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

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

Updated on Apr 01, 2024 | 31 views

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GMAT Focus Edition Release Date
GMAT Focus Edition Pattern
Question Review & Edit Tool in GMAT Focus Edition
GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus
GMAT Focus Edition Implications of Reduced Syllabus
GMAT Focus Edition and MBA Admissions
Should Students Wait for Release of GMAT Focus Edition
Download Free GMAT Preparation Guides
Important Resources For GRE/GMAT Exams

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.

Section	Duration	No. of Questions	Skill Evaluation
Quantitative Reasoning	45 minutes	21	Problem-solving
Verbal Reasoning	45 minutes	23	Reading comprehension and critical reasoning
Data Insights	45 minutes	20	Data literacy

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.

Section	Syllabus
Quantitative Reasoning	Algebra Arithmetic Problem-solving
Verbal Reasoning	Critical reasoning Reading comprehension
Data Insights	Data Sufficiency Multi-source Reasoning Table Analysis Graphics Interpretation Two-Part Analysis

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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Download Free GMAT Preparation Guides

Important Resources For GRE/GMAT Exams

GRE Exam Registration

raduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the biggest and most popular global tests held by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is a standardized examination for entry into courses like MBA, MS, and others at universities worldwide./

GRE Registration

GRE Exam Dates for 2023

Booking GRE exam dates 2023 is a simple procedure. You can register by paying US$213 (approx. INR 15,700) and providing your valid passport copy or relevant ID./

GRE Exam Dates

GRE Exam Fees

The GRE exam fee in India is around $213 with effect from 1st July 2023. The examination fee in many other countries is $205 while the GRE exam fee for India is the same as countries like Turkey, Australia, China, and Nigeria. The fee for the GRE Subject /

GRE Exam Fee

FAQs

Do universities accept the GMAT Focus Edition?

The traditional version of the GMAT examination will be phased out from 31st January, 2024. The new GMAT Focus Edition will be the only available version from 1st of February, 2024. It will be acceptable across universities worldwide.

Is the GMAT Focus Edition accepted by ISB?

Yes, ISB will accept both test center and online scores of GMAT and GMAT Focus Edition for admissions.

Does INSEAD accept GMAT Focus Edition?

INSEAD accepts valid GMAT scores in either the traditional or new format, i.e., GMAT Focus Edition (as of November 28th, 2023 for the intake in 2024). The score should be 655 as per the new format.

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Anupriya Mukherjee

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Anupriya Mukherjee is a passion-driven professional working as a Content Marketer and earlier worked as a Digital Marketeer. With around 6 years of work experience, she has experience creating high-qu...