GMAT is a widely known standardized test that you can take when you want to study business management.
New in GMAT:
GMAT Focus Edition is a new version of the GMAT exam they recently introduced. It's designed to be shorter and more focused than the regular GMAT.
In this edition, you'll only have 3 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights. The exam lasts 2.25 hours; each section is timed for 45 minutes.
| Notifications | Important Dates |
| GMAT Focus Edition Release Date | 6 June 2023 |
| GMAT Focus Edition Registration | 29 August 2023 |
| GMAT Focus Edition Exam Dates | October 2023 onwards |
The GMAT exam is scored on 5 different sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal, and Total.
Each section has its own scoring range and unique scoring method to determine your final GMAT score.
The GMAT scores are valid for 5 years from the date you take the test.
You'll also receive a percentile score, which compares your performance to other candidates who took the GMAT.
For example, scoring in the 90th percentile in the Verbal section means you did better than 90 out of every 100 candidates who attempted the GMAT.
GMAT Scoring
If you're planning to give the GMAT exam, remember that the individual section scores are also important.
The GMAT exam is scored on 5 different sections, and each section has its own scoring range and method.
1. Analytical Writing Assessment:
- Score Range: 0–6 (in half-point increments)
- Scoring Method: Essays are scored using a machine algorithm and professional raters.
2. Integrated Reasoning:
- Score Range: 1–8 (in 1-point increments)
- Scoring Method: This section is scored based on the number of questions answered correctly. For questions with multiple parts, you must answer all parts correctly to receive credit.
3. Quantitative Reasoning:
- Score Range: 6–51 (in 1-point increments)
- Scoring Method: This section is scored based on:
- The number of questions answered
- The number of questions answered correctly
- The level of difficulty of the questions answered
4. Verbal Reasoning:
- Score Range: 6–51 (in 1-point increments)
- Scoring Method: This section is scored based on:
- The number of questions answered
- The number of questions answered correctly
- The level of difficulty of the questions answered
5. Total Score:
- Score Range: 200–800 (in 10-point increments)
- Scoring Method: The total score is a combination of the results from the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections.
Your total GMAT score is based on your performance in the Verbal and Quantitative sections. The scores you get in Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning don't affect your total GMAT score.
How to check the GMAT score?
Here are steps to view your GMAT score:
- Log in to your mba.com My Account.
- Locate GMAT Exams.
- Click the View Official Scores button.
- Enter your Date of Birth.
- Click the View Score Report button.
Your GMAT result will look like this; here’s a sample:
Average GMAT Score
As per GMAC, over 100,000 unique students took the GMAT test in 2023. This number summarises approximately 150,000 test attempts if we include the repeat attempts.
| Average GMAT Score | 574.51 |
| Average GMAT Verbal Score | 27.51 |
| Average GMAT Quant Score | 41.3 |
| Average GMAT AWA Score | 4.43 |
| Average GMAT IR Score | 4.65 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a good score on the GMAT?
A. A good GMAT score typically falls within the range of 700 to 740, and achieving a score of 740 or higher is considered excellent. To give you an idea, the average GMAT score for the top 30 business schools in the US in 2023 was around 711, with scores ranging from 665 to 733. Similarly, for the top business schools in Europe, the average score was approximately 676, with scores ranging from 638 to 709.
Q. Is scoring 750 in GMAT easy?
A. Scoring 750 or above on the GMAT is not an easy task. To achieve such a high score, you need to perform exceptionally well on both the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the test. This means getting almost all the medium-difficulty questions correct and even some of the hard questions. To reach this level of proficiency, it requires rigorous and consistent practice to ensure you have a very high accuracy rate during the actual test.
Q. What does a 750 GMAT score mean?
A. A GMAT score of 750 is an exceptional achievement and places you in the 98th percentile. This percentile score means that if you score 750 on the GMAT, you have performed better than approximately 98% of all GMAT test-takers. It demonstrates a high level of proficiency and places you among the top percentile of candidates taking the exam.
GMAT Focus Edition Scoring
The GMAT Focus Edition brings changes to how scores are calculated. Here's what you need to understand about the new scoring system:
Score Ranges:
The overall score range for the GMAT Focus Edition is 205 to 805, with scores ending in 5 (e.g., 205, 215, 225, etc.).
Additionally, the GMAT Focus Edition also assesses your performance in individual sections. The section-wise score range for each part, including Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, is from 60 to 90.
Score Intervals:
The total score interval for the GMAT Focus Edition is 10 points; meaning scores are separated by increments of 10.
For example, if one candidate scores 600 and another scores 610, the difference between them is 10 points.
Furthermore, the GMAT Focus Edition evaluates candidates' performance in each section with a finer granularity. The section-wise score interval for each part, including Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, is just 1 point.
Penalties for Incomplete Sections:
Completing the entire GMAT Focus Edition is crucial, as leaving questions unanswered will result in penalties.
Immediate Results:
Your unofficial Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights results and your Total Score will be displayed immediately after completing the test.
Score Overview:
Here's a summary of the scores for each section in the GMAT Focus Edition:
| Section | Score Range | Score Interval |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60-90 | 1 point |
| Verbal Reasoning | `60-90 | 1 point |
| Data Insights | 60-90 | 1 point |
| Total | 205-805 | 10 points |
GMAT Focus Edition Percentile:
You will receive your total score and section-wise scores, along with your GMAT percentile. For example, if your GMAT percentile is 80%, it means you scored better than 80% of other test takers.
Enhanced Score Report (ESR):
You will receive an Enhanced Score Report (ESR) detailing your performance in each section, including question type, skill, content domain, and time management (response time and review time).
Score Sending:
Within 48 hours of receiving your score, you can send your official GMAT score to up to 5 universities at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the score range for the GMAT Focus Edition?
A: The GMAT Focus Edition introduces a Total Score range from 205 to 805, and all Total Scores now end in a 5. This means that the highest possible Total Score you can achieve in the GMAT Focus Edition is 805.
Q: Is GMAT Focus Edition accepted?
A: Yes, any GMAT score, including those obtained from the GMAT Focus Edition, will be valid for 5 years from the test date. Business schools will continue to accept your old GMAT scores even after the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition. Your GMAT scores remain valid and relevant for the application process during this period.
Q: Is the GMAT Focus an adaptive exam?
A: Yes, the GMAT Focus Edition is an adaptive exam similar to the traditional GMAT exam. The adaptive format means that the difficulty level of the questions you receive during the exam will be based on your performance on previous questions. The GMAT Focus Edition uses this adaptive mechanism to assess your skills accurately and provide a customized testing experience.
Q: Is GMAT Focus Edition better than normal?
A: The GMAT Focus Edition offers several advantages that make it a more appealing option for business school candidates. With its shorter test duration, streamlined sections, and unified scoring system, it provides a more efficient testing experience. Additionally, the improved score sending and performance insights in the GMAT Focus Edition offer candidates valuable feedback and analysis to enhance their preparation. Overall, the GMAT Focus Edition presents a more flexible and user-friendly approach, making it a compelling choice for individuals planning to take the GMAT exam.
GMAT Score to Percentile for GMAT Exam
Below is a comparative table that shows how your scaled GMAT score corresponds to percentile rankings:
Score | Percentile | Score | Percentile |
| 760-800 | 99 | 520 | 37 |
| 750 | 98 | 510 | 35 |
| 740 | 97 | 500 | 32 |
| 730 | 96 | 490 | 30 |
| 720 | 94 | 480 | 27 |
| 710 | 92 | 470 | 25 |
| 700 | 89 | 460 | 22 |
| 690 | 87 | 450 | 20 |
| 680 | 85 | 440 | 18 |
| 670 | 83 | 430 | 17 |
| 660 | 80 | 420 | 15 |
| 650 | 77 | 410 | 14 |
| 640 | 73 | 400 | 12 |
| 630 | 71 | 390 | 11 |
| 620 | 68 | 380 | 10 |
| 610 | 65 | 370 | 9 |
| 600 | 62 | 360 | 8 |
| 590 | 58 | 340-350 | 6 |
| 580 | 55 | 330 | 5 |
| 570 | 52 | 310-320 | 4 |
| 560 | 49 | 280-300 | 3 |
| 550 | 46 | 250-270 | 2 |
| 540 | 43 | 220-240 | 1 |
| 530 | 39 | 200-210 | 0 |
Below is a comparative table that shows how your scaled GMAT section-wise score corresponds to percentile rankings:
GMAT Section | GMAT Percentile for Different GMAT Sections | Corresponding GMAT Score |
| Integrate Reasoning | 17% | 3 |
| 47% | 5 | |
| 79% | 7 | |
| 90% | 8 | |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 13% | 3.5 |
| 49% | 4.5 | |
| 56% | 5 | |
| 87% | 6 | |
| Verbal Reasoning | 24% | 21 |
| 49% | 28 | |
| 74% | 35 | |
| 99% | 45-51 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 25% | 37 |
| 50% | 45 | |
| 73% | 49 | |
| 97% | 51 | |
| Total Score | 24% | 510 |
| 50% | 600 | |
| 74% | 660 | |
| 99% | 760-800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the average GMAT score in 2023?
A. In 2023, the average GMAT score obtained by test-takers was 564.84 out of 800. Each section of the GMAT has its own score range. For the GMAT Verbal section, the score range is from 6 to 51. This section comprises 36 questions that assess your verbal reasoning abilities.
Q. What is the 98th percentile GMAT score?
A. The 98th percentile GMAT score means that if you score 750 on the GMAT, you have performed better than approximately 98% of all GMAT test-takers. The percentile associated with a GMAT score indicates the percentage of people you have outscored by achieving that particular score. Scoring 750 on the GMAT puts you in an elite group, surpassing the vast majority of test-takers.
Q. What score is the 25th percentile GMAT?
A. Looking at the GMAT score distribution, the 25th percentile GMAT score falls within a specific range. Approximately 1% of test-takers achieve scores above 760, making it an exceptional score. Around 13% of test-takers obtain scores above 700, which is considered a good score. The 25th percentile GMAT score lies between 660 and 700, indicating that approximately 25% of test-takers score within this range. This score range reflects a broad spectrum of performances and may be considered a competitive score for many business schools.
GMAT Score Availability
The great thing about the GMAT result is that you get to see your scores right after finishing the exam.
When you complete the test, you'll have the choice to accept or reject the non-official score. The official GMAT Exam Score will be accessible in your mba.com account within 7 days, though it might take up to 20 days in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are GMAT scores available immediately?
A. No, GMAT scores are not available immediately after completing the exam. The official score report will be available to candidates via their mba.com account within 7 business days. However, sometimes, processing the scores may take up to 20 business days. You will see individual section scores and the total score achieved when you receive your official score report.
Q. What is the average GMAT score for the first attempt?
A. The average GMAT score for the first attempt is 574.51. This score represents the overall performance of candidates on the GMAT exam. Additionally, first-time test-takers average GMAT Verbal score is 27.51, while the average GMAT Quantitative score is 41.3. These individual section scores provide insights into the candidates' abilities in specific areas of the GMAT.
Q. Can I cancel my GMAT score after 72 hours?
A. Yes, you can cancel your GMAT score within 72 hours after taking the exam, but only if you have accepted your score initially. To cancel your score, you can do so through mba.com. However, please note that cancelling your score may take up to 24 hours, depending on your test centre. Additionally, there is a $25 fee to cancel your score after leaving the test centre.
What is a good GMAT score?
Generally, a good GMAT score is above 650, which can help you meet the GMAT cut-off required by your desired MBA college. If the GMAT score you receive meets the requirements for the MBA or MIM program you want to apply to, it's considered a good GMAT score.
Important Tips to Increase GMAT Score
As a test-taker, understanding the format, content, and strategies to excel in the GMAT is essential to achieve a competitive score and enhance your chances of securing admission to your desired business school.
Here are some tips to get a good GMAT score:
- Start Early and Plan: Begin your GMAT preparation well in advance to give yourself enough time to cover all the content and practice effectively. Create a study schedule that suits your routine and allows for consistent practice.
- Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the GMAT exam format, question types, and time limits. Knowing the structure of the test will help you manage your time better during the actual exam.
- Use Official GMAT Materials: Utilize official GMAT preparation materials, including practice exams, question banks, and study guides. The official materials are the most accurate representation of the actual exam.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your GMAT skills. Work on a variety of practice questions to build your understanding and speed.
- Identify Weaknesses: Regularly assess your strengths and weaknesses in different GMAT sections. Focus on improving your weaker areas to balance your overall performance.
- Take Practice Tests: Simulate test-day conditions by taking full-length practice tests. This will help you get comfortable with the exam environment and build endurance for the real test.
- Review Mistakes: After each practice test or practice session, thoroughly review your mistakes. Understand where you went wrong and learn from them to avoid repeating the same errors.
- Use Effective Study Strategies: Adopt effective study techniques, such as active learning, spaced repetition, and mnemonic devices, to retain information better.
- Manage Test Anxiety: Develop relaxation techniques to manage test anxiety. Staying calm and composed during the exam will positively impact your performance.
- Focus on Official Exam Scoring Sections: While all sections are essential, prioritize the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections, as they contribute to your total GMAT score.
- Read Actively: Improve your reading comprehension skills by practising active reading techniques. Focus on understanding the main ideas and key details in passages.
- Practice Time Management: Time management is critical for GMAT. Regularly practice answering questions within the allocated time to avoid running out of time during the actual exam.
- Seek Guidance if Needed: If you find certain concepts challenging or need additional help, consider seeking guidance from tutors or GMAT prep courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is a 680 GMAT score bad?
A. No, a GMAT score of 680 is not bad at all. In fact, it is considered to be above average. Scores in the range of 680 to 720 are generally regarded as well above average, with the average GMAT score being around 550. Achieving a score of 680 demonstrates a solid performance on the GMAT exam and can be a competitive score for many business schools.
Q. Is a 750 GMATscore impressive?
A. Yes, a GMAT score of 750 is impressive. Scoring 750 or above on the GMAT is an outstanding achievement and places you in an elite test-taker category. Generally, a good GMAT score is between 700 and 740, and a score of 740+ is considered excellent. The average GMAT score for the top 30 business schools in the US in 2023 was around 711, with scores ranging from 665 to 733. Similarly, for the top business schools in Europe, the average score was approximately 676, with scores ranging between 638 to 709. Scoring 750 on the GMAT indicates a high level of proficiency and significantly enhances your chances of gaining admission to top-ranked business schools.
Q. Is 720 GMAT enough for Harvard?
A. A GMAT score of 720 is a competitive score for Harvard Business School, but it's essential to remember that admission to top business schools like Harvard is based on a holistic evaluation of your application. While a GMAT score between 750 and 800 is generally seen as highly competitive for Harvard, other factors also play a crucial role in the admission process. These factors include your work experience, academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and overall fit with the school's values and culture. If you have a GMAT score between 750 and 800 and possess sufficient work experience, you can consider yourself on the right track for gaining admission to Harvard Business School.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is GMAT tougher than CAT?
Yes, the overall difficulty level of the CAT (Common Admission Test) is generally considered to be higher than the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). The CAT's syllabus pattern is not well defined, and it covers a wide range of topics, making it more challenging to prepare for. On the other hand, the GMAT has a more structured syllabus, and with dedicated preparation, it is possible to score 700+ in just a few days. CAT requires more extensive preparation time due to its broader and less-defined syllabus.
Q. What is a good score on GMAT?
A good GMAT score is typically between 700 and 740, and a score of 740 or above is considered excellent. The average GMAT score for the top 30 business schools in the US in 2022 was around 711, with scores ranging from 665 to 733. Similarly, for the top business schools in Europe, the average score was approximately 676, with scores ranging between 638 to 709. Scoring within the 700-740 range increases your chances of gaining admission to reputable business schools.
Q. What GMAT score is needed for top MBA colleges?
Top MBA programs often have average GMAT scores above the national average of 658. To score over 700 on the GMAT, you need to be in the top 13% of test-takers. Achieving a score of 750 places you in the top 2%, indicating that you have outperformed 98% of test-takers. Top MBA colleges generally prefer these higher scores, and can enhance your chances of getting admitted to prestigious programs.
Q. Is a good GMAT score enough for MBA?
Having a good GMAT score is an essential component of your MBA application. A GMAT score of more than 650 is considered good, while a score of 700 or higher is deemed excellent. However, it's important to remember that the GMAT score is just one aspect of your application. Top B-Schools also look for other factors, such as strong academic records, relevant work experience, extracurricular involvement, and well-crafted essays and recommendations. A comprehensive and well-rounded application will increase your chances of admission to top B-Schools.
Q. Can I prepare for GMAT in 3 months?
Yes, it is possible to prepare for the GMAT in 3 months. A 3-month study plan is beneficial for aspirants who are already familiar with the basic concepts and want to strengthen their skills in intermediate and advanced concepts. With rigorous practice and a well-structured study plan, candidates can make significant progress in their GMAT preparation within this timeframe.
Q. Is there a negative marking in GMAT?
No, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) exam has no negative marking. Unlike some other standardized tests, where incorrect answers may deduct points from your score, the GMAT follows a different approach. You can relax knowing that for every question you answer incorrectly, any points won't be taken away from your overall score.
Q. Is getting 650 in GMAT easy?
Achieving a GMAT score of 650 is not considered easy, as it places you in the 77th percentile. To score 650 or above, you need to tackle challenging questions during the exam, which requires a strong grasp of concepts and significant practice.
Q. Can an average student crack GMAT?
Absolutely, even if you consider yourself an average student, you can definitely do well on the GMAT and score 700 or more. It's all about preparing in the right way.
First, figure out what you're good at and where you need to improve. Take some practice tests to see where you stand. Then, make a plan to study regularly and stick to it. Small steps each day can lead to big improvements over time.
Q. How many attempts are there in GMAT?
You can take the GMAT up to 5 times yearly (12 months). But here's the thing: after each time you take the test, you need to wait at least 16 days before trying again. This gives you a little time to regroup and prepare even better.
Now, for your whole life, you've got a total of 8 attempts. So, let's say you've already taken the GMAT five times, and you're thinking of trying again later. You still have three more chances left throughout your lifetime.
Q. Which is easier: GRE or GMAT?
The difficulty level of the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is often considered slightly lower than the GMAT. The GRE's quantitative section is more straightforward, and a calculator is allowed. The GMAT, on the other hand, includes more logical reasoning questions. Additionally, the GRE verbal section tends to feature more challenging vocabulary compared to the GMAT.
Q. How much is the GMAT exam fee in India?
The GMAT exam fee in India is US $275 (approximately INR 22,800) for the test centre-based exam and US $300 (approximately INR 24,600) for the online GMAT exam. The GMAT exam is taken by candidates seeking admission to graduate management programs, such as MBA and Masters in Finance, at top business schools worldwide.
Q. How hard is it to get 650 on GMAT?
Achieving a score of 650 on the GMAT corresponds to the 77th percentile. Scoring 650 or above can be challenging, as it requires dealing with tough questions during the exam. These questions often test your ability to apply your knowledge, which necessitates significant practice and preparation.