The GMAT Focus Edition's introduction left many test-takers apprehensive about what new changes it will bring to their preparation strategies and exam experience. If you are one of the numerous individuals aspiring for graduate management programs at top business schools, or B-schools, then you are likely no stranger to this feeling. Administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT exam is the most widely accepted business school entrance exam. The new GMAT Focus exam, its evolved version, is a 'focused exam' for easier preparation and reduced study load. This new exam version is meant to enhance your test-taking experience. Let us understand how!
Accepted by more than 7,700 programs at over 2,400 business schools worldwide, the GMAT exam is the gold standard in assessing one’s abilities to pursue advanced business degrees. The classic GMAT was accessible until early 2024. After that , the GMAT Exam Focus Edition took the center stage as the sole GMAT exam available now. However, your GMAT exam scores will continue to be valid for five years.
The focused exam, called the GMAT Focus Edition, is tailored for the demands of today's graduate management programs. It includes:
While the GMAT Focus exam requires some adjustment in preparation strategies, the changes are generally beneficial for test-takers. Here are some key changes:
|
Classic GMAT Duration |
GMAT Focus Duration |
|
3 hours and 7 minutes |
2 hours and 15 minutes |
In the new GMAT, all three sections — Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights — contribute equally to the total score, unlike the classic GMAT, where only the Quant and Verbal sections were counted. Each section is scored on a scale of 60-90 in the focused exam.
|
Classic GMAT Scoring Range |
GMAT Focus Scoring Range |
|
200-800 |
205-805 |
|
Classic GMAT Scoring Range |
GMAT Focus Scoring Range |
|
|
All in all, the GMAT Focus exam makes your journey to top schools across the world more efficient and flexible. It is one hour shorter, but it tests your skills around highly-relevant, business-centric topics. To secure your future with world-class business education, let the GMAT Focus Edition be your compass to success.
The revamped GMAT Focus Edition will bring about changes across various dimensions, including the test format, duration, scoring methodology, and other features. These GMAT changes aim to enhance the overall GMAT experience. In this new iteration, there will be three distinct sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights. Each of these sections will grant test-takers a generous 45 minutes, effectively reducing the overall test duration by nearly an hour. Below is a table summarizing key distinctions:
|
Aspects |
GMAT Focus Edition |
GMAT Exam |
|
Structure |
3 sections (64 questions), completed in the order of your choosing: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights. |
4 sections (80 questions), completed in a choice of 3 section orders: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing. |
|
Duration |
2 hours, 15 minutes |
3 hours, 7 minutes |
|
Review & Edit |
Bookmark and review as many of your answers as you want, and you can change up to 3 responses per section. |
Not applicable. |
|
Total Score Scale |
205–805 |
200–800 |
|
Sections Weightage |
All 3 sections are weighted equally towards your total score. |
Only 2 sections, Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning, are weighted equally towards your total score. |
|
Viewing Your Score |
View your unofficial score immediately following the exam. Official Score Reports can be accessed online typically within 3-5 business days.* |
View your unofficial score immediately following the exam. Official Score Reports can be accessed online typically within 7-10 business days.* |
|
Score Sending |
Send 5 free score reports to programs within 48 hours of receiving your Official Score Report. Additional score reports are available for a fee. |
Test Center: Select up to 5 programs before your exam to receive your Official Score Report at no charge. Online: Send 5 free score reports to programs within 48 hours of receiving your Official Score Report. Additional score reports are available for a fee. |
|
Scores Validity |
5 years |
5 years |
|
Appointment Availability |
Appointments available up to 7 days a week at a test center or around the clock for exams delivered online. Can be scheduled up to 6 months in advance. |
Appointments available up to 7 days a week at a test center or around the clock for exams delivered online. Can be scheduled up to 6 months in advance. |
|
Reschedule and Cancel |
Reschedule and cancel fees based on location, currency, and advance notice. |
Reschedule and cancel fees based on location, currency, and advance notice. |
|
Exam Attempts |
5 attempts permitted in a rolling 12-month period and 8 attempts in a lifetime across both exam versions. |
5 attempts permitted in a rolling 12-month period and 8 attempts in a lifetime across both exam versions. |
|
Cost |
GMAT Focus Edition fees will be at parity with the GMAT Exam. |
GMAT Focus Edition fees will be at parity with the GMAT Exam. |
|
Scratch Work Resources |
Test Center: 5 laminated pages and 2 dry erase markers are provided. Online: A physical whiteboard, dry erase marker, and eraser are permitted, plus access to a built-in online whiteboard. |
Test Center: 5 laminated pages and 2 dry erase markers are provided. Online: A physical whiteboard, dry erase marker, and eraser are permitted, plus access to a built-in online whiteboard. |
|
Accommodations |
Additional testing time, breaks, and access to other resources. |
Additional testing time, breaks, and access to other resources. |
* May take up to 20 days
Source: https://www.mba.com/
The new GMAT Focus Edition introduces a streamlined format designed to evaluate one’s skills for success in graduate management programs. This revamped version comprises three distinct sections:
Notably, the GMAT Focus Edition is a 2-hour and 15-minute endeavor, with the option for a 10-minute break. It comprises a total of 64 questions spread across the three sections as follows:
|
Quantitative Reasoning |
21 questions |
45 minutes |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
23 questions |
45 minutes |
|
Data Insights |
20 questions |
45 minutes |
What's different and particularly worth highlighting is the absence of an essay section in this new format.
The syllabus for the GMAT Exam has undergone significant changes. The focused exam bids farewell to Data Sufficiency questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section and Sentence Correction questions in the Verbal Reasoning section, and introduces an exclusive brand-new addition: the Data Insights section.
The Data Insights segment evaluates your capability to analyze and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios. This section utilizes integrated reasoning and data sufficiency question types to measure digital and data literacy. It encompasses 20 questions that require you to assess multiple sources and types of information, including graphics, numeric data, and verbal content, to make informed decisions.
You'll encounter various question types, including Data Sufficiency (assessing your ability to analyze quantitative problems), Multi-Source Reasoning (evaluating data from multiple sources), Table Analysis (sorting and analyzing data tables), Graphics Interpretation (interpreting graphical data), and Two-Part Analysis (solving complex problems, which can be quantitative, verbal, or a combination of both).
Also Read: Tips to Improve GMAT Data Insights Score
Your total GMAT Exam Focus Edition Score is calculated based on your performance across all three sections, with each section contributing equally to the total score. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) designed this scoring system so that business schools can evaluate candidates' abilities across multiple areas relevant to graduate management education. Please note that comparing your GMAT Focus exam score directly to a GMAT classic score is not accurate due to structural differences.
If you are considering taking the GMAT and wondering which version of the exam to choose, here is the answer for you. Starting Feb 1, 2024, candidates can only take the new GMAT Focus exam. Let’s dive into more details.
The classic GMAT, or the previous version of the exam, had played an important role in business school admissions. Its exam structure consisted of four main sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. The test provided a total score ranging from 200 to 800. However, with the introduction of the new GMAT Focus Edition, the classic GMAT was phased out. This version was available and accepted by business schools only until the beginning of 2024.
If you are applying for any date after 2024, it is crucial to register for the GMAT Focus Edition. By choosing the GMAT Focus Edition, you ensure that your test results align with the most current standards and expectations set by top-tier institutions.
The GMAT Focus Edition, with its more streamlined format and focused content, may require less study time than the traditional GMAT. However, you still need an effective preparation strategy to secure admission to a prestigious business school. You can find preparation programs and sample questions tailored specifically to the GMAT Focus Edition on the official website.
Remember, these tips are just the beginning. There's more to preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition, so don’t forget to check out our GMAT test prep programs!
At Career Launcher, we offer comprehensive coaching programs to help you effectively prepare for the GMAT Focus Edition. Explore our coaching programs:
With our well-planned study plan, you will be able to practice time management effectively. We provide strategies to help you pace your test during each section. Furthermore, our practice tests are designed to simulate the real exam experience. Practicing these will help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Overall, our coaching ensures you are fully prepared and confident for test day.
The GMAT Focus Edition is an updated version designed to meet the changing needs of business schools and applicants. The existing GMAT will still be available until early 2024. Your choice between the two versions should align with your application timeline.
The GMAT exam in 2023 brings about the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition, in which there will be three distinct sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights. With 45 minutes granted to each section, the new iteration effectively reduces the overall test duration by nearly an hour. It is important to check with the official GMAT website or your chosen test center for specific details on changes to the exam structure, scoring, or content.
The new GMAT Focus Edition does not include Data Sufficiency questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section (21 questions in total) and Sentence Correction questions in the Verbal Reasoning section (23 questions in total).
Yes, if you have an existing GMAT score, it will still be valid and accepted for five years.
Yes, the GMAT Exam Focus Edition be delivered at both test centers and online.
Business schools will recognize and accept the GMAT Focus Edition just as they have with the traditional GMAT.
Yes, like the traditional GMAT, the GMAT Focus Edition is also a computer-adaptive test.
You are allowed up to 5 attempts within a consecutive 12-month period and a maximum of 8 attempts throughout your lifetime.