GMAT Exam Dates 2026

The GMAT Exam Dates 2026 are available year‑round, giving candidates flexibility to choose test slots that align with their MBA application timelines. Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT Focus Edition is accepted by top business schools worldwide, including leading programs in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe. Unlike exams with fixed schedules, the GMAT allows candidates to book slots almost daily at authorized test centers or through online proctoring, ensuring accessibility across major cities in India and globally. 

Peak demand months such as January–March and August–October often see slots fill quickly due to Fall and Spring intake deadlines, making early registration essential. Understanding the GMAT exam schedule, registration process, rescheduling policies, and test centres availability is crucial for timely preparation and successful admission into top business schools.

 

GMAT Exam Dates 2026: Key Windows & Dates 

Planning your GMAT Exam Dates 2026 is a critical step for any MBA aspirant. Choosing the right date ensures your scores are available before application deadlines, gives you room for a retake if needed, and allows you to align your preparation with your personal schedule. While the GMAT is offered year-round, certain months experience higher demand, especially in major cities, making early planning essential.  

The table below shows Early GMAT 2026 dates. These dates are suggested booking windows that provide you with sufficient time to prepare for the exam and submit your scores on time for major MBA application rounds. 

Booking Window for New Delhi & NCR Test Centres

Month	Dates
January	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
February	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
March	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

 Booking Window for Mumbai Test Centres  

Month	Dates
January	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
February	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
March	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

 Booking Window for Bangalore Test Centres  

Month	Dates
January	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
February	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
March	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

 Booking Window for Chennai Test Centres  

Month	Dates
January	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
February	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
March	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Booking Window for Kolkata Test Centres 

Month	Dates
January	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
February	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
March	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

 What This Means for Your Planning:  

• A Jan or Feb 2026 date is beneficial for those targeting MBA Round 2 or choosing a later start. 

• Booking in Mar–May 2026 works if your application timeline is later, or you already have some preparation experience. 

• Slots in Jun 2026 are in highdemand; early booking is critical for test centres. 

Key Reminders for Your GMAT Scheduling:  

• Remember: the GMAT is offered year-round, but specific slots fill fast, especially at test centres in major cities.  

• Online bookings offer greater flexibility, especially during off-peak times. 

• Always allow a minimum 16-day gap before a potential retake.  

• Check your preferred testcentre’s calendar early, especially if you’re in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, etc.  

Click here to view the complete list of GMAT test centers in India 

How GMAT Exam Dates and Scheduling Work 

Planning your GMAT Exam Schedule effectively starts with understanding how the exam dates are structured and how the booking process works. The GMAT is designed to be flexible, offering candidates year-round testing opportunities either online or at test centres. This flexibility allows you to pick a date that aligns with your MBA application deadlines and preparation pace. 

1. Continuous Testing Model 

Unlike many standardized exams, the GMAT follows a continuous testing model. This means: 

• You can take the exam any day of the year, depending on slot availability. 

• Online GMAT is available 24/7, while test centres operate Monday to Saturday. 

• The flexible schedule lets you adjust your study plan around personal and professional commitments. 

2. Booking Your GMAT Exam Dates 

Booking a test date involves a few key steps: 

1. Create an Account on mba.com: Your official account stores your scores, bookings, and preferences. 

2. Select Test Mode: Decide between online and test centre based on convenience, environment, and availability. 

3. Choose a Date and Slot: You can schedule up to 6 months in advance. Late bookings may be possible 24 hours prior, but availability is limited. 

4. Payment: Fees vary by mode: 

• Test Centre: USD 275 (INR 22,900) 

• Online: USD 300 (INR 24,900) 

     5. Confirmation and Preparation: Once confirmed, mark your calendar and plan your prep schedule accordingly. 

Booking Timeline and Slot Availability:  

Step	Time Frame	Notes
Account Creation	Anytime	Required for scheduling
Selecting Mode & Location	6 months – 24 hours prior	Online flexible; centre may vary by city
Slot Selection	Depends on demand	Peak months: June–Sept, Dec–Jan
Payment Confirmation	Immediate	Booking is only confirmed after payment

 3. Online vs Test-Centre Scheduling 

• Online GMAT: Ideal for working professionals or candidates far from test centres. Offers flexible timings, home convenience, and faster slot availability. 

• Test-Centre GMAT: Provides a controlled environment, which some candidates prefer. Requires planning, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. 

Monthly Slot Availability Comparison (Online vs Test Centre):  

Month	Online Slots (High/Medium/Low)	Test-Centre Slots (High/Medium/Low)
January	High	Medium
February	Medium	Low
March	Medium	Medium
April	Medium	Low
May	Medium	Medium
June	High	High
July	High	High
August	High	High
September	High	High
October	Medium	Medium
November	Medium	Medium
December	High	High

Tips for Smart Scheduling:  

• Book early if your MBA deadlines are fixed. 

• Consider your prep level; don’t schedule too early before you are ready. 

• Account for retakes, leave a buffer of 6–8 weeks between attempts. 

• Check test-centre availability in your city; some centres have limited seats. 

For a comprehensive understanding of the GMAT exam structure, make sure to check out the GMAT syllabus. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking GMAT Exam Dates 

Booking your GMAT exam is a simple process if you understand each step. Proper planning ensures you secure a convenient date and location, avoid last-minute stress, and align your schedule with MBA application deadlines.  

Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process seamless: 

1. Create an Account on mba.com 

• Visit mba.com and create your official GMAT account. 

• This account stores your test scores, booking information, and preferences. 

• Make sure your details are accurate to avoid issues on test day. 

2. Choose Your Test Mode 

• Test Centre: Traditional option in a controlled environment; Cost: USD 275 (INR 22,900). 

• Online GMAT: Flexible scheduling, proctored at home; Cost: USD 300 (INR 24,900). 

• Select the mode based on convenience, availability, and personal preference. 

3. Select Your Location (for Test-Centre GMAT) 

• Major cities in India: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad. 

• Check slot availability early; popular months fill quickly. 

• Online GMAT does not require a physical location, but you must meet system requirements. 

4. Choose Your Date and Time 

• You can schedule your exam up to 6 months in advance. 

• Online exams are available 24/7, whereas test centres operate Monday–Saturday. 

• Consider your preparation timeline and MBA deadlines when selecting a date. 

5. Make Payment 

• Payment must be completed to confirm your slot. 

• Test Centre: USD 275 (INR 22,900) 

• Online: USD 300 (INR 24,900) 

• Payments are accepted via credit/debit card or other online payment methods. 

6. Receive Confirmation 

• Once payment is successful, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your date, time, and instructions. 

• Save this information carefully and note any rescheduling policies. 

7. Rescheduling and Cancellation (If needed) 

• You can reschedule up to 24 hours before the exam. 

• Rescheduling fee: USD 50 (INR 4,150) for online, USD 60 (INR 4,980) for test centres. 

• Cancellation refund: Partial refunds may apply depending on timing. 

GMAT Preparation Timeline Based on Exam Dates 

Your GMAT Exam Dates 2026 should dictate your preparation schedule. By aligning your study plan with your chosen test date, you can ensure consistent progress, sufficient practice, and avoid last-minute cramming.  

Below is a recommended timeline for GMAT preparation, assuming a 3–4 months preparation window. 

1. 12–16 Weeks Before Exam 

• Assessment & Planning: Take a diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses. 

• Set Goals: Determine the target GMAT score based on your desired MBA programs. 

• Materials: Gather prep books, online courses, and practice question banks. 

• Schedule Study Hours: Allocate 10–15 hours/week for consistent progress. 

2. 8–12 Weeks Before Exam 

• Focus on Core Sections: 

• Quantitative: Problem-solving, data sufficiency, and arithmetic. 

• Verbal: Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, sentence correction. 

• Practice Tests: Take 1 full-length practice test every 2–3 weeks. 

• Identify Weak Areas: Track errors and focus on improving weak concepts. 

3. 4–8 Weeks Before Exam 

• Intensive Practice: Begin timed sectional practice to build speed and accuracy. 

• Integrated Reasoning & AWA: Incorporate regular practice for these sections. 

• Simulate Test Conditions: Attempt at least 1 full-length test under real exam conditions per week. 

• Review Errors: Analyse mistakes carefully to avoid repeating them. 

4. 2–4 Weeks Before Exam 

• Revision: Focus on formulas, key strategies, and high-yield topics. 

• Take Mock Tests: 1–2 per week to build stamina and refine pacing. 

• Time Management: Practice completing each section within the allotted time. 

• Fine-Tuning: Work on avoiding careless mistakes, stress management, and exam-day strategies. 

5. Final Week 

• Light Review: Avoid heavy studying; focus on key concepts and error correction. 

• Rest & Nutrition: Ensure proper sleep, hydration, and a calm mind. 

• Exam Logistics: Confirm test location or online setup, ID documents, and other requirements. 

GMAT Exam Day Tips and Strategies 

Your GMAT Exam Dates 2026 are set, and your preparation is complete. The next critical step is executing on exam day. Following simple strategies can help you stay calm, focused, and maximize your score. 

1. Prepare Documents and Essentials 

• ID Verification: Carry a valid photo ID used for registration. 

• Admission Letter/Confirmation: Print a copy for test-centre exams. 

• Online GMAT Setup: Ensure stable internet, webcam, microphone, and a quiet environment. 

• Permitted Items: Water bottle, face mask, and any required accommodations. 

2. Pre-Exam Routine 

• Sleep Well: Get at least 7–8 hours of rest the night before. 

• Healthy Breakfast: Eat a balanced, light meal; avoid heavy or greasy food. 

• Arrive Early: Reach the test centre 30–45 minutes early; for online, log in 15–20 minutes before. 

• Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, visualization, or light stretching can reduce anxiety. 

3. During the Exam 

• Time Management: Stick to the recommended time per section. Don’t spend too long on one question. 

• Use Scratch Paper Wisely: Plan and work efficiently in the Quant section. 

• Answer Every Question: No penalty for guessing; make educated guesses when necessary. 

• Pace Yourself: Keep an eye on the timer but avoid rushing. 

4. Section-Specific Tips 

• Quantitative Reasoning: Focus on problem-solving techniques, formulas, and data sufficiency shortcuts. 

• Verbal Reasoning: Read carefully, eliminate obviously wrong answers, and focus on grammar and logic. 

• Integrated Reasoning (IR): Practice interpreting graphs, tables, and multi-source reasoning. 

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Structure your essay clearly, intro, 2–3 points, conclusion. 

5. Post-Exam Considerations 

• Score Preview: You’ll see unofficial scores for Quant and Verbal immediately. 

• Retake Decision: If needed, schedule a retake after 16 days. 

• Relaxation: Reward yourself for completing the exam and take a break before analysing scores. 

Also, Read About Best Books for GMAT preparation to help you prepare effectively. 

Conclusion 

Remember, early planning is key: book your GMAT Exam Date slots in advance, leave buffer time for a retake, and align your preparation with your chosen exam dates. With the right strategy, consistent preparation, and smart scheduling, you can confidently tackle the GMAT and move closer to your dream MBA program. 

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