FIVE DATA-DECISION QUESTION FAMILIES
GMAT Data Insights Format and Syllabus
Prepare for 20 questions in 45 minutes by connecting quantitative reasoning, verbal evidence and data literacy across interactive information formats.
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Fact-checked: 24 September 2026 · Nepal student and parent guide · Official GMAC sources

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GMAT Data Insights Format and Syllabus
Quick answer: GMAT Data Insights has 20 questions and 45 minutes. The five current question types are Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation and Two-Part Analysis. Questions may require quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, data analysis or a combination. An on-screen calculator is available in Data Insights, but personal calculators are not permitted. The section tests whether candidates can identify relevant information, evaluate sufficiency, interpret displays, reconcile sources and make informed decisions. Preparation should cover the interface, multi-part response rules, timing and review as well as calculations.
Relevance before calculation
Data Insights rewards candidates who identify the decision and select only the information needed
Students can waste time by reading every detail equally or calculating before deciding what the question actually requires.
Anchor the plan to the official structure: 20 questions in 45 minutes and five question families. Data Insights contributes to the current GMAT Total Score alongside Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning, so it should not be postponed until the end of preparation. A diagnostic should report performance by question type, content demand, information selection, calculation, inference and time rather than giving only one DI total.
Data Sufficiency asks whether the information supplied is enough to answer a quantitative question, not necessarily for the final value. Define the target, list the conditions and test each statement independently before combining them under the official answer framework. Avoid assuming a diagram is drawn to scale or adding facts not given. Counterexamples are especially useful when deciding whether more than one value remains possible.
Multi-Source Reasoning requires candidates to move among text, tables, graphics or other tabs, notice agreements and conflicts and answer several questions from the source set. Build a short source map identifying purpose, units, dates and viewpoint. Read the exact question before collecting details. When a source is irrelevant, excluding it is part of the reasoning rather than a failure to read everything.
Table Analysis and Graphics Interpretation require accurate filtering, sorting, unit control and inference. For a table, identify the columns, definitions and relevant condition before sorting. For a graph, read axes, scales, legends and category boundaries before estimating or calculating. The on-screen calculator can reduce arithmetic burden, but it cannot choose the correct denominator, unit or comparison. Write the relationship first.
Two-Part Analysis may be quantitative, verbal or mixed and can ask for dependent or independent decisions. Read both column headings and the complete task, then determine whether one choice can satisfy both columns. Multi-part questions require careful completion of every response component. During review, classify errors as task interpretation, missing evidence, calculation, interface selection, unit or timing so the next practice set targets the real cause.
MKS Education teaches Data Insights through physical, online and hybrid classes, recordings in every mode, iOS and Android practice, physical books, an eight-week guided course, six-month access and continued support. Students needing another suitable explanation may join suitable classes without another class charge subject to schedules and seats. MKS can provide practice and feedback but cannot guarantee a score, admission, scholarship or funding.
Diagnose first
Use a current official-format baseline and classify Quant Verbal and Data Insights errors before choosing weekly priorities.
Match the goal
Connect the test date and preparation schedule to official programme and scholarship deadlines.
Verify claims
Use mba.com and official business-school pages for changing format, fees, dates and score-use policies.
Swipe horizontally to compare every column.
Evidence table
Turn the comparison into checks you can verify
Use the same questions for every provider and save the written answer. A transparent system is easier to compare than a headline promise.
| Check | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Section size | Defines pace and endurance. | 20 questions in 45 minutes. |
| Data Sufficiency | Tests when information becomes enough. | Target conditions statements and counterexamples. |
| Multi-Source Reasoning | Combines different evidence sources. | Source map discrepancies relevance and inference. |
| Table Analysis | Requires filtering and sorting. | Columns units conditions and comparison. |
| Graphics Interpretation | Visual scale affects meaning. | Axes legends trends estimates and inference. |
| Two-Part Analysis | Links two decisions. | Dependent tasks columns and valid pair. |
| Quant demand | Some tasks require arithmetic and algebra. | Relationship before calculation. |
| Verbal demand | Text and arguments supply evidence. | Claim support relevance and scope. |
| Calculator | A tool does not choose the model. | Built-in DI calculator only. |
| Multi-part response | Incomplete selection can lose credit. | Every requested component checked. |
| Pacing | Complex displays vary in reading cost. | Decision checkpoints and exit rule. |
| Official practice | Interface familiarity matters. | Starter Kit sample and official DI questions. |
MKS Education: MKS can classify Data Insights errors by question family and assign targeted classes, recordings, app practice, physical-book review and official-format checkpoints.
Connected preparation
What makes the MKS GMAT learning system different
The live class, revision, independent practice and extended support work together instead of ending on the last teaching day.
Physical online and hybrid
Choose a suitable mode and confirm the current timetable for Kathmandu or remote learning.
Recordings in every mode
Physical, online and hybrid students can revisit difficult concepts and recover missed work.
iOS and Android practice
Use structured GMAT practice and review through the MKS digital learning system outside class.
Physical books
Follow organised print material alongside app practice, teacher guidance and official GMAC resources.
Eight weeks plus six months
Eight weeks of guided teaching connects to six-month learning access and continued support.
Multiple suitable classes
Students needing repetition may join suitable classes without another class charge, subject to schedule and seats.
Practical next steps
- Diagnose each of the five Data Insights question types separately.
- Define the decision and units before reading every detail.
- Review all components of a multi-part response.
- Move from targeted sets to mixed timed official-format sections.
Mistakes to avoid
- Do not treat Data Insights as only a calculator section.
- Do not assume every source is relevant.
- Do not solve a Data Sufficiency question when sufficiency alone is required.
- Do not postpone DI until Quant and Verbal feel perfect.

Current test context
Prepare for the GMAT exam students now take
GMAC lists three 45-minute sections, 64 questions and 2 hours 15 minutes of testing, plus one optional 10-minute break.
Quantitative Reasoning
Twenty-one Problem Solving questions test arithmetic, elementary algebra, logic and analytical problem solving without a calculator.
Verbal Reasoning
Twenty-three Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions test understanding and argument evaluation.
Data Insights
Twenty questions combine quantitative, verbal and data literacy across five current question families, with an on-screen calculator.
MKS Education • Putalisadak
Build your GMAT plan from diagnostic evidence
Bring target programmes, the earliest deadline and a recent official-format diagnostic. MKS can organise an eight-week guided plan with flexible modes, recordings, app practice, books, six-month access and continued support.
Official sources
Verify current GMAT information
Continue learning
Related MKS GMAT guides
- GMAT Score Scale Percentiles and Score Report Guide
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- GRE vs GMAT for USA Graduate Study from Nepal
Open the MKS GMAT web app for structured practice alongside your class plan.
How many questions are in GMAT Data Insights?
The current Data Insights section has 20 questions in 45 minutes.
What are the five GMAT Data Insights question types?
They are Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation and Two-Part Analysis.
Can I use a calculator in Data Insights?
The section includes an on-screen calculator. Personal calculators and calculator-enabled devices are not permitted unless specifically approved.
Is Data Sufficiency still on the GMAT?
Yes. It is now one of the five Data Insights question types rather than a Quantitative Reasoning type.
Can a Data Insights course guarantee a high score?
No. Accurate teaching, practice and feedback cannot guarantee an official score or application result.
Plan your application with MKS Education
MKS Education offers GMAT preparation through physical, online and hybrid classes in Putalisadak, supported by recordings, books, computer practice, iOS and Android access, mocks, feedback, an eight-week guided course and six-month access. Confirm current timetables, seats, fees and inclusions directly. MKS does not guarantee an official GMAT score, admission, scholarship or assistantship.
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