The GMAT exam is one of the important standardised aptitude tests used to obtain admission to the world’s business schools for various programs, particularly MBA courses. Effective November 7th, 2023, the conducting body of the GMAT exam, GMAC, introduced the GMAT Focus Edition to meet the constantly changing needs of the business world.
This exam has incorporated several changes in its pattern and format, which we will discuss in this blog. We will also guide you on how to register, understand the marking system, and prepare effectively.
Table of Contents
What is the GMAT Focus Edition?
- The GMAT Focus edition is the updated version of the GMAT exam (10th edition), introduced by the GMAC in 2024.
- It was launched on 07th November 2023 to serve the demands of the evolving needs of the dynamic business scenarios.
- The classic version of the GMAT (GMAT 10th edition) was officially retired on 31st January 2024.
- The GMAT Focus Edition score is used to assess:
- The aptitude of prospective business school students for various courses, particularly an MBA.
- Their ability to solve complex real-life problems.
- The extent to which they utilise critical thinking, time management, and reasoning skills.
- The eligibility of business school students for various scholarships and financial aid.
Key Features of the GMAT Focus Edition Exam
Here are the some of important features of the GMAT Focus exam
Pick your order: test takers now have the flexibility to choose which section they want to attempt first.
Take a break: A 10-minute break is also provided to the candidates in the new exam edition between the 2nd and 3rd sections.
Review your answers: Test takers can now revise 3 answers per section in order to modify or correct them.
Detailed report: After the test, candidates get a detailed report showing their strengths and weaknesses.
Faster results: Test takers get your results and report within 3-5 days.
GMAT Classic vs GMAT Focus Edition: A Tabulated Comparison
The following is the tabulated comparison between the GMAT Focus and the older version of the GMAT exam.
- The current duration of the GMAT Focus Edition is 2 hours and 25 minutes.
- Previously, the GMAT exam had 4 sections, but the current version now includes only three: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
- The Analytical Writing Assessment has been eliminated, reducing the test duration by 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- The GMAT Focus Edition now requires candidates to answer 64 questions, compared to 80 in the previous version.
| Feature | GMAT Focus Edition | GMAT Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Hours 25 Minutes | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Total Score | 205-805 | 200-800 |
| Sections | 3 | 4 |
| Structure | Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Data Insights | Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Integrated Reasoning Analytical Writing Assessment |
| Total Questions | 64 | 80 |
| Analytical Writing (Essay) | Not included | Included |
| Flexibility | Can review and change answers (up to 3 per section) | Not allowed |
| Revised Syllabus | Sentence correction is eliminated | Part of syllabus |
| Order Selection | Test takers can choose which section they want to attempt first | Not allowed |
| Score Report | Score delivery in 3-5 days | Score delivery in 20 days |
GMAT Focus Edition Pattern & Format
- The GMAT Focus exam is a full-computer-based test that can be taken both at home and near the test centre.
- It consists of 3 sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and data insights.
- Each section comprises 1 sub-section without a division of questions, like the GRE test.
- The verbal reasoning section requires test takers to attempt 23 questions in 45 minutes.
- The quantitative reasoning section requires test takers to attempt 21 questions in 45 minutes.
- The data insights section requires test takers to attempt 20 questions in 45 minutes.
| Section | Number of Sub-Sections | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 1 | 23 | 45 Minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 1 | 21 | 45 Minutes |
| Data Insights | 1 | 20 | 45 Minutes |
| Total | 3 | 64 | 2 Hours 25 Minutes |
Breakdown of GMAT Focus Edition Sections
Now, let us detail each section of the GMAT Focus exam to understand the nature of questions and test content.
| Section | What Skills Are Tested? |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning & Quantitative Reasoning | Ability to understand words and statements Understand logical relationships between significant points Draw inferences Follow the development of quantitative concepts |
| Data Insights | Evaluation of Data Analysis Data Interpretation Relationships between graphics, numbers, and language |
Verbal Reasoning
- In the verbal reasoning section, reading comprehension and critical reasoning skills are tested.
- The questions are more focused on evaluating higher-order reasoning skills rather than grammatical skills.
- More emphasis is placed on assessing skills like argument evaluation and critical interpretation.
- Questions are now aligned to check the practical application of verbal reasoning in business scenarios.
- Sentence correction questions have been eliminated.
Quantitative Reasoning
- The quantitative section of the GMAT Focus exam measures the candidate’s ability to solve practical problems and interpret quantitative data.
- Data sufficiency and problem-solving questions have been retained.
- The questions are more relevant to the problems that are directly applicable to the business world.
- More emphasis on solving practical problems and interpreting quantitative data.
- Questions now aim to check analytical reasoning rather than rote computation methods.
Data Insights
- This data insights section has replaced the integrated reasoning.
- The section is focused on analysing the skills needed for interpreting the data in real-world scenarios.
- The types of questions under the data insights section are as follows
- Data Sufficiency
- Multi-Source Reasoning
- Table Analysis
- Graphics Interpretation
- Two Parts Analysis
GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus
The GMAT Focus edition syllabus includes the questions from the following topics in 3 sections.
Verbal Reasoning
- Strengthening arguments
- Application questions
- Inference questions
- Logical structure
- Pronoun
- Modifiers
- Idioms
- Adjectives
- Active-Passive voice
- Nouns
- Subject-verb agreement
Quantitative Reasoning
- Inequalities
- Probability
- Triangles
- Algebra
- Quadratic Equations
- Lines and Angles
- Set Theory
- Ratio and Proportion
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentage
- Power and roots
- Mixture and allegations
- Pipe and Cisterns.
Data Insights
- Data Sufficiency
- Table Analysis
- Two-part Analyses
- Graphics Interpretation
- Data Sufficiency
How Does the Scoring System of the GMAT Focus Exam Work?
- The GMAT Focus exam contains 61 score levels between 205 and 805.
- Each section of the GMAT Focus carries its score in the range of 60-90
- The contribution of each section score to the total score is equally weighted across sections.
- The GMAT Focus Edition has a total score range of 205 (0 percentile) to 805 (100 percentile), making it easier to distinguish between the scores.
How to Register for the GMAT Focus Exam?
Test aspirants can register for the GMAT Focus exam by visiting the official website of MBA(dot)com. For the GMAT Focus test centre format, candidates have to pay USD 275 or INR 24,018/- and for the online format, USD 300 or INR 26,201/- have to be paid.
Preparation Tips for the GMAT Exam
Acing the new GMAT format syllabus requires a well-structured study plan and strategic preparation. Here are some tips to optimise performance and get the desired score
- Take a Diagnostic Test: Gauge your starting point by taking a practice exam or using official diagnostic tools. This helps identify areas requiring the most attention.
- Set a Target Score: Research the average GMAT scores for your target business schools and set a realistic but ambitious target score.
- Develop a Study Schedule: Create a study plan that allocates time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses. Aim for consistent practice across all sections.
- Utilise Official GMAT Prep Materials: The Official Guide and Focus Edition are invaluable resources, providing practice questions, explanations, and insights into the test format.
- Explore Additional Resources: Consider enrolling in GMAT prep courses provided by the Smart Academy.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice across all sections is key. Take advantage of question banks and practice exams to refine your test-taking skills.
- Focus on Time Management: Time management is crucial during the exam. Practice allocating time effectively for each section and question type.
Key Takeaways by Smart Academy
The new version of the GMAT exam (GMAT Focus Edition) is much more relevant than the previous one as it evaluates the candidate comprehensively and holistically. The GMAT exam syllabus can be challenging, but with the proper preparation and strategies, test takers can achieve a score that reflects their capabilities.
Unlike the older version, it assesses the candidate’s reasoning abilities, critical thinking, solving practical problems, etc., in the domain of real-world application.
FAQs
How is the GMAT score calculated?
The score of GMAT Focus Edition is calculated by combining the score of each individual section (which is earned in the range of 60-90) through a complex algorithm. These scores are equally weighted across all the sections.
Can we take the GMAT exam from home?
Yes, candidates can appear in the GMAT exam at home (online), depending on their personal preferences and situations. However, they must maintain the test standard by following GMAC’s instructions.
Is the GMAT Focus Edition available now?
Since February 1, 2024, the GMAT Focus Edition has been available globally for evaluating the academic preparedness of aspirants for business management programs.
Do the IIMs accept the GMAT scores?
Currently, only 8 IIMs out of 21 are accepting the GMAT scores for offering admission into some of their business management programs, including MBA. The IIMs which accept the GMAT scores are located in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Indore, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Shillong, and Udaipur.
What GMAT score is good?
The GMAT score between 700-730 is generally considered good. However, to become a competitive applicant, you should aim to achieve a score of 730+ on the exam, which is possible with the right strategy and preparation.
