GMAT Focus Syllabus And Score Chart: A Comprehensive Guide
The GMAT exam has transformed with the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition. Students must now appear for a new and improved version, i.e., the GMAT Focus Edition exam. However, there’s no need to worry for those who have already completed their GMAT exam. Your scores will remain valid for five years following the test date. We strongly recommend reading the entire blog post to fully understand the changes and benefits of the GMAT Focus Edition.
It will provide a comprehensive overview of the GMAT Focus Syllabus and score chart and how it can benefit you as a student.
What is in the Focus Edition of the GMAT Exam?
The GMAT test provides access to leading business and management schools globally. Its thorough evaluation of critical thinking, reasoning, and communication abilities guarantees the selection of promising students who can thrive in challenging business settings. GMAT offers higher income prospects, pushing you closer to a prosperous career.
The GMAC, which administers the GMAT exam, introduced the GMAT focus syllabus and score chart in 2023 to enhance the test-taking experience for MBA candidates. This version of the GMAT is noted for its shorter duration, increased convenience, efficiency, and flexibility. The current test is active and has substituted the previous version of the GMAT test. People planning to take the test should only study for the revised version. Here is the overview of the GMAT focus syllabus and score chart:
| Parameters | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Total Score Scale | 205-805 |
| Exam Structure | 3 sections (64 questions), completed in the order of your choice: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights |
| Exam Attempts | 5 attempts are permitted in a rolling 12-month period and 8 attempts in a lifetime. |
| Cost | USD 300 (online) and USD 275 (at a test centre) |
Significant Changes in GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) implemented a revised GMAT format, the Focus Edition, on November 7, 2023, impacting the 2023-2024 academic year. Here’s a quick summary of the key changes in the GMAT focus syllabus and score chart:
- Reduced Exam Duration: The total exam time has been changed to 2 hours and 15 minutes, divided into three 45-minute sections.
- Essay Writing Removed: The Analytical Writing Assessment (essay) component is no longer mandatory in the new GMAT format.
- Answer Review and Edit: A new feature allows test-takers to review and modify their answers within each section.
- Section Order Flexibility: Students can now strategically choose the order in which they complete the three sections.
- Revised Syllabus: The Sentence Correction section has been eliminated and replaced with a new Data Insights section.
- Enhanced Score Report: The Official Score Report offers a more comprehensive analysis of individual performance and scores.
- Streamlined Question Timing: Each question within the exam is allocated two minutes for completion.
- Faster Score Delivery: Test-takers can expect to receive their GMAT scores within five days.
Here is the summary of the changes in the new vs. classic GMAT:
| Changes | GMAT Focus Edition | Classic GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours and 15 minutes | 3 hours and 7 minutes |
| Essay Writing | Removed | Part of Exam |
| Answer Review and Edit | Modification in answers allowed | Not Allowed |
| Section Order Flexibility | Students can choose which section they want to attempt first | No flexibility |
| Revised Syllabus | The sentence correction section eliminated | Part of Exam |
| Score Report | Comprehensive analysis and score delivery in 3-5 days. | 20 days |
Exam Structure and Syllabus of GMAT Focus Edition
The total time of the GMAT test is now 2 hours and 15 minutes. The short duration of the test makes it a more convenient and effective process for those taking the exam. The GMAT Focus Edition Test consists of three sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Data Insights
The latest version of the GMAT does not include integrated reasoning, sentence correction, or geometry. In contrast, the revised GMAT format now incorporates Data Insights instead of these sections. The GMAT Focus Edition includes 64 questions and a scoring range of 205-805.
The syllabus of GMAT Focus Edition does not include the Analytical Writing Assessment and Sentence Correction portions. A new Data Insights (DI) section has been introduced, utilising Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency concepts. Here is an overview of the GMAT syllabus and structure of the Focus Edition:
| Section | Questions | Duration | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 Minutes | Strengthening arguments Application questions, Inference questions, Logical structure, Pronoun, Modifiers, Idioms, Adjectives, Active-Passive voice, Nouns, Subject-verb agreement |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 Minutes | Data Sufficiency, Table Analysis, Two-part Analyses, Graphics Interpretation, Data Sufficiency |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 Minutes | Inequalities, Probability, Triangles, Algebra, Quadratic Equations, Lines and Angles, Set Theory, Ratio and Proportion, Fractions, Decimals, Percentage, power and roots, Mixture and allegations, Pipe and Cisterns. |
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Detailed Features of the GMAT Focus Edition Exam
The GMAT Focus Edition transforms the test-taking process, providing candidates with a personalised and convenient experience. The candidates are given the control and flexibility necessary to demonstrate their potential, thanks to their innovative characteristics. Let’s explore the exciting features that set apart the GMAT Focus Edition:
- Select Section of Your Choice: The GMAT Focus Edition lets you choose the order in which you take the three sections (Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights)! This way, you can tackle the exam in a sequence that best suits your strengths. Plus, with an optional 10-minute break, you can enhance your test experience for good performance.
- Question Review and Edit: The Question Review & Edit tool enables candidates to mark questions, revisit them later, and revise three answers per section. This characteristic removes the annoyance of being unable to go back and change answers. Candidates can concentrate on the questions because they know they have the option to go back to unsure answers before submitting.
- Enhanced Score Report: The exam fee now covers the Enhanced Score Report (ESR), giving you a more comprehensive look at your performance. This detailed report breaks down your results by section, program type, school suitability, content area, question format, and tested skills. This breakdown helps you pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, allowing for targeted preparation in the future.
- Detailed Results: Now, you get a clear picture of your GMAT performance within 3-5 days! Your Official Score Report offers a detailed analysis, breaking down your results by section. It even examines your time management and proficiency in different skills. This comprehensive breakdown empowers you to identify what you excelled at and where to improve for future endeavours.
GMAT Score Chart
The GMAT Focus Edition, a fresh variation of the GMAT test, provides unique elements and has similarities to the traditional exam’s scoring method:
- Both editions contain 61 scoring levels, evaluating the candidate’s skills.
- The GMAT Focus Edition has a total score range of 205 (0 percentile) to 805 (100 percentile), making it easier to distinguish between the scores.
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Conclusion
Understanding the GMAT exam syllabus and score chart is crucial for successfully navigating the exam despite its initial challenges. This article thoroughly summarised the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus and score chart, emphasizing necessary question types and section changes. You will easily crack the exam with the right books and a dedicated study plan.
FAQs
Is GMAT Focus Edition accepted in India?
Yes, GMAT Focus Edition is accepted in many B-schools in India. Top business schools include IIM Ahmedabad, ISB, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, MDI Gurgaon, and XLRI Jamshedpur.
Is it allowed to skip a section in the GMAT Focus Edition Exam?
No, you cannot skip a section without completing all the questions, or it can only happen if you run out of time. A section is complete when all the questions are answered.
Is GMAT Focus Edition easier than classic GMAT?
The GMAT Focus Edition might be more challenging for particular candidates because it emphasizes critical thinking and data analysis. In contrast, others might find the traditional GMAT more difficult because of its longer duration and broader range of questions. So, it depends on your interests and skills.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
