GMAT Focus Edition vs Classic GMAT: What Changed and What Matters
Detailed breakdown of test duration, section structure, Question Review & Edit feature, and scoring scale changes.
In late 2023, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) implemented the most sweeping overhaul of the GMAT in over two decades, transitioning fully to the GMAT Focus Edition.
Key Structural Differences: 1. Duration: Reduced from 3 hours 7 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. 2. Sections: Removed Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Sentence Correction. Added Data Insights as an equal-weighted section. 3. Question Review: Candidates can now bookmark questions and edit up to 3 answers per section before submitting. 4. Score Scale: 205โ805 (with scores ending in 5) replacing the old 200โ800 scale.
Strategic Takeaways: With Sentence Correction removed, Verbal Reasoning is purely about Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. Quant focuses exclusively on Problem Solving (Data Sufficiency moved to Data Insights). Candidates who excel at integrated analysis have a distinct competitive edge on the Focus Edition.
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