Is the GMAT Pattern Changing in 2024? Things You Should Know About It
Is the GMAT pattern changing? Know comprehensive details regarding new GMAT pattern, section added, exam duration, and the reason for changing GMAT structure.
Anil Solonki24 Apr, 2024
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Is the GMAT Pattern Changing?
GMAT is the most popular standardised test for seeking admission to international B-schools. In March 2023, GMAC, the conducting body of GMAT, introduced multiple changes to the exam structure. The major focus of these changes is a shorter exam duration, which aims to improve candidates' exam taking experience. The GMAT exam pattern was criticised for being too lengthy. Additionally, many candidates were not able to perform well in the later sections of the GMAT because they felt exhausted. Noticing these issues, GMAC streamlined multiple guidelines to conduct GMAT Focus.Also Read: GMAT Syllabus 2024
Candidates aiming to attempt the GMAT in 2024 must be familiar with all the changes made to the GMAT exam pattern and prepare for the exam accordingly.GMAT Focus Edition Exam Structure
The GMAT Focus Edition introduces significant changes to the traditional GMAT format. GMAT Focus was launched on 7 November 2023, which reduced the GMAT exam duration from 3 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes. The number of questions is also reduced from 80 to 64. The following table provides an overview of the revised GMAT exam pattern:| Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 minutes |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 minutes |
No Analytical Writing Section
The GMAT Focus Edition does not include the Analytical Writing Assessment (essay) section. In the new GMAT exam, all the questions are MCQ type. This change aims to eliminate the stress of composing timed essays alongside completing other sections of the exam, such as quant, verbal, and critical thinking.Flexibility to Return to Previous GMAT Question
The GMAT Focus Edition offers candidates the flexibility to mark and revisit specific questions within a section. This is similar to the guidelines of the GRE exam. Additionally, test takers can change their responses to a maximum of three questions per section in the revised GMAT Focus Edition. Moreover, candidates can select the section they wish to start with, potentially enhancing their performance in the exam. The flexibility to flag questions for review is not available in the previous GMAT exam structure. Once candidates selected an option for any question, it was considered final and the score was provided for the same.\Introducing New Section
The new GMAT exam includes a new section named Data Insights. This section majorly combines two sections, Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency. The DI section is primarily included in GMAT due to input from multiple business schools. Additionally, the GMAC aims to evaluate the skills most relevant to today's business landscape by including the DI section. Score Report Includes Only One Exam Data In the latest GMAT Focus exam, the score report displays the candidate's marks from a single attempt. This way it eradicates candidates' worries about their previous exam records. Additionally, test takers can now send their score reports to up to five schools free of charge, with the option to select the recipient schools after viewing their scores.
Access to Scores Before Sending to Schools
Similar to the GMAT exam, candidates taking the GMAT Focus Edition can send their scores to five business schools without paying extra charges. However, a notable change with the new format allows test-takers to access their scores beforehand. Additionally, they get a 48-hour window to determine the schools to which they want to send their scores.Reasons for Introducing Changes to GMAT?
The GMAC has introduced modifications to the GMAT exam to enhance its relevance, efficiency, and user-friendliness. These adjustments are made according to the thorough research and input gathered from business schools, students, and test-takers. Here are the primary reasons for introducing these changes:Relevance in Assessment
The inclusion of the GMAT DI section aims to provide a more relevant evaluation of skills crucial for business school. This new segment assesses students' ability to analyse data and employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills in practical scenarios, which aligns with the demands of a business environment.Enhanced Feedback
The earlier GMAT score report didn't provide detailed information to candidates and universities. In contrast, the revamped scoring system in the GMAT Focus Edition offers comprehensive feedback for test-takers, which helps them in better understanding their strengths and areas for improvement. With separate scores provided for each section, business schools can assess students' performance with greater accuracy, facilitating more informed admissions decisions.Efficiency in Assessment
By eliminating the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section and reducing the time allocated for VR and QR sections, the GMAT exam has been streamlined. This adjustment allows test-takers more time to concentrate on the most crucial sections considered by B-schools for the admission process.
Increased Flexibility
The GMAT exam pattern followed a strict guideline for answering questions. Due to this, candidates were not able to review and rectify their answers in any section. To solve this problem, the GMAT Focus Edition allows flexibility in marking answers through the mark for review option. Candidates aiming to pursue an MBA degree from top international universities must clear GMAT with excellent scores. To help candidates in this regard, PW GMAT Online Coaching offers regular online classes to cover the GMAT syllabus, resolve doubts by offering personalised attention, conduct GMAT Adaptive Mock Tests , and provide performance analysis.
| Also Read | |
| GMAT Exam Pattern | GMAT 2024 Exam Day Guidelines |
| GMAT Registration | GMAT Exam Date |
| GMAT Admit Card | GMAT Syllabus 2024 |
GMAT Exam Pattern Changes FAQs
Has GMAT exam pattern changed?
GMAT has introduced multiple changes to the GMAT exam pattern. These include a reduction in exam duration and the number of questions, inclusion of a DI section, availability of detailed score reports, and flexibility to review and modify up to three answers in each section.
Has GMAT gotten harder?
The GMAT QR and VR sections are getting a bit tougher. However, with dedicated preparation and expert guidance candidates can crack GMAT with their target scores. Additionally, the modifications to the GMAT exam pattern add to the convenience and flexibility of candidates. Now, candidates can take the GMAT with better focus and concentration without getting exhausted. This improves their chances of scoring well.
Does GMAT ever repeat questions?
The GMAT questions are based on candidates' responses to the preceding question. Due to this format, it is highly unlikely that the questions in the GMAT get repeated. Although the concept may be similar in GMAT questions, the exact questions never get repeated.
Can I score 700 in GMAT in 3 months?
Scoring 700 in the GMAT is a challenging task and requires candidates to follow a rigorous preparation habit. Candidates aiming to secure 700 in GMAT must create and follow a strategic preparation plan, seek expert guidance to learn concepts clearly, solve practice papers, and attempt mock tests to identify strengths and weaknesses. Further, they must streamline their preparation to strengthen their weak areas.
Is Focus Edition GMAT better?
GMAT Focus Edition aims to resolve multiple issues in earlier versions of GMAT and make the test more relevant for current business management studies. The introduction of the DI section, removal of essay writing questions, reduction of exam duration, etc., aim to evaluate the crucial skills of candidates for admission to the MBA program.
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