Exam Date: August 17, 2025
A 2-hour 15-minute exam designed for today’s analytical thinkers, recognized by top institutions across the globe.
The GMAT Focus Edition, developed and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is a globally accepted, computer-adaptive exam designed to assess essential skills for success in business and management education. This modernized version of the GMAT evaluates three critical competencies—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—making it highly relevant for today’s data-driven and analytical business environments.
Recognized by more than 2,400 universities and 7,700+ programs worldwide, including top MBA and Master's programs in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, France, India, the Netherlands, Spain, China, and the UAE, the GMAT Focus Edition is a strategic tool for applicants to stand out in competitive admissions processes.
The new test format has eliminated older sections such as Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning in favor of a streamlined, shorter exam (2 hours 15 minutes) that better reflects real-world problem-solving skills. Test takers can choose between test centers in over 114 countries or opt for the 24/7 online version, offering maximum flexibility and accessibility.
2. Eligibility & Selection Criteria (Worldwide):
Minimum Age: 18 years (17+ with parental consent in some countries)
Educational Background: No minimum qualification required, though most candidates are pursuing or hold a bachelor’s degree
Valid ID: Passport is the universally accepted form of ID for all international test-takers
Attempt Policy:
Maximum 5 times per year (12 months)
Minimum 16 days between attempts
Lifetime cap: 8 attempts
MAT Focus Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The new GMAT Focus Edition runs for approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, featuring three core sections:
Section (1): Quantitative Reasoning
Duration: 45 minutes
Skills Evaluated: Algebra, arithmetic, data analysis, word problems
Section (2): Verbal Reasoning
Duration: 45 minutes
Skills Evaluated: Reading comprehension, logic, grammar
Section (3) Data Insights
Duration: 45 minutes
Skills Evaluated: Graph & chart analysis, tables, multi-source reasoning, data sufficiency
Total Questions: ~64
Scoring Scale: 205–805 (in 10-point increments)
New Features: Includes question review and editing within sections
4. Registration Process (Global):
Visit mba.com and create a GMAC account
Select test mode: In-Person or Online
Choose your country and preferred city, or opt for home-based testing
Pick a date and time from available slots
Submit your passport details
Pay the registration fee:
US $275 for test center
US $300 for online exam
Receive an email confirmation with exam day instructions
Changes/Cancellations: Allowed up to 24 hours before test time (fees range: US $55–165)
Preparation Strategy for GMAT Focus Edition (International Level)
The GMAT Focus Edition is the updated version of the traditional GMAT exam, specifically redesigned to reflect modern business school expectations. It emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and integrated reasoning. Preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition requires a global approach, whether you're applying to programs in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, or the Middle East.
A. Start With Official GMAT Focus Prep Tools
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) offers several official resources tailored for the Focus Edition:
Official GMAT Focus Edition Starter Kit + Practice Exams 1 & 2 (Free)
Includes sample questions and 2 full-length practice exams with performance analytics.
GMAT Official Guide 2024–2025 (Focus Edition)
800+ questions with detailed explanations, both online and in print.
Official Practice Exams 3–6 (Paid)
Additional full-length adaptive tests with answer review and performance breakdown.
These materials reflect adaptive testing, updated section formats, and new question types like Data Insights.
B. Simulate Full-Length, Timed Practice Tests
GMAT Focus Edition is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), meaning:
The difficulty level adjusts based on your answers
You cannot skip or return to previous questions except within a section (via the review-and-revisit feature)
Best Practices:
Take 4–5 full-length mocks under real test conditions
Time each section exactly:
Quantitative Reasoning – 45 mins
Verbal Reasoning – 45 mins
Data Insights – 45 mins
Practice using the review and revisit tools to build strategic time management skills
Use a desktop or laptop (not mobile) and sit in a quiet space to replicate test-day conditions.
C. Prioritize the Data Insights Section
This new section replaces Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency, combining data interpretation, visual literacy, and critical thinking into one cohesive skill set.
Master:
Charts, graphs, and data tables
Multi-source reasoning
Two-part analysis questions
Real-world business scenarios involving logic + quant
Use practice tools like:
Magoosh DI modules
Target Test Prep analytics drills
GMAT Focus DI practice sets in the Official Guide
D. Strengthen Math & Verbal Fundamentals
Though the Focus Edition reduces content scope slightly (e.g., removes geometry), the core math and English concepts are still crucial.
Math Topics to Review:
Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, averages)
Algebra (equations, inequalities, exponents)
Word problems
Data interpretation
Verbal Topics to Practice:
Reading comprehension with business/legal passages
Critical reasoning (evaluate arguments, identify assumptions)
Sentence construction and logical structure
Tools:
Kaplan Math Workbook
Manhattan Prep Quant Guides
LSAT-style Critical Reasoning practice (for advanced learners)
E. Build Test-Taking Strategy
The GMAT Focus allows flexibility not present in the old format:
Question Review Feature:
Flag difficult questions
Revisit and change responses (within a section)
Section Order Selection:
Choose the order in which you tackle sections to suit your strengths
Practice these strategies during mock exams to fine-tune decision-making and pacing.
F. Top Global Online Prep Platforms
Choose at least one structured course for discipline and one adaptive test engine for analytics:
GMAT Official Guide: Authentic question style, adaptive practice tools
Manhattan Prep: Deep theory, hard questions, best for high scorers
Kaplan Test Prep: Live & recorded classes, test strategies, personalized plans
Magoosh: Budget-friendly, intuitive dashboard, 1000+ practice questions
Target Test Prep: Quant-focused, great for beginners & re-takers
Veritas Prep: Live tutors, 7-section modular breakdown, AI insights
G. Sample 6-Week Study Plan
Week 1
Diagnostic + Basics
Tasks: Take official mock, analyze score, start quant & verbal brush-up
Week 2
Core Concept Building
Tasks: Focus on weak areas using lesson videos + topic-wise drills
Week 3
Data Insights Focus
Tasks: Practice visual reasoning + multi-source DI questions (30–45 mins/day)
Week 4
Timed Section Practice
Tasks: Take 2–3 sections/day with review; use GMAC review feature
Week 5
Full-Length Tests
Tasks: Take 2 full tests, apply real-time strategy, build exam stamina
Week 6
Final Review
Tasks: Flashcards, error logs, review mocks, prioritize weak areas
H. International Test-Taking Logistics
GMAT Focus is available globally in:
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
Germany
France
India
Singapore
UAE
Brazil
South Africa
and 120+ countries via Pearson VUE or online (remote proctored).
Online GMAT Focus Edition:
Available 24/7
Requires: webcam, stable internet, quiet room
Offers same content, scoring, and security features as in-person test
Here is a GMAT exam date timeline to understand better based on your target application round.
Round 1 - Application Deadline September – October
GMAT Test Date -April
Possible GMAT Retake in July
Prepare for Retake in May – June
Prepare Essays & Resume in August
Round 2 - Application Deadline December – January
GMAT Test Date - July
Possible GMAT Retake in October
Prepare for Retake in August – September
Prepare Essays & Resume in November
Round 3 - Application Deadline March – April
GMAT Test Date - October
Possible GMAT Retake in January
Prepare for Retake in November – December
Prepare Essays & Resume in February
GMAT Registration (mba.com) – Official platform to book and manage your GMAT Focus
Test Center Locator – Check availability in your country
Compare Test Delivery Options – Online vs. In-Center
Prep Resources – Study plans, sample questions, free trials
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
Final Snapshot (Global Summary)
Test Format: Computer-adaptive; available in 114+ countries and online
Test Duration: ~2 hours 15 minutes
• Sections: Quant, Verbal, Data Insights (no AWA or IR)
• Score Range: 205–805
• Global Attempts Allowed: 5/year, 16-day gap; 8 max lifetime
• Booking Flexibility: 6 months (in-person); 24 hrs (online)
• Score Timeline: Immediate unofficial; official within 7 days
• Validity: 5 years from test date
Disclaimer: The information presented here by Just My Iq (https://www.justmyiq.com/ ) is compiled from Various available global resources. While we aim to maintain up-to-date and accurate details, candidates are advised to consult the official GMAC website or local testing centers to confirm specifics before making academic or financial commitments.
Max 5 times in a 12-month period
Max 8 times in a lifetime
Retake after 16 days
GMAT Focus Edition Total Score: 205 to 805
Each section scored individually on a scale
5 years
Online at mba.com
USD $275 (may vary by country)
Yes, but charges apply depending on how early you cancel/reschedule.
Typically 2–6 months, depending on your background
Unofficial score: Immediately after the test
Official score: Within 7–10 days via email
Yes. GMAT Online is available and accepted by most schools globally.
GMAT is more tailored for business schools
GRE is more flexible, accepted for a broader range of graduate programs
Official Guide by GMAC
GMATPrep Software (free)
Kaplan, Manhattan Prep, Magoosh, etc.
Anyone 18 years or older. No specific qualification is required, but it's designed for those applying to business schools.