The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a globally recognized entrance exam for MBA and business-related master’s programs. It tests your skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal ability, and data interpretation.
In India, the GMAT is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). You can take the test at an official test center or choose the online GMAT from home.
If you're planning to apply for an MBA or master’s in management, GMAT registration is your first step. The process is simple but requires attention to detail—especially when it comes to ID proof, slot booking, and selecting the right format.
This guide covers:
Who should register for the GMAT
Required documents and ID rules
GMAT registration steps and fees
How to choose your test date and location
If you're a student planning ahead or a working professional preparing for career growth, read further as we will help you complete your GMAT registration.
Still not clear on how the GMAT works overall? This GMAT Overview lays out the basics—why it matters and who should take it.
Before you register, make sure you meet all the GMAT Eligibility criteria so your application doesn’t get rejected.
GMAT Registration Process Overview
You can register for the GMAT in a few easy steps. The process is the same whether you take the test at a center or online. Before you begin, make sure you know when and where you want to take the test and have the right documents ready.
When Should You Register for the GMAT?
The best time to register for the GMAT is 2 to 3 months before your planned test date. This gives you enough time to choose a convenient slot, prepare properly, and still have room for a retake if needed.
If you’re applying to business schools with deadlines in November or January, aim to take the GMAT between August and October. Slots fill fast during peak admission season, especially for weekend test dates.
Where to Register for GMAT
All registrations happen on the official GMAC website: www.mba.com
You’ll need to create a GMAC account, select your test type (online or test center), choose a date, pick a location (if applicable), and pay the exam fee.
Tip: Only book your test through the official website. Third-party portals may not be reliable or recognized.
What You Need Before Starting GMAT Registration
Before you sit down to register, have the following details ready:
Item
Why It’s Needed
Valid Passport
Mandatory for Indian citizens. Must match your registration name.
Email Address
Used for all official communication and score reports.
Debit or Credit Card
Required to pay the exam fee (USD 275 or ~₹22,825).
Preferred Test Type
Decide between GMAT at test center or GMAT online.
Target Business Schools
You can send scores to 5 schools for free during or after the test.
Need to test from outside India? That’s allowed too—as long as you have your passport and meet local test center ID rules.
Starting your GMAT registration early avoids last-minute surprises. Once your test is booked, you can fully focus on prep.
GMAT Registration Process- Step-by-Step
Booking your GMAT is simple, but you need to get a few things right. One mistake—like a name mismatch or the wrong test format—and you could lose your fee or be turned away on test day. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to complete your GMAT registration correctly.
Step 1: Create an Account on the Official GMAT Website
Go to www.mba.com and sign up for a GMAC account. You’ll need to enter:
Full name (must match your passport)
Date of birth
Email address
Country of citizenship
Gender and communication preferences
Your profile helps GMAC track your test history and send your scores to schools.
Step 2: Choose Your Exam Format
You have two options:
Option
Where It's Taken
Key Info
Test Center
Physical GMAT test center
Limited slots. Passport required. Better if you prefer a controlled setting.
GMAT Online
From home (proctored test)
Needs a quiet room, stable internet, webcam. Offers more flexibility.
Pick what works best for you. Both formats have the same structure, scoring, and acceptance.
Don’t miss key deadlines. Stay updated with this list of GMAT Exam Dates for the year.
Got questions about costs? This GMAT Fees guide covers everything from booking to cancellation.
Step 3: Select a Test Date and Location
You’ll see a calendar of available dates. Choose your test center location or select “online” if you prefer to take the test from home.
Tip: If you want a weekend slot or a center in a busy city, book at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
Step 4: Fill Out Additional Details
GMAC may ask for extra info like:
Education history
Work experience
Programs or schools you’re interested in
This helps B-schools find you if you opt into GMAC’s candidate database. You can skip this part, but it’s useful if you want to get noticed by schools.
Step 5: Review and Confirm Your Details
Before paying, double-check:
Your name matches your passport exactly
The test format (online or center) is correct
The date, time, and location are what you want
Any mistake here can cost you the slot or lead to issues on test day.
Step 6: Pay the GMAT Registration Fee
You must pay the fee to confirm your booking.
Test Center GMAT: US$275 (~₹22,825)
Online GMAT: US$300 (~₹24,900)
Payment methods accepted:
Debit or credit card (international transaction enabled)
PayPal (if available in your country)
Note: No slot is confirmed until payment is successful.
Step 7: Get Confirmation and Save It
Once payment goes through, you’ll get:
A confirmation email
Booking details in your GMAC account dashboard
An option to add the test to your calendar
Download the confirmation or take a screenshot. You’ll need it on test day.
Need to choose your test center wisely? Here's how to find nearby GMAT Test Centers and what to expect at each.
Once you’ve created your GMAT account on mba.com, you’ll be able to view and book available test dates, times, and locations. GMAT slots are available throughout the year, but they don’t stay open for long. Test centers and online slots, especially on weekends and during peak admission months (August to January), get booked quickly.
Here's how slot booking works:
You can book up to 6 months in advance: Planning ahead gives you better flexibility with your preparation timeline and more choices when selecting a test date.
Only one active appointment is allowed at a time: You cannot hold multiple GMAT bookings. If you want to change your date, you'll need to cancel or reschedule your existing appointment first.
Choose between GMAT at a test center or GMAT Online:
Test Center: Choose a nearby location from the list of approved centers
Online GMAT: Take the test from home with remote proctoring (requires webcam, stable internet, and a quiet space)
Your slot is confirmed only after successful payment: You’ll select your time, confirm your details, and complete the payment in one go. If the payment fails, the slot gets released.
Passport is mandatory for Indian test takers: The name you use during registration must exactly match your passport. No other ID is accepted for test center or online exams in India.
Tips for a Smooth Booking Process:
Log in during working hours: Some banks may block late-night international transactions
Have your payment method ready: International debit or credit card with foreign transactions enabled
Avoid last-minute bookings: Slots may appear available but can disappear during payment
Plan around application deadlines: Aim to book your GMAT at least 2–3 months before your B-school deadlines
Need to take the test more than once? Leave enough time between attempts—GMAC allows up to 5 attempts per year, with 16 days between each test.
After registering, your next focus should be the GMAT Syllabus—know what topics will actually show up.
Want to understand how the test is structured? The GMAT Exam Pattern post breaks it down by section and timing.
Registration Fee for GMAT Exam 2025
Before your slot is confirmed, you’ll need to pay the exam fee. The amount depends on the test format you choose.
GMAT Exam Fees (USD + INR Equivalent)
Service
Test Center
Online
GMAT Exam Fee
US$275 (₹22,825 approx.)
US$300 (₹24,900 approx.)
Additional Score Report
US$35 per school (₹2,905)
US$35 per school (₹2,905)
Currency conversion based on approx. ₹83/USD. Actual charges may vary.
Payment Methods and Conditions
Accepted cards: VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover (credit or debit)
Currency: All payments are in USD. Your bank will auto-convert to INR.
Payment Gateway Name: On your card statement, charges appear as:
“VUE*GRAD MGM TEST” (test center)
“EXAMITY PROCTORING” (online GMAT)
What Happens If Payment Fails?
If your card is declined, your slot isn’t booked. You’ll need to restart the process.
Using a fake or stolen card can result in cancelled scores and GMAC may inform law authorities.
Disputing a charge without valid reason may block you from booking future tests or sending score reports.
Tip: Use a bank-enabled debit/credit card with international transactions turned on. If unsure, check with your bank before payment.
Here’s a full list of GMAT Sections with what each one tests and how it’s scored.
You can take the GMAT in two formats: at a test center or online from home. The registration process is almost the same, but there are a few format-specific steps and differences to keep in mind.
Format-Specific Registration Steps
Step
Test Center GMAT
Online GMAT
Choose test format
Select "Test Center" during booking
Select "Online" option on mba.com
Pick a location
Choose from available test centers near you
No location needed—test from home
Choose date and time
Based on center availability
More flexible slot options, including 24/7 testing
Confirm ID requirements
Passport mandatory
Passport mandatory for Indian applicants
Run a system check
Not required
Must pass system check for webcam, mic, internet
Download test tools
Not needed
Download OnVUE software for the proctored exam
How to Choose Between Online vs Test Center GMAT
Ask yourself these questions before booking:
Do you have stable internet, a quiet room, and a working webcam? Go for online.
Do you prefer a controlled environment with fewer distractions? Pick a test center.
Need more flexibility in timing? Online GMAT is offered round the clock.
Do you feel more confident on a desktop setup? Online might work better.
Nervous about tech issues? A test center reduces the risk of internet disruptions.
Both versions are accepted equally by business schools. The exam content, scoring, and validity remain the same.
Aiming for top scores right from your first attempt? This post on How to Score 700+ in GMAT gives you practical tips that actually work.
GMAT Registration for Retakers: What’s Different?
If you're planning to retake the GMAT, the good news is—you don’t need to create a new account. You’ll use the same GMAC account you registered with before.
GMAC’s Retake Policy
You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period
8 lifetime attempts are allowed
There must be a 16-day gap between test dates
You can mix formats (test center and online) across attempts
Example: If you took the online GMAT last time, your next attempt can be either online or at a test center.
You’ll follow the same registration process as first-time test-takers. Just make sure your ID and personal info match your earlier registration.
Retaking After a Low Score: What to Consider
Why did the last attempt go wrong? Timing issues? Weak section? Distractions? Pinpoint the cause.
Was it your first try? Many applicants improve significantly on their second or third attempt.
Have you left enough time to prepare differently? Don’t book too soon unless you're confident in your progress.
How close is your next application deadline? Make sure you have enough time to receive results and send scores.
Tip: Use your GMAT Enhanced Score Report (ESR) from your last attempt to understand where you lost points.
How to Reschedule or Cancel Your GMAT Test
Plans change. If your test date no longer works, you can reschedule or cancel your GMAT exam through your GMAC account. But the earlier you act, the lower the fee. Waiting too long can cost you a big chunk of your exam fee—or all of it.
GMAC Reschedule and Cancellation Policy
Action
More than 60 days before
15–60 days before
14 days or less
Within 24 hours
Reschedule (Test Center)
US$55 (₹4,565)
US$110 (₹9,130)
US$165 (₹13,695)
Not allowed
Reschedule (Online)
US$60 (₹4,980)
US$120 (₹9,960)
US$180 (₹14,940)
Not allowed
Cancel (Refund for Test Center)
US$110
US$80
US$55
No refund
Cancel (Refund for Online)
US$120
US$90
US$60
No refund
You can’t cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of your test. If you miss it, your entire fee is forfeited.
Click “Reschedule” or “Cancel” next to your upcoming test
Choose your new date or confirm cancellation
Pay the applicable fee (if required)
Save your new confirmation email
Tip: If you're unsure about your prep, reschedule early. Waiting too long increases the fee and reduces your options.
Looking for financial aid while applying to B-schools? Here’s a useful list of GMAT Scholarships available for international students.
Common GMAT Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Many test-takers lose money or time because of avoidable errors. Here are the most common ones—and how to stay clear of them.
Mistake
What Can Go Wrong
How to Avoid It
Using an expired or mismatched ID
You may be denied entry on test day if your passport is expired or doesn’t match your registration details exactly.
Double-check your passport and enter your name exactly as it appears.
Waiting too close to application deadlines
You may not get your preferred slot or receive your score in time.
Book your GMAT at least 2–3 months before B-school deadlines.
Not double-checking format, date, or location
Booking the wrong test format, time zone, or city can cause unnecessary stress.
Carefully review all details before making payment. Use a checklist if needed.
Forgetting to confirm payment
Your booking won’t go through and the slot may be released to someone else.
Use an international-enabled card. Wait for the confirmation screen and email.
A few extra minutes of review can save you a lot of trouble later. Always confirm every step before moving ahead.
Mistakes during GMAT registration can cost you time, money, or even your exam day. Slow down, follow the process carefully, and you’ll avoid all the common pitfalls.
What to Do After You’ve Registered
Once your GMAT slot is booked and payment is confirmed, there are a few things you should take care of right away.
What You’ll Get After Booking
What You Receive
Where to Find It
Confirmation email
Sent to your registered email within minutes
Appointment details and summary PDF
Available in your GMAC account dashboard
Test day instructions
Included in your confirmation and dashboard
GMAT preparation resources
Shared via links in your email or on mba.com
Make sure to download the confirmation and save it. Keep your appointment number handy—it’s required for any changes or test-day issues.
What You Can Still Change After Registration
What You Can Edit or Update
How to Do It
Test date or time
Reschedule through your GMAC account (fees apply)
Switch test format
Cancel and rebook with the other format
Contact information
Update email or phone from your profile page
School choices for score reporting
Can be selected after the test, or within 48 hours
Important: You cannot change your name or passport details on your own. For that, you must contact GMAC support with valid documents.
Get Ready Based on Your Test Format
Preparation depends on which version of the GMAT you’ve registered for. Here's what to do based on your choice:
Test Center GMAT
Carry your original passport (no photocopies or digital versions)
Arrive at the test center 30 minutes early
Lock away all personal belongings (phones, bags, watches)
Follow all test center instructions and security procedures
Bring your appointment confirmation (digital or printed)
Online GMAT
Run the official system check tool before test day
Set up in a quiet, private room with no interruptions
Ensure stable internet, a working webcam, and microphone
Download and install the OnVUE software
Keep your passport ready for identity verification
Tip: Take at least one full-length mock test in the same format and setup you plan to use. It helps you get used to the timing, layout, and environment.
Explore More GMAT Articles on upGrad Abroad
If you’re figuring out what to study, when to take the test, or even whether GMAT is right for your program, upGrad Abroad has resources that actually help.
What You Can Learn
Topic
Why It Helps
GMAT syllabus, format, and scoring
Understand exactly what you’ll face on test day
GMAT vs GRE comparison
Choose the exam that fits your background and goals
GMAT for Indian and international schools
Know how schools use your scores in real applications
When to retake the GMAT
Learn if a second attempt is worth it and how to prepare smarter
You can also find timelines, prep tips, and expert-written breakdowns to guide your next steps.
Need help with test planning? Book a 1:1 session with our counselors. They’ll help you figure out your ideal test date, pick programs that match your profile, or decide how to improve your GMAT score before your next attempt.
Start exploring more at the GMAT section on upGrad Abroad and take control of your B-school plans.
Explore Free Guides
FAQs on GMAT Registration
Can I register for GMAT without a passport?
No. For Indian and most international test-takers, a valid passport is the only accepted ID. You cannot register or appear for the exam without it.
Do I need to register separately for GMAT online and test center versions?
Yes. Each format has its own registration process. You can’t switch between them without cancelling and rebooking.
How far in advance should I register to get my preferred slot?
At least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Slots can fill up fast—especially during peak application months.
Is there a late registration fee for GMAT?
No separate “late fee,” but if you register too close to your desired date, you might not get your preferred slot.
Can I book multiple GMAT slots in the same year?
Yes. You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in 12 months, but only one active registration at a time is allowed.
Can I change my test center after registration?
Yes, but changes come with a fee. Check the reschedule policy based on how many days are left before your test.
What happens if I accidentally choose the wrong test format?
You’ll need to cancel and re-register. Refunds or transfers between formats aren’t allowed.
How do I get a refund if I cancel my GMAT test?
Partial refunds are available depending on how early you cancel. Cancelling at least 7 days before the test gives you the highest refund.
Can I register using a debit card instead of a credit card?
Yes. GMAC accepts both debit and credit cards, as long as international payments are enabled.
Do I need to upload any documents during registration?
No. You don’t need to upload ID or academic records while registering. Just make sure the details you enter match your passport.
What should I do if I don’t receive the confirmation email?
Check your spam folder first. If it’s not there, log into your GMAT account to confirm your appointment and contact GMAC support if needed.
Can I take GMAT outside my home country?
Yes. You can register for and take the GMAT from any country where the exam is offered—as long as your ID matches registration details.
What happens if I miss my test date?
You’ll be marked as a “no-show” and will lose the full exam fee. There are no automatic refunds.
Are rescheduling steps different for online vs test center tests?
Yes. Online GMAT rescheduling is handled through a separate portal. Both have different policies and fee structures.
Is GMAT registration open all year or only during application seasons?
Registration is open year-round. You can book your test anytime—there’s no specific season. Just plan ahead based on your application deadlines.
Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.
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