The GMAT is a standardised exam for graduates used to test a candidate’s skills needed for business and management studies. The GMAT full form is the Graduate Management Aptitude Test. The exam is conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) for over 50 years.
The GMAT was the original exam used for business school admissions, but it changed to the GMAT Focus Edition starting February 1, 2024. The Focus Edition is shorter and has a new format with three sections and a total time of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The GMAT exam is divided into three main sections: Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Data Insights (DI). GMAT Focus Edition is most popular for MBA, MIM, and MS in Management admissions, both in India and abroad.
Applicants can choose to take the GMAT either online at home or at a test centre. The exam fee in India is USD 275 for test centre and USD 300 for online. GMAT exam dates are open year-round, and one can register up to 24 hours before the chosen date. The validity of the GMAT registration process, new GMAT format, GMAT score, GMAT study preparation, and more.
GMAT 2025 Highlights
Feature
Details
Exam Name
GMAT
GMAT Version for 2025
GMAT Focus Edition (replaced old GMAT on February 1, 2024)
Who Conducts the Exam
GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Official Website
https://www.mba.com
Accepted In
India and abroad
Courses It’s For
MBA, MIM, and other postgraduate business courses
Question Type
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) only
Exam Mode
Online (at home or at a GMAT test centre)
Registration Process
Online through official website - mba.com
Score Reporting Timeline
Available in mba.com account within 48 hours after the test
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used to evaluate applicants seeking admission to MBA abroad and other graduate management programs. The main purpose of the GMAT is to measure the skills necessary for success in business school, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
The GMAT Exam is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a global nonprofit organization that aims to support business schools abroad in their admissions process. GMAC ensures the exam is reliable, valid, and reflective of the skills required in graduate management programs.
The GMAT Exam is used by over 7,700 programs at more than 2,400 top world universities and institutions across 114 countries. With over 600 test centers worldwide, it provides access to candidates globally, offering flexibility for aspiring business students.
GMAT Full Form
The full form of GMAT is the Graduate Management Admission Test. It is a standardised exam conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council). The GMAT test is mainly for students who want to study MBA or other business-related master's courses in top colleges across the world. The GMAT exam checks your skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. Many business schools accept GMAT scores as a part of their admission process. So, knowing the GMAT full form and its purpose is the first step for anyone planning to apply for management programs abroad.
GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) is the body that conducts the examination, and it doesn't have any set eligibility criteria for the same. Yet, there should be complete adherence to the eligibility guidelines of the college/university where the applicant wishes to get admission after the examination.
Basic Eligibility for GMAT 2025
There is no fixed academic qualification or degree requirement to appear for the GMAT Focus Edition. Anyone who wants to apply for an MBA or any other postgraduate business course can take the test, but the university you are applying to might ask for a bachelor’s degree.
GMAT Age Limit
The minimum age to register for GMAT 2025 is 18 years.
If a student is between 13 and 17 years old, they can still take the GMAT but only with a written permission or NOC from a parent or guardian.
There is no upper age limit to appear for the GMAT.
GMAT Education Requirement
GMAC does not ask for any specific educational qualification while registering for the GMAT.
However, most MBA colleges abroad and in India prefer students who have completed their graduation (bachelor's degree).
During registration, students may be asked to provide basic education details, like graduation year and college name.
Work Experience Requirement
You don’t need to show any work experience to become eligible for GMAT 2025.
Still, while creating your profile on mba.com, you may be asked to enter your work experience details. This is just for the profile, not a requirement.
There is no big change in the GMAT eligibility criteria 2025 even after the GMAT Focus Edition came into effect. Just make sure you meet the age limit and have a plan to apply for a business or management course that accepts GMAT scores.
If your target university needs a GMAT score, you are automatically eligible to take the exam. No special documents or background are needed for GMAT registration.
GMAC recommends registering for the GMAT exam at least 6 months before your test date, but you can register as late as 24 hours before. However, it is important to note that if you wait too long, test slots may be unavailable. You can register for the GMAT exam online, by phone, or by postal mail.
Candidates can take the GMAT at their convenience. However, they can only reschedule their next test attempt after a minimum of 16 days from the first test. You are allowed a maximum of 5 attempts per year and 8 attempts in your lifetime.
Here’s a quick guide to the registration process:
Visit the official GMAT website.
Create an account.
Enter your personal information (name, address, etc.).
Provide your academic and work details.
Verify all your information before submitting.
Choose a test date and a nearby test center.
Select your preferred time slot.
Pay the registration fee online using a credit or debit card.
Your registration will be confirmed after payment is processed.
It is recommended to book your test date about 3 - 4 months in advance.
To take the GMAT exam in 2025, students must book their GMAT exam slot in advance. This simply means choosing a GMAT date and time to appear for the test. Candidates can only book a slot after they have finished the GMAT registration process.
Steps to Book GMAT Exam Slot
Follow these simple steps to book your GMAT exam slot:
Sign up on the official GMAT website – mba.com.
Create an account and add your personal details, including your address.
After logging in, go to the slot booking page.
Choose your exam date and preferred time slot.
Confirm the details and proceed to pay the exam fee.
Once done, your GMAT slot is booked.
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GMAT Exam Dates 2025 – All You Need to Know
The GMAT exam dates 2025 are available throughout the year. Students can pick any GMAT date that suits them, depending on their location and the availability of test centres.
But it is important to plan early. If you wait too long, the GMAT test centre near you might not have any seats left.
How to Choose Your GMAT Exam Date?
You can book your GMAT exam as per your own schedule. But remember:
Exam dates may change based on where you are or which centre you pick.
It is best to register for GMAT 2–3 months early, so you have time to prepare.
If you miss your slot, you can book again after 24 hours, but you will have to pay the full fee again.
How Many Times Can You Take GMAT in a Year?
The GMAT Focus Edition comes with some rules about how often you can take the test:
Candidates can retake GMAT after 16 calendar days.
Candidates can appear up to 5 times in a year (in 12 months).
Candidates can take the GMAT exam a maximum of 8 times in their whole life.
Late Registration Option
While online and phone registrations may allow scheduling 24 hours before the test date, early booking is always advisable to avoid last-minute issues.
GMAT Exam Fees in 2025
In India, the GMAT exam fees in 2025 vary depending on whether you are taking the test at a test center or online.
Below is a breakdown of the GMAT exam fees, along with additional charges for various services:
Service
Test Centre Fee (INR) (USD)
Online Test Fee (INR) (USD)
GMAT Exam Fees
23,812 (USD 275)
25,977 (USD 300)
Enhanced Score Report (during registration)
2,597 (USD 30)
Not Available
Additional Score Report
3030 (USD 35)
3030 (USD 35)
Cancel Score (after the exam via mba.com)
2,164 (USD 25)
Not Applicable
Reinstate Score
4,170 (USD 50) online
5195 (USD 60) by phone
Not Applicable
AWA Essay Rescoring
3,896 (USD 45)
3,896 (USD 45)
Rescheduling Fee (more than 60 days before)
4,762 (USD 55)
4,762 (USD 60)
Rescheduling Fee (15 - 60 days before)
9,525 (USD 110)
9,525 (USD 120)
Rescheduling Fee (14 days or less before)
14,287 (USD 165)
14,287 (USD 180)
Cancellation Fee (more than 60 days before)
9,525 (USD 110) refund
1,0391 (USD 120) refund
Cancellation Fee (15 - 60 days before)
6,927 (USD 80) refund
7,793 (USD 90) refund
Cancellation Fee (14 days or less before)
4,762 (USD 55) refund
5,195 (USD 60) refund
GMAT Test Centres
There are over 110 GMAT Focus Edition test centres across India. These test centres are located in many major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and others. Therefore, most students can find a GMAT test centre near them based on their city or state during the registration process. If your preferred centre or GMAT test date is not available, try choosing another exam date or a nearby centre. It is advisable to book early to get your preferred slot without any last-minute issues. Check the nearest exam centres near your location on GMAT exam centres in India.
GMAT Online vs Test Centre
The GMAT exam is available in two modes: GMAT online and GMAT at a test centre. Students can pick either option at the time of GMAT registration. Some common aspects of the GMAT online or GMAT test centre include:
GMAT syllabus and pattern
Eligibility for GMAT 2025
Scoring system (205–805 for GMAT Focus Edition)
So, no matter what mode you pick, the GMAT exam format and what is tested stay the same.
GMAT Online vs Test Centre: Differences
The main differences between GMAT online and test centre are:
GMAT Exam Date and Time: The online exam offers more flexible dates.
Environment: GMAT online is taken from home, and the test centre is taken at an authorised exam centre.
Cost and Setup: The price and technical setup may be a bit different for both modes.
Students should think about what’s more comfortable for them and pick the mode that works better.
How to Register for GMAT Online or Test Centre?
There is no separate website for each mode. Test-takers can choose the test mode on the mba.com while registering.
If you want to take the exam at home, select the GMAT Online option.
If you want to go to a physical exam centre, choose the GMAT Test Centre option.
GMAT Exam Pattern 2025 – Latest Format
The GMAT 2025 Focus Edition has three main sections. The total exam time is 2 hours 15 minutes, and all questions are in MCQ format.
Section Name
Number of Questions
Duration
Verbal Reasoning
23 Questions
45 Minutes
Data Insights
20 Questions
45 Minutes
Quantitative Reasoning
21 Questions
45 Minutes
Candidates will get 1 optional break of 10 minutes during the exam. There is no essay section in this new GMAT test pattern. All sections carry equal marks, and scores range from 205 to 805.
GMAT Exam Pattern: Old Pattern vs New
The GMAT Focus Edition 2025 has changed a lot compared to the old version of the exam. The new pattern is shorter, more flexible, and fully MCQ-based. The GMAT Focus Edition removed AWA, Geometry, and Sentence Correction. It also merged Integrated Reasoning into the new Data Insights section and gives more flexibility.
Check the difference between the old GMAT exam and the new GMAT Focus Edition in the table below.
The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus is designed to check how well a student can think, solve problems, and understand information. In the latest version of GMAT, there are three main sections. The exam length has been reduced and one full section has been removed. The number of questions is also reduced, focusing more on logic and applying rules.
1. Quantitative Aptitude
This section checks the basic maths skills. It includes questions from:
Arithmetic
Algebra
The test-takers don’t need any advanced maths, but they should be good at understanding the question and solving it quickly.
2. Verbal Reasoning
This part tests how well aspirants can understand English and think critically. The section covers:
Critical Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
3. Data Insights
The new section is included in GMAT Focus Edition to evaluate how well candidates can analyse data and understand patterns. The questions include:
The GMAT score is a key factor in business school admissions, as it reflects a candidate’s analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The total GMAT score ranges from 205 to 805, and top universities prefer candidates with high scores for competitive MBA programs.
GMAT Score Report 2025
Each section in the GMAT Focus Edition is scored equally, from 60 to 90. So, your final GMAT total score depends on your performance in all three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights. Candidates will get a full GMAT Focus Edition score report after the completion of their test. This report shows your scores in detail, so you can understand how you did in each section. The report includes:
Quantitative Score (6 – 51) with percentile
Verbal Score (6 – 51) with percentile
Data Insights Score (6 – 51) with percentile
Total GMAT Score (205 – 805) with percentile
This report also gives you a performance review, so you can check which areas were strong and where you need improvement.
What Is a Good GMAT Score?
A good GMAT score depends on the target business school, but generally:
650+ – Considered a competitive score for many international MBA programs.
700+ – A strong score that increases the chances of admission to the top global business schools in the world.
740+ – A very high score, making candidates eligible for Ivy League and top business schools like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, and London Business School.
For top-tier universities, a GMAT score of 720 or higher is generally required for a strong application.
GMAT Results 2025
You will see your GMAT result on your mba.com account within 3 to 5 days after your test. Once your score is available, you must send your five free score reports to the B-schools within 48 hours.
The good thing is, there is no need to cancel your GMAT Focus Edition score. You can manually choose the B-schools where you want to send your score after it is released. The GMAT score validity is for 5 years from the test date. After this period, the score expires, and candidates would need to retake the exam if they want to apply for graduate business programs.
Steps to Access GMAT Results Online:
Step 1: Visit the official GMAT website.
Step 2: Log in using your registered GMAT account credentials.
Step 3: Click on "My Account" and navigate to the score report section.
Step 4: Download the official GMAT Score Report in PDF format.
Step 5: If required, send your scores directly to selected business schools from your account.
Candidates can also request additional score reports from other universities by paying a fee per report.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam that plays a crucial role in the admissions process for MBA and other graduate management programs. Therefore, preparation for the GMAT exam in 2025 takes time, effort, and a good plan. One can prepare for the GMAT test either at home or join different coaching centres to accelerate their preparation. However, whether you are preparing for the exam on your own or with help, you need the right GMAT study materials, mock tests, and regular practice.
For beginners or experienced test-takers, self-study is a great option to manage their time well and stay focused. One can use important GMAT prep books, YouTube videos, notes, and free resources online to prepare for the test at home. However, candidates who are unable to stay focused or feel confused can join various coaching centre for GMAT.
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GMAT Section-wise Preparation Tips
To do well in the GMAT Focus Edition 2025, you must study each section properly:
Quantitative Section: This part checks your basic maths skills. Try to practice daily. Focus more on arithmetic, algebra, and word problems. Accuracy and speed both matter here.
Verbal Section: This section checks your English language understanding. You should read more, improve your grammar, and practice sentence correction, reading comprehension, etc.
Data Insights: This is a new section in the GMAT Focus Edition. It checks how well you can understand and analyse data. You must practice reading charts, graphs, and tables.
GMAT Mock Tests & Question Papers
One of the best ways to improve is by solving GMAT question papers and taking mock tests. These will help you understand the exam pattern and get better scores. Try to solve section-wise questions first, then attempt full mock tests when you are more confident.
The GMAT exam is your gateway to top business schools worldwide. To succeed in GMAT, understand the updated syllabus, practice with official GMAT materials, and take mock tests.
If you want personalized prep strategies, expert guidance, or help with your MBA applications, connect with upGrad experts. They can support you at every step, from GMAT prep to business school admissions. Start your GMAT journey with upGrad’s support today!
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The GMAT exam is for students who want to study MBA or other management courses in top colleges. It helps B-schools check your math, English, and data skills.
Is GMAT harder than CAT?
It depends. Many say CAT is more tough in math part, and GMAT is more logic-based and better for global MBA. GMAT also gives more flexibility in choosing dates.
How much does GMAT cost in India?
The GMAT Focus Edition exam fee is around $275 in India, which means about ₹22,500 to ₹23,000. You may need to pay more if you want to send extra score reports.
When will I get my GMAT result?
Your GMAT result will come on your mba.com account in about 3 to 5 days after your test.
How long is GMAT score valid?
Your GMAT score is valid for 5 years. After that, if you want to apply again, you need to give the exam again.
Can I cancel my GMAT Focus Edition score?
No need to cancel it. In GMAT Focus Edition, you can wait for your score, then choose which B-schools you want to send it to.
How to check GMAT result online?
Just go to the official GMAT website, login to your account, go to “My Account”, then go to score report section and download the PDF.
How many free score reports can I send?
You can send your GMAT scores to 5 colleges for free, but only within 48 hours after your result comes. After that, you have to pay per report.
How to prepare for GMAT 2025?
Use GMAT official study material, try mock tests, solve old question papers, and focus on each section – Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights.
Is self study good for GMAT or should I join coaching?
If you are good with focus and planning, self-study is fine. But if you get confused or don’t know how to start, better join a GMAT coaching centre.
What is the Data Insights section in GMAT Focus?
Data Insights is a new part in GMAT Focus Edition. It checks how you understand charts, tables, and graphs. It’s useful for real MBA skills.
Can upGrad help with GMAT and MBA admission?
Yes, upGrad experts can help with your GMAT prep, give study plans, mock test tips, and also help in applying to B-schools. You get support in every step.
