GMAT Exam: Exam Dates, Registration, Eligibility, Fees in 2024
The GMAT is an adaptive computer test that evaluates a candidate’s analytical writing, verbal, quantitative, and reading abilities in written English as a standard. The GMAT exam costs US $275 to take. This exam is required to enroll in a graduate management program, such as an MBA or Master’s in Finance, at a top business school anywhere in the world. In this article, we’ll tell you everything there is to know about the GMAT, from what it covers to who is eligible to take it to how to register for the exam format and more.
The GMAT exam 2024 has been reduced in length by 30 minutes by the Graduate Management Admission Council since April 16, 2018. The exam now lasts for three hours and thirty minutes, including breaks and test instructions. The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections were cut by 13 and 10 minutes, respectively. The score preview, the integrated reasoning and analytical writing assessment, and the optional break period did not change. The GMAC has removed only the unscored items, so these changes do not affect scoring in the shorter Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative sections. A feature of the GMAT gives applicants the freedom to personalize their GMAT experience by selecting the sectional order in which they feel most at ease taking the test.
GMAT Exam: Latest Updates
GMAC has announced the latest update on GMAT Online Test.
- The GMAT online exam will no longer be limited to two attempts per candidate. The online attempts will increase the total number of GMAT attempts—5 in a rolling 12-month period and 8 overall.
- Five free score reports are available with the GMAT online test. Once the official online exam results are available, you have 48 hours to use the five free score reports. For US$35 each, additional score reports are available for purchase.
GMAC declares that the Aadhar Card is acceptable for the GMAT Online Exam: The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) administrator and owner, GMAC, has announced that starting on April 8, 2021, they will accept Aadhar Cards as acceptable ID proof for the GMAT Online exam. This is good news for Indian students. However, during registration, applicants must prove their identity using an Aadhar Card or passport. GMAC has taken this step to increase GMAT 2024 ‘s accessibility to a wider student base. However, there are a few things that applicants should keep in mind, including the fact that they will need to validate their Aadhar cards as part of the online exam registration process and that they can only use them to appear for the GMAT in its online format, and that the GMAT test centers will only accept passports instead of valid IDs beginning on April 8, 2021.
GMAT Online Exam: GMAC has introduced the GMAT Online Exam for those who would prefer to take the GMAT entrance exam from the comfort of their home as opposed to traveling to a GMAT testing facility in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, applicants have the choice between taking the GMAT exam online or at a testing facility close to them.
Availability of GMAT online exam:
Candidates have the benefit of scheduling the GMAT Online Exam appointment up to 24 hours in advance of a test window. Rolling new appointments are available for the GMAT Online exam. The GMAT Online exam can be taken a maximum of twice by a candidate. Your five GMAT exam attempts per rolling 12-month period and your eight total attempts over your lifetime will be counted toward the GMAT Online exam.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GMAC is forced to halt the GMAT exam for applicants taking place in test centers, as numerous nations worldwide have imposed travel restrictions. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which oversees the GMAT administration, announced the GMAT Online launch on April 15, 2020.
Prestigious business schools do not require the GMAT, and some even cover the application fee. Universities are also extending application deadlines to accommodate more applicants.
Why take the GMAT Exam?
It is the exam for MBA admissions that is most widely accepted globally. According to the GMAC, no other exam is as widely accepted as the GMAT; 9 out of 10 MBA applications are based on GMAT scores. Additionally, 2,300+ schools admit students based on their GMAT scores. The GMAT Exam is also given in 650 testing facilities across 114 nations. By reading this, the GMAT exam differs from other MBA entrance exams.
GMAT Exam: Overview
| Exam Name | GMAT |
| GMAT full form | Graduate Management Admission Test |
| Official Website | https://www.mba.com |
| Most popular for | MBA courses |
| Conducted by | GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based adaptive test |
| GMAT fee | US $275 (~INR 20,600) |
| Score Range | Min 200, Max 800 |
GMAT Exam Eligibility
As a result, GMAC, the organization in charge of administering the GMAT exam, has not established any specific eligibility requirements for taking the GMAT. However, after taking the GMAT, applicants must always meet the requirements set by the university or college they hope to attend.
GMAT Age Criteria
- The candidate must have completed 18 years of age
- There is no upper age limit for the candidate
- If the candidate is between 13 to 17 years old, they should have permission in writing from their parents or legal guardian
Educational Qualification
- Regarding the requirements to take the GMAT, GMAC has not made any official announcements.
- Candidates for an MBA program should hold a graduate degree in any field from an accredited institution.
GMAT Exam Fees
The GMAT costs $275, which is roughly equivalent to 20,600 INR. Additionally, there will be an additional fee if the applicants want to switch the test location or reschedule it. Candidates who fail to appear for the exam will be charged the full cost of the GMAT.
GMAT Cancellation Fee
If you cancel the exam between one and fourteen days prior to the test date, you will be charged $200 and receive a $50 refund. You will be charged $175 and receive a refund of $75 if you cancel the exam 15 to 60 days before the scheduled appointment. Furthermore, you will be charged $150 and given a $100 refund if you cancel the test more than 60 days before the scheduled appointment. In addition, the test appointment cannot be changed or canceled less than 24 hours prior to the test’s scheduled start time.
GMAT Rescheduling Fee
You must pay US$150 to reschedule the exam 1 to 14 days prior to the test date. Additionally, you must pay US$100 if you need to reschedule the exam 15 to 60 days before the scheduled appointment. You must pay US$50 if you reschedule the exam more than 60 days before the test date.
GMAT Registration
GMAC states that you can register for the GMAT entrance exam up to six months before the test date or, at the latest, twenty-four hours beforehand in 2024 ; however, a spot is unavailable at the last minute. Therefore, it is advised that you reserve your preferred time slot well in advance of the scheduled exam date.
Ways for GMAT registration 2024:
- Online
- Phone
- Postal mail
- There are six steps to register for the GMAT and also different steps for the GMAT schedule. You can read the complete steps for GMAT registration.
GMAT Exam Dates
There is no set official GMAT exam date for 2024; instead, you can select any day that works for you and is open to you. After 16 days, you can retake the GMAT exam if necessary. The GMAT exam can be taken once every 16 days, or you can retake it. A maximum of five times a year are allowed for exam appearances. It is advised that applicants register themselves two to three months prior to the exam date. You can register up to 24 hours prior to the exam date if you do it over the phone or online. However, it is safer to stick with early registration because you will then have a schedule to follow as you study for the exam. Even coaching organizations advise you to sign up as soon as possible so you have plenty of time to get ready.
GMAT Exam Flow
The GMAT pattern comprises four sections:
- Analytical Writing
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
Also, candidates can avail of two optional eight-minute breaks during the exam. Read more about the GMAT Exam Pattern in detail here.
Syllabus of GMAT
The GMAT test lasts three and a half hours and has an 800-point maximum. The GMAT evaluates a candidate’s skills across a range of parameters. The GMAT syllabus has four sections in total:
- Analytical Writing Assessment—measures candidates’ ability to think critically and communicate their ideas
- Integrated Reasoning—measures candidates’ ability to analyze data and evaluate information presented in multiple formats
- Quantitative Reasoning—measures aspirants’ ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills
- Verbal Reasoning—measures the ability of the candidates to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English
When Does the GMAT Result Come out?
After finishing the GMAT exam, candidates receive almost the entire GMAT Score Report, except for the AWA Score. It will be up to the candidate to accept or reject it. If the candidate accepts the result, they can view it along with their preferred institutes; however, if they decline the result, no one will be able to see the GMAT score. Candidates may download their unofficial GMAT results after the test is finished. Finally, within 20 days of taking the exam, candidates receive the full GMAT Score Report, which includes the AWA Score.
GMAT Score Calculation
Your four GMAT sections, total score, and each of your five GMAT scores are reported on a set scale. These are your official GMAT score results, which are displayed on your score report. These scores will be given to the recipients you have chosen. Always remember that the GMAT Total Score Report only considers the Verbal and Quantitative sections.
The following components make up the GMAT Score Report:
- Your Quantitative Score (0 – 60), with percentile
- Your Verbal Score (0 – 60), with percentile
- Your Total GMAT Score (200 – 800), with percentile
- AWA Score (half-integers from 0 to 6), with percentile
- Integrated Reasoning score (integer from 1 to 8)
GMAT Score Range
| Section | Score Range | Mean Scores |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 0-6 | 4.5 |
| Integrated Reasoning | 1-8 | 4 |
| Verbal | 0-60 | 27 |
| Quantitative | 0-60 | 38 |
| Total | 200-800 | 548 |
How to access GMAT Score Report?
- -GMAC sends links to candidates’ registered Email IDs.
- -To check your official GMAT Score Report, click the link provided in the email and follow the instructions therein.
GMAT Score Validity
Candidates should be aware that GMAT results are good for 5 years. As a result, applicants should check the deadlines for applying to various universities and plan their GMAT exams accordingly.
GMAT Preparation
You need a few good GMAT books and resources, as well as study material, motivation, and self-discipline, to be able to study independently and successfully. The better choice, however, is to enroll in a GMAT coaching center near you if time is a factor and you feel the need for professional guidance to ensure a competitive edge in GMAT preparation.
GMAT Prep tips 2024 for each section:
- Analytical Writing Assessment: The Analytical Writing Assessment section analyses the candidates’ ability to analyze an argument.
- Quantities Section: The Quantitative section measures the basic mathematical skills of the candidates.
- Verbal Section: The Verbal section measures the aspirants’ ability to read and comprehend written material.
- Integrated Reasoning Section: The Integrated Reasoning section measures the candidates’ ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple sources.
GMAT preparation strategy
To get an 800 on the GMAT 2024 Exam, candidates must use the right strategy. Determine what you consider to be a good GMAT score before you begin to study, and then plan your study strategy accordingly. To prepare for the GMAT exam in 2024, candidates can also review the GMAT Sample Paper. Veritas, The Princeton Review, Manhattan Prep, Kaplan books, and Khan Academy offer helpful study materials. Additionally, you can look at our 4-week GMAT preparation plan.
GMAT Colleges
Approximately 2300 business schools worldwide offer more than 7000 programs to GMAT aspirants. In addition, top business schools like Harvard, INSEAD, and Stanford accept GMAT scores of at least 720. Also, to accept GMAT scores, management schools should award degrees to their students. One of the most crucial considerations in the entire application process for admission to prestigious business schools around the world is GMAT scores. More than 114 nations around the world accept GMAT scores. In addition, those aiming for universities that accept both GRE and GMAT scores may need to convert their scores using the GRE to the GMAT Score Conversion method.
GMAT Scores for Top Business Schools
You can apply to the best business schools in the world based on your GMAT cutoff scores. The typical GMAT scores needed to be accepted into the world’s top business schools are listed below:
| Business Schools | Average GMAT Score |
| University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | 732 |
| Stanford University (CA) | 732 |
| Yale University (CT) | 724 |
| Harvard University (MA) | 730 |
| Columbia University (NY) | 732 |
| University of California—Berkeley (Haas) | 726 |
| University of Chicago (Booth) | 731 |
| Northwestern University (Kellogg) (IL) | 732 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) | 728 |
| Dartmouth College (Tuck) (NH) | 722 |
GMAT Scholarship
B-schools typically offer scholarships and grants to students who want to enroll in a professional program like an MBA. Furthermore, scholarships may be merit- or need-based, but there are no predetermined criteria for deciding who gets a GMAT scholarship in 2024. The application process for each school varies, so the candidate should always inquire about scholarships directly from the institution. Additionally, there are full and partial scholarships. A full scholarship pays for the entire program, as opposed to a partial scholarship, which only pays for a portion of the course fee.
Frequently Asked Questions: GMAT Exam
Common facts about the GMAT Exam are:
1. Students are also prohibited from taking the GMAT exam more than five times in a rolling 12-month period.
2-Candidates are allowed a total of eight GMAT attempts in their lifetime.
3-The absence of a fixed exam date makes the GMAT special. When deciding when to take the GMAT, students have a variety of dates to choose from.
The GMAT is the required test for admission to business schools, while the GRE is needed for graduate admission. Even some business schools are now beginning to accept the GRE. The GMAT exam has a Verbal and a Quantitative section, similar to the GRE. The two sections of the GMAT are combined to produce a final score of 800.
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive exam; during administration, it adjusts based on the candidate’s performance. The questions’ difficulty level changes depending on whether the candidate is providing correct or incorrect answers. The difficulty of the questions will increase if the candidate is providing accurate answers; conversely, if the candidate is providing inaccurate answers, the questions will become increasingly simple. Additionally, the previous question cannot be visited because the subsequent question is generated based on how well the candidate answers the current question. Whether or not the candidate can solve a question, he must respond to it to move on in the exam.
The percentile component of your GMAT score compares how well you performed to other test-takers. You outperformed 80% of the applicants if your score is in the 80th percentile. A high percentile score indicates that you outperformed the majority of the test-takers. Similarly, a low percentile score means you performed worse than most applicants.
There are two main ways to reschedule the GMAT exam: online and over the phone.
-1 to 14 days before appointment: US $150
-15 to 60 days before appointment: US $100
-More than 60 days before appointment: US $5
Please be aware that the test date cannot be changed for the exam. The only difference between scheduling the exam over the phone and in person is that the latter requires an additional $10 fee. After sixteen days have passed since your prior attempt, you can retake the GMAT exam. The maximum number of times you can take the exam in a year is five. Regardless of the season, this rolling 12-month period starts counting when you make your first attempt.
GMAC has unveiled a brand-new Mini GMAT for Executive MBA programs called the Executive Assessment exam. This exam is explicitly tailored for EMBA applicants and is much shorter in length. It is designed to test the applicant’s analytical and logical reasoning, which is better suited for the Executive MBA program.
After the exam, candidates won’t be able to preview their exam results; however, they will be able to view their results before choosing which programs to send their exam results to.
With the GMAT online exam, candidates have more discretion over how to manage their scores. They can choose to view their score and send it to programs after viewing it. Once a candidate receives their official score, they have the option to send it for free to as many programs as they like.
There are two ways to send GMAT scores to business schools. Candidates have the choice to send the score report to five programs for free when registering for the GMAT exam. Additionally, candidates can always request an additional score report by paying $28 if they need more time and have not decided yet. Students frequently send their score reports following score confirmation.
Most schools do not accept the results of exams taken more than five years ago, so always check with the school before requesting an old score report. Score reports from exams taken between five and ten years ago are free to download, but they come with a warning that they should be used with caution. Additionally, you can only order a score from the previous five years by contacting the GMAT Customer Service office in the relevant area.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standard test that assesses a variety of candidate abilities.
In 110 nations worldwide, GMATTM appointments are typically available six days a week. Local testing centers set their hours to cater to the neighborhood and regional needs.
Please email us at gmatcustomerservice@gmac.com if you are working with a candidate who cannot make an appointment.
Please go to mba.com to Find a Test Center for more information.
The GMATTM exam is given online at a personal workstation in a serene setting. The exam takes about 4 hours to complete, with two optional breaks.
The GMAT test is given under close supervision and with security precautions. Before entering the testing facility, test-takers are aware of the security precautions. Personal belongings are safely kept while they take the test.
Cost: $250.00 USD
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!