GMAT Exam – Updated New Format
Previously known as GMAT Focus Edition
What Has Changed in the New GMAT?
In 2023, GMAC announced GMAT Focus Edition as a new version of GMAT. From July 1, 2024, when the old version was withdrawn from the market, the official name was changed back to GMAT Exam. What matters to learners now is not initial speculation, but understanding the format that is actually being used.
From "GMAT Focus Edition" to "GMAT Exam"
"GMAT Focus Edition" was the name used during the transition phase to distinguish it from the old GMAT version when both existed in the market. After only one version remained, GMAC changed the name back to GMAT Exam. This means that today, when you refer to GMAT, you're referring to the new version, not the old format.
Simple conclusion: if you're preparing for GMAT now, study the current GMAT format, not the old 4-section structure.
Most Important Changes in the New GMAT
| Category | Old GMAT | Current GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Sections | 4 sections | 3 sections |
| Essay Section | Has AWA | No AWA |
| Integrated Reasoning | Has it | Replaced / evolved into Data Insights |
| Sentence Correction | Included in Verbal | No longer a separate question type |
| Test Duration | Longer | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Total Score Range | 200–800 | 205–805 |
No More AWA
This is the most noticeable change. The current GMAT no longer includes the essay writing section like the old format, making the test shorter and more focused on reasoning and data skills.
Data Insights Becomes Core
Data Insights better reflects the real requirements of business schools: reading data, analyzing multiple sources of information, and drawing well-founded conclusions.
Total Score Changes
The new total score is 205–805 and is calculated from all 3 test sections, rather than the old approach that focused mainly on Verbal + Quant.
Current GMAT Structure
| Test Section | Time | Number of Questions | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 45 minutes | 21 questions | Quantification, problem-solving |
| Verbal Reasoning | 45 minutes | 23 questions | Reading comprehension and language reasoning |
| Data Insights | 45 minutes | 20 questions | Data analysis, multiple sources of information, data reasoning |
The current GMAT also allows test-takers to use a limited review & edit feature to review and edit a maximum of 3 questions in each section. This is a very different experience from the old GMAT.
Advantages of the New GMAT
- The test is shorter and more concise than before.
- Content focuses more on skills that are practical for business school.
- No more essay, making prep strategy clearer for most learners.
- Data Insights better reflects modern data literacy requirements.
- Score reports and performance information have also improved compared to before.
More Convenient Score Reporting
With the current GMAT, you no longer have to select schools to send your scores to before officially knowing how you performed. Once your official score appears on mba.com, you can send your score free of charge to up to 5 programs within 48 hours. After that deadline, or if you send additional reports, additional fees apply.
This is a beneficial change for test-takers as it gives you more control over your application submission strategy and score reporting.
What GMAT Learners Should Do Now
1. Abandon the Old Format Mindset
Don't continue studying as if GMAT still has AWA or separate Sentence Correction.
2. Focus Strongly on Data Insights
This is the new section with strategic importance and directly affects your total score.
3. Choose Updated Learning Materials
Make sure your courses, materials, and mock tests align with the current GMAT format.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is GMAT Focus Edition still the official name today?
No. The name "GMAT Focus Edition" was used during the transition phase. From 1/7/2024, the official name has reverted to "GMAT Exam".
Does the current GMAT still have the AWA section?
No. The current GMAT no longer has the Analytical Writing Assessment section.
Does Data Insights replace Integrated Reasoning?
Data Insights is a new section in the current GMAT that inherits and expands upon the spirit of data evaluation compared to the previous understanding of Integrated Reasoning.
What is the current GMAT score range?
The current overall score range is 205–805, different from the 200–800 scale of the previous GMAT version.
When can I send my score for free to 5 schools?
You can send your score for free to a maximum of 5 programs within 48 hours from when your official score appears on mba.com.