Gaurav Srivastava, Regional Director - South Asia, Middle East, & Africa, Graduate Management Admission Council – GMAC in a recent interaction with Janifha Evangeline, Editor, Higher Education Review shares his views on how the GMAT Focus Edition will align with the evolving demands of MBA programs and employers, how should students adjust their study strategies to prepare effectively for the GMAT Focus Edition and more.

He has over 24 years of diverse work experience across the FMCG, Financial Services and Education Services verticals in leading multinationals like Pepsi, Citibank, Fullerton Securities and GMAC. He has been a part of the launch of several successful products, services and new businesses both in India and abroad. 

GMAC is the owner of various global assessments like the GMAT exam, NMAT by GMAC exam and the Executive Assessment exam, which are used by leading business schools across the world. GMAC is headquartered in Reston, Virginia with offices in London, Gurgaon and Hong Kong.

What are the key differences between the GMAT Focus Edition and the previous GMAT versions? Why has the GMAT Focus Edition been introduced? What gaps or needs is it addressing in the current business education landscape?

The GMAT exam underwent a name change on July 1, 2023. As a result, the older versions of the GMAT will now be referred to as the "GMAT Exam 10th Edition." Meanwhile, the new version, previously known as the GMAT Focus Edition, will simply be called the "GMAT Exam."

In terms of differences between the old and new versions, one significant change is the reduction in test duration. The new GMAT exam is shorter, decreasing from three hours to approximately two hours, making it a more efficient and flexible testing experience. Several new features have been introduced, such as the ability to review and edit responses, enhanced flexibility in score reporting, and the option to select the section order. These updates are aimed at improving the overall experience for candidates.

The primary reason for why these changes were made stems from continuous research conducted with both corporate employers, who ultimately recruit graduates from business schools, and the schools themselves. We constantly engage with institutions to understand how curricula are evolving and what skills they seek in candidates.

The new GMAT exam was introduced to address the changing needs of business education and the professional landscape. Our goal is to provide today’s diverse candidates with a testing experience that accurately reflects their readiness for the academic rigor of business programs. This process involved an in-depth study of hundreds of candidates, corporate recruiters, and industry professionals. Critical skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis were identified as increasingly important for success in both academic and professional settings.

The updated GMAT exam has been designed to assess these key skills, ensuring that candidates are better equipped to meet the demands of modern business education and the challenges of today's dynamic business environment. These changes reflect our commitment to aligning the exam with the evolving expectations of both business schools and the industries they serve.

How does the GMAT Focus Edition align with the evolving demands of MBA programs and employers?

With the rapid advancements in AI and technology, we have identified that candidates face new challenges in the workplace. In response, the GMAT exam has been redesigned to address these evolving demands, ensuring that candidates are prepared for the complexities they will encounter in managerial roles. This also assures business schools that their graduates are equipped to meet industry expectations.

A key consideration in the admissions process is ensuring fairness and objectivity. A standardized test, like the GMAT, plays a crucial role in differentiating candidates based on their skills, providing schools with confidence in their selection. Ultimately, these candidates serve as ambassadors for their institutions when they transition into the workforce, demonstrating the effectiveness of their training and readiness for real-world challenges.

How might the GMAT Focus Edition influence the way MBA admissions committees evaluate candidates?

The GMAT exam is a critical component of the business school application process and is highly valued by institutions. Its origins date back over 70 years when business schools recognized the need for an unbiased, standardized test to ensure a fair selection process. The GMAT provides a level playing field, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, or linguistic background, ensuring all candidates are evaluated equally.

Business schools place significant emphasis on GMAT scores as they serve as a key criterion for initial filtering, especially given the high volume of applications many top schools receive. The exam offers schools a reliable and objective method to shortlist candidates effectively.

What sets the GMAT apart is its specific focus: it was designed by business schools, exclusively for business schools. This ensures that the exam aligns with the needs and expectations of graduate management programs. While other tests may serve a variety of academic disciplines, the GMAT remains uniquely tailored to assess the skills required for success in business education. Additionally, any updates to the GMAT, such as the recent changes, are made in consultation with business schools to maintain its relevance and efficacy in the selection process.

Will the GMAT Focus Edition scores be weighted differently or given more emphasis compared to other parts of the application?

That is an important question, and the answer varies from school to school as each institution has its criteria for evaluating applicants. Let us first discuss the domestic market, specifically India, and then look at how international schools operate.

In India, where we work closely with many institutions and are familiar with their selection processes, the GMAT exam score holds significant weight. My advice to candidates is to take this exam very seriously. A common mistake many candidates make is focusing first on the application process, shortlisting schools and programs, and only later realizing the importance of preparing for the GMAT exam. By the time they begin preparing for the GMAT, it may be too late.

I would recommend reversing this approach. If you know you are planning to pursue a management program, whether an MBA, master’s or PGDM, start preparing for the GMAT early. If you are still an undergraduate student, you are in a good position to prepare, as you are already in study mode and have time on your side. However, for working professionals, it can be more challenging. You will need to allocate time every day and on weekends for preparation. I would advise allowing yourself at least three months or more to prepare for the GMAT, and pacing your preparation wisely.

In India, schools place considerable emphasis on GMAT scores, and this is often a key criterion for selection. With thousands of applications received, schools use the GMAT score to shortlist candidates for the next round, which typically includes a group discussion (GD) and an interview.

When it comes to international schools, the application process works somewhat differently. Unlike Indian schools, where applications are concentrated around December or January, international schools often accept applications year-round. While the GMAT is still a critical component, it is only one part of the overall application. International schools place importance on other factors as well. However, my recommendation to candidates is to check the specific school’s website for transparency regarding the weightage assigned to the GMAT. Many schools also share their GMAT score cut-offs to clarify expectations.

For those wondering about the transition from the 10th edition of the GMAT (the older version) to the current GMAT, there is a concordance table available on our website. This table allows candidates to compare scores between the older GMAT and the current GMAT exam, and schools also refer to this concordance table to evaluate scores accordingly.

How has the structure of the test changed in terms of sections, timing, and scoring? Are there any new question formats or adaptive testing mechanisms introduced in the GMAT Focus Edition?

The GMAT exam has been updated and now comprises three distinct sections: Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions), Verbal Reasoning (23 questions), and Data Insights (20 questions). Each section is allocated 45 minutes, providing a comprehensive assessment of the candidate's skills in these areas. The scoring for individual sections ranges from 60 to 90, while the total score spans from 205 to 805.

In line with the previous GMAT (10th edition), the new GMAT exam retains its item-level adaptive nature. This means that the difficulty of the questions presented during the exam adjusts to closely match the candidate's ability level. The adaptive algorithm ensures that candidates are consistently challenged according to their demonstrated performance, making the test both efficient and tailored to each individual's skills. This refined structure is designed to provide business schools with an accurate representation of a candidate’s readiness for the rigorous academic demands of management programs.

How should students adjust their study strategies to prepare effectively for the GMAT Focus Edition? What new resources or materials are available to help candidates prepare for the unique aspects of the GMAT Focus Edition?

With the removal of content such as geometry from the Quantitative section, sentence correction from the Verbal section, and the elimination of the essay component, the GMAT exam now requires less preparation time, allowing candidates to prepare in as little as six weeks. To assist candidates, an official free 6-week study planner is available to guide them through their preparation.

The ideal approach to preparing for the GMAT exam is to use official resources and follow a structured plan. Creating a well-thought-out study schedule and choosing the right preparation materials are crucial steps in gaining admission to top business schools. Official practice resources are a great way to begin this journey.

Candidates can take advantage of the free Official Starter Kit, which includes 70 sample GMAT questions with a guided review, as well as two free official practice exams. Additional resources such as the Official Guide 2024-2025, official practice questions, and full-length practice exams provide comprehensive support to ensure success on exam day.

Are there any significant changes in the skills or knowledge areas that candidates should prioritize compared to the previous GMAT? How does the GMAT Focus Edition impact international students, particularly those from non-English speaking backgrounds?

The GMAT exam comprises three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights, each designed to evaluate critical skills such as problem-solving, data analysis, and critical thinking. These abilities are essential for making complex decisions in academic and professional settings. Business schools and admissions professionals consistently emphasize the importance of these skills for incoming graduate students, while employers around the globe seek candidates proficient in these areas.

It is not a test of business knowledge, subject mastery, English vocabulary, or advanced computing skills. Hence, as an international student, it is important to focus on working on skills like problem-solving, data literacy, and critical thinking. These competencies, previously tested in the 10th edition of the GMAT, continue to be assessed in the new edition, ensuring alignment with the evolving demands of business education and the professional landscape.

Is there anything else you think that the readers must know about GMAT?

I would like to inform candidates that the GMAT exam is highly popular, not only for studying abroad but also among Indian business schools. Many candidates associate the GMAT primarily with international programs, but that is not the case. Leading Indian institutions, such as ISB, SPJIMR, and the IIMs for their Executive MBA programs, extensively use the GMAT. Additionally, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), India's regulatory body, permits Indian candidates to use their GMAT scores to apply to all PGDM programs. Consequently, all top PGDM schools in India accept the GMAT, making it one of the six ratified tests.

While there are other Indian entrance exams, the GMAT offers a key advantage in terms of flexibility. Candidates can retake the GMAT just 15 days after their previous attempt, unlike many Indian exams where a poor score means waiting an entire year to retake the test. This makes the GMAT particularly candidate-friendly. If a candidate does not achieve the desired score, they can take the exam up to five times within a calendar year without losing valuable time.

This flexibility is a significant benefit for candidates applying to both Indian and international schools. The GMAT is not limited to those aspiring to study abroad; it is also an excellent option for those seeking admission to prestigious programs within India.