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byCollegedunia Team Content Curator
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used by business schools worldwide to assess candidates for their MBA programs. GMAT is also used for other Masters business degrees like Master of Finance, Master of Accountancy, and doctoral-level business programs. GMAT evaluates skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis. It is administered by The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
The GMAT Focus Edition is the latest version of the GMAT exam, replacing the previous GMAT format entirely from February 1, 2024. The exam has 3 sections — Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, with a total number of 64 questions. The duration of the GMAT exam is 2 hours 15 minutes, including an optional 10-minute break. Each section has a duration of 45 minutes and can be taken in any order. Top universities for MBA require a minimum GMAT score in the range of 715-725.
The GMAT exam fee in India is USD 275 (INR 23,726) for offline test taken at one of the GMAT test centers and USD 300 (INR 25,883) for online test. GMAT exam dates are available throughout the year.
- GMAT Exam Highlights
- GMAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
- GMAT Registration
- GMAT Exam Fees
- GMAT Exam Fee Waiver
- GMAT Exam Pattern
6.1 GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section
6.2 GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section
6.3 GMAT Data Insights Section
- GMAT Score
7.1 GMAT Official Score Report
- How to Send GMAT Scores to Universities
8.1 Sending GMAT Scores to Universities for a Fee
- GMAT Test Centers or GMAT Online Exam
- GMAT Score for Top Business Schools Worldwide
- GMAT Preparation Tips
- GMAT Sample Papers
- FAQs
GMAT Exam Highlights
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is designed for students who have completed their undergraduate degrees and want to pursue higher degrees in business programs. GMAT is considered more difficult than SAT and ACT. GMAT difficulty level varies across sections. The Quantitative section is generally considered easier than CAT’s quantitative section, and the Data Insights section is considered the toughest due to multi-source reasoning under time pressure. Before taking the GMAT exam, it is important to consider whether the selected course requires GMAT scores and whether there are any fellowships or scholarships available for merit-based applicants.
| Exam Name | GMAT |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Graduate Management Admission Test |
| Official Website | https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam |
| Most Popular For | MBA Programs Abroad |
| Also Accepted For | Other Business-related Programs like Master of Finance, Master of Accountancy |
| Conducted By | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based at one of the GMAT Test Centers Online-delivered |
| GMAT Exam Fees | GMAT Offline - USD 275 (INR 23,726) GMAT Online - USD 300 (INR 25,883) |
| GMAT Score Validity | 5 years |
| GMAT Score Range | 205-805 |
| GMAT Contact | Phone: +91 124 4945270 Email: customercare@gmac.com |
GMAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
GMAC has set only minimal eligibility requirements with respect to age and number of attempts for taking the GMAT exam. Below are the details of the eligibility as well as ID requirements for taking the GMAT exam:
- The candidate must be at least 18 years of age. If the candidate is between 13 and 17 years of age, the consent of a parent or guardian is needed.
- The number of GMAT exam attempts that can be taken is unlimited. However, there must be at least a 16-day gap between two consecutive exams.
- In a 1-year period, GMAT exam can be taken only 5 times — 3 times in online mode and 2 times in offline mode.
- For Indian applicants, the only ID accepted at the test centre as well as in online mode is a valid, current passport.
- If a student is not able to provide the required ID for any reason, he/she must contact testsecurity@gmac.com at least 10 days before the exam date. The approval from test security will be needed in such a case.
Additionally, GMAT provides testing accommodations like adjustable chairs, medical equipment, additional testing time, for candidates with special needs. These candidates have to submit an accommodation request to GMAC, receive their approval and then apply for the GMAT exam and accommodations.
To apply for accommodations, candidates must provide the below mentioned supporting documents:
- Existence of an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, as compared with most people
- Current impact of the disability on taking the GMAT exam
- A rationale to explain why the accommodation is necessary relative to the disability
- Documentation as described by disability type:
- Attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder
- Learning and cognitive disabilities
- Physical or Systemic disabilities
- Psychological disabilities
- Deaf or hard of hearing and blind or low vision
For any queries regarding accommodation requests, candidates can email to testingaccommodations@GMAC.com.
GMAT Registration
Registration for the GMAT exam can be done either online or via phone. For GMAT exam online registration, candidates need to follow the below-mentioned process:
- Create a mba.com Account and provide the required details.
- Click on the “Register” button on My Account page.
- Provide the personal information and other details necessary for registration.
- Pick a test center (if applicable), exam date, and time.
- Make the payment of USD 275 (INR 23,726) for offline exam and USD 300 (INR 25,883) for online exam.
Candidates wanting to register via Phone call will need to pay an additional USD 10 (INR 862) as service charge. The contact number for such service is +91 124 4945270.
GMAT Exam Fees
GMAT has a simple fee structure. The offline exam at one of the GMAT test centers costs USD 275 (INR 23,726) and online, the GMAT exam cost is USD 300 (INR 25,883). Below are GMAT exam fees for different exam services given below:
| Service Fees | Offline exam | Online exam |
|---|---|---|
| GMAT Exam Fees | USD 275 (INR 23,726) | USD 300 (INR 25,883) |
| Additional Score Report | USD 35 each (INR 3,020 each) | USD 35 each (INR 3,020 each) |
| Rescheduling Fees | Offline exam | Online exam |
| More than 60 days before the test date | USD 55 (INR 4,746) | USD 60 (INR 5,177) |
| 15-60 days before the test date | USD 110 (INR 9,492) | USD 120 (INR 10,355) |
| 14 days or less before the test date | USD 165 (INR 14,238) | USD 180 (INR 15,533) |
| Refund on Cancellation | Offline exam | Online exam |
| More than 60 days before the test date | USD 110 (INR 9,492) | USD 120 (INR 10,355) |
| 15-60 days before the test date | USD 80 (INR 6,903) | USD 90 (INR 7,766) |
| 14 days or less before the test date | USD 55 (INR 4,746) | USD 60 (INR 5,177) |
GMAT Exam Fee Waiver
GMAT Exam provides fee waiver but it is not applied for by the candidates directly. The universities that accept GMAT scores can request GMAC to provide fee waivers to candidates who meet certain eligibility criteria set by the university. The universities can be offered up to 10 fee waivers within a 1-year period to use at their discretion — either as part of a program or to simply help test-takers. Candidates need to contact the universities of their choice to understand the eligibility requirements for the waiver and apply for the same, accordingly.
Candidates can then use the fee waiver code from the university when they register for the GMAT exam. Each fee waiver code is applicable for the entire GMAT fee and must be used by the expiration date given.
GMAT Exam Pattern
The GMAT exam is 2 hours 15 minutes long (including an optional 10-minute break). The GMAT exam pattern is comprised of a total of 64 questions divided into 3 sections as mentioned below:
- Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions, 45 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, 45 minutes
- Data Insights: 20 questions, 45 minutes
GMAT also provides certain test taker-friendly features like the Question Review & Edit tool which allows candidates to edit responses later in each section, thereby reducing the time spent on unsure questions. Also, the sections can be taken in any order the candidate chooses.
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section
- The GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section measures the candidate’s algebraic and arithmetic foundation knowledge and problem-solving skills.
- This section consists of 21 questions to be solved in 45 minutes.
- Answering the questions of the quantitative section requires logical and analytical skills, not maths skills.
- Calculator is not allowed for this section.
Also check: GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Questions
GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section
- The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section measures the candidate’s reading and comprehension skills.
- This section is composed of 23 Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions to be solved in 45 minutes.
- Reading Comprehension: This section measures the ability to:
- Understand words and arguments
- Understand logical relationships between significant points
- Draw inferences
- Quantitative concepts
- Critical Reasoning: These questions are based on short reading passage of fewer than 100 words to measure the ability to:
- Make arguments
- Evaluate arguments
- Formulate and evaluate a plan of action
- Reading Comprehension: This section measures the ability to:
Quick Links:
GMAT Data Insights Section
- The Data Insights section of the GMAT Syllabus measures the candidate’s ability to analyze and interpret data and apply it to real-world business situations. It also measures the candidate’s digital and data literacy.
- This section is composed of 20 questions of different types to be solved in 45 minutes. These are are explained below:
- Data Sufficiency: Analyze a quantitative problem, recognize which data is relevant, and determine at what point there is enough data to solve the problem.
- Multi-Source Reasoning: Analyze data from multiple sources including text passages, tables, graphics to answer multiple questions. The questions can vary from recognizing discrepancies to drawing inferences.
- Table Analysis: Sort and analyze a table of data to determine what information is relevant or meets certain conditions.
- Graphics Interpretation: Interpret the information presented in a graph or other graphical image like pie chart, to understand relationships and make inferences.
- Two-Part Analysis: Solve simultaneous questions including quantitative, verbal, or a combination of both. This question type measures the candidate’s ability to solve complex problems.
GMAT Score
GMAT total score is based on the performance in all 3 sections of the exam, with each section weighted equally. GMAT scores are valid for a period of 5 years, allowing candidates to send them whenever they are ready. The GMAT total score ranges from 205-805, with 10-point increments and a standard error of measurement of 30-40 points. For each of the 3 sections, the score range is 60-90, with 1-point increments and a standard error of measurement of 3 points.
There is also a penalty that will be charged reflecting the number of unanswered questions. GMAT exam score will be the best reflection of the candidate’s performance when all questions are managed to be answered within the time limit.
GMAT Official Score Report
Immediately after completing the exam, unofficial scores for Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, as well as Total Score will be displayed on the screen. However, candidates are not allowed to record, save, screenshot, or print the unofficial score. The Official Score Report will be available in the candidates mba.com account within 3-5 days of taking the exam.
The GMAT exam includes detailed performance insights in the Official Score Report, which include insights by section, question type, content domain, time management, and also the data on how the candidate has performed as compared to others who have applied for the same program.
The following performance insights are included in the Official Score Report:
| Performance by Section | Overview of total Score, section scores, and the percentile ranking for each |
|---|---|
| Performance by Program & School | Total Score percentile ranking compared to the percentile rankings of test takers who sent their GMAT scores to the same program within the past 5 years. |
| Performance by Content Domain | Percentile ranking based on the most recent 5 years of data for each content domain within the individual section. |
| Performance by Question Type | Percentile ranking based on the most recent 5 years of data for each question type within the individual section. |
| Performance by Fundamental Skills | Percentile ranking based on the most recent 5 years of data for each fundamental skill within the individual section. |
| Time Management & Performance | Response time in minutes, including any review time, for each question within the individual section. |
| Summary of Question Review & Changes | Review activity for a section, including how much time was spent reviewing and editing questions in the section. |
How to Send GMAT Scores to Universities
GMAT Scores can be sent to up to 5 programs for free within a 48-hour period. After this period, additional score reports can be sent for a fee which is USD 35 (INR 3,020) for each score report.
After the GMAT Score Report is available in the candidate’s mba.com account, the candidate can decide whether or not they want to send their scores to universities. However, this must be done within 48 hours of receiving the Official Score Report, after which a fee will be charged.
The following considerations need to be taken into account:
- Each Official Score Report will only contain the Total and Section Scores from a single exam. No other exam scores from previous exams will be sent.
- Exam scores canceled due to a testing issue or policy violation are part of the Official Score Report.
- Once an Official Score Report has been sent to a program, it cannot be called back.
Sending GMAT Scores to Universities for a Fee
- As long as the score report is not older than 5 years, it can be sent to as many programs as the candidate wants for a fee.
- This fee of USD 35 (INR 3,020) for each score report is non-refundable and payable from the mba.com account.
- If the score report is more than 5 years old but less than 10 years old, permission is needed to send the report as long as no GMAT exam is taken within the past 5 years.
Also check: GMAT Average Score for MBA Programs
GMAT Test Centers or GMAT Online Exam
Whether taken at a test center or online, GMAT is designed for candidates who want to accelerate their future and achieve their career ambitions. With two convenient options, candidates can choose the test delivery channel that works best for them.
| Contents | Test Center | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance | Accepted by over 7,700 programs at more than 2,400 business schools | |
| Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes. | |
| Structure | 3 sections (64 questions), completed in any order: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights. | |
| Appointment Availability | 7 days a week during test center operating hours | 7 days a week, round the clock. |
| Review & Edit | Bookmark and review any number of answersChange up to 3 answers per section, within the section time remaining | |
| Score Scale | 205-805 and all 3 sections are weighted equally. | |
| Cost | Fees range depending on location. | Fees range depending on location. |
| Reschedule | Reschedule and cancel fees based on location, currency, and advance notice. | |
| Scratch Work Resources | 5 laminated pages and 2 dry erase markers. | A physical whiteboard, dry-erase marker, and erasers are permitted. Access to an online whiteboard. |
| Accommodations | Additional testing time, break, and access to other resources. | |
| Your Score | Unofficial score available on the screen immediately after the exam. Official Score Report is available within 7 business days (but may take up to 20). | |
| Score Validity | 5 years | |
| Exam Attempts | 5 attempts in a 1-year period — 3 online and 2 offline Unlimited attempts in a lifetime across both delivery channels. | |
| Score Sending | 5 free score reports to programs within 48 hours of receiving Official Score. Additional score reports are available for a fee. | |
GMAT Score for Top Business Schools Worldwide
According to the official data, 7 out of 10 aspirants rely on the GMAT exam. Almost all the business schools worldwide and in India now accept GMAT scores for their admission process. GMAT cut-off for ISB ranges between 530 and 780. Candidates should target a minimum of 655+ score for a successful admission.
The GMAT cut-off for top business schools of the world are:
| Business School | QS World Ranking | GMAT Score |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 1 | 738 |
| The Wharton School | 2 | 728 |
| Harvard Business School | 3 | 740 |
| London Business School | 4 | 700 |
| HEC Paris | 5 | 690 |
| MIT Sloan | 6 | 730 |
| Columbia Business School | 7 | 730 |
| Cambridge Judge | 9 | 682 |
GMAT is not only for studying in foreign colleges but also in India. Few top business schools in India accept the GMAT score to admit Indian students to their flagship MBA programs. This is applicable for both 2 year and 1 year MBA programs. You can apply to all top Indian business schools with a GMAT score of 600+. The reason behind accepting GMAT scores are:
- GMAT can be taken to apply for both colleges abroad and Indian universities. There is no need to take a separate exam for Indian universities.
- The standard of assessment is made difficult with tricky questions to assess the knowledge and adaptability of the student.
Below listed are some of the top colleges in India that accept GMAT scores:
| College Name | GMAT Cut-off |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 720 |
| ISB Hyderabad | 530-780 |
| IIM Udaipur | 680 |
| ISB Mohali | 530-780 |
| IIM Bangalore | 725 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 560 |
GMAT Preparation Tips
On average, most Indian students require 2 to 3 months of GMAT preparation to achieve a higher score. First, you need to understand the exam format, create a proper study plan, and follow the official study materials. As a beginner, you can start your GMAT preparation by reading comprehensive books, taking full-length practice tests, or utilizing free online resources.
- Taking full-length GMAT mock tests to identify strengths and weak areas.
- Creating a proper study plan and focusing on weak areas.
- GMAT official guides include the most updated study materials and preparation strategies. Candidates can get GMAT official starter kit for free, which includes 2 practice exams and 70+ real sample questions.
- Candidates can opt for GMAT online exam preparation, as it offers flexible batch timings and easily accessible study materials.
- Joining the GMAT coaching center will help prepare under expert mentorship.
- Best apps and websites like Manhattan Prep, Veritas Prep, Magoosh, and The Economist GMAT Tutor provide effective preparations.
GMAT Sample Papers
Solving GMAT sample papers regularly helps candidates understand the different types of questions. Candidates can utilize free resources like demo classes, preparation apps, and websites to practice sample papers. Many GMAT books include effective GMAT practice questions with answers for better practices.
Having a good understanding of the GMAT exam pattern is a key factor in achieving success in the exam. This understanding should be diligently followed with extensive preparation and a calm mind.
FAQs
Ques. Which is harder, GRE or GMAT?
Ans. The GMAT will be easier if the candidate excels in math and has weaker verbal skills, while the GRE will be the easier exam if verbal and writing skills are stronger than mathematical abilities.
Ques. Is there negative marking in GMAT?
Ans. No, GMAT does not give negative marks. However, a penalty is imposed on the number of questions left unanswered. Therefore, students are advised to at least attempt all the questions.
Ques. In the GMAT exam, if I Do Not Click Submit Before Time Runs Out, Will My Response Count?
Ans. No. GMAT questions require double confirmation to count as submitted responses. The first confirmation is when you click the Next button at the bottom right of the exam question screen. The second confirmation is when you click the Yes button in the pop-up box.
Ques. What Language Is the GMAT Exam Delivered In?
Ans. The GMAT exam is conducted entirely in English, all instructions are provided in English, and all responses must be entered using standard American English characters. If a candidate has an issue regarding language, they are advised to take the exam at the test center rather than online.
Ques. Is GMAT an adaptive exam?
Ans. Yes, GMAT is a computer-adaptive exam. This means that the exam adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the performance in real time. This personalized approach provides a more accurate measurement of the candidate’s abilities.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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Comments
Found 2 Comments
You can register two to three months before your preferred test date, although, you may register up to six months in advance. Use the Registration and Score Reporting Timeline in the GMAT Handbook to assist you in selecting your test date. You can schedule your exam in the following ways - Online: Create your mba.com account or Phone: Call GMAT Customer Service for your region (Note: You may be charged an additional service fee of USD 10).
Yes, you will now have the choice to validate your identity using your Aadhaar Card or passport during the GMAT online exam registration process as long as the Card is current and valid. For the test center version of the GMAT exam, the passport remains the only acceptable ID; Aadhaar Card has been introduced as an alternative for only online GMAT exams.