GMAT (Focus Edition): Pattern, Syllabus, Registration & Strategy

Prep smart for the latest GMAT format β€” three sections, flexible review, and a modern score scale. Everything you need in one place.

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πŸ“š Explore GMAT Focus Sections

GMAT Focus: Overview

The GMAT Focus Edition evaluates higher-order reasoning across three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.

It features a modern score scale and an in-exam review & edit capability (with limits), reflecting how managers iterate on decisions.

πŸ“Œ GMAT Focus Highlights

Snapshot (confirm current cycle on mba.com):

πŸ§ͺ Sections

QR β€’ VR β€’ Data Insights

⏱️ Duration

β‰ˆ 2h15m (+ break)

🎯 Score Scale

205–805 (10-point steps)

🌐 Mode

Center or Online

πŸ“… Scheduling & Windows

GMAT runs year-round with rolling availability. Book early for preferred dates/slots; availability varies by city and modality.

Create mba.com account & profile

Anytime

Pick test mode (center/online)

Anytime

Select date/time & pay fee

Slots vary

Reschedule/cancel (fees apply)

Within policy windows

πŸ–ŠοΈ GMAT Registration Process

Register and schedule on mba.com (GMAC). Policies/fees vary by region; check the latest information during booking.

πŸ“‹ Step-by-Step

  • Create/Sign in at mba.com
  • Complete candidate profile & ID details
  • Select mode (center/online) & test location
  • Choose date/time & review policies
  • Pay fee, receive confirmation email
  • Review reschedule/cancel windows

πŸ“Ž Documents & Setup

  • Valid government ID (passport recommended)
  • Stable internet & private room (for online test)
  • On-screen whiteboard / scratchwork compliance (per policy)

πŸ“ GMAT Focus Exam Pattern (recent)

Three-section computer-based exam with section-level adaptivity and limited review/edit functionality. Unattempted questions score no marks.

πŸ“š Sections

Quantitative Reasoning β€’ Verbal Reasoning β€’ Data Insights

⏱️ Duration

Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes (+ optional break)

πŸ“Š Section-Wise Distribution (indicative)

SectionApprox. QuestionsFocus
Quantitative Reasoningβ‰ˆ21Arithmetic, algebra, word problems; no geometry-heavy content
Verbal Reasoningβ‰ˆ23Reading comprehension, critical reasoning
Data Insightsβ‰ˆ20Data sufficiency, data interpretation, multi-source

πŸ“ Scoring

ReportDetails
Total Score205–805 (increments of 10)
Section ScoresReported separately; schools view sectional strengths

πŸ“š GMAT Syllabus (indicative)

GMAC doesn’t publish a chapter-by-chapter list, but recent trends suggest the following coverage areas.

πŸ“… 8-Week GMAT Study Planner

6 days/week plan with one heavy analysis day, rotating section focus and adaptive drill sets. Start Planning β†’

πŸ€– AI School Shortlist & Profile Fit

Shortlist schools by region, specialization, and target band; get essay prompts & timelines. Try Now β†’

πŸ“˜ How To Prepare For GMAT (Focus)

🧠 Phase 1: Concepts & Baseline

  • Math refresh (ops, ratios, exponents); daily CR drills; RC mapping
  • Intro to Data Sufficiency & DS traps

⏱️ Phase 2: Drills & Sectionals

  • Timed sets (30–45 min); pacing palettes; guess strategies
  • Error logging & targeted re-drills

πŸ“Š Phase 3: Full Mocks & Analysis

  • 2–3 mocks per fortnight; analysis β‰₯ attempt time
  • Refine review/edit usage and attempt order

✨ Tip: Practise decision checkpoints every 90–120 seconds; avoid time-sinks on knotty DI/CR sets.

πŸ“˜ Quantitative Reasoning – Suggested Resources

  • Foundational Math (fractions, ratios, exponents) β€” NCERT VI–X refresh
  • Topic drills: arithmetic, algebra, word problems
  • Advanced: inequalities, absolute value, number properties

πŸ“˜ Verbal Reasoning – Suggested Resources

  • Critical Reasoning frameworks (assumption, strengthen/weaken)
  • Reading systems: passage mapping, tone & role questions
  • Concise grammar and usage review for clarity

πŸ“˜ Data Insights – Suggested Resources

  • Data interpretation: tables, charts, scatter/summary
  • Two-part analysis & data sufficiency thinking
  • Spreadsheet-style reasoning & unit conversions

πŸ“˜ General Prep – Suggested Resources

  • Official Guides & Practice Packs (latest edition)
  • 2–3 full mocks + deep analysis per fortnight
  • Error log & targeted re-drills based on misses

πŸ“ Mock Tests for GMAT (Focus)

🎫 Test Day Checklist

For center-based testing, arrive early with your required ID. For online testing, complete system checks and room scans as instructed.

πŸ“₯ What You’ll Need:

  • Valid ID (passport recommended)
  • Appointment confirmation & policies review
  • Compliant workspace (for online), system check done

❌ Avoid

  • Unauthorized items (smartwatches, notes, calculators)
  • Policy violations during online proctoring

πŸ“Š Results & Score Reports

Understand report timelines and what schools see.

πŸ“… Timeline

Score preview immediately post-test; official score report follows as per mba.com timelines.

πŸ“ˆ What’s Included

Total score (205–805), section scores, and score-sending options to programs.

πŸ”— Explore More:

More Resources

GMAT – Frequently Asked Questions

What Students Say About InsideIIM

β€œInsideIIM’s Focus Edition breakdown and drill lists helped me restructure prep. Moved from 635 practice band to a 715 official. Data Insights tips were gold.”

β€” Isha Verma

β€œThe mock analysis checklist and timing ladders made a real difference. Quant 49 β†’ 52 equivalent improvements across three weeks.”

β€” Rahul Menon

β€œI used the 8-week gameplan here and paired it with official mocks. Clean, simple, and very doable for working professionals.”

β€” Anonymous

πŸš€ Ready To Ace GMAT (Focus)?

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