GMAT Focus Edition: GMAT Focus Edition, the latest rendition of the GMAT exam, is live and has replaced the older version of the GMAT exam, which was earlier taken by test-takers. In other words, students must take the Focus Edition test instead of the old GMAT.
However, students who have already taken their GMAT need not worry, as their scores will remain valid for 5 years after the test. That being said, read the complete blog to learn more about the GMAT focus edition and what the exam entails for students.
This Blog Includes:
- What is the Focus Edition of the GMAT exam?
- GMAT Focus Edition: Latest Updates
- GMAT Registration 2024: Step-By-Step Process to Register
- How to Book Your GMAT Slots in 2024?
- GMAT Retake Policy 2024
- GMAT Focus Edition Exam Pattern
- GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus
- GMAT Focus Edition Scoring Range
- GMAT Focus Edition: Score Vs. Percentile
- How to Ace in Focus Edition of GMAT exam in One Month?
- Best Preparation Books for GMAT Focus Edition in 2024
- FAQs
What is the Focus Edition of the GMAT exam?
GMAC, the conducting body of the GMAT exam, implemented the GMAT focus edition in 2023 to make the test-taking experience of MBA aspirants more effective and seamless. This rendition of the GMAT accounts for being shorter, more convenient, efficient, and flexible. The test is now live and has completely replaced the earlier edition of the GMAT exam. Individuals intending to take the test in the forthcoming times must prepare solely for the focus edition.
GMAT Focus Edition: Latest Updates
The GMAT Focus Edition replaced the original GMAT exam entirely on February 1, 2024. Here’s a quick rundown of the changes introduced in the GMAT Focus Edition:
- The GMAT Focus Edition is shorter than the original GMAT, taking 2 hours and 15 minutes instead of 3 hours and 7 minutes.
- The GMAT Focus Edition consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section and the Sentence Correction subsection of the Verbal Reasoning section have been removed.
- The GMAT Focus Edition has a scaled score range of 205-805, with each section scoring between 60 and 90 points.
- The sentence correction section has been removed from the GMAT syllabus. In place of that, a Data Insights segment has been added.
- Students taking the Test can expect an improved Official Score Report with a detailed analysis of an individual’s performance and scores.
- The GMAT exam comprises three primary sections, with two minutes allocated for each question.
- GMAT test takers can now expect to receive their scores within 5 days after taking the exam.
GMAT Registration 2024: Step-By-Step Process to Register
Candidates intending to take the GMAT 2024 Exam must register themselves by making a valid GMAT account, filing in all the necessary credentials, and paying the requisite register fee of $275. It is advisable to register for the test 2 to 3 months prior to the exam date. GMAC allows sending the score to a maximum of 5 universities. Checking the application deadline and submitting the GMAT score accordingly is crucial.
Having a 2-3 month window allows candidates to effectively analyse this and gives them time for GMAT preparation. Applicants are provided with the flexibility to apply for the GMAT exam via both online and offline [phone/mail] modes. While registering through call, candidates will be required to spend an additional $10, for applications sent through the mail, cheque, or money order is accepted. Refer to the following data to register for the GMAT Focus Edition Test in 2024.
- Visit the official website and click on register
- Add all the relevant information in the form
- Schedule your test and submit the fee
- Collate the list of schools you want to share your scorecard with.
- Review your details
- On completion, log in to your account and select your test date and centre
How to Book Your GMAT Slots in 2024?
After completing the registration process, test-takers are required to book their GMAT slots. GMAT slot booking requires candidates to select their preferred day, time, and venue of their exam centre. GMAC provides individuals with enough flexibility to choose the slots in accordance with their preference. Due to the fact that slots may not be available at the time you wish to book your slots, it is advisable to book your GMAT slots 2-3 months in advance. This will help you avoid unnecessary last-minute hassle. In case you wish to make an urgent exam appointment, you may do so up to 24 hours in advance of a test window. Refer to the following steps to book your GMAT slot:
- Visit the official website of GMAT; mba.com, and log into your registered account.
- Select the option of ‘Schedule your appointment’.
- Check for available slots.
- In case a slot is available, you must select your preferred date and test centre to take the exam.
GMAT Retake Policy 2024
You can retake the GMAT exam if you are unable to achieve your desired target score in the first attempt. Clearing the GMAT, especially with your desired score, can be challenging, particularly if you are taking the exam for the first time. This is where the GMAT retake policy comes in as a valuable feature. Retaking the GMAT exam can provide insight into your areas of weakness and help you rectify them to achieve a better score. Consider GMAT retakes as an extended opportunity to strive for better results.
Although the GMAT retake policy allows you to take the exam up to five times in a year, you should always give your best effort in each retake, as there are a limited number of attempts you can make in a year. Test takers are required to pay the registration fee of $250 apart from the retaking fee of $50. The rescheduling fee for the GMAT exam is determined by the number of days in advance you request a change to your test date.
How to Reschedule the GMAT Exam?
GMAT test takers can reschedule their exam by following the steps outlined below.
- Visit the official website and go to the “Exam” section.
- After doing so, click on the “My Account” option.
- Go through the appointments that need to be rescheduled.
- In the end, pay the GMAT rescheduling fee of $60-$180 (online)/ $55-165 (offline)
How to Cancel the GMAT Exam?
Refer to the steps given below to cancel your GMAT test.
- Log in to your existing GMAT account and go to the “Exam” section.
- After doing so, click on the “My Account” option.
- Select the appointments that need to be cancelled.
- In the end, pay the GMAT cancellation fee of $60-$20 (online)/ $55-$110 (offline).
GMAT Focus Edition Exam Pattern
The overall duration of the GMAT exam has been reduced to 2 Hours and 15 Minutes. The shorter duration of the exam makes it a more convenient and efficient experience for test takers. The GMAT Focus Edition Test only has three sections, i.e., Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data insights. The new GMAT does not have integrated reasoning, sentence correction and geometry. Instead, the new format of the GMAT includes Data insights in place of these segments. The GMAT Focus Edition comprises 64 questions, with a scoring range of 205-805. Refer to the table given below to get an overview of the section-wise format of the GMAT 2023 exam.
Section | Questions | Duration |
Quantitative Reasoning Section | 21 | 45 Minutes |
Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 Minutes |
Data Insights | 20 | 45 Minutes |
GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus
The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus excludes the Analytical Writing Assessment and Sentence Correction sections. It introduces a new section called Data Insights (DI), drawing upon the concepts of Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency. The table below summarises the section-wise focus edition syllabus.
Section | Syllabus (2023) |
Verbal Reasoning | Inference questions Logical structure Weakening/Strengthening arguments Application based questions |
Data Insights | Data SufficiencyMulti-source Reasoning Table AnalysisGraphics Interpretation Two-part Analyses |
Quantitative Reasoning | Algebra, Quadratic Equations, Lines and Angles, Set Theory, Probability, Triangles, Probability, Ratio and Proportion, Inequalities |
GMAT Focus Edition Scoring Range
The scoring range lies between 205 to 805. Earlier, the GMAT exam used to be evaluated on a scoring range of 200-800, with score intervals of 10. Refer to the following table to go through the changes implemented in the test in terms of the scoring range. Have a look.
GMAT Focus Edition: Score Vs. Percentile
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on GMAT score percentiles, it’s best to refer to official sources provided by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the organization that administers the GMAT.
Refer to the following table to go through the correlation between the GMAT Focus Edition Scores and percentiles.
GMAT Focus Edition Score | Percentile |
805 | 100 |
795 | 100 |
785 | 100 |
775 | 100 |
765 | 100 |
745 | 100 |
755 | 100 |
735 | 100 |
725 | 99 |
715 | 99 |
705 | 99 |
695 | 98 |
685 | 97 |
675 | 96 |
665 | 94 |
655 | 93 |
645 | 89 |
635 | 85 |
625 | 83 |
615 | 80 |
605 | 75 |
595 | 72 |
585 | 65 |
575 | 62 |
565 | 56 |
555 | 53 |
545 | 47 |
535 | 44 |
525 | 38 |
515 | 36 |
505 | 31 |
495 | 29 |
485 | 24 |
475 | 22 |
465 | 19 |
455 | 17 |
445 | 14 |
435 | 13 |
425 | 10 |
415 | 9 |
405 | 8 |
395 | 7 |
385 | 5 |
375 | 5 |
365 | 4 |
355 | 3 |
345 | 3 |
335 | 2 |
325 | 2 |
315 | 1 |
305 | 1 |
295 | 1 |
285 | 1 |
275 | 1 |
265 | 0 |
255 | 0 |
245 | 0 |
235 | 0 |
225 | 0 |
215 | 0 |
205 | 0 |
How to Ace in Focus Edition of GMAT exam in One Month?
GMAT Study Plan: Divide your GMAT preparation into 4 weeks. Initiate your GMAT preparation with a strategic fortnight dedicated to fully comprehending the intricacies of the exam. These crucial two weeks will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the scoring system, question types, optimal time allocation per question, and overall difficulty level.
By immersing yourself in these critical aspects, you’ll lay a solid foundation for a smoother and more confident GMAT experience. For further guidance, refer to the table for a comprehensive GMAT study plan.
Week | GMAT Study plan |
GMAT Preparation in Week 1-2 | Engaging in a rigorous program of practice tests will illuminate your path to GMAT mastery. Each simulated encounter dissects your strengths and weaknesses with surgical precision, revealing areas ripe for development. This self-awareness empowers you to strategically allocate your efforts, meticulously addressing your shortcomings and propelling your progress. Furthermore, incorporating time constraints into your practice regimen simulates the pressure cooker of exam day. This honed skill set strengthens your composure under duress, empowering you to confidently conquer challenging questions within the allotted time frame. |
GMAT Preparation Week 3-4 | To effectively prepare for the GMAT exam, it’s crucial to consult high-quality prep books that will solidify your understanding of core concepts. When selecting your study materials, prioritize books authored by renowned experts in the field, containing up-to-date information and reflecting the current GMAT curriculum. Additionally, seek out resources bundled with ample practice papers to provide you with comprehensive test-taking exposure. |
Best Preparation Books for GMAT Focus Edition in 2024
GMAT Preparation Books: Refer to the following table to purchase the best GMAT preparation books of 2024.
Name of the Book | Name of the Author/Publisher | Price | Purchase Link |
GMAT Official Guide 2023-2024 Bundle | GMAC | INR 4,999 | Click Here |
All The Gmat | Manhattan Prep | INR 9,498 | Click Here |
GMAT Prep Plus 2022-2023 | Kaplan Test Prep | INR 8,478 | Click Here |
GMAT Prep Book 2022-2023: GMAT Study Guide Secrets | Mometrix Test Prep | INR 2,166 | Click Here |
Gmat Official Advanced Question | GMAC | INR 1,417 | Click Here |
So that was all about the GMAT Focus Edition. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic.
FAQs
Ans. Compared to the older GMAT, the Focus Edition is shorter, featuring just one break, three sections, and 64 total questions. It eliminates the writing section, streamlining the test.
Ans. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) administers the GMAT Focus Edition exam in over 110 countries worldwide. More than 2,400 business schools accept GMAT scores as part of their admissions process.
Ans. In addition to International B-schools, the GMAT focus edition offers admission to more than a hundred MBA colleges in India. Top MBA colleges in India accepting GMAT Focus Edition scores for MBA admission include IIMs, ISB, XLRI, SPJIMR and many other B-schools.
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