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1 August 2025

8 minutes read

GMAT Question Paper: GMAT Sample Questions 

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

3 September 2024

8 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • GMAT question paper format includes four sections—Quant, Verbal, Data Insights, and AWA—each testing different skills needed for business school.
  • Practice with GMAT sample questions, previous year papers, and mock tests is essential for building accuracy and managing time under pressure.
  • Strengthen weak areas like data sufficiency or reading comprehension through focused review and consistent GMAT practice.

Are you gearing up for the GMAT in 2024 and feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of tackling those challenging questions? You’re not alone. Many test-takers struggle with understanding the exam format, managing time pressure, and mastering the diverse question types that appear on the GMAT. Cracking the GMAT is no easy feat.

That’s where our guide to the GMAT Question Paper 2024 comes in handy. We’ve compiled a set of sample questions that mirror what you’ll encounter on test day, along with expert tips to help you approach each section with confidence. Whether you’re aiming for a top business school or looking to enhance your career prospects, this blog will equip you with the insights you need to excel on the GMAT.

What is GMAT? How Does it Contribute to MBA?

The GMAT plays a crucial role in MBA admissions. The importance of GMAT test is never to be undermined. Schools use your GMAT score as a predictor of academic success in their programs. It’s not just about the numbers, though. The skills tested – like critical reasoning and data sufficiency – are vital for future business leaders. Also, GMAT is an adaptive test, which increases its complexity.

gmat question paper

GMAT preparation is key to achieving a competitive score. You can choose a GMAT beginners guide if you are just starting the process. Start by taking a practice test to gauge your baseline. Then, focus on your weak areas. Whether it’s reading comprehension, sentence correction, or quantitative problems, there are plenty of resources available.

The official GMAT test website, run by GMAC, offers sample GMAT questions and full-length practice exams. Remember, consistent practice and familiarity with the test format can significantly boost your performance on test day and help you with management admission.

GMAT Exam Pattern

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-adaptive test that evaluates your readiness for business school. To get an idea of how the exam is structured and what types of questions to expect, it’s essential to review GMAT sample papers, GMAT practice tests, and GMAT previous year question papers from official and third-party sources like the Princeton Review.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the GMAT exam pattern, including details that help every aspirant prepare efficiently and attempt the exam with confidence on test day:

SectionNo. of QuestionsTime LimitQuestion TypesKey Concepts Tested
Quantitative Reasoning2145 minutesProblem solving questions, data sufficiency questionsSolving GMAT math using the data given in the statements, determining if the information is sufficient to answer the question, numerical reasoning
Verbal Reasoning2345 minutesCritical reasoning questions, reading comprehension questions, sentence correctionReading the passage, identifying what is stated or implied, answer the question asked, logic-based reasoning, grammar
Integrated Reasoning2045 minutesMulti-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretationInterpretation of charts, additional data, monthly rent per person, calculating cost when people share the rent, interpreting perspectives
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)1 essay30 minutesArgument analysis essayEvaluating arguments like “a food writer wrote that reducing dairy products in the diets can contribute to better health and well-being”

Quantitative Reasoning GMAT Sample Questions

When it comes to the question of how to ace the GMAT quant, the key lies in good preparation. Here are two sample GMAT quant topic questions for 2024, with answers and explanations:

1. A certain company sells 3 different models of smartphones. The number of smartphones sold of each model is in the ratio 3:5:7. If the total number of smartphones sold is 1500, how many smartphones of the model with the highest sales were sold?

Answer: 700

Explanation:
The ratio of smartphones sold for each model is 3:5:7
The total number of parts in the ratio is 3 + 5 + 7 = 15
So for every 15 smartphones sold, 7 are of the model with the highest sales
1500 smartphones is equivalent to 100 sets of 15 (1500 ÷ 15 = 100)
Therefore, the number of smartphones of the model with the highest sales is 7 × 100 = 700

2. A certain company has 4 branches. The number of employees at each branch is in the ratio 2:3:4:5. If the total number of employees is 280, how many employees are at the branch with the most employees?

Answer: 100

Explanation
The ratio of employees at each branch is 2:3:4:5
The total number of parts in the ratio is 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 14
So for every 14 employees, 5 are at the branch with the most employees
280 employees is equivalent to 20 sets of 14 (280 ÷ 14 = 20)
Therefore, the number of employees at the branch with the most employees is 5 × 20 = 100

The key to solving these types of ratio problems is to first find the total number of parts in the ratio, then determine how many employees/smartphones are in each set of the ratio, and finally multiply the number of sets by the number of employees/smartphones in the branch with the most.

GMAT 2024 Verbal Reasoning Sample Questions

Understand how may number of questions there are in GMAT before you start with sections. GMAT order selection is also equally important. Here are a few questions to brush up your verbal ability:

gmat question paper

1. The passage suggests that the main reason for the increase in the number of people living in cities is:

(A) Improved transportation and infrastructure in urban areas
(B) Higher wages and better job opportunities in cities
(C) Lack of resources and economic opportunities in rural areas
(D) Overcrowding and pollution in rural areas
(E) Desire for a more cosmopolitan lifestyle

Answer: (B) Higher wages and better job opportunities in cities 

Explanation:
The passage states that people are moving to cities in search of “higher wages and better job opportunities”. This is presented as the primary reason for the increase in urban population growth. The other answer choices are not directly supported by the passage.

2. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument that the increase in urban population is beneficial for economic growth?

(A) Urban infrastructure struggles to keep up with rapid population growth, leading to overcrowding and inefficiencies
(B) Rural areas experience labor shortages as many young people migrate to cities
(C) Increased urban population leads to higher tax revenues for city governments
(D) Urbanization allows for economies of scale and specialization in certain industries
(E) Pollution levels rise significantly in many cities due to increased population and economic activity

Answer: (A) Urban infrastructure struggles to keep up with rapid population growth, leading to overcrowding and inefficiencies

Explanation
If urban infrastructure cannot accommodate the influx of people, it would undermine the economic benefits of urbanization cited in the passage. Overcrowding and strained resources would reduce productivity and economic growth. The other answer choices either support the argument or are less directly relevant to the economic impact of urbanization.

These sample questions test reading comprehension by asking about the main idea and supporting details of a passage, as well as critical reasoning by evaluating an argument. The answers require analyzing the information provided and selecting the choice that best answers the question based on the passage.

Data Insights

GMAT preparation time is to be determined before you start with the process, especially when it comes to data insights. Here are two sample GMAT Data Insights questions for 2024, with answers and explanations:

The graph shows the sales figures for a company’s three product lines over the past 5 years. Which of the following statements is supported by the data?

(A) Product A has the highest total sales over the 5 year period
(B) Product B has the most consistent year-over-year sales growth
(C) Product C has the largest single-year increase in sales
(D) Product A has the lowest average annual sales
(E) Product B has the highest peak sales in a single year

Answer: (C) Product C has the largest single-year increase in sales

Explanation
To determine which product had the largest single-year increase, I need to calculate the year-over-year change for each product and find the maximum value:

Product A:
Year 1 to 2: 100 to 120 = +20
Year 2 to 3: 120 to 150 = +30
Year 3 to 4: 150 to 180 = +30
Year 4 to 5: 180 to 200 = +20

Product B:
Year 1 to 2: 80 to 100 = +20
Year 2 to 3: 100 to 120 = +20
Year 3 to 4: 120 to 150 = +30
Year 4 to 5: 150 to 180 = +30

Product C:
Year 1 to 2: 120 to 150 = +30
Year 2 to 3: 150 to 200 = +50
Year 3 to 4: 200 to 220 = +20
Year 4 to 5: 220 to 250 = +30

The largest single-year increase was Product C from Year 2 to 3, with a 50 unit increase. This supports answer choice (C).

The table shows the number of units sold of three different products by a company’s sales team in each region. If the company wants to reward the top performing sales rep in each region, which region has the most tied for first place?

RegionProduct AProduct BProduct C
East504060
West406050
North307040
South605030

(A) East
(B) West
(C) North
(D) South
(E) There is no tie for first place in any region

Answer: (A) East

Explanation
To determine which region has the most tied for first place, I need to find the maximum value in each region and count how many products are tied for that maximum.

East: Max is 60 (Product C). 1 product tied for first (C).
West: Max is 60 (Product B). 1 product tied for first (B).
North: Max is 70 (Product B). 1 product tied for first (B).
South: Max is 60 (Product A). 1 product tied for first (A).The East region is the only one with a 2-way tie for first place, with both Product A and Product C having the max of 60 units. So the East region has the most tied for first place.

GMAT Prep 2024 Tips

Getting ready for the GMAT in 2024? Here are key prep tips to help test takers succeed. First, familiarize yourself with all types of questions: problem-solving questions, data sufficiency, and GMAT reading comprehension. Use GMAT official resources, GMAT previous year question papers, and practice questions to prepare. Also, learn to manage GMAT time well.

Take regular GMAT mock tests to simulate exam conditions. This helps you manage time and reduce stress on the day of the exam. Choose the right GMAT books for your preparation as well. When solving sample questions, focus on understanding why certain problems are needed and how questions test different skills.

Practice with questions based on various topics and group are based exercises. For reading comprehension, practice quickly grasping main ideas. Remember, consistent practice is crucial. As you prepare to attempt GMAT and appear for the GMAT exam, stay confident. Find GMAT resources that work for you, and keep at it until you’re ready to tackle the actual exam.

Conclusion

Preparing for the GMAT in 2024 may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s a challenge you can definitely overcome. Even if you have to retake the exam, using the GMAT retake strategy steps can help you in the process. By understanding the exam structure, practicing consistently with high-quality sample questions, and honing your skills across all sections, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the test with confidence.

Remember, the GMAT is not just about scoring well—it’s about developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that will serve you throughout your business career. So, embrace the preparation process, stay motivated, and keep your eyes on the prize: a strong GMAT score that opens doors to top MBA programs and exciting career opportunities. Good luck on your GMAT journey!

Achieve unparalleled success on the GMAT by optimizing your study strategy with Ambitio. Our platform provides a structured approach to preparation, combining essential skill-building with advanced test-taking strategies to maximize your efficiency and effectiveness on exam day.

FAQs

Is it necessary to use official GMAT resources for preparation?

While not absolutely necessary, official GMAT resources are highly recommended as they most accurately reflect the actual exam’s style and difficulty level.

How can I improve my performance on GMAT Verbal Reasoning questions?

Practice reading comprehension passages, work on critical reasoning skills, and study sentence correction rules regularly.

What’s the significance of the GMAT Focus Edition mentioned in the blog?

The GMAT Focus Edition is likely a newer version of practice materials. For specific details, refer to official GMAT resources.

How many practice tests should I take before the actual GMAT?

While there’s no fixed number, taking at least 3-5 full-length practice tests under timed conditions is recommended to build stamina and familiarity.

Are there any changes to the GMAT exam format in 2024?

The blog doesn’t mention specific changes for 2024. It’s best to check the official GMAT website for the most up-to-date information on exam format.

What’s the best way to improve my GMAT Quantitative Reasoning score?

Focus on practicing data sufficiency and problem-solving questions, paying attention to time management and identifying patterns in question types.

How long should I prepare for the GMAT 2024?

The ideal preparation time varies, but most successful candidates spend 3-6 months studying consistently.

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