GMAT Exam 2025: Exam Dates, Registration, Test Centres, Eligibility & Results

GMAT exam is conducted all around the year for students in India or abroad. Students can apply to any of the chosen GMAT exam dates and register according to their score submissions. GMAT exam is though condusted all around the year, in all the months and all days of the week, there may be date exceptions in some GMAT exam centres. Students may not always find GMAT exam dates suitable based on their choice as centres fill up quickly. Thus, students can check out the GMAT exam dates beforehand and prepare themselves for applications. 

Applicants looking at applying for GMAT in India should know that GMAT exam is conducted in two ways - one is at the GMAT exam centre (traditional method) and the other can be taken from home (referred to as GMAT Online). Both of them have a different fee per se. 

As per GMAC, this is how much GMAT exam costs in India based on how the applicant wishes to appear:

• Taking GMAT at a test centre in India costs: USD 275 which is INR 23,554 + taxes (approx).
• Taking GMAT from home in India costs: USD 300 which is INR 25,695 + taxes (approx).

Applicants must check the current exchange rate and then calculate the exact GMAT exam cost while applying from India based on the test centre testing or GMAT Online testing.  

There are certain conditions laid down by the GMAC for retaking the GMAT:

• Candidates can take the GMAT test only once in 16 days
• Candidates are allowed to take up to 5 attempts in a period of 12 months
• Candidates can take 8 attempts in a lifetime

In case if a student wants to reschedule or cancel his/her GMAT exam, he/she needs to pay a fee for the same. The fee for rescheduling the GMAT exam in the case of a test centre GMAT and the online GMAT are different. Similarly, the refund in the case of GMAT exam cancellation are different in the case of a test centre GMAT and the online GMAT. It is advised that the students prepare well for their GMAT exam in one go to avoid rescheduling, cancellation, or running out of attempts.

GMAT is not only for MBA admissions, but also for other master's courses offered in business and related fields. Courses for which GMAT is also accepted apart from MBA are as follows:

• MS in Business Analytics
• Masters in Accounting
• MSc in Marketing
• Master of Finance
• Masters in International Business

These are some of the courses for which GMAT exam scores are accepted. The requirements may vary country-wise and course wise for international applicants. 

GMAT tests different skill sets like the ability to think critically, ability to analyse data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. So, one needs to develop these skills to get a decent score in order to get admission to their dream B-school. The best way to develop these skills and score well on the GMAT is to practice the official study material multiple times and appear for as many GMAT mocks as possible. Once you have completed the official GMAT study material, you can move over to other GMAT books such as the Manhattan prep GMAT guides.

GMAT is a standardized exam, score of which are used for obtaining admissions to B-schools abroad and in India as well. Most of the US, UK, Italian, Australian and Canadian universities accept GMAT scores for admissions to MBA programs. Students who are pplying for MBA or MS in Management related courses may have to submit GMAT scores. GMAT is now GMAT Focus Edition, thus, those who are applying for the first time can submit GMAT Focus scores, while those who have previously taken GMAT can submit the scores if they still are valid. 

Yes, applicants can take the GMAT exam while completing bachelor's degree. There are no rules that specify when is the ideal time to take GMAT exam. Applicants can appear for GMAT whenever they wish to based on their admission intakes or deadlines. 

There is no maximum age limit to appear for the GMAT exam  as anybody 18 years and above can appear for the GMAT. However, there is definitely a lower ceiling. Student aged 13-17 can register for GMAT but with an NOC from their guardian. On the other hand, students above 18 years can directly register and appear for the GMAT 2025 exam. However, it is advised that the candidates check the eligibility requirements of the MBA Colleges before applying since the GMAT eligibility criteria can be significantly different for the MBA admissions criteria.

While GMAC does not explicitly require academic qualifications, they still ask for some details upon registration. Usually graduates who are going for a postgraduate degree take GMAT because it is accepted for postgraduate courses. Howver, those who are still enrolled in the undergraduate courses will still be allowed to take the GMAT. Candidates who do not fit under this category are nonetheless permitted to take the exam. 

GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, it adapts to the performance of the candidate while he is giving the test. The difficulty level of the questions changes based on whether the candidate is answering the questions right or wrong. If the candidate is answering the questions right, the level of the questions will rise, similarly, if the candidate is answering the questions wrong, the candidate will start getting easy questions. Also, as the next question is generated based on the performance in the current question, the candidate cannot visit the previous question. The candidate needs to answer a question about whether he is able to solve it or not in order to move ahead in the exam. If you get an easy question while taking the GMAT exam, you need not panic whether the previous question was correct or incorrect. Instead of wasting your time, you must focus only on solving the current question.

Yes, it is possible that applicants can choose the section order on GMAT.  There are three sections, namely Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Data Insights (DI) on the GMAT. Any of the section can be followed:

1. QR - VR - DI, or,
2. QR - DI - VR or,
3. VR - QR - DI or,
4. VR - DI - QR or,
5. DI - QR - VR or,
6. DI - VR - QR

There are six variations, applicants can choose any as per GMAT question pattern to attempt GMAT exam.

The GMAT exam tests applicants - logical, analytical and quantitative reasoning skills. To bifurcate section-wise, the skills tested o all the three sections of GMAT includes:

1. Quantitative Reasoning Section on GMAT: Logical, analytical and mathematical skills
2. GMAT's Verbal Reasoning Section: Critical reasoning and argument formation skills
3. Data Insights Section on GMAT: Analytical and data interpretational skills

GMAT exam pattern 2024 and the GMAT syllabus for the current version of the GMAT Focus Edition exam can be understood from the table given below:

Moreover, this is the latest GMAT Focus Edition syllabus that is being followed across.

Yes, GMAT exam syllabus is quite vast and despite some topic slashes like sentence correction, geometry and AWA (essay), the syllabus still has lots of topics. The Quant section has the maximum topics and is one of the biggest sections. Followed by Verbal Reasoning section where reading and critical analysis is tested. Finally, the latest Data Insights section is the next the biggest section with graph interpretation, data interpretation and tables along with other topics. Thus, GMAT includes a wide range of topics to test its applicants for admissions. 

You can get the GMAT exam syllabus on the official website or you can check it out on - https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/exams/gmat/syllabus.

There are three sections on GMAT and the syllabus in brief is as follows:

• Quantitative Reasoning - Algebra & Arithmetic 
• Verbal Reasoning - Reading Comprehension & Critical Reasoning
• Data Insights - Data Sufficiency, two Part Analyses, Table Analysis, Graphs, etc.

Yes, GMAT registrations are open between six months to 24 hours before the desired GMAT exam date. Applicants can register for GMAT exam anywhere between this given timeline to appear for GMAT exam. Applicants can also register at the last minute and can register 24 hours before the GMAT exam date as well. Last minute registrations may not leave applicants with nearby centres also for taking the exam if planning to take it at the GMAT exam centre.

The GMAT online exam is available on a rolling basis. Moreover, the GMAT online exam is available around the clock. The GMAT online exam can be scheduled up to 6 months in advance and up to 24 hours before an available GMAT slot. Online GMAT exam fees is $300, which is nearly Rs, 24,600 (as per the current exchange rate). Candidates can give the online GMAT exam in order to seek admission to a graduate B-school. The pattern of the online GMAT exam is similar to the one of the test centre GMAT exam.

For Indian students, yes, GMAT is costly. The GMAT's online testing at home costs around USD 300 + taxes on the other hand, GMAT taken at test centre costs around USD 275 + taxes. Thus, Indian students taking the test at home have to pay USD 25 more in comparison to the GMAT testing at a centre. Overall also, GMAT is costly for Indian applicants. 

If you reschedule the GMAT exam that was scheduled at a GMAT test centre 1 to 14 days before the test date, you have to pay USD 165 for the test centre GMAT exam and USD 180 for the online GMAT exam. The table given below provides the details of the GMAT Focus rescheduling fee for the test centre GMAT exam and the online GMAT exam:

The table given below provides the GMAT Focus exam cancellation fee for the test centre GMAT exam 2025 and the online GMAT exam:

GMAT is conducted all year round and choosing an appropriate GMAT exam month is important based on:

• Applicant's GMAT exam preparation
• Date of admission application submission 
• Last date for GMAT score submission in the application
• Buffer time to appear for GMAT and also retake GMAT in case of not meeting the desired cutoff

Keeping these pointers in mind will help applicants choose the best possible GMAT month to appear for the exam and also be able to nail it. 

Applicants who wish to attempt GMAT once more, can go for it. However, applicants must remeber that GMAT if taken online or at a test center, cannot exceed attempts in a year. Plus, in a lifetime, only eight attempts are allowed per applicant. This is applicable across all versions and editions of the GMAT exam. 

So if the applicants have taken three attempts on GMAT Xth edition can go for five more attempts on GMAT XIth edition (or the latest GMAT Focus Edition).  Get more details at GMAT Retake Strategy Steps

Since Fall intake starts in August - September, applicants must aim to appear for GMAT max to max by June. The reason being, the applicants who wish to retake GMAT have to give it after 16 days cooling time. Plus, not more than five attempts in a year are applicable. Thus, applicants can get some time to prepare in between after their first attempt in June and re-appear for GMAT and get scores that are desirable. Hence, it is advised to take GMAT for Fall 2025 in early June. 

Based on the following parameters applicants can understand which is a better option for them when registering for GMAT exam:

Thus, based on personal choices, applicants can choose which is the better option for them, and consequently register for the exam. 

There are 40 GMAT Focus test centres located in India. Applicants can choose their test centres for GMAT Focus exam based on their location. The applicants may not always find a test centre nearby and may have to go for a test centre farther away. The nearest GMAT Focus test centres are prompted to the applicant based on their current location and those who cannot find a nearby centre can opt for the next best option available. 

GMAT Focus test centres can be found based on the current location of the applicant. When the applicant is registering for GMAT Focus exam, he/she will be required to add their full address. Based on the nearest test centres options, a list of suggested GMAT Focus test centres will open up. This is the only way of looking for a GMAT Focus test centre for an applicant. 

Anything above 650 can be considered a good GMAT score. If you are able to score above 700 then it is great. However, you need to set your target before giving the exam. So, check what is the score required to get into your dream college and aim for that. However, a good GMAT score is not the only criteria for your selection. It will definitely help you in your selection, but there are other application aspects that come into play. Other documents include an SOP,  LORs,  admission essays,  resume, etc. Hence, you should aim to build a comprehensive and holistic profile.

The highest possible GMAT score is 805. It seems impossible to get a perfect score of 805 on the GMAT, but it can be achieved with sheer hard work, dedication, and the right study plan. Even the top B-schools require candidates to score 645 or more than 645, so, candidates need not score a perfect 805 to get into a top Business program. If you get a decent score then also you are eligible to apply to a top business program.

GMAT scores can be sent in two ways to B-schools. In the case of the test centre GMAT exam, students can select up to 5 programmes to which they wish to apply without any additional cost. After this, every additional GMAT score report is chargeable at $35 each. In the case of an online GMAT exam, a candidate can send his/her scores to 5 B-Schools within 48 hours of receiving the official GMAT score. If he/she wants to send his/her GMAT scores to more B-Schools or programmes, every additional GMAT Score report shall be chargeable at $35 each. It is important for the candidates to select the right courses/programmes beforehand. In order to do this, it is advised that research different programmes, their GMAT cut offs, career outcomes, etc.

Candidates need an appropriate strategy to score a perfect 805 in the GMAT Exam. Before start preparing also decide what a good GMAT Score (according to you) is, and then prepare accordingly. The best way to prepare for GMAT is as follows:

• To begin with, applicants must first understand the structure of the GMAT exam.
• Understand what kind of questions are tested and then proceed with GMAT preparation.
• Take mocks to assess skills tested on GMAT exam and then ready your preparation.
• Practice more and more to get agrip on the GMAT preparation.
• Candidates can also go through previous GMAT Sample Paper which will help them in preparing for the GMAT exam.

Yes, applicants who will appear for GMAT Focus Edition will have to put in lower time for preparing for the exam, plus, questions on Geometry and Sentence Correction are no more a part of the GMAT syllabus. Also applicants will not have to prepare for the writing section because it is not a part of the new GMAT exam version. Hence, one sectional reducation can benefit the students with their overall preparation. 

The GMAT conducted by GMAC, acts as a gateway for admission to more than 4,000+ business schools across the world. According to experts, you can start getting ready for the GMAT Focus Edition by using the following advice:

1. Determine which business school you want to attend and what GMAT score you need (out of 805).
2. Before creating a study schedule, familiarize yourself with the GMAT exam syllabus and also the GMAT exam format. 
3. Choose the appropriate study materials and mock tests for the exam in accordance with the GMAT syllabus.
4. Make a proper study schedule and focus on verbal and reasoning sections, as the GMAT prioritizes these sections more. 
5. Recognize which subject requires more of your attention so that you can give each section the time it needs.
6. Regular practice is necessary in addition to mock exams to improve GMAT accuracy.
7. Know why you want to attend a particular college; this will help you after your GMAT exam and when you are writing your college SOP.

The GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, and you can get the opportunity to study at top colleges after scoring well in the GMAT.

Both GMAT and CAT entrance exams for MBA admissions. While CAT is required for Indian B-schools, GMAT is required for both Indian and international B-schools. GMAT is tougher than CAT because:

• GMAT records more applicants since it is accepted globally, which means there is a higher competition among applicants, in comparison to CAT.
• GMAT tests applicants holistically across its three broad sections - Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. 
• Also, GMAT is tougher than CAT because, questions on GMAT have stronger emphasis on global business school entrance exams and their specific requirements. CAT only focuses on Indian business specific requirements.

Check: GMAT vs CAT: Key Differences

Yes, GMAT Focus Edition is the new and the latest version of the exam is being conducted across since January 31, 2024. The universities abroad are accepting both GMAT exam and GMAT Focus Edition. The reason being, some applicants have appeared for the previous version of the GMAT by January 31, 2024. So for now both versions are being accepted. But applicants should note, that the previous GMAT exam has been scrapped and GMAC is only conducting GMAT Focus Edition. So applicants from now onwards should prepare for the GMAT Focus Edition exam. 

Always check with the school before going to request an old score report, a majority of the schools do not accept the scores of the exam taken over 5 years ago. Score reports from exams given within 5 to 10 years ago are available; however, they are sent to schools with a caveat that should be interpreted with caution. In addition, scores before 5 years can only be ordered by reaching out to GMAT Customer Service of your concerned region. Another rider with this is that a candidate must not have taken the GMAT exam within the last 5 years.

Candidates have more control to manage their scores with the GMAT online exam. They can view their score and then choose to send their scores to programs. Candidates can send their GMAT scores to 5 B-Schools/Programmes (without any additional cost) within 48 hours of receiving their official score for the online GMAT exam. However, 5 is not the maximum number as candidates have the opportunity to send their official scores to as many programs as they want once they receive their official scores. The cost of sending an additional GMAT score (after the first 5 programmes) is USD 35.

GMAT or otherwise known as the Graduate Management Admission Test and Common Admission Test or commonly referred to as CAT are the two most widely accepted management entrance tests, scores of which are accepted by all the top B-schools, including the IIMs. The basic difference, between the two, is that while CAT is a national-level entrance exam for students looking for admission to Top Business Schools in India, GMAT is held on a global level and helps students for admission to top B-Schools worldwide. Conducted by Graduate Management Admission Council, GMAT scores are acceptable mainly in the case of NRI/Foreign students who want to study in India. The IIMs accept the GMAT score of domestic candidates for executive management programmes. Candidates can learn in-depth about the difference between GMAT and CAT exams.

It is a very subjective question, some may find GMAT easier while the others may find GRE easier. But let's understand what the experts say.

As per reports, GMAT's Verbal section is easier in comaprison to that of GRE. While the Quant section of GMAT is tougher than GRE. Thus, applicants who have a strong logical reasoning and mathematics skills can opt for GMAT because it will be easier for them, otherwise they can opt for GRE.

Get more details at GRE vs GMAT: Which Exam to Choose?

GMAT exam should be taken by those, Twho are planning to take admission to a business course offered at the master's level. The GMAT scores are accepted across almost all B-schools abroad (either mandatorily or optionally ( and is considered as an adept assessor of the applicant's logical and business aptitude for studying business courses. Thus, international students aiming for B-schools or Management courses at the graduate level can consider giving the GMAT exam. 

As per reviews, it has been noted that, GMAT Focus Edition is more challenging in terms of logical and critical thinking along with tougher data analysis questions. The old GMAT was considered tougher because of its longer duration and higher number of questions. Thus, both are difficult but again depends on a case-by-case basis.

GMAT Focus Edition is shorter, has lesser sections (with the removal of AWA and SC), and has a newly introduced section called Data Insights (DI). The newly introduced section (DI) is loosely based on the Integrated Reasoning (IR) section of the current version of the GMAT exam 2023. Here are a few points that will provide an overview of the GMAT Focus Edition:

• The GMAT Focus Edition will be for 2 hours and 15 minutes as opposed to the current GMAT version which lasts for 3 hours and 7 minutes.
• A new section called Data Insights (DI) has been introduced. Performance in the Data Insights (DI), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR) will be a part of the final GMAT Score.
• QR will have 21 questions (45 minutes), VR will have 23 questions (45 minutes), and DI will have 20 questions (45 minutes). There will be an optional break of 10 minutes.
• GMAT Focus Edition syllabus too has changed with the removal of Sentence Correction and the introduction of the Data Insights section.

Applicants should ideally choose those GMAT exam centres which are:

• Nearby and easily accessible
• Ideally within 2 km radius from home/place of stay
• In case requiring accommodation, GMAT exam centre should be adept with all facilities.

These are a few key pointers to be taken care of before choosing between GMAT exam centres. 

There is an option to choose up to three GMAT Focus exam centres in one go while registering for the exam. But this is for the purpose of comparing the test exam centres based on the availability of dates for the GMAT Focus exam. Once the test centre and GMAT Focus exam dates match, applicants can choose their final GMAT Focus exam centre and appear for their exam. 

Let us understand the difference between the GMAT test centre and onlne below:

• GMAT Online is conducted 24/7 and registrations can happen 24 hours before the preferred exam slot. On the other hand GMAT at test centre also allows 24 hours before registration but slots are limited and last minute slots can be unavailable.
• GMAT Online is more expensive than GMAT at test centre. GMAT Online costs USD 300+taxes and GMAT at test centre costs USD 275+taxes.
• When appearing for GMAT at home (online), applicants can access an online whiteboard or have a physical whiteboard. Whereas, at the test centre, applicants get laminated sheets and dry eraser.

This is how the two modes of GMAT exams differ from one another. Rest other aspects remain the same.

The frequency of both the modes of GMAT exam - online and test centre are available all around the year. However, there are some points to consider:

• GMAT Online is available 24/7 on all days of the month and registrations can be last made 24 hours before the chosen time slot.
• GMAT at test centre is available on almost all dates of a month. But here the time slots are limited, because of which last minute slot booking can be difficult (that is 24 hours before).
• Also, the registration fee for GMAT Online is slightly higher than GMAT at test centre and there is no late registration fee for last minute registrations. 

Thus, applicants must assess their options and time frame they have and then register for either of the two based on convenience. 

Yes, the GMAT syllabus is the same for GMAT online and GMAT at a test centre. The format is the same, applicants can attempt the exam based on their preferred sectional order. The duration of GMAT is also the same for both formats, exceptions for those with accommodations also apply. 

There are two modes of GMAT exam, which are as follows:

• GMAT Exam Online: This mode of GMAT exam is for those who have limited access to a GMAT exam centre. Or if the exam centre is far off. In this case, applicants can take the GMAT exam online either at home or at any location of their convenience. 
• GMAT Exam at Test Centre: For those who want to give the GMAT exam traditionally, can go for the GMAT exam at an exam centre. 

The content, duration and pattern of both these above-mentioned GMAT exam modes are similar. Both modes test the same syllabus also, the only difference is the GMAT exam fee. The GMAT online exam is more expensive than appearing for the GMAT exam at the exam centre, which is USD 300 and USD 275 respectively. Thus, applicants can choose their preferred mode of appearing for the GMAT exam, based on their convenience and choice. 

For the purpose of admission to graduate management studies, such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees or MIM programmes, the GMAT exam is offered to evaluate specific analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. For entry into a variety of graduate management programmes, including MBA, Master of Accountancy, Master of Finance, and others, business schools employ the test as a requirement.

Around 96+ countries accept GMAT exam scores and they are as follows:

GMAT exam is needed as an entrance exam score to apply to postgraduate business programs. This standardised postgraduate exam is essential to assess the applicant's:

• Critical thinking
• Competitiveness of the applicant
• Understanding the logical reasoning of the applicant to solve real-world problems

Also applicants need GMAT exam for not just admissions but to aim for scholarships also. Those who switch their jobs in business fields can also submit their GMAT scores to showcase their potential. 

Yes, GMAT is worth it for Indian students for admissions abroad to graduate business courses. Applicants can get into top B-schools through their academic background and most importantly their GMAT scores. The performance on GMAT helps Ad Coms assess the capability of applicants to pursue courses like MBA abroad. So definitely, GMAT is worth it for Indian students. 

The purpose of GMAT exam is to get admission for MBA or MIM or anoy other PG business course abroad. Applicants are evaluated based on their GMAT scores for their business acumen, problem solving skills, critical thinking and data analysis skills for admissions.