The GMAT is now the GMAT Focus Edition, with a new Data Insights section that tests how well you can understand and analyze data—an important skill for business. This report explains the format, question types, and scoring of Data Insights, helping you prepare effectively for this part of the exam.
Introduction to the GMAT Focus Edition
The GMAT Focus Edition, managed by GMAC, is a refined version of the GMAT, used for business school admissions worldwide. It now has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The new Data Insights section replaces Integrated Reasoning and includes elements of Data Sufficiency from the Quant section. This change reflects the increasing importance of data analysis skills for future business leaders.
Format of the Data Insight Section
The Data Insight section of the GMAT Focus Edition consists of a total of 20 questions. Test-takers are provided with a 45-minute time limit to complete this section. This allocation equates to an average of approximately 2 minutes and 15 seconds per question. To aid in calculations, an on-screen calculator is accessible throughout the Data Insight section, suggesting that while quantitative skills are relevant, the primary focus remains on the interpretation and analysis of data. Furthermore, the testing platform includes a question review and edit functionality, allowing candidates to mark questions for later review and to make changes to a maximum of three answers within the section. This limited opportunity for revisions emphasizes the need for careful initial consideration and strategic use of the review feature for potentially challenging questions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 20 |
| Time Limit | 45 minutes |
| Calculator | On-screen calculator available |
| Question Review & Edit | Bookmark and review all; change up to three |
Data Insight Question Types
The Data Insight section encompasses five distinct question types, each designed to evaluate specific facets of a candidate's data literacy. This variety ensures a comprehensive assessment of how individuals interact with and derive meaning from different forms of information.
A. Data Sufficiency (DS)
Data Sufficiency questions present a quantitative problem followed by two statements, labeled (1) and (2) . The task is to determine whether the information provided in each statement, either independently or in combination, is sufficient to definitively answer the question posed . It is crucial to understand that the objective is not to solve the problem itself, but rather to judge whether the given information is adequate to reach a solution. These questions primarily assess the ability to analyze quantitative scenarios, pinpoint the essential data required for resolution, and evaluate the sufficiency of the provided information.
This process demands a solid grasp of mathematical principles and the application of logical reasoning. Notably, Data Sufficiency questions constitute a substantial portion of the Data Insight section, accounting for 20% to 40% of the total questions, underscoring their significance in the overall evaluation of data literacy. The focus of these questions is on ascertaining whether the statements lead to a single, unique value or a defined range of possible values. Test-takers should be cautious not to introduce assumptions, particularly based on any accompanying visual representations that might not be drawn to the precise scale. Given potential modifications to the Data Sufficiency format in the GMAT Focus Edition, it is advisable to utilize the most current official preparation materials for accurate practice.
Example:
Statement (1): The company sold 300 units of A and 200 units of B.
Statement (2): The price per unit of A is $80, and the price per unit of B is $100.
Final Answer:
C. Both statements together are sufficient, but neither alone is sufficient.
B. Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR)
Multi-source reasoning questions present information derived from multiple interconnected sources, such as textual passages, tables, graphs, or a combination thereof, often organized across two or three tabs within the testing interface. Following this set of information, candidates encounter one or more independent questions that necessitate the synthesis and analysis of data from these various sources to arrive at the correct response. These questions evaluate the capacity to comprehend and analyze data presented in different formats concurrently, identify the relationships between disparate pieces of information, draw logical inferences, and make informed decisions based on the integrated data. Typically, each set of multi-source information is followed by one to three questions. These questions may require the identification of inconsistencies across different data sources, the derivation of conclusions not explicitly stated, or the determination of the relevance of specific data to the question at hand. Multi-source reasoning questions generally comprise 10% to 20% of the Data Insight section. Success with these questions hinges on a meticulous analysis of each data source and a clear understanding of how they interrelate.
Example:
Scenario:
A startup company is deciding whether to expand into two markets: Market X and Market Y. You have been given three sources of information:
Tab 1: Market Research Report (Summary)
Market X: High demand for tech products but strong competition.
Market Y: Moderate demand but fewer competitors.
Both markets have the potential for 20% annual growth.
Tab 2: Cost Analysis (Table)
| Market | Initial Investment | Projected Profit (5 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| X | $500,000 | $1.2 million |
| Y | $300,000 | $750,000 |
Tab 3: Consumer Trends (Survey Results)
Market X: Consumers prefer high-quality and innovative products.
Market Y: Consumers prefer affordable and practical solutions.
Question 1 (Multiple Choice):
Based on the given data, which market is likely less risky for expansion?
A) Market X
B) Market Y
C) Cannot be determined
✅ Correct Answer: B) Market Y
Market Y has lower initial investment and fewer competitors, making it less risky.
Question 2 (Yes/No Format):
Based on the information, is the following statement true?
"Market X offers higher long-term profitability than Market Y."
Yes
No
✅ Correct Answer: Yes
Market X has a higher projected profit ($1.2M vs. $750K), making it more profitable long-term.
C. Table Analysis (TA)
Table Analysis questions present data in a tabular format, often allowing for the data to be sorted based on different column headings. Subsequent to the table, a series of statements are provided, and the task is to determine whether each statement is true or false based solely on the information contained within the table. These questions assess the ability to efficiently extract pertinent information from tabular data, recognize patterns and trends, compare various data points, and make accurate judgments regarding the validity of the given statements based on the presented data. Given the potential for tables to contain substantial amounts of data, the ability to quickly locate and analyze the relevant information is paramount. Test-takers should be prepared to perform fundamental calculations, such as calculating averages and percentages, to evaluate the accuracy of the statements. Table Analysis questions typically account for 10% to 20% of the Data Insight section.
D. Graphics Interpretation (GI)
Graphics Interpretation questions require the analysis and interpretation of information presented in various visual formats, including bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, scatter plots, flow charts, organization charts, and Venn diagrams. Candidates are typically asked to complete one or more statements about the graphic by selecting the most appropriate option from a provided drop-down menu. These questions evaluate the ability to extract relevant data from visual representations, understand the scales and units of measurement employed, identify relationships and trends depicted in the graphics, and draw inferences based on the visual information provided. It is essential to pay close attention to the labels on the axes, the units of measurement, and any legends associated with the graphic. Any accompanying text may contain crucial information that is not directly evident in the graphic itself. Graphics Interpretation questions form a significant portion of the Data Insight section, representing between 20% and 30% of the total questions.
Graph: Company Revenue Over Five Years
(Imagine a bar chart with revenue figures for 2019–2023 as follows:)
| Year | Revenue (Million $) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 50 |
| 2020 | 55 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 60 |
| 2023 | 65 |
E. Two-Part Analysis (TPA)
Two-part analysis questions present a problem that consists of two distinct but related components. Candidates are typically provided with a set of answer options and must select the one option that correctly addresses both parts of the problem. These questions can involve quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, or a combination of both. They assess the ability to solve complex problems that require multiple steps or considerations, analyze the relationship between two different variables or conditions, and apply logical or quantitative skills to arrive at two specific answers that satisfy the given criteria. It is important to determine whether the two parts of the task are dependent or independent, as the same answer choice might satisfy the conditions for both. Close attention should be paid to the specific requirements of each part of the question. Two-part analysis questions generally constitute 10% to 20% of the Data Insight section .
| Question Type | Description | Skills Assessed | Approximate Percentage of Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Sufficiency | Determine if information in two statements is sufficient to answer a quantitative question. | Analyzing quantitative problems, identifying relevant data, evaluating data sufficiency, logical reasoning, mathematical concepts. | 20-40% |
| Multi-Source Reasoning | Analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources (text, tables, graphs) to answer one or more questions. | Synthesizing information from multiple sources, identifying relationships, drawing inferences, decision-making based on integrated data. | 10-20% |
| Table Analysis | Analyze data in a sortable table to determine the truthfulness of given statements. | Extracting information from tables, identifying trends, comparing data points, making judgments based on tabular data. | 10-20% |
| Graphics Interpretation | Interpret and analyze information presented in various visual formats (charts, graphs, diagrams). | Extracting data from visuals, understanding scales and units, identifying relationships and trends, making inferences from visual data. | 20-30% |
| Two-Part Analysis | Solve a problem with two interconnected parts, selecting one answer choice that correctly addresses both. | Solving complex problems, analyzing relationships between variables, applying logical or quantitative reasoning to arrive at two related answers. | 10-20% |
Scoring of the Data Insight Section
The Data Insight section is scored on a scale from 60 to 90. This score, along with the scores from the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections (also on a 60-90 scale), contributes equally to the total GMAT Focus score, which ranges from 205 to 805. The calculation of the Data Insight score takes into account the number of questions answered correctly and the difficulty level of those questions. It is important to note that for questions comprising multiple parts, such as certain Multi-Source Reasoning and Two-Part Analysis questions, all parts must be answered correctly to receive credit. Unlike the Integrated Reasoning section in the previous GMAT format, the Data Insight section score is not reported as a separate score, highlighting its integrated role in the overall assessment of a candidate's readiness for graduate business studies. The contribution of each of the three sections to the total score is linear and equally weighted, emphasizing the importance of achieving a strong performance in the Data Insight section to attain a competitive overall GMAT score. This equal weighting signifies a fundamental shift in the GMAT's evaluation criteria, placing data literacy on par with quantitative and verbal abilities. The absence of partial credit for multi-part questions underscores the necessity for accuracy and thoroughness in addressing all components of these question types.
| Scoring Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Score Range | 60 to 90 |
| Contribution to Total Score | Equally weighted with Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning |
| Total Score Range | 205 to 805 |
| Scoring Factors | Number of correct answers, question difficulty |
| Partial Credit | Not awarded for multi-part questions; all parts must be correct |
| Separate Reporting | Not reported separately |
The Data Insights section of the GMAT Focus Edition tests essential data literacy skills for business schools and beyond. It includes 20 questions in 45 minutes, covering five question types: Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis. This section is equally weighted in the GMAT Focus score (205–805) and is scored from 60 to 90. To excel, test-takers need a strong grasp of each question type, along with effective time management and data analysis strategies.