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If you're planning to pursue an MBA from a top business school abroad, your GMAT score will play a crucial role in the admissions process. Most leading B-schools use it to assess your academic potential, alongside your work experience and academic background.
On average, competitive GMAT scores for top B-schools fall between 650 and 740. For example:
- Stanford Graduate School of Business – Average GMAT: 700
- Harvard Business School – Average GMAT: 675
- Wharton (University of Pennsylvania) – Average GMAT: 732
- INSEAD – Average GMAT: 665
- London Business School – Average GMAT: 655
- HEC Paris – Average GMAT: 695
- IE Business School – Average GMAT: 670–700
- Warwick Business School – Average GMAT: 660+
These scores reflect the competitive nature of top MBA programs. While a high GMAT score boosts your chances, it’s just one part of your application. In this article, we’ll explore the average GMAT scores required by top global B-schools, how to interpret them, and what you can do to improve your profile.
GMAT Exam Highlights
- About: The GMAT Focus Edition is the latest version of the GMAT exam, replacing the previous GMAT format entirely since last year.
- Acceptance: Standard requirement for many top-ranked MBA courses in countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, and France.
- Exam Pattern: 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, with a total of 64 questions.
- Exam Fee: $275 (₹24,421) for test-center delivery, and $300 (₹26,641) for home delivery.
- Exam Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes long, including an optional 10-minute break.
- Score Range: The total score range of the GMAT exam is 205-805, with a 60-90 score range for each section.
- Retaking Policy: Can be taken any number of times, but with a 16-day gap between two consecutive attempts. In a 1-year period, GMAT online can be taken 3 times, while GMAT offline can be taken 2 times.
- Score Validity: 5 years.
GMAT Average Score
If you're planning to take the GMAT, it's important to understand the average score range, which is 205 to 805. To get into top B-schools, you should aim for a score of 650 or above. Scoring below 550 is generally considered low and may limit your options.
To understand your performance better, you can check the GMAT Enhanced Score Report, which gives a detailed breakdown of how you did in each section.
Here’s what you need to know about the average GMAT scores for MBA programs:
| GMAT Sections | Average Score |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 79.34 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 78.06 |
| Data Insights | 75.03 |
| Total | 554.67 |
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GMAT Exam Pattern 2025Average GMAT Score for MBA in the USA 2025
If you're planning to study MBA in the USA, make sure you understand the average GMAT scores required by top business schools. Schools like Stanford, Wharton, Chicago Booth, and Harvard expect competitive scores. The table below shows the average GMAT score you’ll need to aim for at some of the top B-schools in the U.S.
| Business Schools | Average GMAT Score |
|---|---|
| Stanford GSB | 738 |
| Wharton (UPenn) | 728 |
| Chicago Booth | 730 |
| Harvard Business School | 740 |
| Kellogg (Northwestern) | 731 |
| Yale SOM | 720 |
| New York Stern | 729 |
| Tuck (Dartmouth) | 726 |
| MIT Sloan | 730 |
| Columbia University | 730 |
| Berkeley Haas | 733 |
| UCLA Anderson | 713 |
| Ross Michigan | 719 |
| Darden (Virginia) | 710 |
| UNC Kenan-Flagler | 710 |
| Cornell Johnson | 710 |
| Duke Fuqua | 670-760 |
| Washington Univ. (Olin) | 676 |
| McCombs (Texas-Austin) | 670-740 |
| Georgetown McDonough | 630-745 |
Also Read
Top B-schools in the USA 2025Average GMAT Score for MBA in the UK 2025
If you’re planning to pursue an MBA in the UK, check the table below to see the average GMAT scores required by top UK business schools.
| Business School | Average GMAT Score |
|---|---|
| Cambridge Judge Business School | 682 |
| Cranfield School of Management | 680 |
| University of Warwick | 670 |
| Imperial College Business School | 666 |
| Bayes Business School | 650 |
| Manchester Business School | 690 |
| Lancaster University Management School | 620 |
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Top B-schools in the UK 2025Average GMAT Score for MBA in Europe 2025
If you’re planning to study MBA in Europe, it’s important to know the average GMAT scores required by top B-schools. For example, INSEAD has an average GMAT score of 703, while HEC Paris has an average of 682, as per recent data. These scores are considered competitive and can strengthen your chances of getting admission to top MBA programs across Europe.
Check the table below for more details.
| Business School | Average GMAT Score | Country |
|---|---|---|
| INSEAD | 710 | France |
| HEC Paris | 690 | France |
| Mannheim Business School | 685 | Germany |
| European School of Management (ESMT) | 640 | Germany |
| Erasmus University (RSM) | 645 | Netherlands |
| University College Dublin (Smurfit) | 646 | Ireland |
Average GMAT Score for MBA in Canada 2025
If you’re planning to study MBA in Canada, it’s important to know the GMAT scores required by top business schools. To boost your score, make sure to use the best GMAT prep books and study materials. The table below shows the average GMAT scores accepted by leading MBA colleges in Canada.
| Business School | Average GMAT |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto (Rotman) | 674 |
| McGill University (Desautels) | 675 |
| University of Western Ontario (Ivey) | 660 |
| Stephen Jr. Smith School of Business | 680 |
| University of British Columbia (Sauder) | 550 |
| University of Alberta | 630 |
Also Read
Top MBA Colleges in CanadaAverage GMAT Score for MBA in India 2025
To apply for MBA programs at top universities and colleges in India, you’ll need to meet a minimum GMAT score requirement. The table below shows the Indian B-schools’ GMAT cut-offs, along with the names and locations of the institutes that accept GMAT scores.
| B-School | Average GMAT Score |
|---|---|
| IIM Bangalore | 709 |
| IIM Calcutta | 695 |
| IIM Indore | 650 |
| ISB Hyderabad | 710 |
| S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research | 650 |
| Xavier Institute of Management | 650 |
| Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship | 610 |
| Xavier University | 580 |
Also Read
Top MBA Colleges in IndiaWhat is a Good GMAT Score?
To do well on the GMAT, it’s important to practice using official GMAT practice papers for each section. When preparing for the exam and aiming for a good score, keep these 4 key factors in mind:
- The average GMAT score of the last incoming class.
- The profile of last year’s admitted students.
- The GMAT score needed to qualify for scholarships.
- The estimated return on investment (ROI) based on the average GMAT score.
Also Read
A good GMAT score is important for getting into top business schools abroad. Most top schools expect scores between 650 and 740. But remember, your score is just one part of your application—your work experience and background matter too. With focused preparation and knowing the score needed for your dream school, you can improve your chances of admission.
Key Summary
- GMAT scores range from 205 to 805; top B-schools usually require 650+.
- Average GMAT scores vary by region and school, e.g., Stanford ~700, INSEAD ~710.
- US top schools expect scores around 720-740; UK and Europe slightly lower.
- Canadian and Indian B-schools have their own GMAT score cut-offs.
- GMAT score is a key factor but combined with work experience and academics.
- Preparing with practice tests and understanding score reports helps improve results.
- A high GMAT score boosts admission chances but doesn’t guarantee admission.
FAQs
Ques. Is a 750 GMAT impressive?
Ans. A score of 750 is quite good and impressive. It will be enough for admission to the top business schools abroad.
Ques. Is 720 GMAT enough for Harvard?
Ans. Harvard Business School accepts GMAT scores within the range of 700-750. However, the cutoff scores keep changing annually. Make sure to check the previous year’s score reports before enrolling in the exams.
Ques. What GMAT score is required for Oxford?
Ans. Oxford University accepts GMAT scores that are above 650. You can achieve this score in consistent practice and proper upskilling.
Ques. Does an 800 GMAT score guarantee admission?
Ans. No score grants admission to any top business schools. A score of GMAT 800, however, is quite impressive for applying to the top universities abroad.
Ques. Can I get 700 on the GMAT without coaching?
Ans. Yes, it is definitely possible. Make sure to have a proper study plan, follow online lectures, undertake mock tests, and be consistent in your efforts.
Ques. Which is tougher, the CAT or GMAT?
Ans. GMAT is considered relatively easier than the CAT exam. GMAT has a predefined syllabus, which is not the case with CAT. In GMAT, candidates can take multiple attempts too.
Ques. Can an average student crack the GMAT?
Ans. An average student can crack the GMAT exam with proper preparation, learning time management, as well as regular practice of the mock tests.
Ques. What is a bad score on GMAT?
Ans. The average score ranges from 205-805 on the GMAT. Any score below this range is considered bad and unfit for admission to the top universities abroad.
Ques. Do GMAT attempts matter?
Ans. It depends on the university/college you are applying to. Most top universities consider the scores rather than the number of attempts taken in the exam by the candidate.
Ques. Is GMAT harder than GRE?
Ans. The GRE is comparatively easier than the GMAT exam. GRE involves more geometry questions, whereas GMAT focuses more on logical reasoning questions.
*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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