Important Update: The previous version of the GMAT Exam was available until the end of January this year, after which it was discontinued. Starting from February 2024, the GMAT Focus Edition has been introduced as its replacement.
The GMAT, a computer-adaptive test, evaluates candidates’ proficiency in quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation skills. Administered by the GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), the GMAT Focus Edition represents the most recent iteration of the exam. In India, the GMAT Exam fee is USD 275 for in-person testing at a test center and USD 300 for online testing.
Primarily targeted at applicants aspiring for admission to MBA programs abroad or seeking to pursue Masters in Finance-related courses at leading international business schools, the GMAT exam dates are available throughout the year, with registrations being easily accessible. This article aims to provide insights into various facets of the GMAT for international students.
According to GMAC, 9 out of 10 new enrollments in various B-schools for MBA or other business-related admissions for international students are made using a GMAT score. Following January 31, 2024, the GMAT exam will be discontinued, and applicants can only register for the GMAT Focus Edition. The option for GMAT registrations will be available until the last day of January this year. However, the GMAT and GMAT Focus Edition scores will remain valid for 5 years.
Highlights Table
It is the most extensively acknowledged test for MBA applicants around the world. No other test is as inclusive as the GMAT.
| Exam Name | GMAT |
|---|---|
| GMAT full form | Graduate Management Admission Test |
| Official Website | https://www.mba.com |
| Most popular for | MBA in abroad and in India |
| Also accepted for | MS courses abroad + MBA courses in India |
| Conducted by | GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based adaptive test |
| GMAT Fees in India | USD 300 (online) and USD 275 (at a test center) |
| GMAT Score Range | Min 200, Max 800 |
| GMAT Contact | Phone: +91 120-439-7830, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Indian Standard Time Fax: +91-120-4001660. Contact: https://www.mba.com/service/contact-us.aspx |
What Is GMAT
The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is an entrance exam to assess candidates’ analytical abilities in quantitative and verbal reasoning. Despite its association with MBA admissions, preparation for the GMAT does not necessitate knowledge of management concepts. Instead, the exam evaluates fundamental mathematical and verbal skills essential for success in academic pursuits at business schools. Therefore, students without a background in management need not be concerned about their GMAT preparation.
GMAT Eligibility 2024
GMAC, the organization responsible for conducting the GMAT exam, does not specify specific eligibility criteria for appearing for the GMAT exam. However, candidates should always ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the university or college they aspire to enter after taking the GMAT exam.
GMAT Exam Age Criteria
- Candidates must have completed 18 years of age.
- There is no upper age limit for candidates.
- If candidates are between 13 to 17 years old, they should obtain written permission (NOC) from their parents or legal guardian.
Educational Qualification for the GMAT Exam
- GMAC has not released any official statement regarding the qualifications required to appear for the GMAT.
- Candidates who wish to enroll in an MBA program should possess a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Prior Experience Requirement for GMAT Exam
- The GMAT does not have any work experience requirements. It primarily assesses academic abilities and skills relevant to graduate management education.
- However, MBA colleges may require several years of work experience.
GMAT Exam Fees 2024
| Head | Test Centre GMAT | Online GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| GMAT Exam Fees In India | $275 | $300 |
| Enhanced Score Report | $30 | NA |
| Additional Score Report | $35 per report | $35 per report |
| GMAT Score Cancellation | $25 | NA |
| Reinstate GMAT Score | $50 | NA |
Additionally, applicants must pay a certain fee if they wish to reschedule or cancel their GMAT 2024 exam. Candidates not appearing for the test will be charged the full GMAT exam fee.
GMAT Cancellation Charges
| Time | Test Centre GMAT | Online GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| More than 60 days before the appointment | $165 ($110 refund) | $180 ($120 refund) |
| 15 to 60 days before the appointment | $195 ($80 refund) | $210 ($90 refund) |
| 1 to 14 days before the appointment | $220 ($55 refund) | $240 ($60 refund) |
Additionally, it’s important to note that test appointments cannot be canceled or modified within 24 hours of the scheduled test time.
GMAT Rescheduling Fee
| Time | Test Centre GMAT | Online GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| More than 60 days before the appointment | $55 | $60 |
| 15 to 60 days before the appointment | $110 | $120 |
| 1 to 14 days before the appointment | $165 | $180 |
GMAT Registration 2024
According to GMAC, applicants can register for the GMAT up to 6 months before the test date or as late as 24 hours before the exam. However, it is recommended that students plan their GMAT exam for 2024 well in advance and book their slots accordingly.
Ways for GMAT Registration 2024
- Online
- Phone
- Postal Mail
There are 9 steps involved in registering for the GMAT, including different steps for scheduling the GMAT. You can find complete details on the steps for GMAT registration.
Exam Dates
In 2024, there are no fixed official GMAT exam dates; candidates can choose any date according to their convenience and availability. If a retake is necessary, candidates can do so after a 16-day period. Additionally, candidates can take or retake the GMAT exam every 16 calendar days, with a maximum of 5 times per year (12 months) and 8 times in a lifetime.
It is recommended that candidates register themselves two to three months before their desired exam date. While online or phone registration allows registration up to 24 hours before the exam, early registration provides a structured schedule for exam preparation. Even if coaching institutes suggest registering closer to the available date, it is advisable to register well in advance to allow ample time for preparation.
GMAT 2024 exam pattern
The GMAT 2024 exam pattern consists of four sections:
- Analytical Writing
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
Difference between GRA vs GMAT
The GMAT is the regulated examination for enrolling in a business college/ school while GRE is required for applying for a graduate college. Presently, even MBA colleges have begun accepting GRE too. Like GRE, the GMAT test involves a Verbal and Quantitative segment. In GMAT, the two segments are consolidated to give a composite score of 800.
Exam Centers
According to GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), around 90% of MBA admissions are made through the GMAT Score. It wouldn’t be a shocker that around 2300 business schools and colleges around the world enrol students based on GMAT. It has a solid 650 GMAT Exam Centers spread over 114 countries to conduct this exam. Moreover, it also allows the students to choose the order of the exam sections.
Syllabus
The GMAT Syllabus is very vivid. A candidate is provided 210 minutes to attempt four sections with a total score of 800. These tests assess the candidate in a very comprehensive manner by including various sections viz:
- Analytical Writing— It is used to assess a candidate’s ability to show connections between snippets of data. It is utilized to differentiate, survey or critically think and evaluate a piece of information.
- Integrated Reasoning— tests the capacity of a contender to investigate the information introduced in different arrangements and take care of related issues.
- Quantitative Reasoning— measures competitors capacity to break down information and reach inferences utilizing reasoning skills
- Verbal Reasoning— measures the capacity of the candidate to peruse and comprehend composed material, to assess contentions, and to rectify text data to comply with standard English rules.
Preparation Tips
To start preparing for GMAT, you must begin as soon as possible. The best way to start out is to prepare one section at a time so that you can concentrate on one and then move on to others. You also need to brush up your mathematics and practice time management. Buy books and sample papers for GMAT and give as many mock tests as possible. This will prepare you for the questions you will face on D-day.
Top MBA Colleges that accept GMAT score
GMAT allows you to apply in the best business schools in the world as it is accepted worldwide. Here is the list of best business schools that take admissions through GMAT.
- Columbia University (NY)
- Dartmouth College (Tuck) (NH)
- Harvard University (MA)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
- Northwestern University (Kellogg) (IL)
- Stanford University (CA)
- University of California Berkeley (Haas)
- University of Chicago (Booth)
- University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
- Yale University (CT)
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