What is the Format of the New GMAT Focus Edition?

In This Blog:

• New GMAT Exam Format: What to Expect
• New Exam Features: What has changed
• GMAT Scoring Chart: How is Focus Edition Scored
• GMAT Preparation: When to start

New GMAT Exam Format: What to Expect

The GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) that assesses a candidate’s analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reasoning skills in a business school context. The exam is designed to measure a candidate’s readiness for graduate-level management programs, such as MBA.

The GMAT exam has recently undergone changes and now consists of only three sections: 

1. Data Insights (DI)
2. Quantitative Reasoning (QR) and 
3. Verbal Reasoning (VR) 

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section has been removed from the exam.

The GMAT Focus Edition is a shorter version of the GMAT exam, designed to provide candidates with a more streamlined test-taking experience. Overall, the GMAT Focus Edition consists of 64 questions and candidates have 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam.

GMAT Focus Edition: Exam Structure

Quantitative Reasoning

Next is the QR section, which assesses a candidate’s ability to solve quantitative problems using mathematical concepts and reasoning skills. The QR section consists of 21 multiple-choice questions that require candidates to solve problems related to arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Candidates have 45 minutes to complete this section.

Verbal Reasoning

Finally, the VR section assesses your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English. The VR section consists of 23 multiple-choice questions that require candidates to read and analyse passages from various sources, and answer questions based on the information provided. Again, the candidates have 45 minutes to complete this section.

Data Insights

The newly introduced Data Insights section measures candidates’ ability to analyse and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios. With the GMAT™ Focus Edition’s updated test design, Data Insights leverages Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency question types to measure a newly calibrated digital and data literacy dimension—one of the most relevant and in-demand skills in business today.

The Data Insight section is composed of 20 questions that ask candidates to assess how multiple sources and types of information – including graphic, numeric, and verbal – relate to one another and can be leveraged to make informed decisions. Questions may require maths, data analysis, verbal reasoning, or all three skills. Candidates can use an on-screen calculator while working on this section.

New GMAT Exam Features: What has changed

The new GMAT Focus Edition comes with fresh changes and a lot of convenience. Here are some new features and changes introduced in the format of GMAT exam: 

1. Question Review & Edit:

• Test-takers can now bookmark and review questions.
• It’s possible to change up to three answers per section.

2. Select Section Order:

• GMAT-takers can choose to take the exam in the section order they prefer.

3. Improved Score Report:

• A more detailed and analytical Enhanced Score Report (ESR) is now available for a candidate’s performance on the GMAT exam.
• The Enhanced ESR comes inclusive of the GMAT exam fees and test-takers no longer have to shell out an extra $30.

4. Easier Score Sending:

• Users can select the B-schools after they’ve received their GMAT scores both at test centres and online.
• Each Official Score report will only contain one exam score for convenience.

GMAT Scoring Chart: How is Focus Edition Scored

The GMAT scoring chart is designed to help you understand your performance on the exam. All three sections are factored in to calculate GMAT score. The new GMAT exam will be scored on a scale of 205-805, and the scores are reported in increments of 10. The test-takers will receive scores ending in 5s, for instance 655, 665, 675, etc., in 10-point increments. 

GMAT Preparation: When to start

The ideal time to start your GMAT preparation is typically around 2 to 6 months before your intended test date. However, the actual time needed may vary depending on your current skill level and how much time you can dedicate to the GMAT exam preparation.

If you are someone who is familiar with the exam format and feels confident in your skills, then a shorter period of preparation may be sufficient. On the other hand, if you are someone who is less familiar with the exam format and requires more practice, then a longer period of preparation may be necessary.

Remember to stay motivated, seek help when needed, and take advantage of available resources such as GMAT prep courses, GMAT books & resources, practice exams, demo classes and study materials. To get a firsthand experience of the best GMAT prep, sign up for a free demo class today and experience Jamboree’s simplified teaching techniques built over 30 years of experience.