GMAT Focus Edition: Complete Guide for 2024 B-School Aspirants

GMAT Focus Edition is a redesigned and shorter version of the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). It replaces the traditional three-hour GMAT exam with effect from 1st February 2024. It offers a more valid prediction of whether a candidate can succeed at business school.

It evaluates skills like data analytics that are more relevant today. Let’s take you through all the changes and updates that GMAT Focus Edition has implemented.  

GMAT Focus Edition Release Date 

GMAC, or Graduate Management Admission Council, launched the GMAT Focus Edition on the 7th of November, 2023. Appointments for the examination are already available currently. Its registrations started from 29th August, 2023. 

The traditional GMAT exam was available till 31st January, 2024. From 1st February 2024, GMAT Focus Edition is the only version available. 

GMAT Focus Edition Pattern

The GMAT Focus Edition is the shortest-ever GMAT examination with a duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

There are just three sections of 45 minutes each and a tpt of 64 questions. All the questions are multiple-choice; there is no writing assessment section. 

Here is a glimpse into the examination pattern. 

Question Review & Edit Tool in GMAT Focus Edition 

There are several new upgrades, including the Question Review and Edit tool. This is one of the most useful features introduced in the test. It enables greater control over the answers that you provide, allowing you to edit your responses seamlessly in every section. 

Here’s the use of the tool:

• You can bookmark the question of any section that you would want to review later on.
• Once you’re done answering questions in a particular section, you will proceed to the Question Review & Edit screen. However, if time has run out for the section, then you will move to the next section. 
• The Question Review & Edit screen will show the questions that you have bookmarked. You can go to the specific question by clicking on it. 
• You can review as many questions as you want.
• You can edit up to three answers. 

GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus

Here is a glimpse into the syllabus of the GMAT focus edition. 

GMAT Focus Edition Implications of Reduced Syllabus

The earlier GMAT had four sections that included multiple-choice questions and one essay writing. However, now the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections still exist in the GMAT Focus Edition. 

Whereas the Integrated Reasoning (IR) and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) sections have been removed and a new Data Insights section has been introduced that comprises 20 questions. 

This has reduced the number of questions and exam duration to 2 hours and 15 minutes, which was 3 hours and 7 minutes earlier. With reduced preparation content and the elimination of the AWA section, you can now prepare swiftly for the test. 

GMAT Focus Edition and MBA Admissions

GMAT Focus Edition will have the same recognition as the earlier version. It is acceptable across 7,700+ programs at 2,400 universities and institutions spanning 110 countries. 

The importance of this business-focused exam can be gauged by the fact that 9 out of 10 MBA enrollments are done using GMAT scores. It measures critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis abilities which are highly relevant for business school. 

It predicts your ability to excel in MBA or business school programs. 

Should Students Wait for Release of GMAT Focus Edition

Candidates will already be taking the GMAT Focus Edition from February, 2024. Those who had already started preparing for the examination based on the earlier format need not worry. 

This is because the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are the same. Additionally, they do not have to worry about the AWA section anymore since it is no longer present in the test. 

Instead of the IR section, there is now a new Data Insights section that they can focus more on, instead of practicing their essays. 

They should take a practice examination and look at the structural changes to get more comfortable with the new timings and format. GMAT Focus Official Practice Questions will also help in enhancing performance throughout all the sections. 

These are some of the key aspects of the GMAT Focus Edition that you should know more about. The GMAT is now available in a leaner and more agile avatar that you should definitely embrace. Start preparing in full earnest today!

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