GMAT Focus Edition Explained: What Changed in 2025?
The Biggest Change in 70 Years
If you are using study materials from 2023 or earlier, throw them away.
The GMAT Focus Edition is not just a tweak; it is a completely different exam. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has overhauled the test to be shorter, more relevant to modern business, and (arguably) harder to game.
Key Changes at a Glance
| Feature | Old GMAT (10th Ed) | GMAT Focus Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | 3 Hours, 7 Minutes | 2 Hours, 15 Minutes |
| Sections | Quant, Verbal, IR, Essay | Quant, Verbal, Data Insights |
| Scoring Scale | 200 - 800 | 205 - 805 |
| Question Review | None | Edit up to 3 answers per section |
| Geometry | Included | REMOVED |
| Sentence Correction | Included | REMOVED |
| Essay (AWA) | Included | REMOVED |
The New Sections
1. Quantitative Reasoning (45 Minutes, 21 Questions)
- What’s Gone: Geometry. No more triangles, circles, or coordinate planes.
- What’s Left: Arithmetic and Algebra.
- Implication: The math is “purer” now. It tests your ability to reason with numbers, not your ability to memorize formulas.
2. Verbal Reasoning (45 Minutes, 23 Questions)
- What’s Gone: Sentence Correction. No more grammar rules or idioms.
- What’s Left: Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
- Implication: This is a huge win for non-native speakers who struggled with English grammar nuances. The section is now purely about logic and reading ability.
3. Data Insights (45 Minutes, 20 Questions)
- What is it? This is the new “star” of the GMAT. It combines the old Integrated Reasoning (IR) section with Data Sufficiency (math) questions.
- Calculator: You CAN use an on-screen calculator for this section only.
- Implication: This section counts equally toward your total score. You cannot ignore it.
The New Scoring Scale (205-805)
The most confusing change is the scoring. A “700” no longer exists.
- Old 700 ≈ Focus 645
- Old 750 ≈ Focus 695
- Old 600 ≈ Focus 555
Don't Panic
If you see a score of 655, do not think you failed. That is the 91st percentile, equivalent to a 720-730 on the old exam.
Question Review & Editing
For the first time, you can bookmark questions and go back to change your answers.
- The Catch: You can only change 3 answers per section.
- Strategy: Do not abuse this. It is better to get it right the first time. Use it only for questions where you made a silly calculation error.
Summary: Is the New GMAT Harder?
- Harder: The Data Insights section is intense and requires fast processing speed.
- Easier: The removal of Geometry and Sentence Correction reduces the amount of content you need to memorize.
- Better: It is shorter (2h 15m vs 3h+), which means less fatigue.
Recommendation: If you are good at analyzing charts and graphs, the Focus Edition plays to your strengths.