GMAT could be your go-to exam if you are thinking to pursue a degree in business from the top colleges across the world. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a renowned standardized exam designed to assess the aptitude of individuals aspiring to pursue a graduate business education. Widely recognized and respected by business schools worldwide, the GMAT serves as a vital component of the admissions process for numerous MBA and other management-related programs. Developed and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT evaluates test-takers across four key sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
This comprehensive assessment aims to measure essential skills required for success in business academia and professional endeavors, including critical thinking, problem-solving, data interpretation, and effective communication. The GMAT’s global reputation stems from its rigorous and standardized format, providing an equitable benchmark for admissions committees to evaluate candidates from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, the computer-adaptive nature of the exam tailors the difficulty level of questions based on the test-takers performance, ensuring accurate and precise evaluations.
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What is GMAT?
The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a test that students need to take if they want to study for an MBA abroad. This exam evaluates how well candidates can analyze and solve problems in math and language. Despite being for MBA admissions, students don’t have to study management specifically. The GMAT assesses basic math and language skills needed for success in business school. Therefore, students from non-management backgrounds should not be concerned about preparing for the GMAT.
Importance of the GMAT Exam
The GMAT is the most widely recognized exam for MBA admissions on a global scale. According to the GMAC, nearly 90% of MBA enrollments worldwide are based on GMAT scores. The exam is available at 650 testing centers across more than 115 countries. Another advantage of taking the GMAT is its validity for five years. This means that if a student achieves a good score and decides to gain work experience before pursuing an MBA, they can utilize their GMAT score for up to five years. It is important to understand that the GMAT offers benefits beyond being just an entrance test for MBA programs.
GMAT Exam Highlights
Many people who want to succeed in business understand that taking the GMAT is important for getting into prestigious business schools and improving job prospects in different fields. By showing their intelligence and abilities through this difficult test, students can demonstrate their potential for future success in the fast-paced and competitive business world.
Let’s look at some of the key details of the GMAT exam that you should consider knowing.
| Exam Name | GMAT |
| GMAT Full Form | Graduate Management Admission Test |
| Courses Offered | Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Science (MS) |
| Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based |
| Exam Duration | 03 Hours and 30 Minutes (Approximately, with breaks) |
| Official Website | www.mba.com |
For more details, visit GMAT Exam Pattern for more details.
GMAT Exam Eligibility
The GMAC, which administers the GMAT exam, does not establish specific eligibility criteria for taking the test. However, it is important for students to check and fulfill the eligibility requirements set by the university or college they wish to apply to after taking the GMAT.
GMAT Educational Qualification
GMAC has not made any official statement about the specific qualifications needed to take the GMAT exam. However, individuals who want to pursue an MBA program should generally hold a recognized graduate degree in any field from a university.
GMAT Age Requirements
To be eligible for the GMAT exam, the candidate must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit for candidates. If the candidate is between 13 and 17 years old, they need written permission (No Objection Certificate/NOC) from their parents or legal guardian.
GMAT Test Mode
Currently, GMAC administers GMAT in two modes:
- Test-center-based exam
- Online based exam at your location
GMAT Score
Your GMAT scores are reported on a fixed scale and are divided into five sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Total, AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment), and Integrated Reasoning. These scores, along with their percentiles, are included in your official GMAT Score Report. It’s important to note that the Total GMAT Score Report includes your Verbal and Quantitative scores but does not consider any other sections. The elements of the GMAT Score Report are as follows:
- Quantitative Score (ranging from 6 to 51) with its percentile,
- Verbal Score (ranging from 6 to 51) with its percentile,
- Total GMAT Score (ranging from 200 to 800) with its percentile,
- AWA Score (ranging from 0 to 6 in half-integers) with its percentile, and
- Integrated Reasoning score (ranging from 1 to 8 as a whole number).
To score good, it’s important to understand the test syllabus so refer to our GMAT exam syllabus blog post!
GMAT Score Range
Below are the lowest and highest possible score ranges for each section of the GMAT exam:
| Section | Score Range |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 6-51 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 6-51 |
| Integrated Reasoning | 1-8 |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 0.0-6.0 |
| Total | 200-800 |
GMAT Score Validity
Candidates should be aware that GMAT scores validity that it remain valid for a duration of five years. Therefore, it is crucial for candidates to carefully consider the application deadlines of different universities and schedule their GMAT exams accordingly. Conducting thorough research on study abroad intakes and MBA application deadlines is essential to prevent any last-minute complications. It is advisable to plan well in advance for the GMAT exam in 2023 and organize the necessary application documents accordingly.
GMAT Hall Ticket
The GMAT hall ticket is an important document that acts as a ticket for candidates taking the GMAT exam. It includes important details like the candidate’s name, photo, exam date, test center address, and reporting time. The hall ticket also provides instructions about the exam rules and required identification documents.
Candidates must carefully check the information on the hall ticket and make sure it is correct. Without a valid hall ticket, candidates may not be allowed to enter the exam hall. So, it’s important to download and bring the GMAT hall ticket on exam day for a smooth and problem-free experience.
GMAT Exam Fees for Indian Students
Here are the complete GMAT exam fee details mentioned below. Please note that these fees are in effect from 31st March 2023, as per the government budget guidelines. Also, an additional 18% GST will be applicable.
| Service Fee | GMAT Exam | |
| At Test Centre | Delivered Online | |
| GMAT Exam | $275 or INR 22,664 | $300 or INR 24,724 |
| Enhanced Score Report | $30 or INR 2472 | – |
| Additional Score Report | $35 each or INR 2884 | $35 each or INR 2884 |
| Cancel Score | $25 or INR 2060 | – |
| Reinstate Score | $50 or INR 4120 | – |
| AWA Essay Rescoring | $45 or INR 3709 | $45 or INR 3709 |
The GMAT exam cancellation fees are given below:
| Cancellation Fees | At Test Centre | Delivered Online |
| More than 60 days before the appointment | $110 Refund or INR 9065 | $120 Refund or INR 9890 |
| 15-60 days before the appointment | $80 Refund or INR 6593 | $90 Refund or INR 7417 |
| 14 days or less before the appointment | $55 Refund or INR 4533 | $60 Refund or INR 4945 |
You are not allowed to change or cancel your appointment within 24 hours of the scheduled time. If you fail to reschedule or cancel your exam at least 24 hours in advance, you will lose the entire exam fee.
GMAT Cut-off
Most renowned universities and colleges worldwide adhere to a similar approach when it comes to MBA admissions. In addition to standard application materials and visa documentation, applicants are typically required to provide their GMAT and language exam scores, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
GMAT scores are accepted in over 115 countries, and prestigious institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and INSEAD often prefer candidates with scores above 700. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reports that these scores are accepted by more than 2,400 business schools offering over 7,700 programs.
However, there are no pre-decided GMAT exam cutoffs for top colleges. It entirely depends on the university and the country you are applying in. If talking about the brief overview of the cut-offs, for the top universities in the world, your GMAT score should be 720+. However, for admission into decent universities, you will need a GMAT score of 600+.
Things to Note!
The GMAT exam plays a crucial role in MBA admissions and holds significant value for aspiring business professionals. With its wide acceptability and recognition by top-tier business schools worldwide, the GMAT serves as a standardized measure of candidates’ aptitude and potential for success in the field of business management. The exam evaluates essential skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning, offering a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s abilities.
By obtaining a competitive GMAT score, individuals can enhance their chances of securing admission into prestigious business programs and open doors to promising career opportunities. The GMAT stands as a testament to a candidate’s intellectual capabilities and readiness for the dynamic and demanding world of business management.
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Also Read:
- GMAT vs CAT
- Crack MBA Entrance Exams
- MBA in USA without GMAT
- Looking For an MBA (Finance)
- GMAT Accepting Colleges in India
- GMAT vs. GRE
- MBA in Canada Without GMAT
GMAT: FAQs
The GMAT is important because it is widely accepted by business schools worldwide as a benchmark for evaluating candidates’ aptitude for graduate business education.
The GMAT exam consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
A good GMAT score varies depending on the business school and program, but a score above 700 is generally considered competitive for top-tier institutions.
You can take the GMAT exam once every 16 days and a maximum of five times within a rolling 12-month period.
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your GMAT appointment, but it must be done at least 24 hours before the scheduled time to avoid forfeiting the entire exam fee.
Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
