Preparing for the GMAT exam in just six weeks requires a highly structured and data-driven study plan. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), over 100,000 candidates take GMAT every year to apply for top MBA and management programs worldwide. With the average preparation time being about three to six months, compressing your study schedule into six weeks means you must prioritize smart strategies, official practice questions, and targeted revision.
This article outlines a GMAT 6-week study planner with daily and weekly milestones, ensuring coverage of all sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Whether you are aiming for a 700+ score or want to strengthen specific weak areas, this plan will help maximize your performance.
- GMAT 2025 Exam Structure and Time Allocation
- GMAT 6-Week Study Planner Overview
- Week 1: GMAT Foundation and Diagnostic Test
- Week 2: Strengthening Quantitative Reasoning
- Week 3: Mastering Verbal Reasoning
- Week 4: Focus on Data Insights
- Week 5: Sectional Practice and Weakness Improvement
- Week 6: Mock Tests and Final Revision
- Recommended GMAT Study Resources (2025)
- Tips for Success in GMAT 6-Week Preparation
- Conclusion
GMAT 2025 Exam Structure and Time Allocation
Before diving into the six-week planner, understanding the exam structure is crucial. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) has recently undergone updates, with the GMAT Focus Edition becoming the primary version in 2025. Below is a breakdown of GMAT Exam Pattern:
Key Insight: GMAC reports that the top 10 global MBA programs often expect a score above 700, with average admitted candidates scoring between 715–735.
GMAT 6-Week Study Planner Overview
A six-week study plan should balance concept building, practice, and mock tests. Since the timeline is short, each week has specific objectives.
Week 1: GMAT Foundation and Diagnostic Test
The first week should focus on understanding the exam format, identifying weak areas, and setting realistic score goals.
- Take an official GMAT practice test from mba.com to get your baseline score.
- Revise basic arithmetic, algebra, and grammar rules.
- Allocate 2–3 hours daily, focusing on Quant and Verbal equally.
Suggested Daily Routine (Week 1):
- 1 hour Quant basics (fractions, percentages, ratios)
- 1 hour Verbal basics (grammar and logic review)
- 1 hour mixed practice + review
Week 2: Strengthening Quantitative Reasoning
Quant contributes significantly to the GMAT score. In week two, focus on high-yield topics.
Topics to Cover:
- Number Properties
- Algebra (equations, inequalities)
- Word Problems
- Data Sufficiency (unique GMAT question type)
Plan:
- 2 hours of Quant practice daily
- Solve at least 20 Quant questions from the official material every day
- Review errors carefully to avoid repetition
Week 3: Mastering Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal section often differentiates top scorers. GMAC data shows non-native speakers typically score lower in Verbal, so practice is essential.
Topics to Cover:
- Critical Reasoning (assumptions, strengthen/weaken)
- Reading Comprehension (short and long passages)
- Sentence Correction (grammar, modifiers, parallelism)
Plan:
- Read editorial articles daily (The Economist, Financial Times) for comprehension practice
- Solve 20–25 Verbal questions daily
- Mix timed and untimed practice
Week 4: Focus on Data Insights
The Data Insights section integrates quantitative, logical, and verbal reasoning with data interpretation.
Topics to Cover:
- Graphs and Charts
- Multi-Source Reasoning
- Two-Part Analysis
- Table Analysis
Plan:
- 1.5 hours daily for Data Insights practice
- Focus on interpreting data quickly under time constraints
- Use GMAC’s official IR practice sets
Week 5: Sectional Practice and Weakness Improvement
By the fifth week, most concepts should be revised. This week is about sectional practice and fine-tuning weak areas.
Plan:
- Take sectional tests (Quant, Verbal, Data Insights separately)
- Focus on accuracy and time management
- Analyze mistakes thoroughly and maintain an error log
Week 6: Mock Tests and Final Revision
The last week was critical for building exam stamina. GMAC recommends taking full-length official practice tests under timed conditions.
Plan:
- Take 3–4 full-length GMAT mock tests across the week
- Revise key formulas, grammar rules, and test strategies
- Avoid starting new topics, focus on consolidating learning
Daily Routine (Week 6):
- Mock test (2 hours 45 minutes)
- 2 hours of error analysis and review
Recommended GMAT Study Resources (2025)
To maximize results, rely on official GMAC materials and selective third-party guides.
- GMAT Official Guide 2025 (mba.com)
- GMATPrep Software (Free practice exams by GMAC)
- Manhattan Prep GMAT books
- Target Test Prep (for Quant-heavy prep)
- Magoosh GMAT online course (affordable option)
Tips for Success in GMAT 6-Week Preparation
- Stick to a strict schedule—avoid skipping daily practice.
- Focus more on weak areas while maintaining strengths.
- Track improvement using practice test scores.
- Use INR 25,000–30,000 wisely for prep materials instead of buying too many resources.
- Stay consistent with sleep and nutrition, as cognitive endurance matters.
Conclusion
Completing your GMAT preparation in six weeks is challenging but achievable with the right structure. By following this GMAT 6-week study planner, balancing Quant, Verbal, Data Insights, and full-length mocks, you can target a 700+ score required for top global MBA programs in 2025–2026.
A disciplined approach, regular practice with official GMAT material, and consistent evaluation will maximize your chances of admission to prestigious business schools.