The GMAT Focus Edition has three 45-minute sections - Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights - totalling 64 questions and about 2 hours 15 minutes, with no essay. The Total Score runs from 205 to 805.
This is a plain-English summary of the current GMAT structure. Only the Focus Edition is offered (since 1 February 2024); GMAC’s own pages on mba.com are authoritative. Ignore older guides that describe four sections, an essay or a 200-800 score.
Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions, 45 minutes)
- Problem Solving questions only.
- Tests mathematical reasoning across arithmetic, algebra and number properties.
- No on-screen calculator - you work the arithmetic by hand.
- Data Sufficiency has moved out of this section into Data Insights.
Verbal Reasoning (23 questions, 45 minutes)
- Reading Comprehension - questions on a passage’s meaning, structure and purpose.
- Critical Reasoning - argument logic: assumptions, strengthen, weaken, conclusions.
- Sentence Correction has been removed - grammar is no longer a separate question type.
Data Insights (20 questions, 45 minutes)
- Data Sufficiency - judge whether the given statements are enough to answer.
- Multi-Source Reasoning - combine information across several tabs.
- Table Analysis - sort and interpret a table to judge statements.
- Graphics Interpretation - read a chart or graph and complete statements.
- Two-Part Analysis - solve a two-component problem, often in a grid.
- An on-screen calculator is allowed in this section only.
Scoring and format
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Score | 205-805 (all totals end in 5) |
| Section scores | 60-90 each, weighted equally |
| Pass mark | None - schools set their own targets |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Review tool | Bookmark questions; edit up to 3 answers per section |
| Section order | You choose the order of the three sections |
| Break | One optional 10-minute break |
Reminders
There is no separate “MBA exam” - the GMAT is the test you take to apply to business school. Set your target score from your schools’ published ranges, not a universal cutoff. Confirm current fees and rules for your country on mba.com.