The GMAT Focus Edition is the current version of the world's most widely accepted MBA admissions test. For Nepali students targeting top MBA programmes globally, understanding the new format, score expectations, and preparation strategy is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know for your 2026 application cycle.
The GMAT Focus Edition is the current version of the world’s most widely accepted MBA admissions test. For Nepali students targeting top MBA programmes globally, understanding the new format, score expectations, and preparation strategy is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know for your 2026 application cycle.
GMAT Focus Edition: What’s New in 2026
The GMAT Focus Edition, launched in late 2023, has fully replaced the GMAT Classic, which is no longer available. The Focus Edition is a significantly redesigned test with three sections, a shorter duration, and no Analytical Writing Assessment or Integrated Reasoning section. The maximum score is 805 (not 800 as in the Classic).
The three sections are:
- Quantitative Reasoning — 21 questions, 45 minutes (Problem Solving only; Data Sufficiency removed from Quant)
- Verbal Reasoning — 23 questions, 45 minutes (Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension; Sentence Correction removed)
- Data Insights — 20 questions, 45 minutes (new section combining Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis)
Total testing time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, with a 10-minute optional break between sections. You can choose the order of sections. One significant improvement: you can now review and change up to 3 answers per section before time expires.
Registration, Test Centres & Fees
Register for the GMAT at mba.com. The test is available in Kathmandu at Pearson VUE test centres — confirm current locations on mba.com as specific venues may change. You can also take the GMAT online from home using Pearson’s online proctoring system, which Nepali students increasingly prefer for convenience. The exam fee is USD 275 for both the test centre and online formats. Score validity is 5 years.
Score Targets for Top MBA Programmes
Score targets on the GMAT Focus Edition differ from the Classic, so ensure you are using current benchmarks. The 805-point scale shifts the ranges upward relative to intuition from the old 800-point scale.
- Harvard Business School, Wharton, Stanford GSB: 720+ (Focus Edition)
- Top 20 MBA programmes (Booth, Kellogg, MIT Sloan, Columbia, Tuck): 680-720
- Solid top-40 US MBA programmes: 640-680
- European MBA programmes (INSEAD, LBS, IMD): 640-700
- Asian MBA programmes (HKUST, NUS, IIM): 610-660
GMAT vs GRE for MBA
Virtually all MBA programmes now accept both the GMAT and GRE. The choice depends on your strengths. Nepali students with strong analytical and quantitative backgrounds (engineers, finance professionals) often find the GMAT’s Data Insights section plays to their strengths. Those with stronger verbal and humanities backgrounds sometimes find the GRE more manageable. Some admissions officers still view the GMAT as the “MBA test” of choice, but this advantage is diminishing. Take both official practice tests and decide based on your score trajectory.
Preparation Timeline & Resources
Most test-takers require 3-6 months of focused preparation to achieve their target GMAT Focus Edition score. A strong starting foundation in maths (algebra, arithmetic, geometry) significantly reduces preparation time.
- Free resources: GMAT Official Starter Kit (free on mba.com — includes 2 full-length practice tests)
- Official materials: GMAT Official Guide 2024-2025, GMAT Focus Official Practice Exams (USD 29.99 each)
- Prep platforms: Manhattan Prep, Target Test Prep (for Quant), e-GMAT (strong for Verbal)
- Take at least 4-5 full-length practice tests under timed conditions before your test date
| School Tier | Target Score (Focus) | Average Work Experience |
|---|---|---|
| M7 (Harvard, Wharton, Stanford) | 720–805 | 5+ years post-bachelor |
| Top 10–20 US MBA | 680–720 | 4–6 years |
| Top 20–40 US MBA | 640–680 | 3–5 years |
| European Schools (INSEAD, LBS) | 650–710 | 5+ years international preferred |
| Asian Programmes (NUS, HKUST) | 610–660 | 3–5 years |
Is the GMAT Classic still available in 2026?
No. The GMAT Classic (the previous format with AWA, Integrated Reasoning, and a 200-800 scale) was officially retired in early 2024. As of 2026, only the GMAT Focus Edition is available. All MBA programmes have updated their score benchmarks to reflect the new 205-805 scale.
Can I take the GMAT online from Nepal?
Yes. The GMAT Focus Edition is available online with live remote proctoring through Pearson VUE. You need a quiet, private room, a reliable internet connection, and a webcam. The online format costs the same as the test centre (USD 275) and is increasingly popular among Nepali test-takers for its convenience.
How many times can I take the GMAT?
You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a 12-month period, with at least 16 days between attempts. The lifetime limit is 8 attempts. You can choose which scores to send to schools using the Score Select feature — schools only see scores you choose to report.
Do I need to send GMAT scores even to test-optional schools?
Test-optional means schools will not penalise you for not submitting scores, but submitting a strong score can only help your application. For Nepali applicants competing against well-credentialed international candidates, a strong GMAT score can differentiate your application. EVEC recommends submitting scores above the school's stated average whenever possible.
- GMAT official website (GMAC) (www.mba.com)
- GMAT score guide (www.mba.com)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GMAT Classic still available in 2026?
No. The GMAT Classic (the previous format with AWA, Integrated Reasoning, and a 200-800 scale) was officially retired in early 2024. As of 2026, only the GMAT Focus Edition is available. All MBA programmes have updated their score benchmarks to reflect the new 205-805 scale.
Can I take the GMAT online from Nepal?
Yes. The GMAT Focus Edition is available online with live remote proctoring through Pearson VUE. You need a quiet, private room, a reliable internet connection, and a webcam. The online format costs the same as the test centre (USD 275) and is increasingly popular among Nepali test-takers for its convenience.
How many times can I take the GMAT?
You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a 12-month period, with at least 16 days between attempts. The lifetime limit is 8 attempts. You can choose which scores to send to schools using the Score Select feature — schools only see scores you choose to report.
Do I need to send GMAT scores even to test-optional schools?
Test-optional means schools will not penalise you for not submitting scores, but submitting a strong score can only help your application. For Nepali applicants competing against well-credentialed international candidates, a strong GMAT score can differentiate your application. EVEC recommends submitting scores above the school's stated average whenever possible.
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