An updated version of the GMAT called the GMAT Focus will be released this year. Developed by GMAC in partnership with business schools, it is designed to offer test takers more flexibility because it is close to an hour shorter in length and won’t require an essay.
According to a leaked graphic published by Poets & Quants, specific updates to the test are expected to include:
A shorter Quantitative Reasoning section. The GMAT Focus will ask 21 questions, which will reduce the section by 10 questions and 17 minutes from the current GMAT.
A shorter Verbal Reasoning section. The GMAT Focus will ask 23 questions instead of the current 36, and the time allotted will decrease by 20 minutes. This section will include questions on reading comprehension and critical reasoning.
A new Data Insights section. The new section will increase the current GMAT’s Integrative Reasoning section from 12 questions to 20, with an additional 15 minutes of time. The section will include questions on data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis.
In addition to shortening the overall test experience, test-takers will have the ability to flag questions that they wish to return to prior to the end of the section time.
The current version of the GMAT will also be available for test-takers through early 2024.