How to Create a GMAT Study Plan 2025?

Gmat study plan 2025

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a critical step for anyone aiming to get into a top-tier business school. A good GMAT score can significantly strengthen your application and increase your chances of admission. However, the GMAT is not just a test of knowledge; it requires strategy, time management, and consistent effort. Creating an effective study plan is the foundation for acing the GMAT.

A well-structured GMAT study plan is tailored to your unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals. It allows you to focus on areas that need improvement, track progress, and build confidence. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a GMAT study plan that works, ensuring you’re prepared to perform at your best on test day.

Planning

Table of Contents

GMAT Study Plan 2025

Understand the New GMAT Structure and Scoring

Section Weightage (%) Number of Questions Time (Minutes) Key Topics
Quantitative Reasoning (Quant)
~33%
21 questions
45
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation
Verbal Reasoning (Verbal)
~33%
23 questions
45
Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction
Data Insights
~33%
20 questions
45
Integrated Reasoning, Data Analysis, Table/Graph Interpretation
Total
100%
64 questions
135 minutes

Key Updates in the GMAT Focus Edition:

  • AWA Removed: The Analytical Writing Assessment is no longer included in the Focus Edition.
  • Streamlined Time and Content: A total of 135 minutes with 64 questions compared to the longer time of the classic GMAT.

Overall Trends:

Greater emphasis on data analysis, reasoning, and real-world application.

Section-wise Tailored Study Plan

1. Quantitative Reasoning (21 Questions, 45 Minutes)

Study Plan:

Steps Action Items Recommended Time
1. Conceptual Foundation
– Revise basics of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.- Focus on number properties, equations, and data interpretation.- Use books like GMAT Official Guide and Manhattan GMAT Quant.
2-3 weeks
2. Practice Core Topics
– Solve topic-wise questions: percentages, ratios, probability, and coordinate geometry.- Focus on weak areas.
2 weeks
3. Timed Problem Sets
– Practice mixed problem sets with a timer.- Use GMATPrep software or online mock tests.
1 week
4. Data Sufficiency Mastery
– Focus on data sufficiency questions as they make up a significant portion of Quant.- Practice identifying if information is sufficient without solving fully.
Ongoing
5. Full-Length Section Tests
– Take Quant section-specific mocks under timed conditions.- Review mistakes and understand patterns.
1 week

2. Verbal Reasoning (23 Questions, 45 Minutes)

Study Plan:

Steps Action Items Recommended Time
1. Reading Comprehension (RC)
– Practice identifying the main idea, tone, and inferences.- Start with shorter passages and progress to complex ones.- Read editorials for comprehension practice.
2 weeks
2. Critical Reasoning (CR)
– Focus on assumptions, argument evaluation, and flaw identification.- Learn to diagram arguments for clarity.- Practice from Powerscore CR Bible.
2 weeks
3. Sentence Correction (SC)
– Revise grammar rules: subject-verb agreement, modifiers, idioms.- Practice recognizing common traps like parallelism and misplaced modifiers.
2 weeks
4. Sectional Drills
– Combine RC, CR, and SC questions in timed sets to improve endurance and pacing.- Use GMATPrep or Verbal-specific resources.
1 week
5. Review & Error Analysis
– Review wrong answers and understand why the correct answer works.- Maintain an error log for improvement.
Ongoing

3. Data Insights (20 Questions, 45 Minutes)

Study Plan:

Steps Action Items Recommended Time
1. Familiarize with IR Basics
Understand question types: Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis.
1 week
2. Practice Data Interpretation
Work on interpreting graphs, charts, and tables.- Focus on quick calculations and eliminating irrelevant data.
2 weeks
3. Statistics Refresher
Review mean, median, mode, probability, and standard deviation.- Practice how to apply these concepts to real-world datasets.
1 week
4. Logical Reasoning Practice
Solve logical reasoning questions that involve pattern recognition and deductive reasoning.- Use puzzles or reasoning books to strengthen skills.
1 week
5. Integrated Practice Sets
Combine Data Insights questions from multiple topics into a single timed set.- Focus on speed and accuracy under test conditions.
! week

General Preparation Tips for All Sections:

Mock Tests:

  • Take 1 full-length mock every week to build stamina and adjust pacing.
  • Review every question to identify mistakes and improve accuracy.

Time Management:

  • Practice pacing within sections: average ~2 minutes per question.
  • Use the review feature in the Focus Edition wisely to revisit flagged questions.

Error Log:

  • Maintain a log of mistakes for all sections.
  • Categorize errors (conceptual, careless, time-related) and address each systematically.

Resources:

Official GMAT Prep Materials: Most reliable source for practice questions.

Third-Party Guides:

  • Quant: Manhattan GMAT, Kaplan.
  • Verbal: Powerscore CR Bible, GMAT Club Verbal Forum.
  • Data Insights: GMAT Official Advanced Guide.

Daily Schedule:

  • Allocate 3-4 hours/day for focused study.
  • Divide time across sections: Quant (40%), Verbal (40%), Data Insights (20%).

Simulate Test Conditions:

  • Use noise-cancelling headphones or a quiet environment.
  • Stick to strict time limits during practice.

6-week GMAT Study Plan with Daily Schedule

Week 1: Build the Foundation

Day Focus Area Tasks Time Allocation
Day 1
Quant: Arithmetic
Revise fractions, percentages, and ratios.- Solve 10-15 practice questions.
2 hours
Verbal: Reading Comprehension
Practice 2 short passages (6-8 questions).- Identify main ideas and inferences.
1 hour
Data Insights: Basics
Understand graphs and charts.- Solve 5 simple graph interpretation questions.
1.5 hours
Day 2
Quant: Number Properties
Focus on odd/even, primes, LCM, and divisibility rules.- Practice 15 questions.
2 hours
Verbal: Sentence Correction
Learn subject-verb agreement and modifiers.- Solve 10 SC questions.
1.5 hours
Data Insights: Statistics Basics
Revise mean, median, and range.- Practice 5 simple stats problems.
1 hour
Day
3-6
Alternate between Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights
Repeat topics with increasing difficulty.
4-5 hours/day
Day 7
Mock Test
Take a full-length practice test.- Analyze mistakes and create an error log.
3 hours (test) + 2 hours review

Week 2: Advance to Medium-Level Questions

Day Focus Area Tasks Time Allocation
Day

1-4
Quant: Algebra & Data Interpretation
Revise equations, inequalities, and graphs.- Solve 20 mixed Quant questions daily.
2.5 hours/day
Verbal: Critical Reasoning
Practice assumption and flaw-based questions (10 daily).
1.5 hours/day
Data Insights: Table Analysis
Solve multi-source reasoning and table analysis questions (5-7 daily).
1 hour/day
Day

5-6
Timed Practice Sets
Solve 10 questions from each section under timed conditions.- Review performance.
4 hours/day
Day 7
Sectional Test
Take a sectional test for Quant or Verbal.- Focus on improving weak areas.
3 hours (test) + 2 hours review

Week 3-4: Master Advanced Topics

Day Focus Area Tasks Time Allocation
Day

1-3
Quant: Geometry & Probability
Focus on circles, triangles, probability, and sets.- Solve 15 questions daily.
2.5 hours/day
Verbal: Sentence Correction
Practice parallelism and idioms.- Solve 15 SC questions daily.
1.5 hours/day
Data Insights: Logical Reasoning
Work on pattern recognition and reasoning puzzles.- Solve 5-7 questions daily.
1 hour/day
Day

4-6
Mixed Practice Sets
Combine 10 questions each from Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights in timed sets.
4-5 hours/day
Day 7
Mock Test
Take another full-length mock test.- Update error log and identify weak topics.
3 hours (test) + 2 hours review

Week 5: Focus on Weak Areas

Day Focus Area Tasks Time Allocation
Day

1-4
Personalized Practice
Focus on your weakest section.- Use your error log to revisit concepts and strategies.
4-5 hours/day
Time Management
Practice pacing with timed questions for each section.
Ongoing
Day

5-6
Integrated Practice
Solve mixed questions from all sections in 45-minute sets.
4-5 hours/day
Day 7
Mock Test
Take a full-length test.- Compare your performance with previous mocks.
3 hours (test) + 2 hours review

Week 6: Final Revision & Strategy

Day Focus Area Tasks Time Allocation
Day

1-3
Quick Review of Key Topics
Revise important Quant formulas, grammar rules, and Data Insights strategies.
4 hours/day
Sectional Practice
Solve 10-15 questions from each section daily.
1 hour/section
Day

4-5
Final Timed Drills
Attempt 45-minute sets for each section.- Focus on accuracy and time management.
4-5 hours/day
Day 6
Light Practice
Solve easy questions and review strategies.- Avoid overloading before test day.
2-3 hours
Day 7
Test Day Prep
Sleep well and relax.- Prepare ID and test essentials.
N/A

Additional Tips:

Daily Routine:

  • Morning: Study your weakest topics.
  • Afternoon: Practice timed sets.
  • Evening: Review mistakes and revise.

Mock Tests: Take at least 4 full-length mocks (1 every weekend).

Breaks: Take short breaks (5-10 minutes) after every hour of study to stay fresh.

By understanding the test format, setting clear goals, and breaking down your preparation into manageable phases, you can approach the GMAT with confidence. Remember, the key to success is consistency and perseverance. Start planning today, trust the process, and give it your best effort. With a solid study plan, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your target GMAT score and taking a significant step toward your MBA dreams.

Good Luck!

FAQs

1. Should I focus more on Quantitative or Verbal Reasoning?

Both sections are important, but if you're stronger in one area, you might prioritize the weaker one. It's essential to maintain a balance to maximize your overall score.

2. How many practice tests should I take?

Taking 3-5 full-length practice tests is recommended to simulate test-day conditions, track your progress, and identify areas for improvement.

3. Can I improve my GMAT score with just 1 month of preparation?

While one month can be enough for a significant score improvement, it depends on your current GMAT skills. More preparation time is generally recommended for a higher score.

4. Should I use official GMAT study materials?

Yes, official GMAT prep materials from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) are highly recommended as they offer the most accurate representation of the actual test.
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