GMAT Cutoff Scores for Top MBA Programs Abroad (2025): USA, UK, Canada, India, Australia, Europe

GMAT Cutoff Scores for Top MBA Programs Worldwide (2026)

Highlights

  • ISB GMAT Cut Off ranges from 530-780, and the average GMAT score for 2025 is 716.
  • The acceptance rate of ISB is 10%.
  • In case you get a low GMAT score, you must provide strong academic credentials and outstanding work experience of at least 2 years.
  • For admission to ISM, always provide the score of the GMAT exam delivered at the test center.
Anisha Agarwal logo
Updated on, Oct 9, 2025

byAnisha Agarwal

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.

GMAT_Cut_Off


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 2025


GMAT 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:

Also Read

Top B-schools in the USA


GMAT 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 UK


GMAT 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:

Also Read

Top B-schools in Canada

GMAT 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:

Also Read

Top Australian B-schools

GMAT 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.

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 2025

GMAT 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.

Comments


Found 2 Comments

G
gouri kumari
Jun 4, 2022 15:36
Please tell me the top institutes that accept GMAT score of 660 for admission?
R
rubab
Jun 4, 2022 17:15

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

S
shivkumar dama
Jun 4, 2022 15:36
Is GMAT qualification enough to get admission in the top universities?
R
rubab
Jun 4, 2022 16:59

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.


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