The GMAT Focus Edition was introduced in 2023 by GMAC, marking a significant overhaul of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The revisions encompass substantial modifications to the test's structure, content, and scoring system. These adjustments are aimed at better aligning the GMAT with the contemporary demands of business education. For individuals aspiring to excel in the GMAT and secure admission to esteemed business schools, a thorough understanding of these changes is imperative.

What is the GMAT – at Centre?

The GMAT at centre is the regular computer adaptive test centre-based GMAT exam. The exam is divided into 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. You can attempt the three sections in any order of your choosing.

The total duration given to complete the test is 2 hours and 15 minutes. During this time, test takers are also entitled to one optional 10-minute break.

The exam can be taken up to five times a year but no more than eight times in total. Attempts must be a minimum of 16 days apart. Your GMAT score is valid for 5 years. The GMAT exam fee is $275.

Can I Take the GMAT Online?

Yes, the GMAT Online exam is the online alternative to the test centre-based GMAT which allows you to take the test from the comfort of your home. The GMAT Online exam was launched by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) in response to worldwide lockdowns due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The GMAT exam online is a remote proctored GMAT, which means that the exam software enables Human/AI to monitor the test taker live through the webcam to look for behaviour that could indicate cheating.

How is the Online GMAT Different From the Test-Centre Based Exam?

The online GMAT introduces few changes from the test centre GMAT, such as:

In the online GMAT, you will receive an unofficial score preview immediately after you complete the exam. Your official scores will be available 3-5 working days after you take the test. Note that the GMAT exam online permits only the use of a whiteboard during the exam, unlike the GMAT test centre exam. You can choose between an online whiteboard tool that can be accessed during the exam or a physical whiteboard to write and draw on.

Online exam attempts will continue to count toward your overall GMAT attempt limits: 5 in a rolling 12-month period and 8 in a lifetime. You can take all of your exam attempts at a test centre or online, or a combination of both.

Other aspects such as duration and length of the testing sections, type, difficulty, and rating algorithms remain the same as the GMAT at centre.

GMAT Exam Online vs GMAT at Test Centre

A major upside to the GMAT online exam is the flexibility to schedule an appointment, which is not the case in GMAT test centre-based exam. Also, GMAT Online eliminates the aspect of unfamiliarity with the testing environment. Some drawbacks of the online GMAT include the technical difficulties one may face. The testing staff might at times experience technical difficulties and you might need to wait 30 to 120 minutes in the queue until you can take your GMAT online exam. On the other hand you might lose broadband or internet connection. A program that is blocked by the testing software could shut down some tasks of your computer which can also lead to technical difficulties and a troubled testing experience.

However, these issues can be avoided to a large extent by taking GMAC’s System Test as well as ensuring uninterrupted internet connection. Additionally, it is always advised to practise on the whiteboard and to log in early (at least 20 minutes prior).

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