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The GMAT is a gateway for individuals seeking to pursue graduate-level management programs, but before registering for the exam, it’s important to understand who is eligible to take it. While the GMAT does not have strict academic or professional prerequisites, there are specific guidelines around age, education, and the number of attempts allowed. The exam is open to individuals who are at least 18 years old, though candidates under 18 must obtain parental consent. The GMAT also allows for a maximum of 5 attempts in 12 months, but there is no restriction on the number of attempts in a lifetime.
Understanding these details is essential for planning your path toward business school. In this article, we’ll break down who can take the GMAT, the key age and educational qualifications, and any other important considerations to keep in mind before you register.
GMAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
GMAC has kept the GMAT eligibility requirements flexible to ensure wide accessibility. As of 2025, the GMAT eligibility criteria remain consistent with previous years, designed to accommodate a diverse, global pool of applicants.
Here's a detailed look at the core criteria:
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Candidates aged 13 to 17 may take the GMAT with written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
- No upper age limit is specified. Candidates of any age may take the exam, provided other requirements are met.
Note: While age is not a barrier, most GMAT test-takers are early- to mid-career professionals or final-year undergraduates.
Educational Qualifications
- No minimum academic qualification is required to take the GMAT.
- GMAC does not require a bachelor's degree, but:
- Most GMAT test-takers hold or are pursuing an undergraduate degree.
- Individual business schools may set their own academic admission standards.
Note: Taking the GMAT without a degree is allowed, but it may limit your admission opportunities depending on the program.
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- The GMAT is available to candidates from all countries, with testing centers and online availability in over 100 countries.
- ID requirements may vary by country.
Language Proficiency
- The GMAT is administered only in English.
- There is no official English language requirement to register, but since the test assesses verbal reasoning and written communication, a strong command of English is crucial for success.
Identification Documents
- Indian candidates must present a valid, current passport at the time of the test.
- The passport must include:
- Full name (matching the GMAT registration exactly)
- Date of birth
- Recent photograph
- Signature
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GMAT does not require any work experience to be eligible. Whether you are a recent graduate with no job experience or a seasoned professional, you can register for the GMAT.
However, many business schools, especially top MBA programs in India and abroad, value work experience during their admissions process.
- 1 to 3 years of relevant work experience can strengthen your application.
- Some part-time or executive MBA programs require a minimum work experience of 3 to 5 years.
- Work experience can sometimes compensate for a lower GMAT score or academic record.
GMAT Attempt Limitations (2025 Guidelines)
If you're planning to take the GMAT in 2025, it's important to know how many times you can appear for the exam. Many students retake the GMAT to improve their score, but there are limits set by GMAC (the official exam body). Here’s everything you need to know about GMAT attempt rules.
How Many Times Can You Take the GMAT in a Year?
- You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in 12 months.
- This includes both 3 times in the online mode and 2 times at GMAT test centers.
Tip: GMAC recommends retaking the test only if you believe you can improve your score by at least 30–50 points based on your practice test results and preparation.
Total Number of GMAT Attempts in a Lifetime
- No limit on the number of attempts in a lifetime.
Minimum Gap Between Two GMAT Attempts
- You must wait at least 16 days before retaking the GMAT.
- For example, if your GMAT test date is 1st October, you can book your next attempt after 16th October.
Cancelled Scores Also Count
- If you cancel your score, that attempt still counts toward your 5-yearly attempt limit.
- So, choose wisely before scheduling multiple tests.
Note: You can cancel your score immediately after finishing the test or within 72 hours online. But doing so doesn’t reset your attempt count.
Check out the table below for a summary of the GMAT retake policy.
| Attempt Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum Attempts in a Year | 5 (3 online-delivered, 2 test center-delivered) |
| Lifetime Limit | No limit |
| Gap Between Attempts | 16 days |
| Cancelled Scores Count? | Yes |
Understanding GMAT Eligibility for MBA Admission in 2025
Taking the GMAT is the first step toward pursuing an MBA, but understanding the eligibility requirements can help you plan your preparation and application effectively.
Here’s what Indian MBA aspirants should keep in mind in 2025:
- No strict academic prerequisites to take the GMAT: You don’t need a degree or work experience to register for the exam. This means even fresh graduates can attempt the GMAT.
- Work experience enhances your application: Although not required for the GMAT, many MBA programs prefer candidates with some professional experience.
- Number of attempts and timing: You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in 12 months, so plan your attempts to align with MBA admissions.
- Program-specific eligibility: Remember, individual MBA programs may have their own criteria for admissions beyond GMAT eligibility, including minimum work experience, academic background, or language proficiency.
Helpful Articles
Every year, more than 2 lakh people take the GMAT worldwide. Knowing the 2025 eligibility rules helps you plan your test and MBA applications better. While there are no strict age or degree limits, using your allowed attempts wisely and having some work experience can improve your chances of getting into good business schools. Being clear about these details will help you make smart choices for your future.
FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum age to take the GMAT?
Ans. You must be at least 18 years old to take the GMAT. Candidates between 13 and 17 can take the test with written consent from a parent or guardian.
Ques. Do I need a bachelor’s degree to appear for the GMAT?
Ans. No, there is no minimum academic qualification required. You can take the GMAT even without a degree, but some business schools may require one for admission.
Ques. Is work experience mandatory to register for the GMAT
Ans. No, work experience is not required to take the GMAT. However, many MBA programs prefer candidates who have some professional experience.
Ques. Can I use other IDs besides a passport for the GMAT exam day in India?
Ans. No, for Indian test takers, only a valid passport is accepted as ID on exam day.
Ques. Is there a lifetime limit on the number of GMAT attempts?
Ans. No, there is no lifetime limit. You can take the GMAT as many times as you want, but you must wait at least 16 days between attempts.
Ques. What happens if I cancel my GMAT score after the test?
Ans. Cancelling your score means it won’t be sent to schools, but the attempt still counts toward your attempt limits.
Ques. Can I take the GMAT if I’m currently pursuing my undergraduate degree?
Ans. Yes, final-year students or those still studying can take the GMAT. Many MBA programs accept scores from students who haven’t yet graduated.
Ques. Does the GMAT eligibility differ for online and test-center exams?
Ans. No, the eligibility criteria are the same whether you choose to take the GMAT online or at a test center.
*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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The most important thing you need to know is that no one automatically becomes eligible for any particular need for disability accommodations. You have to request accommodations, and the requests are decided on a case-by-case basis. As part of your request, you’ll be asked to submit some recent documentation regarding your particular disability or circumstance and a written explanation of how this affects your test-taking ability and what sort of accommodations you are seeking.
You can take the GMAT exam once every 16 calendar days this allows candidates like you the flexibility to retake the exam within a shorter period of time in order to accommodate your schedules, study habits, peak performance times, and/ or school deadlines. You can’t exceed five GMAT exams within a rolling 12-month period or the eight lifetime GMAT exams.