How GMAT Scores Help Indian Students Get Jobs Abroad

Every year, more than 1.3 million Indian students pursue higher education abroad. This number is expected to be over 1.8 million by 2025, a robust increase from approximately 907,000 in 2022. Canada hosts around 427,000, followed by the United States with approximately 338,000, the UK with 185,000, and both Australia and Germany each enrolling over 120,000 and 50,000 Indian students, respectively.

Indian students are also increasingly taking the GMAT exam. By 2024, India accounted for about 23% of all GMAT test-takers worldwide, second only to the US. The number of Indian students taking the GMAT in 2023-24 was around 35,000. This high number highlights the importance of GMAT scores not just for MBA admissions, but also as a signal to employers about a student’s credibility.

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Why Indian Students Aim For Jobs Abroad?

Indian students are increasingly looking for not just education, but also meaningful career opportunities abroad. There are a number of reasons for this trend, as mentioned below.

• Higher Salaries & Better Job Prospects: Indian students who pursue an MBA abroad earn significantly higher salaries than MBA graduates in India. In India, the average salaries of top B-school (IIMs, ISB) graduates range between INR 30 to 40 LPA, which is almost half that of international B-school graduates. Check out the table below for MBA graduate salaries in other countries.

• High Return on Investment (ROI): Countries like Canada, Germany, and Australia offer affordable tuition compared to the US and the UK, while still providing excellent job opportunities. The table below shows the ROI for some countries that provide affordable MBA programs for Indian students.

• Post-study Work Visas: Many countries want to retain students after graduation. For example, Canada offers a 3-year work permit, Germany allows 18 months to find a job, and Australia gives a Temporary Graduate Visa for up to 4 years for certain degrees.
• Global Exposure & Work Culture: A report by the Institute for International Education of Students (IES) found that studying abroad can significantly increase students’ cross-cultural communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and self-confidence.
• Brand Value of Foreign Universities: An MBA degree from top international B-schools like Harvard, INSEAD, LBS, Rotman, or ISB significantly boosts the candidate’s resume. Global employers often prefer candidates from these universities, which require a GMAT score of 700+.

What is the GMAT and Why It Matters?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used globally to assess candidates applying for B-schools, especially MBA programs. It measures skills in analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning. The following are the reasons why GMAT matters for Indian students seeking jobs abroad.

• Admission to Top B-Schools: Most leading global B-schools require GMAT scores for admission. According to the GMAC, over 235,000 candidates took the GMAT in 2023 worldwide, with Indian students making up nearly 30% of this total.
• Benchmark for Critical Skills: The GMAT score reflects a candidate’s critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. These qualities are highly valued by international employers and recruiters.
• Influences Scholarship & Internship Opportunities: Many top schools use GMAT scores to award scholarships and internships, which often lead to job placements abroad. One example is the Forte Fellowship, which requires a GMAT score of 697.
• Boosts Employability: Employers, especially in consulting, finance, and tech sectors, recognize the GMAT as proof of a candidate’s readiness for global business challenges.
• Visa & Work Permit Advantages: Some countries consider GMAT-based admissions and employment outcomes favorably when granting post-study work visas. For example, the University of Toronto and McGill University typically require GMAT scores of 672 and 675, respectively, for their MBA programs.

How a Good GMAT Score Enhances Employability Abroad?

A high GMAT score does more than just get admission to top MBA programs. It also plays a key role in shaping your career prospects after graduation, especially in international job markets.

Given below are the top reasons why a GMAT score boosts your chances of getting jobs abroad.

• Admission to Top B-Schools with Strong Placement Records: Top-tier global MBA colleges like Harvard, INSEAD, LBS, Rotman, and ISB typically require GMAT scores above 700. For example, Canadian B-schools with high GMAT cut-offs report 90–95% placement rates within 3–6 months of graduation.
• High GMAT Score, Strong Signal to Employers: A GMAT score of 650+ can help Indian students stand out during campus placements at global universities, especially when competing with domestic candidates in the US, UK, or Europe.
• Improved Access to Internships & Career Services: At London Business School, internships often lead directly to full-time offers, and strong GMAT candidates are frequently preferred by firms like Bain, BCG, and Morgan Stanley.
• Global Recruiters Recognize GMAT-Based Programs: Companies like Google, Amazon, McKinsey, BCG, EY, PwC, and J.P. Morgan regularly recruit from GMAT-based MBA programs globally.
• Stronger ROI of MBA: A high GMAT score can earn students scholarships, reduce financial burden, and improve access to high-paying job offers post-graduation, improving the ROI of their international education.