Study Abroad Expert | Updated On - Oct 28, 2024
Highlights:
- From July 1, 2024 onwards, GMAT Focus Edition is now called as GMAT Exam.
- From 24 October 2024, The longstanding 8-attempt lifetime limit on GMAT exams has been removed, and you can give unlimited attempts in a lifetime across both delivery channels and exam versions.
- The duration of the test is 2 hours and 15 minutes. Each section is 45 minutes long.
- In this new format, candidates are assessed in a score range of 205-805, with 10 point intervals.
- There is no change in GMAT registration fees.
- Introduced Data Insights in place of Data Sufficiency
- AWA is not there in this new format
GMAC introduced GMAT Focus Edition on 6th June 2023. Significant changes are made to GMAT 10th Edition to make it more appropriate for MBA aspirants. GMAC redesigned the exam format to assess specific data and analytical skill sets of candidates relevant to the contemporary business world. The old version is now called the GMAT 10th Edition. GMAT is a computer adaptive test, the difficulty level of each question is based on ability level. More than 2400 universities across the world accept GMAT for more than 7000 business programs. From July 1, 2024 onwards, GMAT will be available only in one version. GMAT comprises 64 questions in three sections Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights. Applicants get 2hrs 45mins to attempt all these 3 sections. GMAT fees for the test center and online are USD 275 (INR 22976.79), and USD 300 (INR 25065.59) respectively.
Click here to Register for GMAT
GMAC introduced this format to regain a bit of market share. This new format is shorter, and you can answer the sections as per your choice. GMAT focuses on relevant skills to be assessed through the exam by consulting the top business schools. In the focus edition, a student if deliberating about the answer can bookmark the question and later if time permits can edit and change the answer. This is permitted for 3 edits only. After completing each section, you will be directed to a Question Review & Edit Screen specific to that section. Then you can go to the review option on the screen to answer your bookmarked questions.
Changes in GMAT Focus Edition are as follows:
- Changing the duration of each section to 45 minutes
- Changes in score range from 200-800 to 205-805
- Introducing Data Insights
- Removing Grammar, Geometry, Sentence Correction and AWA section
Syllabus of GMAT Exam
GMAT Exam focus edition removed most geometry problems, grammar, and sentence correction problems. The most notable change is GMAT data sufficiency questions are no longer part of the quantitative reasoning section and are moved to the data insights section. This data insight section will assess the candidates’ real-life problem-solving skills, as only the quantitative skills are not important for aspiring MBA candidates. The new GMAT exam pattern is now more focused on problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking skills. You cannot use a calculator while answering GMAT quantitative reasoning questions, however, you can use an online calculator in the data insight section.
GMAT Score and Percentiles
The score scale for GMAT exam allows business schools to determine your performance. On this updated version, you should aim to achieve a GMAT average score of 645. If you think percentiles will change in the new GMAT Focus Edition, according to the updated scoring pattern, 645 is the new 700. You can send your GMAT score up to 5 programs for free while completing your registration. Sending additional score reports will cost you USD 35 (INR 2924.36) for each program. You can take GMAT up to five times in a year, and a total of eight times in your lifetime. Key pointers of the new scoring pattern are the following:
- Score range is 205-805
- Score interval is 10 points and given as multiples of 5 (ex: 645, 655, 705)
- Each section is scored separately
- Section wise score range is 60-90
GMAT Score for Top Business Schools Worldwide
According to the official data, 7 out of 10 aspirants rely on GMAT exam. Almost all the business schools worldwide and India now accept GMAT scores for their admission process. In 2023, GMAT cut-off range for ISB ranges between 530 and 780. You should target a minimum of 655+ score for a successful admission. To understand the percentile, you can use concordance tables which shows score distributions between the two versions of the exam by percentile. The rankings of Universities worldwide are determined by five main criteria: Admissions 15%, Diversity 5%, pre-MBA qualification 20%, Career 40%, and Qualitative Assessment 20%.
- Admissions considers factors in metrics like the total number of applicants and yield rate.
- Diversity considers the class profile in terms of international students, female representation, and US minority enrollment.
- Pre-MBA quantitative qualifications checks the GMAT/GRE scores, GPA, and prior work experience
- Career metrics include average base salary, signing bonus, and employment status
- Qualitative Assessment entails evaluations from peers and employers.
The top business schools worldwide as per the above criterias include:
| Top 5 scorers in the Admissions criteria | Harvard University Stanford University University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) Columbia University Duke University (Fuqua) |
| Top 5 scorers in the Diversity criteria | University of Rochester (Simon) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) Harvard University Northwestern University (Kellogg) |
| Top 5 scorers in the pre-MBA quantitative qualification criteria | Stanford University Yale University Harvard University University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) |
| Top 5 scorers in the career criteria | University of Chicago (Booth) Dartmouth College (Tuck) University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) University of Virginia (Darden) Northwestern University (Kellogg) |
| Top 5 scorers in the qualitative assessment criteria | Stanford University Harvard University University of Chicago (Booth) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) |
The scores of various top business schools worldwide are:
| GMAT Score for Top Ranked Business Schools Worldwide | ||
|---|---|---|
| QS World Ranking | Business School | GMAT Score |
| 1 | Stanford Graduate School of Business | 738 |
| 2 | The Wharton School | 728 |
| 3 | Harvard Business School | 740 |
| 4 | London Business School | 700 |
| 5 | HEC Paris | 690 |
| 6 | MIT Sloan | 730 |
| 7 | Columbia Business School | 730 |
| 8 | IE Business School | 680 |
| 9 | Cambridge Judge | 682 |
| 10 | IESE Business School | 580-750 |
GMAT is not only for studying in abroad colleges but also In India. Few top business schools in India accept the GMAT score to admit Indian students to their flagship MBA programs. This is appliable for both 2 year and 1 year MBA programs. You can apply to all top Indian business schools with a GMAT score of 600+. The reason behind acepting GMAT scores are:
- You can take GMAT and apply to both abroad colleges and Indian universities. There is no need to take seperate exam for Indian universities.
- The standard of assessment is made difficult with tricky questions to access the knowledge and adaptability of the student
Taking GMAT for Indian colleges might vary as per their admission deadlines. So you need to check the deadlines of the business schools in India before taking GMAT test. Some of the top colleges in India accpting GMAT scores are:
- S P Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai – A minimum of 75 percentile in the Quant and Verbal sections and a 85 percentile score in the overall score (690)
- Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai – A minimum GMAT score 600-760 to be eligible for admission
- T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal – A minimum GMAT 630 score and a 50% in undergraduation.
- IIM Ahmedabad – A minimum GMAT Score of 720
- IMT, Ghaziabad – Official score card is received by the school before the announcement of the results in Mid-March.
- ISB Hyderabad – The eligibility score range is 530-780
- IIM Udaipur – Students with a score of 680 and above can apply
- ISB Mohali – A score range between 530-780 can apply
Some other top schools acceping GMAT Scores re:
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Kolkata
- XIM, Bhubaneswar
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Indore
- XLRI Jamshedpur
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Ranchi
GMAT Preparation Tips
On average, most Indian students require 2 to 3 months of GMAT preparation to achieve a higher score. First, you need to understand the exam format, create a proper study plan, and follow the official study materials. As a beginner, you can start your GMAT preparation by reading comprehensive books, taking full-length practice tests, or utilizing free online resources.
- Take a full-length GMAT mock test to measure and identify your strengths and weak areas.
- Create and follow a proper study plan according to your schedule and focus on your weak areas.
- GMAT official guides include the most updated study materials and preparation strategies. You can get GMAT official starter kit for free, which includes 2 practice exams and 70+ real sample questions.
- You can opt for online exam preparation, as it offers flexible batch timings and easily accessible study materials.
- Joining GMAT coaching center will help you to prepare under expert mentorship.
- Best apps and websites like Manhattan Prep, Veritas Prep, Magoosh, and The Economist GMAT Tutor provide effective preparations.
GMAT Sample Papers
Solving GMAT sample papers regularly helps you to understand the different types of questions. You can utilize free resources like demo classes, preparation apps, and websites to practice sample papers. Many GMAT books include effective GMAT practice questions with answers for better practices.
Having a better understanding of the recent changes in GMAT is important to achieve a higher score. GMAT preparation requires more focus on reasoning skills. You should aim for a higher score range to successfully get admission to some of the top-ranked MBA programs worldwide.
FAQs
Ques: What's the difference between GMAT and GMAT Focus?
Ans: GMAT focus edition is much shorter than the old format and only consists of 64 questions in total. You will be given 2 hours and 15 minutes for GMAT focus edition, previously it was 3 hours and 7 minutes long.
Ques: Is GMAT Focus Edition easier?
Ans: The difficulty level of GMAT Focus Edition varies by individuals and depends on their academic skills. GMAT Focus Edition is shorter than the old pattern; the new syllabus consists of only 3 sections and the previous pattern consists of 4 sections. GMAT focus edition requires only 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Ques: Will GMAT Focus replace GMAT?
Ans: From 1st February 2024, GMAT focus edition is the only version available. MAT focus edition syllabus contains three sections; quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. The focus edition syllabus now scored on 205 to 805 level, and the raw score for each section is scored from 60 to 90 scale.
Ques: Do IIMs accept GMAT focus edition Score?
Ans: GMAT focus edition is widely accepted in the top IIM in India. Before applying to IIM’s admission process, you must check the eligibility criteria for different management programs.
Ques: What are the disadvantages of taking GMAT Focus Edition?
Ans: GMAT focus edition has fewer questions per section. The focus edition is a computer-adaptive test, and the difficulty level of each section is based on your previous answers. For this sensitive algorithm, achieving a higher score is now harder.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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Comments
2 Comments
You can register two to three months before your preferred test date, although, you may register up to six months in advance. Use the Registration and Score Reporting Timeline in the GMAT Handbook to assist you in selecting your test date. You can schedule your exam in the following ways - Online: Create your mba.com account or Phone: Call GMAT Customer Service for your region (Note: You may be charged an additional service fee of USD 10).
Yes, you will now have the choice to validate your identity using your Aadhaar Card or passport during the GMAT online exam registration process as long as the Card is current and valid. For the test center version of the GMAT exam, the passport remains the only acceptable ID; Aadhaar Card has been introduced as an alternative for only online GMAT exams.