GMAT Focus Edition: A Complete Guide

With changes in the economic structures, businesses and their operations are also changing. To meet the demands of these changes, B-Schools are also changing and so has the GMAT exam. GMAC came up with a new version of the GMAT exam or the GMAT Focus Edition in 2024. The GMAT Focus Edition is shorter (by about an hour), efficient (only three sections with no AWA), flexible, and more detailed (in terms of performance reports). All aspects of the GMAT Focus Edition have been covered in this article, so check it out.

This article will be dynamic as the new GMAT Focus Edition is being conducted across 600 centres in 114 countries. This new version of the GMAT exam is been accepted by over 2,400+ B-schools in the world after it has been introduced. In this article, we will discuss the following points:

• GMAT Focus Edition Release Date
• GMAT Focus Edition Features
• GMAT Focus Edition vs GMAT Old Edition Pattern
• GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus
• GMAT Focus Edition Implications of the Reduced Syllabus

Students must note the previous GMAT exam is no longer being tested. Hence, the current and the only GMAT version is Focus Edition. Please note that GMAT Focus registrations opened on August 29, 2023, and testing was first scheduled to begin on November 7, 2023. From January 31, 2024, the applicants could take the old GMAT exam and from February 1, 2024, GMAT Focus Edition is being conducted solely. 

Also to avoid confusion in referring to the exam as GMAT Focus Edition, GMAC is now referring it to as GMAT 11th Edition. So if applicants see GMAT 11th Edition, it is GMAT Focus Edition.

GMAT Focus Edition Release Date

GMAT Focus Edition release date was back in the year 2023. The following table will provide you with all the details of when the GMAT Focus Edition was released last year:

Note: Students who want to register for GMAT should check out the GMAT Exam Dates 2024 for the Focus Edition version.

GMAT Focus Edition Features

Some of the key features of GMAT Focus Edition are as follows:

• Extensive Expertise: Over 60 years of testing experience and decades of peer-reviewed research; developed with inputs from graduate management program faculty.

• Relevance: Assesses critical reasoning, problem-solving, data sufficiency, logic, and analysis skills essential for business and management success.

• Consistency: Uniform testing worldwide with minimal score variation upon retaking; multicultural questions to reduce bias.

• Precision: Computer-adaptive format tailors questions to the test taker's ability, providing an accurate measure of individual skills.

• Security: High-level security measures, including advanced identification protocols and a question format that limits memorization and sharing.

• Global Reliability: Accepted by over 7,700 programs in 114 countries; available in more than 600 test centres and online, enhancing accessibility for candidates.

GMAT Focus Edition Pattern

The GMAT Focus Edition pattern significantly differs from the old GMAT exam pattern. GMAT Focus Edition will last for 2 hours and 15 minutes as compared to the older GMAT exam which lasted for 3 hours and 7 minutes. GMAT Focus Edition will contain 64 questions spread over three sections (QR, VR, and DI). Each section will be of 45 minutes. The following table will provide a comparison between the current GMAT Focus Edition pattern and the old GMAT exam pattern.

To have an in-depth understanding of what was on GMAT previously and what now is on GMAT Focus Edition, applicants must check out GMAT Focus Edition vs GMAT.

GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus

The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus is lesser and different as compared to the previous GMAT syllabus. The removal of AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) and SC (Sentence Correction), and the introduction of Data Insights will change how you prepare for the GMAT exam. The following table will provide the syllabus for the GMAT Focus Edition:

(Source: GMAT Official Website)

For a detailed GMAT Focus syllabus, check out the GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus and begin your preparation accordingly. 

GMAT Focus Edition Scoring

As the students are aware the GMAT scores for the Focus Edition have changed in comparison to the previous version of the GMAT which ranged from 200 to 800. The following points and table will make it clear how the GMAT scores for the GMAT Focus Edition will be calculated:

• GMAT Focus Edition Score Range: 205 – 805 (GMAT score values for the GMAT Focus Edition will end in 5)
• GMAT Focus Edition Score Interval: 10 points
• GMAT Focus Edition Section-wise Score Range: 60 – 90
• GMAT Focus Edition Section-wise Score Interval: 1 point
• If a student is unable to complete any section of the GMAT Focus Edition exam, he/she will be penalized for the same. Hence, the students need to complete the entire exam and not leave any questions.
• Your unofficial Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights results as well as your Total Score will be presented right away when you finish the test.

GMAT Focus Scoring Pointers

Here are a few additional points that the students must be aware of:

• GMAT Focus Edition Percentile: Students will receive their total score and their section-wise scores along with their GMAT percentile. If your GMAT percentile is 80%, it means that you scored above 80% of other test takers.
• Enhanced Score Report: Candidates will receive an Enhanced Score Report (ESR), which will include details of a candidate’s performance in each section of the GMAT exam vis-à-vis question type, skill, content domain, and time management (response time and review time).
• GMAT Focus Edition Score Sending: Students can send their official GMAT Focus Edition score to up to 5 B-Schools (for no additional cost) within 48 hours of receiving their score on mba.com.

GMAT Focus Edition Advantages

There are numerous advantages attached to GMAT's latest Focus Edition. From changed duration, to focus on certain sections and scoring on a different scale altogether. Some of the most advantageous key takeaways for GMAT's 11th Edition include -

• Shorter exam time - 2 hours 15 minutes from 3 hours 7 minutes
• Removal of one entire section that is, the Analytical Writing Assessment section
• Adaptive test format for more accurate scoring
• Faster score reporting that is, within 7 days
• Online and in-person testing options for applicants
• Permission to take up GMAT Focus up to 5 times a year
• Finally, an increased emphasis on data analysis and modern business skills

GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus Implications

Change in the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus from the old GMAT syllabus might translate to a relatively easier preparation as there are fewer topics to cover. 

Removal of AWA will not make much difference as far as admissions to MBA colleges are concerned. Removal of Sentence Correction (SC) from Verbal Reasoning might be good news for those who did not enjoy grammar rules. On the flip side, those who did not find mathematics enjoyable might have to put extra effort into the Data Insights section. In addition to this, the GMAT Focus Edition will still be Computer Adaptive. Hence, test-taking strategies might not differ much.

Now that you are aware of the new GMAT Focus Edition, it is advised to go for GMAT preparation based on the latest pattern and syllabus. After you appear for the GMAT Focus you will then be able to also prepare for your SOP, admission essays and LORs.

For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.