The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a crucial component of the MBA application. So, it’s obvious that when there’s a change in the GMAT format, it’s big news for students.
In 2023, GMAT had several upgrades. It’s crucial to also note that GMAT’s transition to an online format during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was plagued by technical glitches. Many universities even chose to loosen their GMAT score requirements, and some even considered alternative assessments for candidates.
However, the 2023 upgrade proved much better, possibly because of the consultative approach adopted by the conducting body–the Graduate Management Admission Council.
- GMAC formulated the GMAT Focus pattern after input from over 5,000 candidates.
- They engaged with more than 65 top business schools worldwide before finalizing the format.
This guide is about the new GMAT Focus edition. We will cover all the changes in the test format.
Note: From July 1, 2024, the name of the GMAT Focus Edition will be reverted to ‘GMAT Exam’. This is because the Focus Edition was named so to create a distinction between the two versions of the exam that were available in late 2023 and early 2024. Hereon, candidates need not worry about exam versions, as there is only one version of the exam available now.
So let’s learn more, and start from the most basic question.
What is the GMAT exam?
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a digital entrance exam conducted for admission to global business schools. The conducting body–GMAC– introduced a new GMAT Focus Edition test in November 2023.
The new test assesses candidates’ quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation skills.
Business schools use these GMAT scores (along with your essays, work experience, record in undergrad, and recommendations) to assess your readiness for the rigors of a management education degree.
Let’s find out the major changes in the GMAT exam paper pattern.
GMAT exam pattern in 2024
This section arms you with all the information you need about the exam pattern of GMAT.
Let’s begin by comparing the old paper pattern of the GMAT exam with the new one.
Old GMAT test format
| Sections | Number of Questions | Minutes | Score Range |
| Analytical Writing Test | 1 | 30 | 0-6 |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 | 1-8 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 | 62 | 6-51 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 | 65 | 6-51 |
| Total | 89 | 187 | 200-800 |
Note: To meet the ever-evolving demands of the business markets, the GMAC has launched the new GMAT Focus Edition exam on 7 November, 2023.
New GMAT test format
| Sections | Number of Questions | Minutes | Scores |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 | 60-90 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 | 60-90 |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 | 60-90 |
| Total | 64 | 135 | 205-805 |
This new format is different from the old format in the following ways:
- The total exam duration has been reduced from 187 minutes to 135 minutes.
- Instead of four sections, the new format now has only three sections.
- Additionally, the scoring range has been slightly adjusted, shifting from the previous range of 200-800 to a new range of 205-805.
Note: Keep in mind that the GMAT exam adapts to your performance level, and adjusts the question difficulty accordingly. So stay sharp and approach each question with focus.
While the GMAT format may seem intricate, knowing what to expect in the paper would help you prepare well. So read on to understand these changes in the GMAT exam pattern in more detail.
What has changed in the GMAT exam pattern for 2024?
Here’s a list of the key differences between the new GMAT format and old one:
- Reduced test time
One major change in the GMAT as per the new format is that it is significantly shorter than the standard examination. With just three 45-minute sections, the test takes one hour less for completion, as compared to the previous version.
- No analytical writing required
The GMAC has decided to remove the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) section, which many felt did not provide much practical value.
- A new scoring scale
Your final score on the new GMAT format will be graded on a scale of 205-805. This change in marking is to instantly signal to anyone looking at the scores whether you took the original exam (scores ending in 0) or the updated version (scores ending in 5).
- No sentence correction or geometry questions
GMAC has eliminated the sentence correction and geometry questions entirely from the GMAT exam. Although questions on geometry were only 5 or 6 in number before, prepping for these still required a decent time investment that you can now avoid.
- Simple section scoring
Each of the new quantitative, verbal, and data sections is graded on a straightforward 60-90 scale.
- Bookmark questions and edit responses
Most students have been often stuck at questions, spending precious minutes staring at them. With the new bookmark feature, you can breeze past the questions that require more time, and revisit them later with a fresh perspective.
- Three chances for multiple-choice questions
With GMAT’s new format, you are now allowed to change up to 3 answers per section before finalizing them.
- Answer in any order
You can now choose to pick any section first from the three sections of the GMAT exam.
- Improved score report
Right after the test, you can download an unofficial score report to check your score. However, for an Official Score Report, you have to wait for about a week. The Official Score Report will come with a detailed performance insight for free.
Now that we’ve covered what’s new with the GMAT exam pattern, let’s shift our focus to how you can best prepare yourself to conquer this updated exam.
How to prepare for the GMAT Exam?
The classic GMAT exam pattern is evolving, so it’s evident that the method of preparing for the exam will evolve too.
Here are some ways to prepare for the GMAT Focus Edition exam effectively:
- Design a realistic study schedule that gives you a balanced number of study hours with breaks. Stay consistent and stick to your plan till your exam day.
- Learn to practice time management strategies, spending no more than 2.5 minutes on any single question.
- Train yourself to use the elimination technique effectively by marking the closest answer and moving on from difficult questions.
- Take some free GMAT practice tests online from trusted test prep platforms to stimulate the actual examination condition.
- Attempt quizzes with questions of different difficulty levels from various sections. This approach helps you identify your strengths and pinpoint areas where you need improvement.
Remember, preparing for the new GMAT pattern requires a strategic approach tailored to the new pattern. When you familiarize yourself thoroughly with the exam’s structure and content, you can enhance your chances of success.
As you prepare for the GMAT, remember that this is just one part of your larger journey toward finding and applying to the best university for you. For that, we recommend using SelectRight. With SelectRight, you can compare over 40,000 programs across 4,000+ universities across the globe. This will help you create a shortlist of universities where you are likely to gain admission, secure funding, and receive the best return on your educational investment.
Find your best university with SelectRight
Over 60,000 students have used SelectRight to find their best university. Here’s how you can use it:
- Set Up Your Profile: Provide your personal details and educational history.
- Outline Your Needs: Specify the type of program, field of study, and preferred university location.
- Get AI-Powered Matches: SelectRight will suggest programs that fit your criteria.
- Compare and Choose: Review the matches, considering costs, rankings, and what matters most to you.
- Talk to an Advisor: Get personalized advice and help with your applications.
Take the first step towards finding your best-fit university. Register on SelectRight today.
FAQs
- What is the new GMAT pattern?
The GMAT Focus Edition will span a duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, comprising 64 questions distributed across three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
- What is a good GMAT score?
A total score of 685 is considered excellent, while a score of 655 is regarded as very good. For those familiar with the old GMAT scoring scales, a 685 is roughly equivalent to a 730 on the old scale, and a 655 is roughly equivalent to a 700 on the old scale.
- Which GMAT exam paper pattern would be considered for MBA programs now?
The previous version of the GMAT Exam was available until the end of January this year, after which it was discontinued. Starting from February, the GMAT Focus Edition has taken its place as the new examination format. Several prestigious MBA programs, such as Harvard Business School and Wharton, have stated that they will not immediately adopt the GMAT Focus and will maintain their use of the current GMAT for a specified duration.
- Is the new GMAT pattern easier?
Preparation for the new GMAT exam latest pattern may be easier, but the level of difficulty for each question will be determined as per the candidates’ abilities. So, it can also get difficult later. However, the topics that needed constant memorization, such as sentence correction and geometry, have been dropped.
- How rare is an 800 GMAT score?
It is extremely rare. In the GMAT new pattern, the score range has also changed. The score is now between 205 – 805, and getting a full 805 on the paper is not a cakewalk. Of about 200,000 candidates from over 100 countries, only a mere 30 are able to achieve a perfect 800 score in the ‘old’ GMAT exam. The percentage is expected to be the same even with the new GMAT exam pattern.
