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GMAT exam guide

GMAT Focus Edition: GMAT Focus for MBA and business master's

The GMAT Focus Edition is the current GMAT. It has three 45-minute sections — Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights — and is used by business schools worldwide for MBA, MiM and business analytics admissions.

  • 3 sections, 2h 15m
  • Score range 205–805
  • Choose your section order
  • Review & edit answers

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At a glance

GMAT exam: key facts

TopicDetails
Conducted byGMAC
Duration2 hours 15 minutes
SectionsQuantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights
Score range205–805
FeeAbout US$275 (test centre) / US$300 (online) — check mba.com
Validity5 years
RetakesUp to 5 times in 12 months, 8 lifetime
FeaturesChoose section order; review and change up to 3 answers per section

What is the GMAT?

GMAT Focus replaced the classic GMAT in 2024. It removed the essay and sentence correction and added Data Insights.

Business schools see your total score and section scores.

Exam pattern

GMAT exam pattern

SectionQuestionsTimeContent
Quantitative Reasoning2145 minutesProblem solving (arithmetic, algebra)
Verbal Reasoning2345 minutesReading comprehension, critical reasoning
Data Insights2045 minutesData sufficiency, graphics, tables, multi-source reasoning

Section by section

GMAT sections and preparation tips

Quantitative Reasoning

Problem-solving questions; no geometry; no calculator.

Tips

  • Strengthen mental maths
  • Learn shortcuts for word problems

Verbal Reasoning

Reading comprehension and critical reasoning.

Tips

  • Identify the argument structure
  • Practise timed RC passages

Data Insights

Data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation and two-part analysis. A calculator is available.

Tips

  • Practise reading charts quickly
  • Master data sufficiency logic

Scores

GMAT scoring explained

Total score 205–805; each section scored 60–90.

Total scoreHow it reads
705+Excellent — top MBA programs
655 – 695Very competitive
605 – 645Good for many strong programs
Below 605Consider retake or profile strengths

What GMAT score do you need?

Approximate ranges for international MBA programs.

Destination / programTypical requirementNotes
Top 15 US MBA665 – 715+
Top UK / European MBA625 – 685
MiM / Business analytics585 – 665Varies

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Booking

How to register for GMAT

  1. 01

    Create an mba.com account

    Choose test centre or online.

  2. 02

    Book a date

    Allow time for a retake before Round 1/2 deadlines.

  3. 03

    Send scores

    Select schools before or after the test.

Study plan

How to prepare for GMAT

  1. 01

    Set your target score

    List the minimum overall and section scores for every university and the visa. Your target is the highest of these, plus a small buffer.

  2. 02

    Take a diagnostic test

    Sit a full timed practice test to find your starting level and weakest sections.

  3. 03

    Build a weekly schedule

    Plan 6–10 weeks of practice that covers every section, with more time for your weakest skill.

  4. 04

    Practise under real timing

    Do full mock tests in exam conditions at least once a week in the final month.

  5. 05

    Review every mistake

    Keep an error log — question type, why you got it wrong and the fix — and revisit it weekly.

  6. 06

    Book with a buffer

    Book your test early enough to retake once before your earliest application or visa deadline.

Avoid these

Common GMAT mistakes

Using classic GMAT material

Make sure you prepare for GMAT Focus — the scale and content differ.

Neglecting Data Insights

It carries equal weight with Quant and Verbal.

Popular searches

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FAQs

GMAT: frequently asked questions

655+ is competitive for many top programs; 705+ for the most selective.

Most business schools accept both. Choose the test where you can score higher relative to each school's averages.

Five years.

Yes — school selection, essays, resume, recommendations and interview preparation.

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