10 Best Sample Data Sufficiency GMAT Questions for Indian Students

Most Indian test takers agree on one thing: GMAT data sufficiency questions are the trickiest part of the GMAT quant section.

Every data sufficiency question consists of a question and two statements, and the objective is to determine whether the information given is sufficient to answer the question asked. But the real challenge lies in the logic, not the math.

This section is not about solving but about evaluating statements. For Indian students, who often come from math-heavy academic backgrounds, the twist of logic over calculation presents a unique challenge.

Preparing through sample GMAT data sufficiency questions sharpens not only your quantitative reasoning but also your time management skills.

Since the GMAT exam allocates only 62 minutes to complete the quantitative section, knowing how to evaluate statement-1, statement-2, and their combination quickly is key.

This article explores sample data sufficiency questions, gives strategies to answer the question effectively, and helps Indian students succeed.

What is GMAT?

Fun fact: Over 200,000 people take the GMAT test each year, and a significant number come from India.

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized test required for admission into many business schools worldwide.

• GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal.
• The GMAT quant topic includes both problem solving questions and data sufficiency questions.
• The section lasts 62 minutes and tests your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions.
• GMAT score is accepted by top global B-schools including Harvard, INSEAD, London Business School, and IIMs (for select programs).
• You can take the GMAT online or at official test centers across India.

Why is GMAT Important for Indian Students Who Want to Study Abroad?

Fun fact: GMAT scores are valid for five years, making it a great long-term investment for Indian aspirants.

The GMAT is often the first step for Indian students looking to pursue an MBA abroad.

• A strong GMAT score increases your chances of getting into top programs like University of Pennsylvania Wharton, Northwestern University Kellogg, or Rotman.
• It serves as a benchmark for scholarships at universities to study in USA, UK, and Canada.
• High scores demonstrate your readiness for the rigors of international MBA programs.
• The quant section, especially data sufficiency, showcases your problem-solving and analytical strengths.
• GMAT scores are often required alongside other exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE.

What are GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions?

Fun fact: Data-sufficiency questions often have the same five answer choices, every single time.

Data sufficiency questions are a unique part of the GMAT quant section. Each question consists of a question stem followed by two statements. The objective is to determine whether the information provided is sufficient to answer the question asked.

• Each data-sufficiency question tests your ability to reason quantitatively, not just compute.
• You do not solve the problem but instead determine if the given data can provide a definitive answer.
• The five answer choices remain consistent: (A) Statement-1 alone is sufficient, (B) Statement 2 alone is sufficient, (C) Both statements together are sufficient, (D) Each alone is sufficient, (E) Neither statement alone is sufficient.
• For example, if you’re asked “What is the value of x?”, your goal is to determine whether either or both statements provide enough data to find a unique answer.
• Institutions like NYU Stern, University of Toronto, Oxford Saïd, and UCLA Anderson analyze this section deeply.

Sample Format Table:

Question Stem	Statement 1	Statement 2	Correct Answer	Explanation
What is the value of x?	x + y = 10	y = 4	C	Statements together are very sufficient to answer

This format applies whether you are applying to MIT Sloan or University of Manchester, as the GMAT is standardized. You must determine if there is sufficient information to answer using the statements provided, alone or in combination.

How to Approach GMAT Data Sufficiency Problems?

Fun fact: GMAT DS questions are designed to test your logic more than your calculation ability.

Cracking a data-sufficiency question is more about mindset than math. These strategies can boost your performance:

• Understand the five standard answers to the question and memorize them.
• Read the question stem carefully before evaluating any statement.
• Determine whether the question is asking for a value question or a yes and a no answer.
• Label the statements clearly: Statement-1 and Statement-2.
• Evaluate statement 1 first without looking at statement 2.
• Only then evaluate statement 2 alone.
• If neither statement alone is sufficient, evaluate statements together.
• Look out for traps involving number properties and negative numbers.
• Avoid unnecessary calculations—focus on logic.
• Use official GMAT practice questions to simulate real test conditions.

10 Best Data Sufficiency GMAT Sample Questions for Indian Students

Fun fact: Many GMAT data sufficiency problems reuse the same underlying concepts with new numbers.

Below are 10 GMAT DS questions tailored to help you build intuition and accuracy. Each includes a question, the right answer, and a brief explanation.

Sample Question 1

Is x > 5?

(1) x^2 > 25
(2) x is a positive integer

Right Answer: C

• Statement (1) alone gives x > 5 or x < -5 — not sufficient.
• Statement (2) tells us x is positive but not how large.
• Together: x must be > 5.

Explanation: Only when both statements are used together are very sufficient to answer the question.

Sample Question 2

What is the value of x?

(1) 3x + 2 = 11
(2) x^2 = 9

Right Answer: A

• Statement (1): x = 3 — sufficient.
• Statement (2): x = 3 or -3 — not sufficient.
• Don’t need both statements.

Explanation: Statement-1 alone is sufficient to find a unique answer.

Sample Question 3

Is y an integer?

(1) y^2 = 25
(2) y = 5.0

Right Answer: B

• Statement (1): y = ±5 — integers, but not definitive.
• Statement (2): y = 5.0 is an integer.
• So only (2) alone is sufficient.

Explanation: Statement 2 confirms definitively that y is an integer.

Sample Question 4

Is x^2 equal to 16?

(1) x = 4
(2) x is an integer

Right Answer: A

• Statement (1): x = 4, so x^2 = 16 — sufficient.
• Statement (2): doesn’t provide a value for x.

Explanation: Only statement-1 directly answers the question.

Sample Question 5

What is the perimeter of rectangle R?

(1) The length is 6 units.
(2) The width is 4 units.

Right Answer: E

• Statement (1): only length known.
• Statement (2): only width known.
• Together: still no information about both.

Explanation: Neither statement alone nor together are sufficient to answer the question.

Sample Question 6

Is x a prime number?

(1) x > 1
(2) x has only two distinct positive factors

Right Answer: B

• Statement (1): doesn’t rule out non-primes >1.
• Statement (2): definition of a prime — sufficient.

Explanation: Statement 2 gives definitive answer; statement-1 does not.

Sample Question 7

Is x > y?

(1) x + y > 0
(2) x – y > 0

Right Answer: B

• Statement (1): ambiguous.
• Statement (2): confirms x > y.

Explanation: Only statement 2 is sufficient.

Sample Question 8

What is the value of x + y?

(1) x = 3
(2) y = 5

Right Answer: C

• Statement (1): x = 3, no y.
• Statement (2): y = 5, no x.
• Together: x + y = 8

Explanation: Each alone is not sufficient; together are sufficient to answer the question.

Sample Question 9

Is x divisible by 3?

(1) x = 12
(2) x is divisible by 6

Right Answer: C

• Statement (1): 12 is divisible by 3 — sufficient.
• Statement (2): divisible by 6 => divisible by 3 — sufficient.

Explanation: Each statement alone is sufficient; so either statement is sufficient.

Sample Question 10

What is the value of x if x is an integer?

(1) x^2 – 4x + 4 = 0
(2) x is a positive number

Right Answer: A

• Statement (1): factor to (x-2)^2 = 0 → x = 2
• Statement (2): only says x is positive

Explanation: Statement-1 alone is sufficient.

5 Additional GMAT Practice Questions

Fun fact: Practicing DS questions daily improves your score more than passive reading.

Here are five more GMAT data sufficiency practice questions designed to strengthen your ability to evaluate statement-1, statement-2, and determine when they are sufficient to answer the question.

Practice Question 1

Is x an even number?

(1) x is divisible by 4
(2) x^2 is an even number

• Statement (1): If divisible by 4, then x is even — sufficient.
• Statement (2): x^2 even → x is even or odd — not definitive.
• So, statement-1 alone is sufficient.

Practice Question 2

What is the value of y?

(1) y + 5 = 12
(2) y^2 = 49

• Statement (1): y = 7 — unique value — sufficient.
• Statement (2): y = ±7 — two possible values — not sufficient.
• Therefore, statement-1 alone is sufficient.

Practice Question 3

Is z a negative number?

(1) z^2 = 16
(2) z < 0

• Statement (1): z = ±4 — not sufficient.
• Statement (2): z < 0 — yes, z is negative — sufficient.

Practice Question 4

Is the product of x and y positive?

(1) x > 0
(2) y > 0

• Statement (1): y unknown — not sufficient.
• Statement (2): x unknown — not sufficient.
• Together: x > 0 and y > 0 → product is positive — sufficient.

Practice Question 5

What is the remainder when x is divided by 3?

(1) x = 10
(2) x = 13

• Statement (1): 10 ÷ 3 → remainder 1 — sufficient.
• Statement (2): 13 ÷ 3 → remainder 1 — sufficient.
• Each alone is sufficient, but same result — either is fine.

Should We Completely Rely on Sample GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions?

Fun fact: No two GMAT data-sufficiency questions are ever exactly alike.

Sample questions help build skill, but they are just one part of your preparation:

• Sample GMAT data sufficiency helps you understand structure.
• They improve timing and answer choice recognition.
• They expose common traps set by test writers.
• They help reinforce concepts like number properties and equations.
• Real test performance depends on mastering concepts, not memorizing patterns.

Importance Table:

Preparation Element	Importance	Reason
Sample Questions	High	Build familiarity and speed
Conceptual Mastery	Essential	Required to answer the question accurately
Official Practice	Very High	Closely mirrors actual test level
Strategy Practice	Medium	Helps avoid traps and save time
Review Mistakes	Critical	Prevents repeat errors

Conclusion

The GMAT data sufficiency section can initially appear complex, but with the right approach, Indian students can master it. From understanding what the question asks to evaluating each statement logically, every data-sufficiency question can become a strength.

The tips, sample GMAT data-sufficiency questions, and additional practice questions provided above are crafted to build your confidence and sharpen your logic. Remember, every question consists of a stem and two statements—your job is to determine if you have sufficient information to answer.

Practice consistently, review your mistakes, and keep your mind sharp with official GMAT practice material. Whether you’re targeting Yale SOM or the University of British Columbia, mastering data sufficiency can set your application apart.

So, take the GMAT with confidence with Ambitio, armed with logic, strategy, and a deep understanding of this challenging question type.

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