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GMAT Exam 2024: Dates, Fees, Results, Syllabus & Registration

updated at

Updated on Apr 25, 2024, 06:41

Latest Updates:

 

GMAC has announced a shorter GMAT called GMAT Focus Edition. The old format (3 hour long test) is now discontinued. Here are the key points: 
 

  • The new GMAT test is only 2 hours and 15 minutes long
  • The analytical writing section has been removed. Instead, a new section called Data Insights has been introduced. 
  • The name GMAT Focus Edition will be changed back to GMAT Exam from July 1, 2024, now that there’s only one edition. 

On This Page

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1. What is the GMAT Exam?

GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a computer-adaptive test. 

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2. GMAT Exam Dates: When is the GMAT Exam Conducted?

The online or at-home version of the GMAT is available daily and around the clock. 

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3. GMAT Test Centre: How much does the GMAT Cost?

There are numerous GMAT test centres spread around India. 

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4. GMAT Exam Fees: How much does the GMAT Cost?

GMAT is currently priced at USD 300 or INR 25,040 (may vary) for the at-home version. 

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5. GMAT Exam Result: How Do You Check Your GMAT Results?

The GMAT displays an official result of all your scores as soon as you complete the test.

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6. What is a GMAT Score?

GMAT Exam awards a score based on your performance in the 3 modules. 

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7. GMAT Exam Registration: How do I register for the GMAT?

You can register by visiting the official GMAT website. 

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8. GMAT Eligibility: Documents Required for GMAT

If you wish to appear for the GMAT exam, you must be at least 18. 

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9. GMAT Syllabus: What Does the Test Contain?

The new GMAT contains 3 modules: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. 

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10. GMAT Books: What are the Best Resources for the GMAT?

You can choose a variety of materials to prepare for GMAT. 

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11. GMAT Practice Tests: Boost your Preparation!

GMAT practice tests are crucial in preparing for the GMAT exam and monitoring your progress. 

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1.

What is the GMAT Exam?

  • GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a computer-adaptive test. 
  • The GMAT exam is owned and operated by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). 
  • The test goes on for 2 hours and 15 minutes long (with one optional 10-minute break)
  • GMAT exam tests three skills: 
    • Quantitative Reasoning
    • Verbal Reasoning
    • Data Insights
  • It is offered in two modes: online (at home) and offline. 

 

Why take the GMAT Exam?

 

  • GMAT is among the most popular entrance exams for management-related courses such as MBA. 
  • A good GMAT score can help you get into the most reputable business schools worldwide. 
  • The GMAT exam will give you a clear picture of whether you’re ready for a university-level education.
2.

GMAT Exam Dates: When is the GMAT Exam Conducted?

  • The online or at-home version of the GMAT is available daily and around the clock. 
  • The offline or test centre version is open most days of the month, but dates vary depending on your chosen location. 
  • Book at least two or three months to get your desired time and date. 
3.

GMAT Test Centre: How much does the GMAT Cost?

  • There are numerous GMAT test centres spread around India. 
  • You can choose a centre closest to you to avoid the hassle of travelling. 
  • Some of the cities that have GMAT centres are: 
    • Bangalore
    • Mumbai
    • Delhi
    • Kolkata
    • Hyderabad
    • Pune
    • Bhubaneswar
    • Kerala
    • Jaipur
    • Noida
4.

GMAT Exam Fees: How much does the GMAT Cost?

  • GMAT is currently priced at USD 300 or INR 25,040 (may vary) for the at-home version. 
  • The GMAT fee for testing at the centre is USD 275 or INR 22,953 (may vary).
  • You can reschedule the dates if necessary. However, there’s a fee involved. 
  • The charges for rescheduling may vary depending on when you request it.
  • You can also cancel the test if you cannot appear on the scheduled date. 
  • Your fee will be refunded, but the refund amount depends on when you cancel.
  • You should cancel/reschedule at least 60 days before the test for minimal charges and a maximum refund. 
5.

GMAT Exam Result: How Do You Check Your GMAT Results?

  • The GMAT displays an official result of all your scores as soon as you complete the test.
  • The new GMAT Focus Edition releases scores in 3-5 business days. 
  • You will receive an email notification once it’s announced. 
  • The GMAT Score Report contains a score of individual sections on a fixed scale and a percentile ranking.
  • It will also include your details, such as your GMAT ID, exam date, and registration number. 
  • GMAT results are valid for five years from your test date. 
  • You can send your GMAT exam results to universities to up to 5 universities free of charge. The steps differ based on the mode of your exam. 
  • If you have taken the GMAT online, you’ll receive an email notification from MBA.com once your report is available. 
  • You can select the receivers through the link provided. 
  • If you’re taking the GMAT at the test centre, you can select the receivers before you start the exam.
6.

What is a GMAT Score?

  • GMAT Exam awards a score based on your performance in the 3 modules. 
  • The score range of the GMAT Focus edition is 205-805.
  • All total score values end in a 5. (example: 225, 355, 425 etc.) 
  • Each section ranges from 60-90 in scores. 
  • You will be scored in an interval of 10. 
  • The new version of GMAT penalises unanswered questions. 
  • It’s essential to complete all sections of the exam. It’s best not to leave any section of the GMAT incomplete.

 

Below is a breakdown of the new GMAT scores. 

 

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GMAT scores

GMAT Focus Edition Sections Score Range Score Interval
Verbal Reasoning 6 - 90 1
Quantitative 6 - 90 1
Data Insights 6 - 90 1
Total 205 - 805 10
7.

GMAT Exam Registration: How do I register for the GMAT?

  • You can register by visiting the official GMAT website. 
  • GMAT exam registration is a simple process that can be completed in three methods: 
    • Online
    • Via Phone
    • Via Mail 
  • To register online, follow the below steps. 
    • Visit the official website of GMAT
    • Create your account by filling in your details 
    • Verify your details and submit it
    • Choose your nearest test centre and select a date
    • If you choose the at-home version, you will need to select a time slot 
    • Pay the registration fee and complete the registration
8.

GMAT Eligibility: Documents Required for GMAT

  • If you wish to appear for the GMAT exam, you must be at least 18. 
  • There’s no upper limit when it comes to age. 
  • GMAC has not set any other eligibility requirement. 
  • GMAT scores are usually needed for business school applications. 
  • Typically, GMAT test takers are undergraduate students with two years of work experience. 
  • If you need GMAT for university applications, we recommend checking universities' score requirements. 
9.

GMAT Syllabus: What Does the Test Contain?

  • The new GMAT contains 3 modules: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. 
  • Quantitative Reasoning measures your foundational knowledge of algebraic and arithmetic concepts. 
  • Verbal Reasoning evaluates your ability to read and understand written materials. 
  • Data Insights checks whether you can analyse and apply data to real-time business situations.
  • These modules prepare you for what you’ll learn in graduate business schools. 

 

GMAT Exam Pattern 

 

The new version of the GMAT Exam is only 2 hours and 15 minutes long. Below is a full breakdown of the sections. 
 

Here’s the new GMAT pattern. 

 

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GMAT scores

GMAT Focus Edition Sections Duration No. of Questions
Verbal Reasoning 45 Minutes 23
Quantitative 45 Minutes 21
Data Insights 45 Minutes 20
10.

GMAT Books: What are the Best Resources for the GMAT?

  • You can choose a variety of materials to prepare for GMAT. 
  • GMAT Books are one of the most efficient ways of preparation. 
  • Books usually have a guide for each section and sample papers with answers. 
  • Books can be helpful if you’re preparing for GMAT by self-study. 
  • You can also watch free videos on the same or refer to other study materials online. 

 

Top 5 GMAT Books for Preparation

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GMAT Official Guide

Manhattan Prep Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set

Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus 2023

Veritas Prep Complete GMAT Course Set

GMAT Official Advanced Questions

11.

GMAT Practice Tests: Boost your Preparation!

  • GMAT practice tests are crucial in preparing for the GMAT exam and monitoring your progress. 
  • Practice tests are an excellent opportunity to familiarise yourself with the exam format 
  • With enough practice, you can predict the types of questions you may get on the test.
  • GMAT sample papers are readily available online. 
  • We highly recommend using sample papers from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) on MBA.com, as they’re reliable.

Next Up

GMAT Dates

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GMAT Results

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GMAT Fees

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GMAT Syllabus & Pattern

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FAQs

Q. Is GMAT difficult?

A. GMAT is undoubtedly a challenging exam and contains advanced-level topics. However, it’s not impossible to crack it. With the right preparation strategies, scoring in the GMAT becomes achievable. It’s best to have a 2-3 month gap for preparation. GMAT scores are highly valuable in getting admission to top business schools.

Q. How long is the GMAT exam?

A. GMAT Focus edition is 2 hours and 15 minutes long. Below is a section-wise breakdown of the new GMAT test.
 

GMAT Focus Edition Sections

Duration

Quantitative Reasoning 

45 minutes

Verbal Reasoning 

45 minutes

Data Insights

45 minutes

Q. How soon can I retake the GMAT exam?

A. You can take the GMAT once every 16 calendar days and up to five times a year. Remember, you can only take GMAT 8 times in a lifetime. Your GMAT scores are valid for five years from your exam date, allowing you ample time to use them for your business school applications.

Q. Can I use a calculator during the GMAT exam?

A. No. You will be provided with a calculator for the integrated reasoning section and a noteboard and markers for the Quant section to work out the calculations. The intention is to assess your ability to perform calculations efficiently and accurately without relying on external tools. Practice mental math and sharpen your mathematical skills during your GMAT preparation.

Q. Are there any accommodations available for GMAT test-takers with disabilities?

A. GMAC provides the following accommodations (and more) for test takers with disabilities. 

  • Additional testing time (all tests are timed)
  • Additional or extended rest breaks
  • Allowance of a medical device in the testing rooms
  • A trackball mouse
  • A reader who can read the test items to the test taker and record the test taker’s responses
Q. What are some tips to prepare for GMAT?

A. Start your preparation early. Make a study plan and use official GMAC materials, GMAT prep books, online courses, and practice tests. Pay more attention to the subjects where you feel less confident, and practice regularly to boost your confidence and do better on the test day. Having a clear plan and practising consistently will help you improve your skills and score well on GMAT. 

Q. Is CAT better than GMAT?

A. It depends on your preferences. CAT is better for you if you’re applying to business schools in India alone. Conversely, GMAT is a global test that allows you to study abroad. It’s crucial to consider the test content and your goals before you select the exam. 

Q. Which colleges accept GMAT in India?

A. Many colleges in India accept GMAT scores, including the seven IIMs. Popular business schools like SPJIMR, ISB, XLRI, and Great Lakes also get GMAT scores. If you have already taken the GMAT, we suggest you not limit your options to only Indian universities. GMAT scores are widely accepted around the world.

Q. Can I take the GMAT online or only at a test centre?

A. You can choose between taking the GMAT at a test centre or taking it online. Both tests have the same pattern and syllabus. However, they have different fee structures. The procedure of sending your scores to universities also differs. The online test does not have the option to cancel your scores. 

Q. Does GMAT have a negative marking?

A. No. GMAT does not have a negative marking system. However, it does penalise you for unanswered questions. If any section needs to be completed, it might adversely affect your total scores. It’s best to answer all questions even if your answers are wrong. The correctness of the answers will also determine the difficulty level, as GMAT is computer adaptive. 

Q. Is there a passing score in GMAT?

A. There is no pass or fail in GMAT. Each business school have their GMAT score requirements for admission. It’s essential to research the score expectations of your target schools and aim to achieve scores that align with the minimum requirements. Typically, a score of 660 and above puts you in the top 25%. Anything lesser than 590 is considered a low score. 

Q. Is 420 a good score on GMAT?

A. 420 is a low score on GMAT. To get into good universities, you must aim to score over 590. Top universities have a score requirement of 700 and above. As we mentioned, verifying the minimum requirements before preparing for GMAT is crucial as you can set expectations for yourself.