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If you're planning to take the GMAT Focus Edition, one of your biggest questions is likely: how long is the GMAT now? The updated version of the test is shorter and more efficient than the previous format, but it still requires strategic time management to perform your best. In this guide, we break down the exam structure, section timing, test-day strategy, and key tips to help you succeed.
GMAT Focus Edition Duration and Structure
The GMAT Focus Edition is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, making it significantly shorter than the previous version of the GMAT exam. This streamlined format was introduced by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) to reflect modern testing needs while maintaining the exam's rigor.
Here’s a breakdown of the test:
| Section | Time Allotted | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 45 minutes | 21 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 45 minutes | 23 |
| Data Insights | 45 minutes | 20 |
| Optional 10-minute Break | After any section | - |
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes, excluding the optional break.
Sections of the GMAT Focus Edition
Quantitative Reasoning Section
The quantitative reasoning section assesses your ability to reason and solve problems using arithmetic and algebra. It includes data sufficiency questions and problem solving — no geometry.
- 21 questions in 45 minutes
- Focus on arithmetic, algebra, and data sufficiency
- Strategic thinking is key — not just math skills
Read: How to Improve Quantitative Reasoning for a Higher GMAT Score
Verbal Reasoning Section
The verbal reasoning section focuses on your ability to read critically and evaluate arguments. It includes reading comprehension and critical reasoning questions.
- 23 questions in 45 minutes
- Emphasizes logic, clarity, and grammar
- GMAT verbal section has no sentence correction in the Focus Edition
Read: How to Improve Reading Comprehension for a Higher GMAT Score
Data Insights Section
Unique to the new GMAT Focus Edition, this section tests your ability to evaluate data from multiple sources, including table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis.
- 20 questions in 45 minutes
- Mix of formats: data sufficiency, visual reasoning, and more
- Strong overlap with real-world business education skills
Key Features of the GMAT Focus Edition
- Computer adaptive format adapts question difficulty based on your performance
- You can review up to three answers per section before submitting
- The improved official score report includes detailed performance insights
- You’ll receive individual section scores and a total score from 205–805 in 10-point increments
This version of the GMAT can be taken in person at a test center or online via GMAT Online, depending on your preferences.
5 Time Management Tips
The GMAT Focus Edition may be shorter than the previous version, but it’s also denser, more adaptive, and just as mentally demanding. With only 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete all three sections, your ability to manage time can make or break your performance. The test is designed to assess not only your reasoning and problem-solving skills, but also how well you perform under time pressure — a key trait valued in business school and beyond.
Here are practical, high-impact strategies to master your pacing:
1. Take Full-Length GMAT Prep Tests Under Real Conditions
Simulate actual test conditions — including breaks, a quiet environment, and time limits — to build stamina and internalize pacing. Identify which sections you tend to overthink or rush, and adjust your timing accordingly. Repeating this regularly also helps reduce anxiety on test day.
2. Use the Optional 10-Minute Break Wisely
You’re allowed one optional break during the exam. Plan ahead which section you'll break after, based on your personal strengths and fatigue points. Use this time to stretch, hydrate, or simply reset your mind so you return sharper for the remaining sections.
3. Don’t Chase Perfection — Chase Efficiency
Perfectionism can kill your timing. If you spend too long on one tough question, you risk missing easier ones later. Practice letting go when you're stuck and flagging questions for review if necessary. Remember, you can review up to three answers per section in the GMAT Focus Edition — use that to your advantage strategically.
4. Pace Yourself Based on Question Volume
Know the number of questions in each section and divide your time accordingly. For example:
- Quantitative: 21 questions in 45 minutes → ~2 minutes per question
- Verbal: 23 questions in 45 minutes → ~1 minute 55 seconds per question
- Data Insights: 20 questions in 45 minutes → ~2 minutes 15 seconds per question (some may require interpreting visuals)
Time benchmarks will help you notice when you’re falling behind — and allow you to adjust on the fly.
5. Build Time Awareness Into Your Practice
Use a countdown timer during drills to mimic exam pressure. Train yourself to make quicker decisions, especially on question types like data sufficiency and critical reasoning. The more you internalize time limits, the more automatic your pacing becomes.
When to Take the GMAT Focus Edition
Timing your GMAT Focus Edition strategically is just as important as scoring well. Most MBA programs have application rounds in September (Round 1), January (Round 2), and sometimes April (Round 3) — so your GMAT score needs to be ready well before those deadlines.
Here's a tactical GMAT timeline to follow:
| Goal | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Research MBA programs & deadlines | 10–12 months before target start date |
| Set a test date | 8–9 months before deadlines (March–May) |
| Begin structured GMAT prep | 4–6 months before test date |
| Take first full-length mock test | 3 months before test date |
| Take the GMAT Focus Edition | 3–5 months before application deadline |
| Receive your official score report | Within 3–5 business days after test |
| Submit scores to business schools | At least 1 month before application due |
| Retake if necessary | At least 16 days after first attempt |
Example:
If you're applying in Round 1 (September):
- Take the GMAT no later than June or July
- Book your test appointment by May
- Start prep in January–February
Additional Tips:
- You can take the GMAT Focus Edition year-round, but slots fill up fast near deadlines — book early.
- Factor in time for a potential retake, especially if you're aiming for a target score above the average.
- If applying to multiple MBA programs, confirm their specific score submission policies and cutoffs.
What Is a Good GMAT Score?
A good GMAT score ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your target business schools. While many top MBA programs consider scores in the mid-600s or higher to be competitive, what truly matters is how your score compares to the average of admitted students at the schools you're applying to.
Start by researching published score reports to understand the typical range for successful applicants. Then, consider how your overall GMAT score fits within that context and how it supports the rest of your profile. Remember, the GMAT is just one component of your application — admissions committees also weigh factors like work experience, undergraduate GPA, essays, and interviews.
Read: What is a "Good" GMAT Score?
How to Prepare for the GMAT Focus Edition
Study Materials
Start with the official resources from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Their updated guides are the most accurate reflection of the actual GMAT Focus Edition and include real question types, scoring details, and test interface previews. To go beyond the basics, platforms like Manhattan Prep and GMAT Club offer high-quality practice questions, concept reviews, and peer discussions that simulate real testing scenarios.
Make sure to practice in both formats — the testing center version and the GMAT Online version — so you’re fully comfortable with either setting on test day. After each full-length test, review your improved official score report to identify trends and isolate areas for improvement.
Explore: The Best GMAT Prep Books for 2023: Reviews and Comparisons
Study Strategy
Begin by assessing your current performance across all three sections — quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights — then build a schedule that gives extra time to your weakest areas. Whether it's problem solving in the quantitative section or interpreting tables and charts in the data insights section, mastering these skill sets early on will pay dividends.
Develop your critical thinking and time management abilities by regularly practicing under time constraints. This is especially important for question types like data sufficiency and critical reasoning, where decision-making speed matters. You should also prioritize exposure to key formats such as graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, table analysis, and understanding written material — all of which appear in the integrated reasoning section.
Finally, treat every practice test like a diagnostic tool. Review how many questions you answered correctly, how long you spent on each, and how your performance shifts over time. Use this data to adjust your study plan week by week, focusing your efforts on the areas most likely to raise your total score.
Read: 3 Month GMAT Study Plan: Prepare for Success and How to Study for GMAT: The GMAT Tutor's Guide
Should You Work with a GMAT Coach?
So, how long is the GMAT Focus Edition? It’s exactly 2 hours and 15 minutes, split into three equally timed sections — Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights — with an optional 10-minute break. While the Graduate Management Admission Test has been redesigned for efficiency and relevance, preparing for it still demands strategy, endurance, and expert insight.
That’s where top GMAT test prep coaches can make a major difference. Whether you're struggling with the quantitative section, aiming for a good GMAT score for elite MBA programs, or just unsure how to structure your prep time, an experienced GMAT coach can provide personalized guidance. They can identify your blind spots, tailor your study plan to your goals, and help you master both content and pacing — two of the most critical factors in a high overall GMAT score.
Many high-scoring GMAT test takers credit their success to one-on-one coaching from elite instructors with proven track records. These professionals not only understand the new GMAT Focus Edition inside and out — they also know how to help you make efficient progress, stay accountable, and build confidence along the way.
If you're ready to take the GMAT, consider working with a top coach to elevate your prep and avoid common mistakes. With expert help and a clear roadmap, you’ll be well-positioned to conquer the sections of the test, hit your target score, and move one step closer to your goals in business school and beyond.
Read next:
- 3 Things You Need to Know About the New GMAT Focus Edition
- Average GMAT Score by School: Business Schools Ranking 2025
- How Hard is the GMAT (Actually)?
FAQs
How many times can I take the GMAT Focus Edition?
- You can take the GMAT Focus Edition up to five times within a rolling 12-month period. There are no lifetime limits on the number of attempts.
What is the registration fee for the GMAT Focus Edition?
- The registration fee is USD 275 for the test center version and USD 300 for the online version. Additional costs may apply for rescheduling, canceling scores, or sending scores to more than five programs.
How is the GMAT Focus Edition scored?
- The total score ranges from 205 to 805, with each section—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—contributing equally to the total score. All scores end in a 5 to distinguish them from previous GMAT editions.
When will I receive my GMAT Focus Edition scores?
- Unofficial scores are available immediately after completing the exam. Official scores are typically available within 3-5 business days and can be accessed through your mba.com account.
Is the GMAT Focus Edition adaptive?
- Yes, the GMAT Focus Edition uses a question-adaptive format, adjusting the difficulty of each question based on your performance on previous questions.
