve both speed and accuracy. GMAT mock tests are one of the best resources to test your preparation and to work on speed and accuracy.
Review Mistakes: Always make sure to analyse every mock test to understand where you went wrong and how to improve.
Simulate Test Conditions: Take mock exams under real exam-like settings to build stamina and time management skills.
Stay Consistent and Positive: Preparation takes time, so stay motivated, track your progress, and make small improvements each week.

GMAT Preparation for the Quantitative Reasoning section

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT includes 21 questions to be solved in 45 minutes. This section covers two main question types: Problem Solving and Data Insights (previously Data Sufficiency). Here’s how to prepare for the Quantitative Reasoning section:

Master Core Math Concepts: Focus on topics such as arithmetic (fractions, percentages, ratios), algebra (linear and quadratic equations, inequalities), and geometry (lines, angles, coordinate geometry). Ensure you can apply these concepts logically, not just mechanically.
Understand the Key Terms: The updated GMAT emphasises interpreting data from charts, tables, and graphs. Practice analysing multi-source reasoning and understanding patterns or trends in datasets.
Practice Mental Math: Since calculators are not allowed in the exam centre, you need to be quick in calculations. So, sharpen your ability to make quick calculations using estimation and number sense. GMAT speed math is a good tool that can help you prepare for that
Develop a Strategy for Problem Solving: Learn to recognise question patterns. For instance, identify when to plug in numbers, use elimination, or simplify algebraic expressions.
Time Management: You get about 2 minutes per question. Practice pacing through timed drills and note which question types take longer.

GMAT Preparation for Verbal Reasoning Section

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT evaluates your ability to read, understand, and evaluate written material. This section contains 23 questions to be completed in 45 minutes, focusing on Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. Here’s how to prepare for the Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT:

Build Strong Reading Habits: Read editorials, business journals, and analytical articles (like those from The Economist or Harvard Business Review). This helps improve comprehension, vocabulary, and the ability to identify arguments quickly.
Improve Critical Reasoning: Learn to break down arguments into premises and conclusions. Practice identifying assumptions, strengthening or weakening arguments, and evaluating the logic behind statements.
Sharpen Grammar and Usage Skills: While sentence correction is no longer part of the Focus Edition, grammatical awareness still supports your comprehension accuracy. Focus on clarity, structure, and meaning.
Review and Analyse Mistakes: For every practice passage, revisit your incorrect answers to understand why your logic failed. This helps you spot recurring patterns.

GMAT Preparation for Data Insights Section

The Data Insights section is one of the most crucial additions, and one should be aware of tables, graphs, and text to make informed decisions. This section has 20 questions to be completed in 45 minutes and includes question types like Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis. You can use the preparation tips mentioned below to score better:

Understand Data Formats: Get comfortable interpreting visuals like pie charts, bar graphs, scatter plots, and complex data tables. Learn to extract key insights without spending too much time on unnecessary details.
Practice Data Sufficiency Questions: Focus on logical reasoning rather than calculations.
Develop Analytical Thinking: Work on problems that are a mix of numerical data with verbal reasoning, as many Data Insights questions blend both skills.