By persmind team GMAT Focus Exam: Sections, Scores, Fees, Registration Steps, and Preparation
Last updated: September 25, 2025
If you’re aiming for MBA or analytical business programs, the GMAT Focus test is the most globally recognized standard to measure your academic and skill readiness. The new version is shorter (2 hours and 15 minutes) and more focused on data analysis, logical, and verbal reasoning skills—exactly the abilities business schools are looking for today. In this practical guide, you’ll find everything you need: exam structure, scoring, fees, registration, score reporting, along with a preparation plan and official resources.
What is GMAT Focus?
It is the latest version of the globally accepted GMAT exam used for admission to business schools. The structure has been simplified into three sections, with shorter timing and convenient features such as reviewing and editing up to 3 answers per section, and the flexibility to choose the order of sections.
GMAT Focus Exam Structure and Duration
Total Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes (+ optional 10-minute break).
Total Questions: 64 questions divided into 3 equal sections (45 minutes each):
Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions / 45 minutes
Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions / 45 minutes
Data Insights: 20 questions / 45 minutes
You can select the order of the sections and review each section to modify up to 3 answers before finishing.
What changed from the previous version?
No Essay section.
Analytical reasoning tasks are merged into the Data Insights section.
The overall test duration is about one hour shorter than the old version.
Scoring Range and Validity
Total Range: 205 to 805 (all scores end with “5” to distinguish this version).
Composition: The total score is equally weighted between Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights sections.
Validity: 5 years from the test date.
Note: Scores from the new version cannot be directly compared to the old 200–800 scale.
Fees and Payment
Fees vary depending on the country and delivery mode (online/test center), and local taxes may apply. View the exact price for your country on the official payment page at mba.com before completing your booking.
Common tip (for reference only): In many countries, test-center fees are around $275, and online test fees around $300, but the official reference is always your country’s page on mba.com.
Registration, Rescheduling, and Cancellation
Registration: Through your account on mba.com—choose your date, test center, or online mode and complete payment.
Rescheduling/Cancellation: Managed through your account as well. Fees vary depending on the notice period (additional service fees may apply for phone requests).
Check the official test policy before making any changes.
Sending Scores to Universities
You can send up to 5 score reports for free within 48 hours of receiving your official result on mba.com.
Additional reports can be sent for a fee, as long as the score is within its 5-year validity period.
Who is GMAT For?
Applicants to MBA, Master’s in Management, Analytics, or Finance programs.
Professionals seeking to demonstrate analytical thinking, decision-making, and data-driven reasoning in numbers and language.
Keywords: GMAT Focus 2025, GMAT Focus Edition Exam, GMAT Preparation, MBA Admission Test, GMAT Test Center, GMAT for International Students.
Practical Preparation Plan (6–10 Weeks)
Week 1: Diagnose Your Level
Take an official mock test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. (Try the Starter Kit on mba.com).
Weeks 2–3: Quantitative & Verbal Fundamentals
Quant: Algebra, ratios, rates, basic combinations/probabilities.
Verbal: Critical reasoning, reading comprehension (speed + accuracy + effective note-taking).
Weeks 4–5: Focus on Data Insights
Tables, graphs, and Data Sufficiency / Integrated Reasoning in the new format.
Practice multi-source reading (text + table + chart) under time pressure.
Week 6: Full Simulation + Smart Review
Take two full-length simulations under official timing.
Review strategy: Analyze 100% of mistakes, describe the cause, and document the ideal solution method.
3–5 Days Before the Exam:
Reduce workload, review recurring mistakes, and practice time management & optimal section order.
Tools and Tactics
90/60 Rule: Don’t spend more than 90 seconds per question in Quant/Verbal, or 60 seconds on Data Insights items involving charts/tables.
Early Differentiation: If you can’t identify a clear entry point within 30–40 seconds, apply a calculated guessing strategy and move on.
In-Section Review: Keep a short list of “flagged” questions to revisit and revise up to 3 answers at the end of each section.
What Is a Good Score for Admission?
The “target score” varies by school. Top-10 programs typically expect scores well above the average, but many schools evaluate your overall profile (experience, recommendations, essays, etc.). Use school-specific reports on their websites to set your goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GMAT harder than GRE?
It depends on your strengths. GMAT emphasizes quantitative logical reasoning and data insights, whereas GRE allows a calculator in the quant section and features heavier vocabulary in verbal reasoning. (Read more: GRE Test — suggested internal link).
How many times can I retake the exam?
Attempt limits and time rules are detailed in the official policy on mba.com—check your country before booking.
Does section order affect results?
Choose the order that reduces your stress and keeps focus. The new version offers flexible section sequencing.
Trusted Official Links (External)
GMAT Focus structure, duration, and question count – mba.com
Understanding the 205–805 score range and 5-year validity – mba.com
Payment, fees by country, and policies – mba.com