The GMAT Focus Edition is the current version of the Graduate Management Admission Test. It is a standardized exam used by business schools worldwide to evaluate applicants for MBA and other graduate management programs.
The Focus Edition is shorter, more modern, and more aligned with real business skills than the previous version of the GMAT. It measures how well you reason with numbers, analyze written arguments, and interpret complex data.
Unlike the older GMAT, this version includes three sections instead of four and reflects what business schools say matters most for academic and professional success.
For official information about the exam, you can visit the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC):
https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam
Business schools use the GMAT Focus Edition to assess:
The exam is designed to predict your readiness for rigorous business coursework. It does not test memorization. Instead, it evaluates how well you apply logic and structured thinking to solve problems.
The GMAT Focus Edition is 2 hours and 15 minutes long. It includes three sections. Each section lasts 45 minutes.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Section</th>
<th>Questions</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Main Skill</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Quantitative Reasoning</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>45 minutes</td>
<td>Problem solving and numerical reasoning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Verbal Reasoning</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>45 minutes</td>
<td>Critical reading and argument analysis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Data Insights</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>45 minutes</td>
<td>Data interpretation and analytical reasoning</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>You can choose the order in which you take the sections. This allows you to begin with your strongest area.
If you want a deeper breakdown of question types, see:
https://www.gmatexamero.com/gmat/what-is-gmat/sections-breakdown
The Focus Edition replaced the previous GMAT format. The changes are important.
These changes make the exam more streamlined and more relevant to modern business education.
For a detailed explanation of all format updates, visit:
https://www.gmatexamero.com/gmat/what-is-gmat/focus-format-changes
This section tests your ability to solve mathematical problems logically and efficiently.
It does not require advanced mathematics. The focus is on reasoning, not complex formulas.
You must understand how to translate business-style word problems into equations and structured solutions.
There is no calculator allowed in this section.
The Verbal section measures how well you understand written material and evaluate arguments.
You are not tested on grammar rules in isolation. Instead, you are tested on reasoning and clarity.
You will analyze short passages, identify assumptions, evaluate conclusions, and determine logical strengths or weaknesses in arguments.
Strong performance requires focus, structured reading, and elimination strategy.
The Data Insights section is unique to the GMAT Focus Edition.
It measures how effectively you interpret and analyze data from multiple sources.
An on-screen calculator is available only in this section.
This section reflects real-world business decision-making, where information comes from multiple formats at once.
The scoring system changed with the new edition.
<table><tr><th>Score Type</th><th>Range</th></tr><tr><td>Total Score</td><td>205 – 805</td></tr><tr><td>Section Scores</td><td>60 – 90</td></tr></table>
The Total Score is based on all three sections.
Business schools receive your Total Score and section breakdown.
Higher scores indicate stronger reasoning and analytical performance compared to other test takers.
Many students compare the GMAT Focus Edition with the GRE before choosing a test.
The GMAT is specifically designed for business school admissions. The GRE is used for a wider range of graduate programs.
If you are deciding between exams, read our full comparison here:
https://www.gmatexamero.com/gmat/what-is-gmat/gmat-vs-gre
There are many misconceptions about the GMAT.
Some students believe:
None of these are true.
The GMAT Focus Edition rewards structured thinking, strategic preparation, and consistent practice.
Read more myths explained here:
https://www.gmatexamero.com/gmat/what-is-gmat/common-myths
Preparation should be structured and strategic.
Understand your baseline performance.
Determine whether Quant, Verbal, or Data Insights needs the most attention.
Focus on:
Simulate full-length exams.
Improvement comes from analysis, not repetition.
The GMAT Focus Edition is ideal for:
If you plan to apply to competitive business programs, a strong GMAT Focus score strengthens your application.
The GMAT Focus Edition is a modern, streamlined exam built around real business skills.
It evaluates how clearly you think, how logically you reason, and how effectively you interpret data.
With the right preparation strategy, the exam becomes predictable and manageable.
If you want to understand every section in detail, start with our full breakdown:
https://www.gmatexamero.com/gmat/what-is-gmat/sections-breakdown
Make a closer look on Examero platform and take our free GMAT-like mini test and find out where you stand. Quickly assess your strengths and weaknesses and see which areas need the most attention.
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