The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam that plays a crucial role in the admissions process for MBA and other graduate management programs. It is designed to assess a candidate’s analytical, reasoning, verbal, and quantitative skills, essential for business school success and beyond.
The GMAT Exam is necessary for individuals aiming to pursue higher education in business. It provides a consistent way for admissions committees to evaluate applicants, helping them assess how well candidates can handle the rigorous demands of an MBA program.
The GMAT Exam is a vital tool for both applicants and business schools. It helps ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges of graduate management programs, making it an important step for anyone pursuing a business career.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used to evaluate applicants seeking admission to MBA and other graduate management programs. The main purpose of the GMAT is to measure the skills necessary for success in business school, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
The GMAT Exam is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a global nonprofit organization that aims to support business schools in their admissions process. GMAC ensures the exam is reliable, valid, and reflective of the skills required in graduate management programs.
The GMAT Exam is used by over 7,700 programs at more than 2,400 universities and institutions across 114 countries. With over 600 test centers worldwide, it provides access to candidates globally, offering flexibility for aspiring business students.
What are the GMAT Examination Types?
The GMAT offers different types of exams to accommodate the various needs and preferences of candidates. Each version of the exam is designed to provide flexibility while maintaining the same standard of testing.
Here’s an overview of the different GMAT exam types available:
Exam Type
Description
Duration
GMAT Online Exam
Take the exam from home with the same structure as the regular GMAT. This option is ideal for candidates who prefer remote testing.
2 hours 15 minutes
GMAT Regular Exam (At test center)
The traditional GMAT exam is taken at a test center. It is widely recognized and used by most candidates.
2 hours 15 minutes
Each exam type provides the same assessment of a candidate’s abilities, including quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning
GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) is the body that conducts the examination, and it doesn't have any set eligibility criteria for the same. Yet, there should be complete adherence to the eligibility guidelines of the college/university where the applicant wishes to get admission after the examination.
GMAC recommends registering for the GMAT exam at least 6 months before your test date, but you can register as late as 24 hours before. However, it's important to note that if you wait too long, test slots may be unavailable. You can register for the GMAT exam online, by phone, or by postal mail.
Candidates can take the GMAT at their convenience. However, they can only reschedule their next test attempt after a minimum of 16 days from the first test. You are allowed a maximum of 5 attempts per year and 8 attempts in your lifetime.
Here’s a quick guide to the registration process:
Visit the official GMAT website.
Create an account.
Enter your personal information (name, address, etc.).
Provide your academic and work details.
Verify all your information before submitting.
Choose a test date and a nearby test center.
Select your preferred time slot.
Pay the registration fee online using a credit or debit card.
Your registration will be confirmed after payment is processed.
It’s recommended to book your test date about 3 - 4 months in advance.
In India, the GMAT exam fees in 2025 vary depending on whether you are taking the test at a test center or online.
Below is a breakdown of the GMAT exam fees, along with additional charges for various services:
Service
Test Centre Fee (INR) (USD)
Online Test Fee (INR) (USD)
GMAT Exam Fees
23,812 (USD 275)
25,977 (USD 300)
Enhanced Score Report (during registration)
2,597 (USD 30)
Not Available
Additional Score Report
3030 (USD 35)
3030 (USD 35)
Cancel Score (after the exam via mba.com)
2,164 (USD 25)
Not Applicable
Reinstate Score
4,170 (USD 50) online
5195 (USD 60) by phone
Not Applicable
AWA Essay Rescoring
3,896 (USD 45)
3,896 (USD 45)
Rescheduling Fee (more than 60 days before)
4,762 (USD 55)
4,762 (USD 60)
Rescheduling Fee (15 - 60 days before)
9,525 (USD 110)
9,525 (USD 120)
Rescheduling Fee (14 days or less before)
14,287 (USD 165)
14,287 (USD 180)
Cancellation Fee (more than 60 days before)
9,525 (USD 110) refund
1,0391 (USD 120) refund
Cancellation Fee (15 - 60 days before)
6,927 (USD 80) refund
7,793 (USD 90) refund
Cancellation Fee (14 days or less before)
4,762 (USD 55) refund
5,195 (USD 60) refund
What are the GMAT Exam Dates in 2025?
There are no fixed or official GMAT exam dates in 2025. Instead, candidates can schedule their exam based on availability at test centers or opt for the online GMAT exam. Since slots may fill up quickly, it is recommended to register at least 2-3 months in advance to secure a preferred date and location.
If you need to retake the GMAT, you can do so after 16 days, but not more than 5 times in a year and 8 times in a lifetime. While online and phone registrations may allow scheduling 24 hours before the test date, early booking is always advisable to avoid last-minute issues.
What are the GMAT Test Centres in India?
The GMAT exam is available at various test centers across India, allowing candidates to choose a location that is most convenient for them. As the number of test-takers increases every year, it is recommended to book a slot at least 2-3 months in advance to secure a preferred test center.
During the check-in process at the GMAT test centers, candidates must:
Provide valid identification proof.
Undergo a palm vein scan (where permitted by law).
Sign digitally to agree to the GMAT exam terms and conditions.
Have their digital photograph taken before starting the exam.
The GMAT exam can be taken in multiple cities across India, including:
North India – New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow
West India – Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad
South India – Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi
East India – Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati
What are the Different Sections of the GMAT Exam?
The GMAT exam is designed to assess a candidate’s analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for success in business and management programs. It consists of three key sections, each focusing on different abilities. Candidates must manage their time effectively to perform well in all sections.
GMAT Exam Sections:
Quantitative Reasoning: Tests mathematical skills, problem-solving, and data sufficiency.
Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills.
Data Insights: Measures the ability to interpret data from multiple sources.
The GMAT exam is adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the questions changes based on performance.
Interpreting Data from Graphs, Tables, and Multi-Source Reasoning
This allows you a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete the entire exam, with the option of taking one optional 10-minute break between sections.
What is the GMAT Exam Syllabus?
The GMAT exam syllabus covers a range of topics designed to test a candidate’s analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The exam consists of three main sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section evaluates different abilities required for business and management studies.
GMAT Exam Syllabus Breakdown:
1. Quantitative Reasoning:
Focuses on problem-solving and data sufficiency.
Topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number properties.
Requires mathematical reasoning and logical thinking.
2. Verbal Reasoning:
Assesses reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.
Topics include grammar, vocabulary, logical arguments, and passage-based questions.
Measures the ability to evaluate written material and construct effective arguments.
3. Data Insights:
Tests skills in data interpretation and decision-making.
Includes questions on table analysis, graph interpretation, multi-source reasoning, and data sufficiency.
Requires the ability to analyze and synthesize complex information from different sources.
The GMAT score is a key factor in business school admissions, as it reflects a candidate’s analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The total GMAT score ranges from 205 to 805, and top universities prefer candidates with high scores for competitive MBA programs.
The table below provides details on the GMAT score range for each section and the overall exam:
GMAT Section
Score Range
Quantitative Reasoning
60 – 90
Verbal Reasoning
60 – 90
Data Insights
60 – 90
Total GMAT Score
205 – 805
What Is a Good GMAT Score?
A good GMAT score depends on the target business school, but generally:
650+ – Considered a competitive score for many international MBA programs.
700+ – A strong score that increases the chances of admission to the top global business schools in the world.
740+ – A very high score, making candidates eligible for Ivy League and top business schools like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, and London Business School.
For top-tier universities, a GMAT score of 720 or higher is generally required for a strong application.
How to Get GMAT Exam Results?
After completing the GMAT exam, candidates receive an unofficial score report immediately on-screen. The official GMAT Exam results are available online within 7–10 days after the test. Candidates will receive an email notification once their scores are ready.
The GMAT score validity is for 5 years from the test date. After this period, the score expires, and candidates would need to retake the exam if they want to apply for graduate business programs.
Steps to Access GMAT Results Online:
Step 1: Visit the official GMAT website.
Step 2: Log in using your registered GMAT account credentials.
Step 3: Click on "My Account" and navigate to the score report section.
Step 4: Download the official GMAT Score Report in PDF format.
Step 5: If required, send your scores directly to selected business schools from your account.
Candidates can also request additional score reports from other universities by paying a fee per report.
Quick Tips to Prepare for the GMAT Exam
Preparing for the GMAT exam requires a well-structured plan and consistent effort. Here are some essential tips to help you succeed:
Take Practice Tests: Regularly take full-length practice tests to get a feel for the exam’s timing, format, and difficulty level.
Create a Study Schedule: Plan your study time in advance and stick to it. Consistency is key to mastering the material.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and spend more time on your weak points. For example, if quantitative reasoning is challenging, focus on that section.
Review Key Concepts: Brush up on essential concepts in math, grammar, and reasoning to build a strong foundation.
Use GMAT Prep Materials: Utilize GMAT prep books and online resources for the most accurate practice.
Stay Calm and Confident: Mental preparation is just as important as academic preparation. Keep a positive attitude and manage test-day stress.
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam used to assess the skills needed for success in business school. It measures critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and effective communication abilities, all of which are essential for graduate management programs like an MBA.
2. Who conducts the GMAT Exam?
The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a nonprofit organization that supports business schools in their admissions process. GMAC ensures that the exam accurately measures the skills required for graduate management education.
3. What types of GMAT exams are available?
The GMAT offers two main types of exams: the online GMAT exam, which can be taken from home, and the traditional GMAT exam, taken at a test center. Both exams have the same structure and test the same skills, including quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning.
4. What are the eligibility criteria for the GMAT exam?
There are no strict eligibility requirements set by GMAC, but candidates should be at least 18 years old to take the exam. While there is no upper age limit, candidates must adhere to the admission requirements of the business schools they are applying to. Fluency in English and a graduate degree are generally necessary.
5. How do I register for the GMAT exam?
To register for the GMAT exam, visit the official GMAT website, create an account, and fill in your personal and academic details. You can register up to 24 hours before the exam date, though it is recommended to register 2-3 months in advance to secure a preferred date and location.
6. What is the cost of the GMAT exam in 2025?
In India, the GMAT exam fee for 2025 is approximately INR 23,812 (USD 275) for the test center option and INR 25,977 (USD 300) for the online exam. Additional charges apply for services like rescheduling, score reports, and cancellations.
7. How can I reschedule my GMAT exam?
Rescheduling your GMAT exam is possible but comes with a fee. If you reschedule more than 60 days before the exam, the fee is about INR 4,762 (USD 55). The fee increases if you reschedule closer to the test date. You can reschedule the exam up to 5 times per year and 8 times in your lifetime.
8. What are the GMAT exam dates for 2025?
The GMAT exam does not have fixed dates. Candidates can schedule their exam based on availability at test centers or choose to take the online exam. It’s recommended to book the exam 2-3 months in advance due to high demand for slots.
9. Where are the GMAT test centers in India?
GMAT test centers are available across multiple cities in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad, among others. It is recommended to book your test date early to secure your preferred test center location.
10. What topics are covered in the GMAT syllabus?
The GMAT syllabus covers quantitative reasoning (math topics like algebra and geometry), verbal reasoning (reading comprehension and grammar), and integrated reasoning (data interpretation and multi-source reasoning). The syllabus is designed to assess a range of skills necessary for success in business school.
11. What is considered a good GMAT score?
A good GMAT score varies depending on the business school, but a score of 650 or higher is considered competitive for many MBA programs. Scores above 700 are considered strong, and scores of 740 or higher are ideal for top-tier schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.
12. How can I access my GMAT exam results?
After completing the GMAT, candidates receive an unofficial score report immediately on-screen. Official scores are available online within 7-10 days. You can log into your GMAT account to view and download the report, and request score reports to be sent to business schools.
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