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 developed a new version of the GMAT exam, or the GMAT Focus Edition, in 2024. The GMAT Focus Edition is shorter, efficient, flexible, and more detailed. All aspects of the GMAT Focus Edition 2025 have been covered in this article. Check them out now.
This article will be dynamic as the new GMAT Focus Edition is conducted across 600 centres in 114 countries. Over 2,400+ B-schools worldwide have accepted this new version of the GMAT exam since its introduction. In this article, we will discuss the following aspects of GMAT Focus Edition 2025:
- What is GMAT Focus Edition?
- 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 that the previous GMAT exam (10th Edition) is no longer being tested. Hence, the only version being tested is the 'GMAT Focus Edition'. Please note that GMAT Focus was released on November 7, 2023. Registrations opened on August 29, 2023, and testing was scheduled to begin on November 7, 2023. On January 31, 2024, the 10th edition of GMAT was conducted for the last time. From February 1, 2024, the GMAT Focus Edition has been conducted in full swing and continues to.
- What is GMAT Focus Edition?
- GMAT Focus Edition 2025 Features
- Why the GMAT Changed?
- What Has Changed on GMAT Focus Edition?
- GMAT Focus Edition Advantages
- GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus Implications
- GMAT Focus Edition FAQs
What is GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition is the latest version of the GMAT exam and is also referred to as the GMAT 11th Edition to differentiate it from previous versions. GMAC conducts GMAT Focus Edition and has brought numerous changes since it evolved from the 10th edition of testing. The GMAT 11th Edition has introduced shorter testing, fewer sections, and a new score range. The exam is administered in two modes: registration for the GMAT is similar, and GMAT Exam Dates 2025 for the Focus Edition version are available throughout the year. The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus and pattern have witnessed changes, and the details are discussed in the sections below for reference.
GMAT Focus Edition 2025 Features
Some of the key features of GMAT Focus Edition 2025 are as follows:
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Over 60 years of testing experience and decades of peer-reviewed research have been developed with inputs from the graduate management program faculty.
- GMAT Focus 2025 assesses critical reasoning, problem-solving, data sufficiency, logic, and analysis skills essential for business and management success.
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A key feature of GMAT Focus Edition 2025 is uniform testing worldwide, minimal score variation upon retaking, and multicultural questions to minimise bias.
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GMAT Focus Edition 2025 is a computer-adaptive format that tailors questions to the test taker's ability, accurately measuring individual skills.
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Applicants taking GMAT Focus Edition 2025 are subject to high-level security measures, including advanced identification protocols and a question format that limits memorisation and sharing.
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The latest GMAT Focus Edition 2025 is accepted by over 7,700 programs in 114 countries, and it is available in more than 600 test centres and online, enhancing accessibility for candidates.
To avoid confusion, GMAT Focus Edition is referred to as GMAT. However, the GMAT has an edition number marked, which is 11th for the Focus Edition and 10th for the previous GMAT exam. So, where GMAT is referred to in current contexts/admission requirements, it is only about the GMAT Focus Edition.
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Why the GMAT Changed?
The GMAT has been updated to the Focus Edition to align seamlessly with the changing trends in business schools that accept applicants submitting GMAT scores. The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus serves as a turning point for graduates seeking to apply to top Business Schools abroad and be accepted with the right business acumen and skills. Applicants who appear and are preparing for the GMAT Focus edition syllabus will notice noticeable changes compared to the previous version, as mentioned above.
What Has Changed on GMAT Focus Edition?
There are multiple changes on the GMAT Focus Edition. Apart from the GMAT exam fee, all other areas have either seen slight changes or have been scrapped completely. To summarise, here are the key changes on the GMAT exam for its 11th Edition:
- GMAT exam pattern and structure have changed significantly, with certain sections being scrapped, resulting in three sections instead of four.
- The AWA section has been removed, and Integrated Reasoning has transitioned to the Data Insights section.
- The duration of the exam has also been reduced by 45 minutes.
- The GMAT exam syllabus has also changed, and it now excludes sentence correction and geometry questions.
- The scoring range has also changed from 200-800 to 205-805.
- There is more flexibility on GMAT Focus in comparison to the previous edition. Applicants can choose the order in which to answer the sections.
- Also, in terms of GMAT's structure change, the feature of review questions is available, where applicants can change the answers of three questions.
Now, we can examine closely how changes in GMAT are effectively integrated to provide a streamlined experience. Check out the sections which have seen a major change after transitioning from GMAT 10th edition to 11th edition.
Check out: GMAT Study Plan for 3 Months
GMAT Focus Edition Pattern
The GMAT Focus Edition pattern significantly differs from the old GMAT exam pattern. To answer how long is the GMAT Focus Edition, the GMAT Focus Edition is 2 hours and 15 minutes compared to the older GMAT exam, which lasted 3 hours and 7 minutes. The GMAT Focus Edition will contain 64 questions, divided into three sections: Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Data Interpretation (DI). Each section will be of 45 minutes. The following table will compare the current GMAT Focus Edition pattern and the old GMAT format.
| Header | GMAT Previous Edition | GMAT 2025 Exam Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | 3 hours and 7 minutes | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Total Questions |
|
|
| Breaks | 2 optional breaks of 8 minutes each | 1 optional break of 10 minutes |
To understand 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 less different from the previous GMAT syllabus. The removal of AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) and SC (Sentence Correction) and the introduction of Data Insights have changed the dynamics of preparing for the GMAT exam. The following table will provide the GMAT exam date 2025 syllabus:
| GMAT Focus Edition Sections | GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Algebra, Arithmetic |
| Verbal Reasoning | Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning |
| Data Insights | Data Sufficiency, Multi-source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Two-part Analyses |
(Source: GMAT Official Website)
The GMAT Focus Edition Quant syllabus has seen reductions; no Geometry topics exist. The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus has been designed with B-schools in mind. The GMAT exam syllabus 2025 has changed, and Data Insights has been introduced. There is no AWA or Integrated reasoning in GMAT syllabus 2025 also. Preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus has become easier than the previous edition. Check out the GMAT syllabus 2025 in detail at GMAT Focus syllabus and begin your preparation accordingly.
GMAT Focus Edition Scoring
As the students are aware, the GMAT scores for the Focus Edition have changed compared 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 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 cannot complete any section of the GMAT Focus Edition exam, he/she will be penalised for the same. Hence, students must complete the entire exam and not leave any questions unanswered.
- Your unofficial Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights results, and Total Score will be presented immediately after you finish the test.
GMAT scoring has undergone a slight change, so applicants taking the GMAT either online or at a test centre can view scores on the 205-805 scale.
GMAT Focus Scoring Pointers
Here are a few additional points that the students must be aware of about GMAT exam scoring:
- GMAT Focus Edition Percentile: Students will receive their total and section-wise scores and their GMAT percentile. If your GMAT percentile is 80%, 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.
These pointers again apply to GMAT test takers for both online and test centre applicants.
GMAT Focus Edition Advantages
There are numerous advantages attached to GMAT's latest Focus Edition. From changed duration to focusing on certain sections and scoring on a different scale. Some of the most advantageous key takeaways from 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
- Finally, an increased emphasis on data analysis and modern business skills
Apart from these, what remains unchanged is the availability of the GMAT Online format of testing (from home). Appearing for the GMAT exam 5 times in a year. Also, the scope for retaking the GMAT exam after 16 days' cooling time is over.
GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus Implications
Changes in the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus from the old GMAT syllabus might translate into relatively easier preparation, as there are fewer topics to cover.
The removal of AWA will not make much difference in admissions to MBA colleges. Removal of Sentence Correction (SC) from Verbal Reasoning might be good news for those who did not enjoy grammar rules. Conversely, those who did not find mathematics enjoyable might have to put extra effort into the Data Insights section. Additionally, the GMAT Focus Edition will still be Computer Adaptive. Hence, test-taking strategies might not differ much.
Now that you know about the new GMAT Focus Edition, it is advisable to prepare for the GMAT based on the latest pattern and syllabus. After you appear for the GMAT Focus, you will also be able to prepare for your SOP, admission essays, and LORs.
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GMAT Focus Edition FAQs
Q. What is the GMAT Focus Edition?
A. The GMAT Focus Edition is a shorter, more efficient, flexible, and more detailed (with respect to score report) GMAT exam format that has been introduced in 2023, keeping in mind the changing nature of the business world and B-school admissions. The GMAT Focus Edition will be about an hour shorter than the current version of the GMAT exam. Moreover, the GMAT Focus Edition will have a new section called Data Insights (DI); however, it will not have AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) and SC (Sentence Correction).
Q. What is the GMAT Focus Edition pattern?
A. The GMAT Focus Edition pattern can be noted from the points mentioned below:
- Quantitative Reasoning: 21 Questions in 45 Minutes
- Verbal Reasoning: 23 Questions in 45 Minutes
- Data Insights: 20 Questions in 45 Minutes
- Total: 64 Questions in 2 Hours and 15 Minutes
- Break: 1 Option Break of 10 Minutes
Q. How many sections does the GMAT Focus Edition have?
A. GMAT EFocus Edition consists of Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Data Insights (DI) sections. It does not contain Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Sentence Correction (SC). Moreover, Data Sufficiency will be a part of the Data Insights section. The score range for each section will be from 60 to 90 (with a score interval of 1 point) and the overall score will range from 205 to 805 (with a score interval of 10 points).
Q. What are some details of the score validity, score reporting, and the number of attempts with respect to the GMAT Focus Edition?
A. The following points will provide clarity about various aspects of the GMAT Focus Edition:
- Score Validity: 5 years
- Score Reporting: Report 5 GMAT Focus Edition scores for no additional cost within 48 hours of receiving the Official Score Report
- Number of Attempts: 8 attempts in a lifetime and 5 attempts in a 12-month period.
Q. What is edit an review on GMAT 11th Edition?
A. GMAT Focus Edition has provided the flexibility for Review and edit. The following points will describe the Review & Edit feature of the GMAT Focus Edition:
- Students will be allowed to Bookmark and review as many questions as they want to during the GMAT Focus Edition test.
- Students will be allowed to Edit a maximum of 3 answers in each section of the GMAT Focus Edition test.
Q. How does the review and edit feature work on GMAT Focus?
A. While appearing for the GMAT Focus Edition, students can bookmark and review their questions. Once they have answered all the questions of a section, they will be taken to a Question Review & Edit Screen for that section. From this screen, they can visit the questions they have marked by clicking on particular question numbers. However, students must note that they will be taken to this “Question Review & Edit Screen” only if there is some time left in the completion of that section. This means that you need to complete the section in less than 45 minutes if you wish to visit the Question Review & Edit Screen. If a student is not able to complete his/her section in less than 45 minutes, he/she will be taken either to the optional break screen or the next section.
Q. Have B-schools started accepting GMAT Focus for admissions lately?
A. Yes, it has been a year and above since GMAT Focus has come into force and is now being widely accepted at universities abroad. Up till January 31, 2024 the old GMAT or GMAT 10th Edition was last administered and after that GMAT Focus or GMAT 11th Edition is being conducted full-flegedly. Universities were accepting both versions, because GMAT scores are valid till 5 years. Thus, yes, B-schools have started accepting GMAT Focus for recent admission cycles.
Q. Is the GMAT Focus Edition accepted?
A. Yes, the GMAT Focus Edition is being accepted widely across 110 countries and 2,400+ business schools. As GMAT Focus Edition has come into force full fledgedly, universities have started accepting the same within no time.
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Vancouver Community College is a premier and one of the oldest community colleges in Canada. VCC does not officially publish data on the acceptance rate. However as per some unofficial sources, Vancouver Community College acceptance rate ranges between 50% - 75%. VCC is one of the most sought-after and popular college among international students. Please note, that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
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No, applicants cannot access or use an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section of GMAT (Focus Edition). There is no manual calculator also that is allowed for use for this section.