Those who take the GMAT exam can expect their GMAT scores on the screen right after the exam, unofficially, and after a few days, officially. After applicants take the GMAT 2026 exam, they will receive three scores: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights (which are equally weighted), along with the Total GMAT Score. The latest GMAT Focus score scale has been upgraded. GMAT total score ranges between 205-805, each section is marked equally, that is, on a 60-90 scale.
Additionally, applicants should be aware that GMAT scores evaluate the applicant's data literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and the GMAT score report is generated based on the number of correct answers. Also, there is no negative marking on GMAT. Question tested here become difficult based on the exam's adaptive nature, which directly affects the GMAT scoring. Check out the article for more details about the GMAT scoring, section-wise scoring and score conversions to percentiles.
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.
Generally, a good GMAT score is between 700 and 740, and a score of 750+ is an excellent score. The average GMAT score for the top 10 business schools in the US in 2022 is 724, which sits close to 95th percentile. Similarly, the average score for the top business schools in Europe is 680, ranging between 640-710.The GMAT exam awards you a score out of 800. Generally, a good GMAT score is between 700 and 740, and a score of 750+ is an excellent score
Yes, GMAT scores expire after five years of receiving the score officially. The applicants can use the GMAT score within five years of taking the exam. If they wish to submit GMAT scores but the scores in case have crossed the five year validity, then they can retake the GMAT exam, get the new scores and submit them for admissions.
- GMAT Focus Edition Scoring
- New vs Old GMAT Exam Score Chart to Percentile 2026
- GMAT Score Reports
- What is a Good GMAT Score?
- Know Your Target GMAT Score
- Important Tips to Maximize GMAT Score
- GMAT 2026 Score and Result FAQs
GMAT Focus Edition Scoring
GMAT Focus Edition scoring is different from its previous version. There are only three sections - Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. All three sections are scored equally. Some more understanding around GMAT scoring is as follows:
- GMAT Focus Edition Total Score Range: 205 – 805 (GMAT score values for the GMAT Focus Edition will end in 5)
- GMAT Focus Edition Score Interval: 10 points
- GMAT Focus Edition Section-wise Score Range: 60 – 90
There is negative marking for unattempted questions on GMAT. Unofficial Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights results, as well as your Total Score, will be presented right away when you finish the test. GMAT total marks are based on how correctly you answer all questions. The higher the correctness the higher will be your GMAT total score.
Evolved GMAT Scoring Impact
The previous GMAT edition did not score all tested sections. The GMAT reports focused on QR and VR sections specifically, and the ESR report was all data-based with analysis. But with the latest GMAT scoring algorithm, multiple changes have come into play. The latest scoring changes on GMAT have brought with it some positive changes. They are as follows:
- Total GMAT Score now includes scores for all three sections (QR, VR, and DI).
- Scope of content areas has been narrowed to emphasise on data literacy, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- The latest scoring algorithm has been restructured for improved accuracy and consistency.
- The addition of the Question Review & Edit feature allows test takers to review and edit previous answers, introducing new implications for testing behaviour and strategy.
Also there is a procedure for sharing GMAT scores understand here about how to send GMAT scores to B Schools?
Commonly asked questions
The GMAT total marks is 805. The GMAT Focus is scored on a 205-805 scoring scale. The lowest score can be 205, but the highest or GMAT total score can be 805 which is also a perfect score.
No, there is no provision for superscoring GMAT scores upon multiple retakes. The last exam that applicant takes will be the final score. They send all your GMAT results. However, some business schools might pick your best sections. But the official GMAT score report shows every exam separately.
The following table provides an overview of the GMAT Focus Edition scores:
| GMAT Exam Sections | GMAT Score Range | Standard Error of Measurement | Score intervals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60 – 90 | 3 points | 1 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 60 – 90 | 3 points | 1 |
| Data Insights | 60 – 90 | 3 points | 1 |
| Total | 205 – 805 | - | 10 |
This is how GMAT Focus is scored. A complete report will include all these parameters.
New vs Old GMAT Exam Score Chart to Percentile 2026
Here is a comparative table of your scaled GMAT score vs GMAT Focus score to percentile:
This is a comparative concordance table which shows GMAT (10th Edition), and the latest GMAT (11th Edition) along with their corresponding percentiles. These conversions are available on the MBA.com website also for reference. These score conversions will be useful for those who have previously taken GMAT so they can draw a comparison with the latest version's scoring. Also those who have appeared for the new version can understand where they stand and what percentile fits their performance. Based on GMAT total score refer to this chart for comparison.
Commonly asked questions
The old one went from 200 to 800 and ended in zero. Now, the GMAT Focus Edition goes from 205 to 805. All the scores end in a 5. It is very easy to tell the difference.
Applicants must note that the new GMAT score usually ends with 5, thus, the new GMAT score cannot be 620. In comparison to the old GMAT score, the overall scores ended with a zero, so a score of 620 could be converted to the new GMAT scoring range. As per the old GMAT score scale, a score of 620 corresponds to 575 or 585 composite score on the new GMAT scale.
The scale of calculation was different for the old GMAT that is, 200-800. On the other hand for the new GMAT, the score scale is 205-805, thus, the difference. This is why the old GMAT score is higher in calculation in comparison to the new GMAT score scale.
An equivalent of 700 on the old GMAT for the new GMAT can have two instances,
| Old GMAT | New GMAT (Focus) | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 700 | 645 | 91.3% |
| 700 | 655 | 87.7% |
Thus, there can be either of the two scores - 645 of 655 on the GMAT Focus. Their percentiles are also given above. Each old GMAT score will usually have two corresponding scores, only one GMAT score will be awarded based on the number of questions the applicants have answered.
GMAT Score Reports
The best thing about GMAT 2026 results is that you can see your scores as soon as your exam is over. At the end of the exam, you will have an option of accepting or rejecting the non-official score. The official GMAT Exam Score 2026 will be available in your mba.com account typically within 7 business days. However, it might take up to 20 days in certain cases. However, your unofficial GMAT exam score will be available right after the exam.
GMAT Percentile and Scores: Section-wise
Twenty years back the average GMAT score for the top B-school was around 600. In the present time, however, the demand for the MBA course has increased dramatically. As a result, many more applicants are applying to these schools, which means, the average GMAT acceptance scores are increasing every year. It is important to note that the top colleges don’t take into consideration only the GMAT test scores, but also the overall favourable traits like diversity, unusual accomplishment or success, etc. These factors allow many students to gain acceptance with a lower GMAT score. If you have none of these types of traits, then you probably need to break 730 (that's the 99th percentile) to have a good chance at a B-school ranked in the top ten.
The average GMAT score for the top MBA programs at premier universities across the globe consistently falls in the 645-705 range. However, scoring a perfect 805 on GMAT is not difficult.
Commonly asked questions
Yes, applicants can view their GMAT score reports on their computers by logging on to the official MBA.com website. The applicants will get an option to save the GMAT score reports in a PDF format. This PDF can then be shared for admissions, for career progression, or personal reference.
The following table provides an overview of the GMAT Focus Edition scores:
| GMAT Exam Sections | GMAT Score Range | Standard Error of Measurement | Score intervals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60 – 90 | 3 points | 1 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 60 – 90 | 3 points | 1 |
| Data Insights | 60 – 90 | 3 points | 1 |
| Total | 205 – 805 | - | 10 |
This is how GMAT Focus is scored. A complete report will include all these parameters.
Since it is not always possible to accurately convert new GMAT scores to old GMAT scores, GMAC has released a Concordance Table. In this table there is an old GMAT score and its corresponding new GMAT score followed by the percentile bracket. This table is available on GMAC's website for reference.
What is a Good GMAT Score?
On the examination day, after completing the GMAT exam, the screen will reflect the applicant's unofficial GMAT score. This score cannot be copied or noted anywhere.
With GMAT Focus in picture, a good GMAT score is 645 and above. The definition of a good GMAT score will vary person to person. These scores are a part of the admission application. B-Schools usually look for candidates who also have strong academics, relevant work experience (unless applying for MIM), participation in extracurricular activities, etc. Moreover, your application documents, such as your resume, SOP, LOR, admission essays, etc., also play a vital role in your admissions. Hence, you must aim for a comprehensive and holistic application to be accepted into top-ranking B-schools.
What is a Good GMAT Score for Top MBA Colleges?
Check out the top-ranking MBA colleges (based on QS - Global MBA Rankings 2025: Business & Management Studies), along with average GMAT scores or GMAT cut-offs.
| MBA College |
QS Subject Rankings 2025: Business & Management Studies |
Average GMAT Score/GMAT Cut Off/GMAT Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
740 (895 - GFE*) | |
| INSEAD |
2 |
710 (655 - GFE) |
| London Business School |
3 |
700 (645 - GFE) |
| 4 |
738 (685 - GFE) |
|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
5 |
730 (685 - GFE) |
| 6 |
728 (675 - GFE) |
|
| Bocconi University |
7 |
650-750 (595 to 755 - GFE) |
| 8 |
690 (635 - GFE) |
|
| 9 |
690 (645 - GFE) |
|
| HEC Paris School of Management |
10 |
690 (635 - GFE) |
*GFE is GMAT Focus Edition. The scores are still available for GMAT 10th Edition, they have been converted to GFE for reference.
Commonly asked questions
Retaking GMAT to improve scores can be considered. But retaking GMAT multiple times can be time consuming, challenging and may hurt the pocket. There is no superscoring on GMAT. So try to clear GMAT in one go and avoid retaking it.
Even if you score less than 645 in the GMAT exam, you can still get selected in the top B-schools provided you meet the GMAT cutoff. When you visit the class profile page of a top B-school, you can find that there is a GMAT score range that shows the minimum and the maximum GMAT scores of an MBA batch. Even for top universities like Harvard, the GMAT score range is 545-795. Hence, not everyone in the batch must have scored above 645. If you score less than 645 on the GMAT, you must work hard on your application documents (statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, admission essays, etc.).
The old one went from 200 to 800 and ended in zero. Now, the GMAT Focus Edition goes from 205 to 805. All the scores end in a 5. It is very easy to tell the difference.
Know Your Target GMAT Score
Before starting with GMAT exam preparation know how much is your target GMAT score should be. The GMAT scores will depend on applicant's preparation level, university of application and scores for scholarships as well. Based on the following points understand how make a target:
- Based on your shortlisted B-Schools check the previous year's cutoff and trends in admissions.
- Understand if there are any scholarships based on GMAT scores and then have a goal in mind.
- Target GMAT total marks and then the percentile. This way you will keep up with your practice and aim.
- To bridge academic backlogs, gap years and low scores, you can target GMAT scores based on your academic profile.
- If you have career progression in mind and if GMAT scores matter there, consider having your aimed GMAT marks.
In case you cannot reach your goal, you can cancel your GMAT scores. But in future, if the GMAT scores you cancelled were adequate for admissions abroad, then you also have the option to reinstate and send them.
Commonly asked questions
Yes, upon completing your GMAT Focus exam, applicants can see their scores on the screen immediately. Applicants cannot note or copy or even screenshot their temporary scores. The official GMAT scores however, will be released within 3-5 days of the exam date.
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.
GMAT score cancellation facility is available only for the GMAT exam taken at a test centre. Test takers can cancel their score at the test centre after giving their exam. Candidates can cancel the scores at the test centre immediately after giving the exam without paying any fee. However, they can also cancel the GMAT score online by paying a fee of $25 within 72 hours of their scheduled GMAT exam. The scores cancelled by the candidate will not be shown or indicated on the score reports sent to schools. If you purchase an additional GMAT score report, you will not be allowed to cancel your GMAT score online.
Important Tips to Maximize GMAT Score
A score of 645 and above is considered a good GMAT score. When it comes to your MBA applications, the GMAT score is a factor that you can completely control with your efforts. The role of maximising the use of GMAT scores is beneficial for applicants in multiple ways:
- Getting admitted to a good and top Business school and pursue a top level MBA program.
- Based on this score avail scholarships to cover some study expenses.
- Be able to get hands-on experience while studying MBA based on GMAT scores
- GMAT scores are also beneficial in switching careers
Do you know how to use the GMAT Score or how to send GMAT scores to B Schools? If not, you may be interested in finding business schools without the GMAT requirements.
Still, have queries regarding your GMAT test, check out the most frequently asked questions for GMAT Score and Result.
Commonly asked questions
In order to score well on the GMAT exam and meet the GMAT cut offs for various MBA colleges; you need to prepare for the exam consistently for 3-6 months from authentic GMAT prep resources and appear for GMAT mock tests on a regular basis. You must start with understanding the GMAT pattern and the GMAT syllabus. You can then start your preparation with the official GMAT study material. Make sure to appear for GMAT mock tests. You may also refer to Manhattan Guides, Kaplan study material, etc.
Get money for college. High scores can get you scholarships. You can ask for lower tuition fees. Put the score on your CV too. Some finance jobs ask for it.
A good GMAT score will only improve your academic profile and application when applying for MBA or MIM abroad. However, GMAT score is not the only deciding factor for their selection to business schools. Application documents are equally important.
GMAT 2026 Score and Result FAQs
Check out some of the FAQs for more details on GMAT scoring for the Focus Edition below.
Commonly asked questions
GMAT score cancellation facility is available for both GMAT exam modes. Those who take the GMAT exam at a test centre, can cancel their score at the test centre after giving their exam. They have the option of cancelling the scores at the test centre immediately after giving the exam without paying any fee. However, they can also cancel the GMAT score online by paying a fee of $25 within 72 hours of their scheduled GMAT exam. The scores cancelled by the candidate will not be shown or indicated on the score reports sent to schools. If you purchase an additional GMAT score report, you will not be allowed to cancel your GMAT score online.
Also those who take the GMAT exam from home have the option to cancel their scores within 72 hours of taking the exam.
No, the GMAT exam results are usually not delayed. The GMAT results are released within the given timeframe. Though there are no delays, in case there are any, the GMAC will notify way before time so that applicants do not panic.
Applicants who score anywhere between 725 and 805 on the GMAT are in the top 1% scorers. The reason why the top 1% GMAT scores are between this range is that the percentile is nearly 99-100%, which means almost a perfect GMAT score to aim for some of the most competitive B-schools in the world.
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The current version of the GMAT exam "will continue to be available until early next year". There is no specific date for the same. After MCom, you may opt for an MBA as it will enhance your profile. You might as well venture into a new field (e.g. supply chain management) if you find it interestin
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Hello. Now that you have completed your graduation, you can very well appear for the GMAT exam. Please make sure to check the eligibility criteria for MBA abroad as certain B-schools demand prior work experience. You may also apply for MIM programmes as they are also rewarding. You may check the to