How do the 2026 score percentiles compare to the old GMAT 800-point scale?
Addressing the 'Score Shock' and conversion between Focus and Classic scores.
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The GMAT Focus scale (205–805) is more rigorous. A score of 655 on the Focus Edition is now the 90th percentile, which is statistically equivalent to a 700 on the old 800-point scale. A score of 705 is approximately equal to a 750+ on the old scale. Admissions committees at top Indian schools like ISB and global M7 programs use concordance tables to compare these; therefore, Indian students should target a 665-675 to be competitive for elite programs, as the 'Indian Engineer' demographic remains highly competitive.