Are you planning to apply to a top business school abroad? GMAT is the global entrance test for MBA admissions, with over 7000 programs accepting GMAT scores. But are you aware of the new GMAT Focus Edition, an upgraded version of the standard GMAT exam? This updated edition has begun testing on November 7, 2023. The classic GMAT has been phased out from January 31, 2024. From February 1, 2024, the GMAT Focus Edition is the only edition available.
This change has prompted many prospective students to ask, “What is the GMAT focus exam structure?", How is the GMAT Focus Edition score calculated?”, “Should I take the original GMAT or this new version?", and many more. To clear all your concerns on this new GMAT edition, we have curated all the details about the GMAT Focus edition in this blog. Read this blog till the end to understand the exam pattern, syllabus, how to calculate scores, and many more necessary things.
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What is the GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition is designed to test skills that are highly important to business and management programs. It assesses critical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, along with the data sufficiency, logic, analysis skills that are vital to real-world business and management success.
As the business environment changes rapidly, so do the abilities required to succeed. To guarantee that the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) maintains a credible and accurate measure of these skills, the GMAC has announced a significant test revision and the development of a brand-new GMAT test known as GMAT Focus.
The GMAT Focus Edition began on November 7, 2023, and is currently the only version available. The classic version has been unavailable since February 1, 2024.
What Are the Changes with the New GMAT Focus Edition 2024?
There are seven major changes in the GMAT format. Read below to understand all the changes in detail:
Change 1: Three sections instead of Four
The GMAT Focus Edition 2024 introduces a significant change to the exam structure, removing the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. The exam will still assess Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning abilities but with more emphasis on higher-order reasoning skills, particularly in the Verbal Reasoning section. This adjustment reflects the evolving needs of business schools and employers, who seek candidates with high levels of critical reasoning and data literacy skills. The new exam will continue to assess candidates' abilities in these areas.
Change 2: New Data Insights Section
The new GMAT focus edition introduces a new Data Insights section, designed to evaluate candidates' competency in data analysis and interpretation. This section integrates Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency question types, focusing on digital and data literacy, a crucial skill in today's business environment. The section consists of 20 questions, prompting candidates to evaluate the relationship between various sources and types of information, such as graphics, numbers, and language, to arrive at informed decisions.
The Data Insights section includes different question types, such as Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis. The GMAT Focus edition aims to provide business schools and employers with a more comprehensive assessment of candidates' skills in areas relevant to the future business environment.
The data insights section is now 50% longer than the current IR section, allowing the GMAC to evaluate candidates' data literacy skills in greater depth. The section is also set to be on par with the Quantitative and Verbal sections, which are the most discerning sections of the current GMAT. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are scored from 6 to 51, allowing the test to evaluate candidates on 46 levels (51-6+1). This emphasizes the importance of data literacy skills in the modern business world.
Change 3: Shorter test duration
The GMAT Focus edition is shorter than the current GMAT, with a total test time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. The new exam consists of three 45-minute sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Removing Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section reduces the total test time by almost an hour, making it more efficient and less time-consuming for candidates. The shorter test duration may also reduce test-taking fatigue, allowing candidates to perform at their best throughout the exam. The new test format provides a streamlined assessment of critical reasoning and data literacy skills.
Change 4: Simplified/Shorter and more application-focused preparation
The GMAC claims that the new GMAT Focus edition will help students prepare faster for the exam by removing the AWA section and reducing content for preparation. This will allow candidates to focus on mastering the most critical concepts and skills required to succeed in the exam, rather than requiring time spent on this section. The GMAC claims that it is not a hard change.
Change 5: The option to review the questions and edit the answers is now available
The GMAT focus edition now allows candidates to bookmark and review multiple questions, with the ability to change up to three answers per section. This change aims to optimize the test strategy, but the impact on the computer adaptability of the test remains uncertain.
Change 6: Detailed and improved official score report that is included with the registration
The GMAT has introduced an improved official score report, similar to an ESR, which candidates can now purchase for $30 (INR 2500) to gain detailed performance insights, allowing them to assess their strengths and focus areas.
Change 7: Content changes in the Quantitative and Verbal reasoning
The GMAC has announced content changes for the new GMAT exam, focusing on Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. The verbal section will have 23 questions instead of 36, and sentence correction questions will be removed. The quantitative section will feature problem-solving questions, with data-sufficiency questions moved to the Data Insights section. Geometry will no longer be tested in this section, which focuses on arithmetic and algebra. The quantitative section will have 21 questions, entirely based on problem-solving. These changes aim to improve students' comprehension, analysis, and reasoning abilities.
Comparison between GMAT Focus Edition vs. GMAT Exam
The comparison between features of the GMAT Focus edition and the original GMAT exam is given below to help you understand the difference between them.
|
Feature |
GMAT Focus Edition 2024 |
GMAT Exam |
|
Exam Cost |
$275 (INR 22,920) |
$275 (INR 22,920) |
|
Exam duration |
2 hours 15 minutes |
3 hours 7 minutes |
|
Sections |
Quantitative reasoning, Verbal reasoning, Data insights |
Quantitative reasoning, Verbal reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical writing assessment |
|
Question type |
All multiple-choice questions |
Multiple choice questions + One essay |
|
Individual section duration |
3 sections of 45 minutes each |
Quantitative reasoning- 62 minutes; Verbal reasoning- 65 minutes; IR- 30 minutes; AWA- 30 minutes |
|
Section order |
Any order possible |
Order 1- AWA and IR> Quant> Verbal; Order 2- Verbal> Quant> IR and AWA; Order 3- Quant> Verbal> IR and AWA |
|
Flexibility |
Bookmark and review as many questions as possible; Change up to 3 answers per section |
No option to bookmark, edit, or review questions |
|
Score sending |
You can send scores to 5 schools for free after knowing your score in the online and test center exams. |
You can send scores to five schools for free before starting the exam |
|
Performance insights |
Improved official score report with detailed insights into your performance |
You can get insights into your performance by purchasing the ESR at an additional cost of $30 (INR 2500) |
GMAT Focus Score Chart
The GMAT Focus Edition, a new version of the GMAT exam, offers innovative features and shares similarities with the classic exam's scoring system. Both versions have 61 scoring levels, and they do a comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s abilities. The GMAT Focus Edition's total score ranges from 205 to 805, allowing easier differentiation between the two.
|
GMAT Focus Edition |
Classic GMAT |
|
|
Number of Ability levels |
61 |
61 |
|
Score Scales |
205-805 |
200-800 |
What is the GMAT Score Range?
The new GMAT comprises three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights, each with a scaled score. A table with the GMAT score breakdown is provided.
|
GMAT Section |
Scaled Score |
Mean Score |
|
Quantitative |
60 – 90 |
77.71 |
|
Verbal |
60 – 90 |
78.99 |
|
Data Insights |
60 – 90 |
74.41 |
When Did the GMAT Focus Edition Start?
The GMAT Focus Edition started from February 1, 2024, after the GMAT Exam's previous version was discontinued on January 31, 2024.
-
Official Prep for GMAT Focus Available from June 6, 2023
-
Registration Opened from August 29, 2023
-
Testing Started from November 7, 2023
GMAT Focus Edition- Exam Structure and Syllabus
The GMAT Focus Edition 2024 has three sections. A detailed overview of all three sections is shown in the table below:
|
Feature |
Verbal Reasoning |
Quantitative Reasoning |
Data Insights |
|
No. of questions |
23 |
21 |
20 |
|
Section duration |
45 minutes |
45 minutes |
45 minutes |
|
Question types |
Reading Comprehension Critical Reasoning |
Problem Solving Algebra and Arithmetic |
Data Sufficiency Multi-source Reasoning Table Analysis Graphics Interpretation Two-Part Analysis |
Is GMAT Focus Edition Adaptive?
The GMAT Focus is an adaptive exam that adjusts its difficulty based on answers, similar to the original GMAT. However, unlike the original GMAT, it allows up to three changes per section, aiming to reduce test-taker stress. This constraint encourages decision-making, as the initial, thought-out choice is often optimal. The GMAT Focus allows users to alter their answers only if they realize an error or recall new information. If the user is torn between two answers, an additional 30 seconds may not help. The GMAT Focus encourages users to stick with their first choice, especially if they are doubting due to internal anxieties.
Conclusion
The GMAT exam is a gateway to top business and management programs worldwide. Its comprehensive assessment of critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills ensures the selection of students with the potential to excel in demanding business environments. GMAT opens doors to exciting opportunities, prestigious institutions, and increased earning potential, propelling you toward a successful career. But with the change in the structure of the GMAT Exam, you should be aware of the new exam pattern. Candidate should be familiar with new exam guidelines and their intricacies.
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