Since the launch of the test, the GMAT timeline has gone through quite a few changes. In this article, we take a look at the most notable changes and milestones that happened throughout the years up until 2024. It is not only interesting to follow the history of this important tool for graduate admission but it is also useful for those planning to sit the exam today.
Key GMAT Format Changes
The new GMAT format has had significant shifts in structure, with the GMAT timeline reflecting changes such as the introduction of the computer-adaptive format in 1997 and the Integrated Reasoning section in 2012. It used to assess how well candidates interpret graphs and tables. In 2017, the test became more flexible by allowing candidates to choose their preferred section order from three different arrangements. The most recent transformation occurred in 2023-2024 with the launch of GMAT Focus, which includes just three sections and lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes, cutting back almost an hour from the previous duration.
|
Year |
Change |
|
1953 |
Test created as “Admission Test for Graduate Study in Business” |
|
1961 |
Data Sufficiency questions added |
|
1970 |
Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) formed |
|
1976 |
Name changed to “Graduate Management Admission Test” |
|
1994 |
Analytical Writing Section (AWA) introduced |
|
1997 |
Computer-adaptive format adopted |
|
2012 |
Integrated Reasoning section added |
|
2014-2015 |
Score cancellation/reinstatement policies introduced |
|
2017 |
Flexible section order options added |
|
2018 |
Questions reduced, exam duration shortened |
|
2023-2024 |
GMAT Focus edition launched – 3 sections, 2h 15min, score range 205-805 |
1953: The test is created
The history of this aptitude test dates back to 1953 when it was created to assess skills in analytical reasoning, writing, quantitative analysis, and more, serving as a critical component in the GMAT timeline. It all started with a collaboration between the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and nine business schools from the US – Columbia University: Columbia Business School; Harvard Business School (HBS); Northwestern University: The Kellogg School of Management; The State University of New Jersey: Rutgers Business School; Seton Hall University: Stillman School of Business; The University of Chicago: Booth School of Business; University of Michigan: Ross School of Business; University of Pennsylvania: The Wharton School; and Washington University in St. Louis: Olin Business School. In 1953, their representatives met and discussed the need to introduce a standardized testing method for the admissions process of their schools. They came up with this aptitude test which would estimate candidates’ potential to succeed in management programs without testing any particular subject matter expertise.
When the exam was created, it was called the Admission Test for Graduate Study in Business.
1961: Data Sufficiency questions are added
Data sufficiency questions, which measure the ability to analyze quantitative problems, were not initially included when the test was created. They were added in 1961 and they are an important part of the GMAT today.
1970: Council is formed
Although it bore a different name then, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) was established as a non-profit association of business education institutions. In 1970, there were 30 graduate business schools as members. To this day, the council is “actively committed to advancing the art and science of admissions by convening and representing the industry.” The GMAC is based in the US but also has offices in the UK, India, and Hong Kong.
1976: Test name changes
The exam received the name we all know today in 1976 when the “Admission Test for Graduate Study in Business” became the “Graduate Management Admission Test”.
1994: Analytical Writing Section is introduced
Testing the writing and editing abilities of candidates became more and more important throughout the GMAT timeline. This emphasis culminated in the addition of the Analytical Writing Section (AWA) with the intention of giving schools a better idea of an applicant’s writing and their overall critical thinking and communication skills. The AWA section was scored separately and it was not part of the final GMAT result of test takers.
1997: Format becomes computer-adaptive
In 1997, the GMAT adopted a computer-adaptive format – a significant milestone in its evolution. The GMAT as an adaptive test is now much more widely available, allows more flexibility for candidates, and ensures better accuracy in assessing abilities. The Economist explains:
“With its ability to choose questions based on your previous answers, each GMAT exam is nearly unique.”
What exactly does “computer-adaptive” mean? In a CNN article from 2005, GMAC president and CEO at the time, David Wilson, elaborated:
“The first multi-choice question is at a standard level. If a candidate gets that right, then they are offered a more difficult question. If not, they are given an easier question. This ends up giving an accurate indication of a person's capabilities.”
The computer-adaptive component has remained the same since 1997.
2012: Integrated Reasoning section is added
In 2012, the GMAT added a new section called Integrated Reasoning. In a nutshell, its purpose was to analyze how well candidates can interpret tables, graphs, and other types of data. Similarly to the AWA section, Integrated Reasoning also used to have its own separate score, although it was just as important as the rest of the sections on the GMAT.
2014 and 2015: Policy changes regarding canceling and reinstating scores
As for changes in policy, the association administering the GMAT added some options for score cancelation and reinstatement a few years later. Candidates now have 72 hours after obtaining their results during which they can cancel their scores. Canceled scores will not be visible on the GMAT score reports that schools receive, making this a handy option for test takers who are not satisfied with their current results. The change went into effect in 2015.
2017: Section order becomes flexible
While up until 2017 all test takers had to follow a uniform exam structure beginning with the AWA section, this is no longer the case. Everyone is now able to choose the section order they prefer.
Immediately prior to beginning the exam, test takers choose the structure they wish to follow. According to the administrators of the GMAT, this is a step further in improving the overall testing experience for candidates. Choosing the section order yourself enables you to use the approach that works best for you. You can start with what is most difficult to get it out of the way or begin with a section which is less challenging to get into the rhythm.
2018: Number of questions and exam duration are reduced
As of 16 April 2018, the number of questions and allocated time for the Quantitative and Verbal sections were reduced. This change also decreased the overall testing time by about half an hour, which saved valuable time and helped decrease the stress for examinees, explains the administrating organization. Everything else – format, content, question types, and scoring – remained the same for the time being.
2023 and 2024: GMAT Focus edition is launched
Finally, we reach the GMAT as it looks today! These GMAT exam changes represent the most comprehensive transformation in the test’s history, with the GMAT format change impact affecting everything from preparation strategies to scoring interpretation.
The latest change in the GMAT timeline actually included a complete overhaul of the test. The new GMAT format is called GMAT Focus. Its content was reduced to three sections only – Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, each lasting 45 minutes. This meant removing AWA, Sentence Correction, and Geometry, thereby shortening the total duration of the exam to 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The scoring scale was also revamped – the total GMAT score range is now 205–805. The new Data Insights section also contributes to the total score, unlike before when Integrated Reasoning was scored separately. Test takers can choose any order for the three sections when sitting the exam.
While the GMAT timeline has gone through some changes and improvements since its creation, in its essence it is still the internationally recognized indicator of people’s ability to succeed in business school.
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