GMAT Sample Papers 2026: Download GMAT Question Papers & Previous Year Papers (PDF)

Q: The City Opera House occupies a rectangular building with a total volume of 9,600 cubic feet. If the expanded Opera House is 2.5 times as long, wide, and deep as the original building, what will be the new volume?

Answer: 150,000 cubic feet

Explanation:

• Each dimension increases by a factor of 2.5
• Volume increases by 2.5³ = 15.625
• New volume = 9,600 × 15.625
• Result = 150,000 cubic feet

Q: In a university club of 200 members, the number of Political Science majors is 50 less than four times the number of International Relations majors. One-fifth of the members are neither major, and no member is enrolled in both majors. How many members are International Relations majors?

Answer: 42 members

Explanation:

• One-fifth of 200 = 40 members who are neither major
• Remaining members = 200 − 40 = 160
• Let International Relations majors = x
• Political Science majors = 4x − 50
• Equation → x + (4x − 50) = 160
• 5x = 210
• x = 42

Q: A trader sells two items at the same price. He makes a 20% profit on the first item and a 20% loss on the second item. What is his overall percentage profit or loss?

Answer: 4% loss

Explanation:

• This is a common GMAT trap when equal profit and loss percentages are applied.
• When the selling price is the same for both items, the result is always a net loss.
• Formula: Net loss % = (common %)² / 100
• Calculation: (20 × 20) / 100 = 4%
• Final result → 4% overall loss

The study of cetacean intelligence has expanded our understanding of dolphin behaviour. Although dolphins are widely regarded as intelligent animals, researchers have not reached definitive conclusions about the full extent of their intelligence. However, scientists do understand how dolphins communicate and behave in groups.

Dolphins produce two main types of sounds: clicks and whistles. Clicks are primarily used for echolocation, helping dolphins navigate and locate objects. Whistles are used for communication, including contact calls between individuals. Research also shows that dolphins rely on highly organised communication when responding to predators, allowing them to move together in near-unison.

Q: Based on the passage, dolphins primarily use clicks to:

Answer: Locate objects and navigate their surroundings (echolocation).

Explanation:

• The passage states that clicks are used for echolocation.
• Echolocation helps dolphins navigate and locate objects.
• This is a direct detail question where the answer is explicitly mentioned in the passage.
• Avoid the trap of choosing communication, which refers to whistles, not clicks.

Q: What is the primary purpose of the passage?

Answer: To explain how dolphins communicate and coordinate their behaviour.

Explanation:

• The passage begins by mentioning dolphin intelligence in general.
• However, the main discussion focuses on communication methods such as clicks and whistles.
• It also explains how dolphins coordinate group behaviour when responding to predators.
• Therefore, the passage is explanatory, not comparative or argumentative.
• Eliminate options suggesting the author is trying to argue or challenge something, since the passage presents information rather than a debate.

Q: A study found that employees who work from home are 25% more productive than those who work in an office. The company, therefore, concluded that switching all employees to remote work will increase total productivity by 25%. Which of the following is an assumption the company is making?

Answer: The productivity gains observed in the study apply equally to all types of employees and roles.

Explanation:

• The conclusion assumes that results from a specific study group apply to all employees.
• If certain roles (for example, collaborative or hands-on roles) do not benefit from remote work, the 25% productivity increase would not apply universally.
• This means the argument relies on the assumption that the productivity gains are consistent across all job types.
• To test the assumption, negate it: "Productivity gains do NOT apply equally to all roles."
• If this is true, the company’s conclusion collapses, confirming that it is the necessary assumption.

Q: Mrs Brown is dividing 50 students into 3 groups for a class project. How many students are in the largest group?

Statement 1: The total number of students in the two smaller groups equals the number in the largest group.

Statement 2: The smallest group contains 6 students.

Answer: Statement (1) alone is sufficient; Statement (2) alone is not sufficient.

Explanation:

• Statement 1: If the two smaller groups together equal the largest group and the total is 50, then the largest group must be 25 students. This gives a unique answer, so the statement is sufficient.
• Statement 2: Knowing the smallest group has 6 students does not determine how the remaining 44 students are divided between the other groups, so it is not sufficient.
• Therefore, the correct choice is (A).

Data Table:

HR ₹48,000 | Finance ₹52,000 | Marketing ₹60,000 | Operations ₹75,000 | IT ₹65,000

Q: The company plans to reduce expenses by 10% only for departments spending more than the overall average. Which departments will see a reduction?

Answer: Operations and IT only.

Explanation:

• Step 1: Calculate the overall average.
• (48,000 + 52,000 + 60,000 + 75,000 + 65,000) ÷ 5 = ₹60,000
• Step 2: Identify departments spending above the average.
• Operations = ₹75,000 and IT = ₹65,000.
• Marketing equals the average (₹60,000), so it is not included.
• Therefore, the departments that will see a reduction are Operations and IT.

Q: A project can be completed by Worker A in 12 days and by Worker B in 18 days. If they work together for 4 days and then Worker A leaves, how many additional days will Worker B need to complete the remaining work? In the table, identify the fraction of work completed together and the additional days needed.

Answer: Work completed together = 5/9 | Additional days needed by B = 8 days

Explanation:

• Step 1: Combined work rate = 1/12 + 1/18.
• 1/12 + 1/18 = 3/36 + 2/36 = 5/36 per day.
• Step 2: Work completed in 4 days = 4 × 5/36 = 20/36 = 5/9.
• Step 3: Remaining work = 1 − 5/9 = 4/9.
• Step 4: Worker B’s rate = 1/18 per day.
• Additional time needed = (4/9) ÷ (1/18) = (4/9) × 18 = 8 days.