GMAT Exam 2026: A Complete Guide

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

GMAT exam is actually very tough, only a handful number of students crack the exam. The competition is very high, these tests are a hard nut to crack. Students preparing for GMAT exam will have to prepare regularly and solve question papers in order to get desired scores. GMAT is hard but not impossible. With right strategies, students can get through the exam in one go. 

Check out: Is GMAT exam tough?

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. 

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

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 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. 

It is the most widely accepted exam for MBA admissions worldwide. No other exam has as wide acceptability as GMAT, as per the GMAC, globally 9 out of 10 MBA enrollments are made through GMAT Score. Further, 2,400+ schools accept GMAT Scores for giving admission. Also, there are 650 testing centres in 115+ countries that administer the GMAT Exam. Other benefits of taking the GMAT entrance exam include its validity for 5 years. In case a student scores well and wants to gain so work experience, he/she can utilize that GMAT score for 5 years.

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. 

Use of calculators is permitted only for Data Insights section. There will be access to online calculator. If needed, applicants can use that.

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 exam scores are used for PG management courses admission. In some cases, scholarships are also offered based on GMAT scores. For some looking for job switch or to gain experience, may also be required to submit GMAT scores.

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. 

You can still give GMAT even if you have a gap year or backlog. Though backlog details may not be required when registering for GMAT exam, but will be required during the admission process.

Yes, even if you have a backlog, you can still appear for GMAT exam. There is no rule which bars applicants to appear for GMAT exam with a backlog or without results in hand. 

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. 

Only five attempts in a year are permitted for taking GMAT exam. Also those who take the GMAT exam on a particular date but want to appear again, will have to wait for 16 days to re-appear. This rule applies for both GMAT's home testing and taking a test at the centre. Thus, applicants can take GMAT exam back to back every month, but they have to keep this in mind, that they will have to give 16 days break between testing dates and can appear for the exam only five times in a year. 

GMAT exam is conducted online and at a test centre. Applicants can take the GMAT exam in either of the modes. Those who choose to take GMAT online would be required to pay USD 300, whereas, those opting for GMAT exam centre testing will have to pay USD 275. 

Those who wish to take GMAT online will have to have a laptop with good internet speed and connection. Those testing at the centre will have to take the test on the device provided at the test centre itself. 

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, 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.

To check when GMAT slots are available. Visit the official website mba.com. If you have account, then its good. If you are a new user, create a free account. Log into account. Click on Register option. Select your preferred test center.

There are no documents required to book a GMAT slot for a test centre. But the applicants booking a GMAT slot for an online testing (at home) will require either the bio page of the passport with photograph or their Aadhar Card picture for identification. 

Applicants while appearing for the GMAT exam either at the centre or online at home will also be required to present their identification document, government approved - like passport or Aadhar Card.  

GMAT exam fee can be paid via debit or credit card. VISA, Mastercard, American Express or Discover Network cards are accepted for payment. Indian applicants must enable international transactions before paying.

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 cancel the GMAT exam booked slot or date well in advance then you might get a refund. In case you do not initiate a cancellation and expect to get a full GMAT fee refund just because you do not turn up on the booked exam date, there will be no refund you will have to forego the entire exam fee. In case you still need to appear, you will have to re-register, pay the entire fee and then appear for the 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 Focus Edition is the latest version of the GMAT exam, an evolved version which has recorded certain changes from its previous exam pattern. The GMAT Focus Edition is shorter in duration, has just one break in between, has no writing sections and has just three sections with overall 64 questions. The older GMAT was longer in duration, had four sections and included a writing section. 

Yes, you can review and change your answers while attempting your GMAT exam. In casee applicants mark some questions for reviewing, they can go back to them and review them and alter answers if needed. 

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

The most significant change in GMAT Focus Edition is its flexibility. The applicants can choose the questions they wish to answer based on their choice and bookmark unlimited number of questions to review as well. Only three answers can be changed by the applicant during the course of GMAT Focus Edition. This flexibility was unavailable on the previous format of GMAT. 

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. 

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. 

The GMAT exam syllabus is fixed and is not dynamic. There are a fixed set of topics per section that applicants have to look at to prepare for the syllabus. The exam sylabus does not change randomly or at a short span, official statements are released and time is given for implementation as well. 

The following topics have been removed from GMAT's syllabus upon transition:

• Sentence Correction
• Geometry
• Analytical Writing Assessment or the AWA section which was the essay section

Yes, based on the latest GMAT score scale, a score of 645 is equivalent to a score of 700 on the previous GMAT scale. The percentile score being 87.7%. The score pf 645 is the new 700 because the GMAT score scale has upgraded. Initially the GMAT was scored on a scale of 200-800 for its 10th Edition. But for the 11th Edition the GMAT score scale has upgraded to 205-805. This is the reason why, the 645 is the new 700 on GMAT 11th Edition. 

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.

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.

GMAT scores are valid for a period of five years from the date of result announcement. The old GMAT version or the GMAT Xth Edition scores are also valid for a period of five years. Thus, applicants can use these scores anywhere before five years of the GMAT score declaration. Once five years have passed, the applicants will have to appear for the exam again and wait for the new scores. 

You can prepare for the exam in six to eight months depending on your ability. Make sure that you understand GMAT pattern and syllabus. You must start with GMAT official study material. You must also appear for GMAT mock tests every week.

The length of the preparation will vary person to person. While some may take longer time the others may take lesser time. So there is no one concrete answer to how long it will take to prepare for GMAT.

Candidates need a strategy to score 805 on GMAT. Before preparing decide what a good GMAT Score is. The best way to prepare for GMAT is

• First understand the structure of GMAT.
• Understand what kind of questions are tested and then start preparation.
• Take mocks to assess skills tested and understand your competency.
• Practice more and more to get a grip on the GMAT preparation.
• Go through GMAT Sample Paper and it will help them in preparing for GMAT. 

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.

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. 

645 on the GMAT is 88th percentile. Usually, candidates get a score even less than a good GMAT score. With a 645 GMAT score they may qualify for most of the top business schools. 

Ofcourse, a GMAT score of 755 can help you get admission to MBA at Harvard. Usually the cutoff ranges between 655-745, and a score of 755 is a good score to get through the process. But the supporting documents should also be at par in order to get a sure shot win for the MBA admission at Harvard.

Maybe. Some schools like UCL might not ask for it. But top ones like LBS usually want it. If you have lots of work experience, they might waive it. Always check the college website.

For Nanyang Technological University MBA admission, international students must submit the GMAT score to get admission to the university. The minimum GMAT score required for NTU admission to MBA programme is 600 for international students.