GMAT cutoff scores are the minimum scores you need to get into your chosen business school. The GMAT score can range from 205 to 805, and most schools usually require at least 650 to apply for an MBA program. The exact GMAT cutoff can be different from one school to another. Each university sets its cutoff score based on things like how many people apply and how many seats are available in the program.
The table below shows the average GMAT cutoff scores for MBA programs in different countries.
| MBA Study Destination | Average GMAT Cut-off |
|---|---|
| USA | 685-745 |
| Canada | 545-695 |
| Asia | 625-765 |
| Europe | 605-705 |
| Australia | 555-705 |
The GMAT cutoff for top business schools is usually between 715-725, while for average-ranking schools, it’s around 655. About 2,300 business schools accept the GMAT for their MBA programs. Your chances of getting into a top-tier school depend on factors like your interview, LOR, SOP, GPA, and meeting the cutoff score. The cutoff can change each year based on exam difficulty, average scores, and past trends. Scoring above the cutoff improves your chances during admissions.
For top global colleges, the GMAT cutoff usually starts at 685, with Harvard's expected cutoff for 2025 being 735. US universities tend to have some of the highest GMAT requirements. According to GMAC, a score between 605-655 can get you into a good business school, and a score over 755 could land you in the 100th percentile, making you a strong candidate for top MBA colleges.

Average GMAT Scores
Total GMAT Score ranges from 205 to 805. The average GMAT Score stands at 564.84. While several factors influence the GMAT cutoff scores, the following are considered crucial:
- Number of applications received.
- Difficulty level of the GMAT.
- The number of available seats for a particular program. If the program’s seats are limited, but the applicant pool is high, the GMAT score cutoff tends to rise accordingly.
The table below provides a section-wise average score of GMAT:
| GMAT Section | Average GMAT Score |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 79.34 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 78.06 |
| Data Insights | 75.03 |
| Total | 554.67 |
Also Read
GMAT Syllabus 2025GMAT Cutoff For Top B-Schools Abroad (2025)
GMAT score cut-off for top colleges in the world varies widely. It generally depends on several factors such as the college's reputation, competitiveness, and program requirements. Some top-ranked business schools have a minimum GMAT score requirement of 700 or higher. The GMAT cut-offs for top MBA colleges abroad are given in the sections below.
GMAT Cut-off for the USA 2025
The GMAT cut-off ranges for US universities are listed below:
| University | Average GMAT Cutoff | GMAT Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 737 | 635-795 |
| Northwestern University | 729 | 625-785 |
| Yale University | 725 | 695-765 |
| University of Chicago | 730 | 605-785 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 733 | 535-795 |
| Harvard University | 730 | 545-795 |
| Columbia University | 729 | 555-785 |
| Dartmouth College | 726 | 615-795 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 730 | 695-765 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 711 | 665-765 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 730 | 705-765 |
| University of Michigan | 720 | 685-765 |
| New York University (NYU) | 733 | 645-805 |
| University of Texas at Austin | 706 | 665-755 |
| Cornell University | 710 | - |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 702 | 645-755 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 690 | 645-735` |
| Boston University | 683 | 645-735 |
| Duke University | - | 685-765 |
| Berkeley College | 720 | 575-685 |
Also Read
Top B-schools in the USAGMAT Cut-off for Europe 2025
Candidates willing to enroll in universities in the UK need to have an average GMAT score of 600+. Work experience, along with GMAT cutoff, is also required. The table below highlights the GMAT cut-off for universities in the UK for colleges including INSEAD, GMAT cut-off, and more.
Also Read
Top B-schools in the UKGMAT Cut-off for Canada 2025
The GMAT score for admission to McGill University in Canada ranges from 650-690. GMAT Cut-off for colleges in Canada for the top colleges is listed below:
| University | GMAT Cutoff |
|---|---|
| McGill University | 675 |
| University of Toronto | 555+ |
| York University | 665 |
| University of British Columbia | 555+ |
| Queen's University–Kingston | 605 |
| Université de Montréal | 635 |
| University of Alberta | 555+ |
| McMaster University | 605 |
| Simon Fraser University | 555 |
| The University of Western Ontario | 535-765 |
| Concordia University | 585 |
Also Read
Top B-schools in CanadaGMAT Cut-off for Australia 2025
Candidates with a GMAT score of 550-600 can easily enroll in colleges in Australia. The table below highlights some of the top universities accepting GMAT cut-offs for Australia:
| University | GMAT Cutoff |
|---|---|
| The University of Melbourne | 565 |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | 679 |
| The Australian National University | 605+ |
| The University of Sydney | 605+ |
| RMIT University | 555+ |
| Monash University | 685-705 |
| University of Queensland | 555 |
| Deakin University | 585 |
| University of Wollongong | 595 |
| Griffith University | 555 |
| Central Queensland University | 555 |
Also Read
Top Australian B-schoolsGMAT Cut-off for Asia 2025
Candidates with a GMAT score above 600 can get admission in B-schools of Asian countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul or South Korea.
| University | GMAT Cutoff |
|---|---|
| The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | 665 |
| Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) | 605 |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | 675 |
| Middlesex University, Dubai | 555 |
GMAT Cutoff for Top B-Schools in India 2025
The GMAT cutoffs for various Indian universities are listed in the table below, including the cutoff for IIMs. For ISB, the GMAT cutoff typically ranges from 710 to 740. It's important to keep this in mind, as ISB is one of the top business schools in India. Additionally, ISB's PGP and EEO programs require at least 2 years of work experience, while the YLP (PGP postponed) allows students in their final year of college to apply.
- For SP Jain's MBA program in Mumbai, the GMAT cutoff is set at the 85th percentile, which is around 690.
- MDI considers a GMAT score of 700 as the cutoff.
- As for XLRI, the PGDM(BM) cutoff is 720 or above, PGDM(HRM) requires a 700+ score, and the PGDM(GM) cutoff is 630.
- Regarding the IIMs, IIM Calcutta doesn’t have a fixed minimum cutoff. However, for IIM's EPGP program, the GMAT cutoff is 709.
The cutoffs for top Indian B-schools can be found in the table below.
| Colleges | Course Name | GMAT Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGPX | 705 |
| IIM Bangalore | EPGP | 695 |
| SP Jain | PGPM-Post Graduate Programme in Management | 655 |
| IIM Kolkata | PGPEX | 705+ |
| BITS Pilani | MBA- master's in business administration | 605+ |
| IIM Lucknow | IPMX | 685+ |
| ISB (Indian School of Business) Hyderabad | PGP | 715 |
| IIM Indore | EPGP | 705+ |
| IMT Ghaziabad | PGDM-Post Graduate Diploma in Management PGDM Ex-Post Graduate Diploma in Management for Executives | 695 |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | PGDM-Post Graduate Diploma in Management | 685 |
| IFMR | MBA | 645+ for MBA 575+ for EMBA |
| IIT Madras | MBA | 655+ |
| IIFT | MBA | 655+ |
Also Read
Top MBA Colleges in India 2025GMAT tests do not guarantee admission to the best MBA schools. Candidates should thus work to strengthen their whole student profile so that they can outperform the competition. A decisive element is the list of other required papers, such as academic records, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, resume, etc.
FAQs
Ques. What is a GMAT cutoff?
Ans. A GMAT cutoff refers to the minimum score required by a business school for admission into its graduate management programs.
Ques. Why do business schools have GMAT cutoffs?
Ans. Business schools use GMAT cutoffs as a standardized measure to assess the academic potential and readiness of applicants for their programs.
Ques. How are GMAT cutoffs determined?
Ans. GMAT cutoffs vary from one business school to another. They are typically determined by considering factors such as the school's reputation, program competitiveness, and the average GMAT scores of admitted students in previous years.
Ques. Are GMAT cutoffs the only criterion for admission?
Ans. No, GMAT cutoffs are just one of the criteria considered for admission. Business schools also evaluate other aspects such as work experience, undergraduate GPA, recommendation letters, essays, and interviews.
Ques. Do all business schools have GMAT cutoffs?
Ans. Not all business schools have GMAT cutoffs. Some schools may offer waivers or alternative admission criteria for applicants who demonstrate exceptional qualifications or have significant professional experience.
Ques. Are there different GMAT cutoffs for different programs within a business school?
Ans. Yes, some business schools may have different GMAT cutoffs for different programs. For example, an MBA program may have a higher cutoff than a specialized master's program.
Ques. Can I still get into a business school if I don't meet the GMAT cutoff?
Ans. While meeting the GMAT cutoff is important, it doesn't guarantee admission. Some schools may consider applicants who fall slightly below the cutoff if they have strong profiles in other areas.
Ques. Can I compensate for a lower GMAT score with other credentials?
Ans. Yes, a strong academic record, exceptional work experience, leadership roles, and outstanding recommendation letters can help compensate for a lower GMAT score.
Ques. Can I retake the GMAT if I didn't meet the cutoff?
Ans. Yes, you can retake the GMAT to improve your score if you didn't meet the cutoff. Many business schools consider the highest score achieved by an applicant.
Ques. What is the difference between the GMAT and the GRE?
Ans. The GMAT and the GRE are both standardized tests that are used for MBA and graduate school admissions. However, there are some key differences between the two tests. The GMAT is more focused on business concepts, while the GRE is more general.
Ques. Do I have a chance of getting selected to a top B-school if I score less than 700 on the GMAT exam?
Ans. Yes, you have a chance of getting selected in the top B-schools if you score below 700. However, make sure that the score you have received meets their required GMAT cut-off. You can visit the official website to check the cut-off scores.
Ques. Is a good GMAT score sufficient for admission to the top MBA colleges?
Ans. No, only the GMAT Score is not sufficient for admission to top MBA colleges and universities. Along with the GMAT score, the admissions department also takes into account the applicant's job history, undergraduate GPA, essays, letters of recommendation, and performance in the interview.
Ques. Do schools like Harvard prefer GRE or GMAT?
Ans. Harvard University accepts both GRE and GMAT scores for admission. The requirement depends on the type of course you are taking. Hence, you must check whether your degree programme requires you to submit a GRE or GMAT score before applying.
Ques. Can I apply to abroad universities with a good GMAT score but lower graduation scores?
Ans. Yes, a low graduation course will not be an obstacle if you have a great GMAT score and other documents. The lower graduation scores might affect admission to some top universities. However, most universities do not give total attention to the graduate scores.
Ques. Is there a single GMAT cut-off score?
Ans. No, there isn't a single cut-off score for all business schools. Each school sets its own admissions criteria, including a range for GMAT scores it considers competitive. You must check the official website for the required GMAT score.
Ques. How can I find the GMAT cut-off for my target schools?
Ans. You can find the cut-off scores by looking at the average GMAT scores of admitted students on each school's website or ranking reports. You must consider aiming above the mid-80% range for your target schools, which improves the chances of admission.
Ques. Is a high GMAT score enough to guarantee admission?
Ans. No, high GMAT scores are not enough for admission. GMAT is just one factor considered while taking admission to abroad universities. Schools also consider GPA, work experience, essays, and other aspects.
Ques. What score range is considered "good" in GMAT?
Ans. There is no specific "good" score for GMAT. A 730 might be excellent for one school, but just average for another. You must score above the mid-80% range for your target schools to secure admission. You can also check the previous year’s scores, which will give an idea about the cut-off.
Ques. What if my score falls below the average for my target schools?
Ans. A lower GMAT score doesn't automatically disqualify you from taking admission. If you have a strong overall application, it can still make you competitive. However, if you are unable to take admission to your dream college with the scores, you can retake the GMAT exam and score higher.
Ques. What resources can help me understand GMAT cut-offs?
Ans. The resources that can help you understand GMAT cut-offs are the official business school websites, ranking reports, GMAT prep courses, and admissions consultants. They can provide insights into specific school cut-offs and competitive score ranges.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

-modified.png?h=56&w=56&mode=stretch)


Comments
Found 2 Comments
The following universities/ college accept a GMAT score of 660 or below - Boston College, Northeastern University, Johns Hopkins University, Rutgers Business School, William & Mary, Pepperdine University, Brandeis University, Chicago Booth, MIT Sloan, UCLA Anderson, Notre Dame Mendoza, Rice Jones, University of Bath, etc.
For more details, you can refer to this link: GMAT CUT off for Top 100 MBA Colleges in World
The route to securing a spot in your dream MBA program involves meeting many prerequisites, and a high GMAT score will move you closer to your goal. The GMAT is an influential factor in your overall application, so the higher you score, the better. But test scores are only part of the story when it comes to MBA admission. The process of selection involves much more than just comparing GMAT scores.