GMAT Slot Booking Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Every year, over 200,000 candidates register for the GMAT. Your first action after deciding to take the exam is booking your slot. Whether you’re testing at a center or from home, GMAT slot booking sets your timeline in motion.

The earlier you book, the better your options. Slots during peak B-school application months—especially from August to January—get filled quickly. Booking early gives you more flexibility with test prep and retake planning.

When Should You Book Your GMAT Slot?

Aim to book 2–3 months ahead of your application deadlines. This allows time for full prep, avoids the stress of last-minute availability, and leaves space for a second attempt if needed.

What You Need Before Booking

• A valid passport (required for Indian test-takers)
• A GMAC account on mba.com
• A credit or debit card with international payment enabled
• A test-ready setup for online exams—quiet room, webcam, and stable internet

Ready to book your GMAT slot? Let’s go through each step in detail so you can do it without errors or delays.

If you're still confused about how the GMAT works overall, this GMAT Overview will give you the full picture before you book your slot.

Before choosing your exam date, double-check if you meet all the GMAT Eligibility conditions.

GMAT Slot Booking Process: Step-by-Step Overview

Once you're ready to take the GMAT, locking in your test date is the next big step. Booking your slot doesn’t take long but requires attention to detail. Here’s how to go through the process without missing anything.

Step-by-Step GMAT Slot Booking Process

Step	What to Do
1	Go to www.mba.com — this is the official GMAT website.
2	Create or log in to your GMAC account. Use the same email you’ll use for registration and score reporting.
3	Click on "Register for the GMAT" from your dashboard.
4	Choose your test format — either test center or online exam.
5	Select your preferred date, time, and location (for test center) or just date and time (for online).
6	Enter your personal details. Make sure your name matches your passport exactly.
7	Complete the payment using an international-enabled credit or debit card.
8	Download or save your confirmation email and appointment details.

Booking is confirmed only after payment goes through. If it fails, your slot is released.

Ready to book your slot? Make sure you follow this GMAT Registration Procedure so you don’t miss a step.

Unsure which date is best for your prep timeline? This post on GMAT Exam Dates lists all the upcoming test windows.

What Should You Keep in Mind While Booking?

• Choose your format wisely: Test center is ideal for those who want fewer distractions; online is better for those needing flexibility.
• Passport details must match exactly: Even a small mismatch can lead to issues on test day.
• Weekend slots fill up faster: If you need a Saturday or Sunday test date, book earlier than usual.
• Double-check your time zone: For online tests, the time is based on your system’s location.

Tip: If your target school deadline is close, try to book a slot that gives you time for score review, retakes (if needed), and report sending.

Want to find a nearby or convenient location? This GMAT Test Centers guide helps you pick the right venue.

Budget is important too—check out this complete breakdown of GMAT Fees, including rescheduling and cancellation costs.

GMAT Exam Formats: Test Center vs GMAT Online

Both versions of the GMAT—the traditional test center format and the online GMAT—offer the same content, scoring system, and global recognition. But how and where you take the test can affect your comfort, performance, and logistics.

Choosing the right format depends on how you prefer to test, your access to a reliable setup, and the kind of environment that helps you focus best.

Differences Between Test Center and Online Formats

Aspect	GMAT Test Center	GMAT Online
Location	Authorized physical test center	From home or any quiet, private space
Availability	Fixed dates and time slots by location	24/7 slot availability across time zones
Proctoring	In-person at the center	Live remote proctor via webcam
Setup	All equipment provided	You need your own computer, webcam, and stable internet
Break Policy	One optional 10-minute break	One optional 10-minute break
ID Requirements	Passport (India)	Passport (India)
Software Needed	None	OnVUE software must be downloaded and installed
Noise Control	Handled by center staff	You’re responsible for a distraction-free setup
Technical Readiness	Not needed	Internet failure or setup issues may affect testing

What Should You Consider Before Choosing?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have a quiet, reliable test space at home?
  If yes, GMAT Online may work well. If not, a test center might be safer.
• Am I comfortable with remote proctoring and tech setup?
  GMAT Online requires a system check and good internet. For some, this adds pressure.
• Do I need more flexibility with timing?
  GMAT Online allows more flexible slots, including early mornings and late evenings.
• Is there a test center nearby with open slots?
  In smaller cities, test center slots may be limited. Online can help avoid long travel or waiting lists.

Slot Availability: What’s Different?

• Test Center: Slots vary by city and test center. Weekends and early morning slots fill up fast, especially during September–January.
• Online GMAT: Slots are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can often find open slots within days—even during peak season.

Tip: If your timeline is tight or you need a quick retake, GMAT Online offers more flexibility and faster availability.

If you're wondering what to expect on the test day, this list of Things to Carry for GMAT Exam will save you last-minute panic.

After booking your slot, your first step should be reviewing the GMAT Syllabus to start your prep right.

GMAT Slot Booking for Fall vs Spring Intake

Planning your GMAT around your intake season can save you from last-minute stress. Whether you're targeting Fall or Spring, the key is to leave a 2–3 month buffer between your GMAT date and the application deadline.

When to Take the GMAT Based on Intake

Intake Season	Typical Deadlines	Best Time to Take GMAT
Fall (Aug–Sept)	Sept to Jan (Round 1 & 2)	May to October
Spring (Jan)	July to Oct	April to August

Booking early gives you time to retake the test if needed, send scores, and prepare other documents like SOPs or LORs.

Targeting Early Decision? Plan Smart

Early decision rounds often close earlier than standard R1 dates. If you're applying early, make sure your GMAT score is ready at least 6–8 weeks in advance.

What You Need Time For	Why It Matters
Score reporting to schools	Takes a few days after result release
Retake (if required)	Requires 16-day gap between attempts
Application document prep	SOPs, LORs, transcripts take time to finalize

Tip: Don’t wait for score release day to start your applications. Keep essays and documents in progress alongside prep.

It also helps to understand the structure. Here's the full GMAT Exam Pattern so you know what to expect section-wise.

This guide on GMAT Sections gives a clear breakdown of what each part of the test covers.

GMAT Slot Booking Tips for First-Time Test Takers

Booking your first GMAT slot? Small decisions like test timing and location can affect your experience more than you’d expect.

Morning vs Afternoon: What’s Better?

Time Slot	Who It’s Best For
Morning (8:00–9:30 AM)	Early risers, fresh focus, minimal delay risks
Afternoon (12:00–2:00 PM)	Those who need time to ease into the test day
Late Afternoon	Avoid if possible—may affect focus and energy levels

Tip: Try a few mock tests at different times and go with when your brain feels sharpest.

Why Early Booking Matters in Metro Cities

City	Slot Situation
Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore	High demand—book at least 4–6 weeks in advance
Tier-2 Cities	Easier availability, but fewer test centers

Booking early increases your chance of:

• Getting your preferred date and time
• Avoiding long-distance travel for test centers
• Securing a weekend slot, if needed

Optional Tip: Check Center Reviews

Some candidates prefer quieter spaces or better seating arrangements. While not mandatory, checking online reviews (Reddit, GMAT Club, Quora) can help you:

What to Look For	Why It Helps
Room temperature, lighting	Some centers can be too cold or poorly lit
Staff professionalism	Makes your check-in and break experience smoother
Distractions or noise levels	Helps avoid last-minute surprises on test day

Tip: This matters more if you're sensitive to your surroundings or booking your final test attempt.

If you want to prep with a clear plan, check out this full guide on How to Prepare for GMAT Exam.

Not all prep books are equal—these Best Books for GMAT Preparation are trusted by toppers.

How to Reschedule or Cancel Your GMAT Slot

Plans can change. Whether your prep timeline shifted or a better date opened up, you can reschedule or cancel your GMAT slot from your GMAC account in a few easy steps. Just remember—fees apply depending on how close you are to your test date.

Steps to Modify Your GMAT Appointment

Action	What You Need to Do
Log in	Visit mba.com and sign in to your GMAC account
Go to dashboard	Click on “My Appointments”
Choose action	Select “Reschedule” or “Cancel” next to your test date
Pick new slot	If rescheduling, choose a new date/time and confirm
Make payment	Pay the applicable fee and save your confirmation

Reschedule and Cancellation Fees (2025)

How Early You Act	Reschedule Fee (Test Center / Online)	Cancellation Refund
More than 60 days before	US$55 / US$60	US$110 / US$120
15–60 days before	US$110 / US$120	US$80 / US$90
14 days or less	US$165 / US$180	US$55 / US$60
Less than 24 hours	Not allowed	No refund

Fees are shown as Test Center/Online format. Always reschedule early to avoid losing a large portion of your test fee.

Trying to get into a top B-school? This blog on How to Score 700+ in GMAT offers tips that make a real difference.

Planning finances too? Here’s a list of GMAT Scholarships that you can apply for after acing your exam.

What Happens After Booking Your GMAT Slot?

Once your booking is confirmed, the countdown to test day begins. You’ll get an official confirmation, and you’ll be able to make changes later if needed—within policy limits.

What Confirmation Will You Receive?

Confirmation Item	Where to Find It
Email confirmation	Sent immediately to your registered email
Appointment summary (PDF)	Available in your GMAC account under “My Appointments”
GMAT preparation resources	Linked in your confirmation email
System check (for online GMAT)	Included with instructions in the confirmation email

Can You Make Changes After Booking?

Yes, but only through your GMAC account. Here’s how it works:

What You Can Change	When You Can Do It
Test date or time	Until 24 hours before the exam
Test format (online vs center)	You’ll need to cancel and rebook separately
School score recipients	Within 48 hours after the test (for free)
Contact or profile info	Any time before test day

Don’t wait until the last minute to make changes. Slots fill quickly, and fees go up as you get closer to your date.

How to Prepare Based on Your Format

Test Format	What You Should Do Next
GMAT Test Center	Plan your route to the test center Keep your passport ready   Reach 30 minutes early   Check rules for ID, lockers, and breaks
GMAT Online	Run the official system check Set up a quiet, private test space Download the OnVUE software Ensure your webcam, mic, and internet are working

Use a full-length mock test in the same format to build comfort with timing and structure before test day.

How to Choose the Right GMAT Slot Based on Prep Readiness

Booking your GMAT too early can lead to a rushed score. Waiting too long may leave no time for retakes or score reporting. The best slot depends on how far along you are in your prep—not just your test date goal.

When to Book Based on Prep Progress

Prep Stage	How You’re Likely Feeling	What to Do
50% ready	You’ve covered basics but haven’t practiced enough	Give yourself 6–8 weeks more, don’t book just yet
70% ready	You’re consistently scoring near your target in mocks	Book a slot 3–4 weeks out, so you can sharpen weak areas
90% ready	You’ve taken full-length mocks, score is stable	Book within the next 1–2 weeks while momentum is high

Tip: Don’t rely on motivation alone. Let your mock test scores and section-level confidence guide your timing.

Avoid Overbooking or Underestimating Yourself

• Don’t cram multiple attempts too close together. Leave at least 3–4 weeks between attempts for solid improvement.
• Don’t wait until your prep feels perfect. Aim for 80–90% readiness and stay flexible.
• Avoid last-minute bookings that force you to take whatever slot is left, even if it doesn’t match your peak performance time.

Book when you’re close to ready—but still have room to improve. That’s the sweet spot.

GMAT Slot Availability: What You Should Know

Slot availability depends on location, season, and your chosen format. The earlier you check, the more control you’ll have over time, center, and test conditions.

What Affects GMAT Slot Availability?

Factor	Impact on Slot Options
City and test center	Metro cities fill up faster—especially for weekends and early mornings
Season	Sept–Jan sees the highest booking traffic (B-school deadline season)
Format chosen	Online GMAT offers more flexibility with 24/7 scheduling

If you're testing in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or Chennai, book 4–6 weeks in advance for the best choice of dates and times.

How Far in Advance Can You See Slots?

• You can view available GMAT slots up to 6 months ahead
• Online GMAT offers more frequent slot updates throughout the day
• Test centers show fixed slots that may be fewer in number

Use your GMAC account to preview availability before you commit to booking. This gives you a sense of what’s open without starting the payment process.

Tips for Finding the Right Slot

• Align with your best focus time—book a morning or afternoon slot based on mock test results
• Avoid back-to-back commitments—leave a free day before and after your test for focus and recovery
• Check availability mid-week—Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have more open slots

Prep for GMAT with upGrad Abroad

Start with the basics. Understand the GMAT syllabus, know how each section is scored, and build a prep plan that fits your schedule. upGrad Abroad has straightforward resources to help you do that.

You’ll get:

• Section-wise syllabus breakdowns
• GMAT slot booking assistance
• A clear guide on the GMAT scoring system
• Study planning tips built around B-school deadlines

Get expert help. Book a free 1:1 consultation with a GMAT advisor at upGrad Abroad today.