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GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions, Tips to Answer, and Sample Questions
GMAT data sufficiency comprise 15 questions which are two-fifths of the total 31 GMAT quant questions. The GMAT Data Sufficiency questions consist of a problem statement followed by two factual statements. Each GMAT Data Sufficiency problem consists of two statements (1) and (2) and five different sets of GMAT data sufficiency options:
- Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.
- Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.
- BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.
- EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.
- Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient.
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Data sufficiency assesses candidates’ critical thinking and hypervigilance. An abstract problem-solving question is mainly given and most of the difficulty comes from obtuse or clever wording, candidates usually miss it.
GMAT Data Sufficiency Topics
There is a wide range of topics that are covered in GMAT Data Sufficiency and candidates are allowed several GMAT DS options. The below-mentioned table summarizes the topics covered in GMAT Syllabus that come under data sufficiency:
| Arithmetic | Algebra | Geometry |
|---|---|---|
| Multiples and Factors | Monomials, polynomials | Triangle |
| Number Properties | Functions | Lines and angles |
| Fractions | Exponents | Quadrilaterals |
| Decimals | Quadratic equations | Circles |
| Percentage | Inequalities and basic statistics | Rectangular solids and cylinders |
| Power and Roots | GMAT Algebra expressions and equations | Coordinate geometry |
| Average | Permutation and combination | - |
| Probability | Arithmetic and geometric progressions | - |
| Set Theory | - | - |
| Mixtures and allegations | - | - |
| Ratio and proportion | - | - |
| Descriptive Statistics | - | - |
| Pipes, cisterns, and work time | - | - |
| Speed, time, distance | - | - |
| Simple and Compounded Interest | - | - |
What is Data Sufficiency Questions Testing?
Data sufficiency questions are usually refined questions for GMAT. Candidates while solving these questions do not actually understand the hints and find the questions complex. Data sufficiency is more constructive and logical questions than the actual GMAT math questions.
GMAT data sufficiency options particularly test the followings:
- 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
Candidates undergoing confusion associated with solving GMAT Data Sufficiency Problems can undertake the following measures demonstrated in the example:
Is x > 10?
(1) x > 9
(2) x > 11
In all data sufficiency questions, the GMAT DS options appear like:
A) (1) is enough, (2) is not
B) (2) is enough, (1) is not
C) You need both statements
D) (1) is enough alone and (2) is enough alone
E) You can’t answer the question
The following steps will help candidates to solve data sufficiency problems:
- Study the question to know what specifically needs to be solved
- Find the information you need to solve problem
- Take the first statement and see if it is enough to solve problem
- Similarly, take the second statement and notice if the data is enough to solve problem
- Next, study both the statements and notice if the data is enough to solve the problem
The above diagram helps candidates follow a path while evaluating the data sufficiency questions and choosing the correct answer from the GMAT DS options.
GMAT Data Sufficiency Samples
Data sufficiency practice questions with answers and explanations will help candidates in their preparation for the GMAT. Here in the table given below is data sufficiency practice questions for better understanding.
Data Sufficiency Tricks
GMAT Data Sufficiency questions require constant practicing. Thus, data sufficiency tricks are necessary for candidates to undertake appropriate GMAT preparation. It helps to develop a practice of thoroughly understanding and knowing the answer choices. Undertaking repeated practice will help with an easier understanding of GMAT Data sufficiency problems. Below mentioned are some of the GMAT data sufficiency preparation strategies and data sufficiency tricks:
- Be clear while choosing data sufficiency options in GMAT.
- Remember that crucial information is always hidden in the question stem.
- One should determine the type of data sufficiency questions.
- Undertake elimination process to solve GMAT data sufficiency questions reasoning.
- Undertake effective calculation to answer the questions.
- Undertake real numbers to answer the questions in the place of variables in equations.
- Review your answers as effectively as possible. Undertake GMAT arithmetic before the test.
- Plan your study. Candidates can adapt to a GMAT study plan for GMAT Data Sufficiency preparation.
Data Sufficiency Practice Questions
Candidates can undertake GMAT preparation with hardcore GMAT practice papers. There are several data sufficiency options in GMAT. Candidates can undertake several data sufficiency mock tests to develop their skills. Below mentioned are some of the practice papers that can be undertaken by candidates to practice GMAT data sufficiency questions:
GMAT 2024 : 27 Answered QuestionsView All
Ans. Generally speaking anything above 750 is a good score for admission to IBS Hyderabad. But even a high GMAT score does not guarantee admission to IBS Hyderabad because the shortlisting is profile-based. GMAT score is just a part of the entire selection process. You need to improvise your profile by working on other aspects also like essays profile academics extracurricular activities Academics: Your 12th class marks graduation grades, post-graduation, and certification scores along with the GMAT cutoff is considered in your academic profile. Leadership: The leadership skills of the aspirants are tested on the basis of their prior achievements and roles. Personal attributes: This comprises your personal qualities like hobbies, talents, and extracurricular skills. Aspirants from diverse work experiences, cultures, and educational backgrounds are welcomed at IBS Hyderabad. So along with preparing well for GMAT, give importance to these parameters as well to increase your chances of admission. Read more
Ans. In case you are enquiring about the CAT percentile let me clarify that ISB Hyderabad does not take into consideration CAT scores. It accepts GMAT/GRE scores only. Most importantly, the ISB Shortlisting process is profile-based. This means even with a lower percentile you can manage to get shortlisted provided you have an excellent profile. There is no fixed cutoff for GMAT. However, a 700+ GMAT score isn't a must-have for ISB if your application is strong in other areas. According to an ISB spokesperson, candidates were admitted to the 2021 cohort with scores as low as 580, and as high as 780. So the GMAT score range for ISB is 580-780. Read more
Ans. Yes, it certainly is worth paying a hefty fee of 30k for GMAT coaching at Crack ISB Hyderabad. The quality of trainers and the certainty of admission is what draw the candidates here. While there are many institutes that specialize in training for the CAT, very few institutes offer training for GMAT. Crack ISB Hyderabad has many features that have made it so popular and demanding among GMAT aspirants The peer group is a productive and effective group discussion is possible The institute gives the admission essay reviews free of cost while most institutes charge around 20-25k The quality of editing is much better at this Institute mainly because the faculty comprises alumni of top B Schools So it’s better to pay more for quality education than pay less or the same for substandard education. But remember an Institute can just prepare you for your entrance exam. It’s upon you to put in maximum effort and achieve your goals. Read more
Ans. There is hardly any B-school in India that accepts GMAT scores for full-time MBA. IIMs, FMS, XLRI, JBIMS, IIFT, MDI, etc. are some of the institutions that accept GMAT scores. However, students applying through a foreign national quota or NRI quota are eligible for GMAT score. ISB on the other hand accepts the GMAT for its full-time program MBA program. Here is the list of some B-Schools that accepts GMAT scores in India XLRI, Jamshedpur XIM, Bhubaneswar VIT Business School TISS, Mumbai TERI School of Advanced Sciences, TERI University TASMAC, Pune TAPMI, Manipal School of Management, Udaipur School of Management, NMIMS, Mumbai School of Management, International Institute of Management This is why most students go for CAT, XAT, SNAP, and other management exams for admission in MBA. Only foreign nationals or students with NRI Quota can apply through GMAT. Read more
Ans. Yes, ISB Hyderabad’s PGP program requires a minimum of 2 years of full-time paid work experience. This criteria came into force on 31st March 2016 and is still a necessity. For candidates who lack in this aspect, there is a back door entry called the Early Entry Option or the EEOs. Under this, you can apply right away, go through the selection process, and receive the admission offer but join only after working for 2 years. This can also be referred to as Deferred admission. Read more
Ans. More than 140 Business Schools in India accept GMAT scores. Here is a list of popular B-School that accept GMAT scores. IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX) IIM Bangalore (EPGP) IIM Calcutta (PGPEx) IIM Indore (EPGP) IIM Kozhikode (EPGP) IIM Lucknow (IPMAX) XLRI Jamshedpur MDI Gurgaon IMT Ghaziabad IIFT Delhi FMS Deli ISB Hyderabad/Mohali Many other reputed B-School across the country also accept GMAT scores. Read more
Ans. Very few universities in Canada offer MBA without GMAT scores. They will consider other factors as eligibility criteria such as work experience for selection. York University’s Schulich of School of Business, McMaster University’s Degroote School of Business are some of the most reputed business schools in Canada that offer MBA without GMAT. Other than these, other universities offering MBA without GMAT are New York Institute of Technology, Thompson Rivers University, Lakehead University, Wilfrid Laurier University. You have the option to apply for executive MBAs without a GMAT score, too. Read more
Ans. IIM Shillong accepts GMAT scores of only for International students for the PGP flagship program The Executive PGP program For International students who are targeting the PGP flagship program, the cutoff is as follows Category SSC Percentage HSC percentage General 80 80 EWS 80 80 DA 50 50 ST 50 50 SC 55 55 So a good GMAT score for an International student is anything above 700. For the Executive program too, a GMAT score of 700+ is a good target. If your profile is average you can target a higher GMAT score. Read more
Ans. There are many business schools in India that require GMAT scores at the time of admission. Some of the top business schools with requiring GMAT scores in India are: Institute Name GMAT Score ISB, Hyderabad & Mohali 730 or higher S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai 550 IIM Ahmedabad 711 School of Management, NMIMS Mumbai 600 IIM Bangalore 710 Great Lakes Institute of Management 600 IIM Calcutta 701 XLRI Jamshedpur 710 IIM Lucknow 680 IMT (All campuses) 720 IIM Indore 700 ICFAI Business School (Hyderabad & Mumbai) 700 IIM Kozhikode 700 A few other institutes include - MDI Gurgaon, FMS Delhi, Sunstone Business School Noida, ISB Indore, and more. Read more
Ans. I know this decision is a bit difficult to make. What you need to keep in mind is that these two colleges should not be compared to other great IIMs or even ISBs. Those B Schools are at another level and cannot be on par with Kashipur or Raipur. To facilitate a better decision, I will mention the circumstances of these B Schools then you can choose after considering all options. IIM Indore and IIM Kashipur: Both these colleges are not worth a year drop as they will help you earn only an extra 1.5-2 LPA. Moreover, in the coming years, Kashipur and Raipur will have almost the same brand value as that Indore and Kozhikode. IIM Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Lucknow and Bangalore: All these top IIMs are definitely worth a year's drop provided that you are confident enough to cope with the cutoff. All these IIMs consider your academics while selecting so if that is your reason for the year drop I don’t think it will help. There is no surety of admission even after a percentile of 100. ISB: This one is at a whole different level and is in the category of elite B Schools like UCB, NYU, HBS, etc. The top-notch faculty offers amazing pedagogy at relatively low fees. CAT is sufficient for IIMs. But if you want to go for ISB, a work experience of 4+ years and a GMAT are a must. Read more
*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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