GMAT Data Sufficiency: Check Topics, Question Types, and Sample Papers

GMAT Data Sufficiency: Check Topics, Question Types, and Sample Papers

Highlights:

  • Recent Changes: GMAT Data Sufficiency is now part of the Data Insights section. Now focuses on data analysis and real-world scenarios over pure math.
  • Less Math: Don't expect complex mathematical calculations. Focus on applying logic and reasoning to interpret data for business situations.
  • Exam Structure: You get 45 minutes for 20 Data Insights questions, with 5-6 being Data Sufficiency problems.
  • Preparation: Regularly practice with official GMAT practice tests and read newly published books to stay updated and familiar with the format.
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Updated on, Feb 17, 2025

byShubhankar Das Content Writer - Study Abroad

GMAT Data Sufficiency is now a part of the Data Insights section. GMAT brings some major changes to the exam format and contents. Previously, the data sufficiency questions were part of GMAT Quantitative Reasoning. Data sufficiency now doesn’t examine purely mathematical contents. It evaluates your skills in analyzing and interpreting data for real-world business scenarios. You get 45 minutes to answer 20 questions in the Data Insights section. There will be approximately 5 to 6 GMAT data sufficiency questions, which will count 8%–11% of your total score. You will be advised to follow the most updated GMAT study materials for better improvement. Preparing data sufficiency GMAT options from the official website can be the best option for you.

Tips_to_answer_gmat_data_sufficiency

Topics on GMAT Data Sufficiency

Data Sufficiency options in GMAT evaluate your ability to analyze a quantitative problem. Now, data sufficiency includes fewer math conceptual questions. Data Sufficiency GMAT measures your skills in recognizing relevant information and using that data to solve the problem. Here are some basic math topics covered in data sufficiency problems:

Geometry Arithmetic Algebra
Quadrilaterals Multiples and Factors Expressions and equations
Triangle Number Properties Exponents
Lines and angles Percentage Monomials, polynomials
Rectangular solids and cylinders Decimals Functions
Circles Power and Roots Quadratic equations
Coordination Fractions Permutation and combination
- Ratio and proportion Progressions
- Speed, time, distance Inequalities and statistics

What Tested on Data Sufficiency Questions

GMAT data sufficiency questions focus more on your critical thinking and logic skills than pure mathematical problems. Data Sufficiency is all about applying logic and reasoning to solve problems. If you are previously practicing data sufficiency for GMAT quantitative section, now you need to start preparing with the updated syllabus. GMAT data sufficiency options particularly test the following:

  • Who is highly critical and always questioning given information?
  • Who leverages every little piece of information to make the best decision possible?
  • Who can recognize the “con” and select a correct answer that differentiates them from other very smart people?

Steps for Answering GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions

Regularly solving GMAT data sufficiency practice questions is important for a higher score. You must follow the official website practice tests for the most updated content. You can join GMAT courses to prepare under expert guidance. Each GMAT Data Sufficiency test problem consists of two statements (1) and (2) and five different options:

gmat_data_sufficiency_test_problem

Question Sample:

Is x > 10?      

Question_Sample

gmat_data_sufficiency_questions

The following steps will help you to solve data sufficiency problems:

  • Study the question to know what specifically needs to be solved
  • Find the information you need to solve the problem
  • Take the first statement and see if it is enough to solve the problem
  • Similarly, take the second statement and notice if the data is enough to solve the problem
  • Next, study both the statements and notice if the data is enough to solve the problem

steps_to_solve_data_sufficiency_problems

Tips and Strategies to Prepare for GMAT Data Sufficiency

GMAT Data Sufficiency questions require consistent practice. Following GMAT data sufficiency strategy equips you with the tools and skills to achieve a good score. You can refer to the list below to check some of the best GMAT preparation tips for data sufficiency:

  • Determine the type of data sufficiency questions.
  • Remember that crucial information is always hidden in the question stem.
  • Undertake elimination process to solve GMAT data sufficiency questions reasoning.
  • Do effective calculations to answer the questions.
  • Focus on real numbers to answer the questions in the place of variables in equations.
  • Be clear while choosing data sufficiency options in GMAT.
  • Review your answers as effectively as possible.

Samples to Understand and Practice GMAT Data Sufficiency

Your study plan must include solving GMAT data sufficiency sample questions. Regular practice helps you to develop a deeper understanding of the answer choices. Take GMAT practice tests from the official website for the most updated content. Here are some GMAT data sufficiency questions with sample answers for your better preparation:

The updated GMAT Data Sufficiency section can be challenging for aspiring business school candidates. Data Sufficiency assesses your ability to identify and interpret data relevant to business scenarios. By understanding the format, and tested concepts, you can achieve a good score. Properly following GMAT data sufficiency tips can help you to achieve a higher score. Remember, consistent practice with official resources is key to mastering the new GMAT Data Sufficiency options.

FAQs

Ques: Is data sufficiency asked in GMAT?

Ans: Data Sufficiency is still a part of the GMAT, but it has been revamped in the data insight section. It's now integrated into the Data Insights section, which focuses on assessing your analytical and reasoning skills for real-world business scenarios.

Ques: Does GMAT Focus have data sufficiency?

Ans: GMAT's Data Insights section incorporates Data Sufficiency questions. This section emphasizes applying logic and reasoning to data, rather than just solving complex math equations.

Ques: How many DS questions are in GMAT Quant?

Ans: Previously, Data Sufficiency was part of the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section. Within the Data Insights section of the GMAT, except around 5-6 Data Sufficiency questions out of 20 total questions.

Ques: Is GMAT math heavy?

Ans: GMAT quant section isn't about heavy computation or complex formulas. It assesses your problem-solving approach and ability to use math concepts strategically. The Data Sufficiency portion within Data Insights focuses more on interpreting data and making logical decisions than calculation skills.

Ques: How to prepare for data insights for GMAT?

Ans: Here are some pointers to prepare for the Data Insights section:

  • Take official practice tests:
  • Focus on logic and reasoning.
  • Data Interpretation Practice.
  • Improve your time management skills.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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