In response to the rapidly evolving business landscape, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is undergoing significant changes. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the organisation responsible for administering the GMAT, has introduced a new version of the GMAT called the GMAT Exam – Focus Edition. This update aims to ensure that the assessment remains reliable and accurate in measuring the skills required for success in today’s dynamic business world.
GMAT Focus is specifically designed to emphasise higher-order critical reasoning skills and data literacy, which are increasingly pertinent and applicable in the future business environment. As the business landscape continues to evolve, professionals must be able to analyse complex information, make data-driven decisions, and think critically to solve problems effectively. These skills are crucial for individuals aspiring to succeed in management and leadership roles.
The introduction of GMAT Focus reflects the commitment of GMAC to adapt the GMAT to meet the demands of the business environment of tomorrow. By aligning the test content with the evolving skill requirements, GMAC aims to provide leading business schools with a reliable indicator of a candidate’s aptitude for the challenges they may encounter in their careers.
The present GMAT exam comprises four sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), and Integrated Reasoning. In contrast, GMAT Focus edition consists of Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
In the GMAT Exam Focus edition, candidates will encounter a total of 64 questions of three 45-minute sections, encompassing 21 questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section, 23 questions in the Verbal Reasoning section, and an additional 20 questions in the newly introduced Data Insights section.
The new Data Insights section assesses the applicant’s ability to analyse and interpret data, evaluate arguments, and draw logical conclusion. The Data Insights section leverages Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency questions to measure a candidate’s ability to think critically and make sound decisions based on available information.
Changes in the GMAT Exam Focus Edition Vs Old/ Current GMAT
The table below represents all the changes that have been made to the GMAT Focus Edition compared to the old/current version of GMAT.
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Contents |
GMAT Exam Focus Edition (New Version) |
GMAT (Current Version) |
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Acceptance |
Accepted for more than 7,700 programs at over 2,400 business schools |
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Structure |
3 sections consisting of 64 questions which can be completed in the order that one chooses: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights. |
4 sections consisting of 80 questions which can be completed in a selection of around 3 section orders: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Integrated Reasoning. |
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Duration |
2 hours and 15 minutes. |
3 hours and 7 minutes. |
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Review & Edit |
Feel free to bookmark and review any of your previous answers. Additionally, you have the ability to modify up to three responses per section. |
NA |
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Total Score Scale |
205-805, All three sections will have an equal weightage towards the total score. |
200-800, Only two sections, Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning, have an equal weightage towards the final score |
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Your score |
Upon completing the exam, you can instantly view your unofficial score. For the official score report, you can access it online usually within 7 business days, although in some cases, it may take up to 20 business days. |
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Score Sending |
After receiving your Official GMAT Score, you can send 5 score reports to programs of your choice free of charge. You must complete this within 48 hours. If you wish to send additional scores, there will be a fee associated with each report. |
Depending on your test-taking method, you have different options for sending score reports: Test Center: Prior to your exam, you can choose up to 5 programs to receive your GMAT Score at no cost. Online: Once you receive your Official Score Report, you have 48 hours to send 5 free score reports to programs of your choice. If you need to send additional scores beyond the allotted number, a fee will be associated with each additional report. |
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Score Validity |
The validity for the scores is up to 5 years. |
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Appointment Availability |
Test takers can schedule appointments at a test centre seven days a week or take online exams anytime, day or night. Appointments can be booked up to six months in advance. |
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Reschedule and Cancel |
Fees for rescheduling and cancellations are determined by your location, currency, and the amount of advance notice provided. |
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Exam Attempts |
You are allowed a maximum of five attempts within a rolling 12-month period and a total of eight attempts throughout your lifetime, including both versions of the exam. |
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Cost |
The fees for the GMAT Exam Focus Edition will be the same as those for the regular GMAT Exam. |
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Scratch Work Resources |
● At the test centre, you will be provided with five laminated pages and two dry-erase markers. ● For online exams, you are allowed to use a physical whiteboard, a dry-erase marker, and an eraser. Additionally, you will have access to a built-in online whiteboard. |
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Accommodations |
You will have access to different resources, such as testing times, breaks, and more. |
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When Will The New GMAT Focus Edition Be Available?
The current version of the GMAT exam will continue to be available until early next year, allowing applicants to conveniently continue their ongoing preparation and submit applications for business school. Furthermore, specific timeframes have been established for various GMAT Focus Official Prep activities, including registration and appointment availability:
- Official Prep is now available
- Registration Starts: August 29, 2023
- Testing Begins: Q4 2023
GMAT Exam Focus Edition FAQs
- What should I do if I am already preparing for GMAT?
If your intention is to take the GMAT in 2023, it is advisable to opt for the current version of the GMAT and not be concerned about the newly introduced GMAT Exam Focus Edition. Your GMAT score will be valid for 5 years. - How can I prepare for the GMAT Exam Focus Edition?
The official test prep material for the new gmat format is now available. - Till when will the old GMAT be available?
The old GMAT applications will close in early Q1 of 2024. - What are the changes in the Verbal Reasoning section?
The Sentence Correction questions will be completely eliminated, and the Verbal section will now consist solely of Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions. Moreover, the Verbal section will now include 23 questions, as opposed to the previous count of 36. - What are the changes in the Quantitative Reasoning section?
The Quantitative section will only consist of Problem-Solving questions. All questions baed on geometry have been removed. The questions will be based on arithmetic and algebra. - What is the Data Insights Section?
Data Insights utilizes Integrated Reasoning (IR) and Data Sufficiency question types to evaluate a newly calibrated dimension of digital and data literacy, which is considered one of the most relevant and applicable in the business environment.
For the GMAT Exam- Focus Edition Official Study Planner, click here.