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
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.
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?
Here are the key changes on GMAT exam for its 11th Edition-
- Certain sections have been scrapped, resulting in three sections instead of four.
- AWA section has been removed and Integrated Reasoning has transitioned to the Data Insights section.
- Duration of the exam has also been reduced by 45 minutes.
- GMAT exam syllabus has also changed and it now excludes sentence correction and geometry questions.
- Scoring range also changed from 200-800 to 205-805.
- Applicants can now choose the order in which to answer the sections.
- The feature of review questions is available where applicants can change the answers of three questions.
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 |
|
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| 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 to 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.
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 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 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.
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.
In case a GMAT test centre is available, the test centre option will appear during registration. Applicants must keep in mind that they will have to first decide their test centre availability based on their GMAT exam date. Once the two match, the applicant can complete the registration. The GMAT test center availability may differ based on the date of exam chosen by the applicant, thus, there may be a seat available or there may not be an availability also. Thus, applicants should check all options before making a decision.
The minimum PTE scores required to get admitted to the Australian universities range from 50 to 58. Note that these scores do not confirm admission to a university and the decision lies solely on the university admissions team.
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Yes, you can book a GMAT slot at the last minute. GMAT Online is available 24/7 but applicants have to register 24 hours before the scheduled appointment date. Though there are limited slots for GMAT at test centre, registering for the exam 24 hours before cannot guarantee you your preferred exam centre. Thus, this risk can be taken for GMAT Online but should be avoided for test centre registrations.