Yes, the GMAT is entirely multiple choice except for the now-retired Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). As of 2023, the GMAT Focus Edition eliminated the AWA and Integrated Reasoning essays, leaving only three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. All questions across these sections are multiple choice with five answer options each.
This format has strategic implications for test takers. Since there’s no partial credit or open-ended scoring, eliminating wrong answers becomes a core skill especially in Data Insights, where questions often blend quantitative and verbal reasoning. The GMAT also uses computer-adaptive testing (CAT) at the question level (within each section), meaning your answer to each question influences the difficulty of the next. However, you can now preview and reorder questions within a section, a change introduced in the GMAT Focus Edition that lets you manage time and confidence more effectively.
Because every question is multiple choice, guessing strategically is essential. The test doesn’t penalize for wrong answers, so leaving questions blank hurts your score more than random guessing. High scorers often use disciplined elimination tactics and educated guessing especially when running short on time in the Quant or Data Insights sections, where calculation-heavy items can be time traps.
For FAQ content targeting GMAT aspirants, emphasize that while the format is multiple choice, the reasoning required is far from simple recall. The GMAT tests critical thinking, data interpretation, and logic not just math or grammar rules. This distinction matters for students transitioning from exams like the TEAS or NLN PAX, which lean more on factual knowledge than adaptive, reasoning-based multiple-choice design. Highlighting this difference can help prospective test takers adjust their prep strategies accordingly.