Janice Lozano
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardised exam used for admission to MBA and other postgraduate business-level courses in the US, UK, Italy, Australia, Canada, and India. It is a challenging exam, with only 6% of test-takers passing out of 200,000 students. The GMAT is available at test centres worldwide and can also be taken online. The exam fee is USD 250 at a test centre and USD 275-300 online. International students can register for the GMAT online and prepare for the exam with the help of study guides and advisors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exam type | Standardised graduate exam |
| Exam centres | 100+ countries, including India |
| Registration | Online through Mba.com |
| Registration fee | $250 |
| Number of attempts | Up to 5 times a year |
| Validity of scores | 5 years |
| Preparation time | 6-8 months or 3-4 months |
| Study resources | GMAT official study material, Manhattan Prep guides |
| Cost in India | USD 275 (at a test centre) |
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What You'll Learn
GMAT registration and fees
To register for the GMAT exam, you must first create an mba.com account and provide some basic information, including biometric data. Once you have an account, you can complete your GMAT profile, select your preferred GMAT test date and time, and complete your registration payment. You can pay the registration fee using a debit or credit card. Alternatively, you can contact GMAT customer service to register over the phone, but this will incur a $10 fee.
The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) in over 100 countries, with numerous exam centres. Applicants can register for the GMAT year-round and take the exam at their convenience, based on the availability of test centres. It is recommended that you register for the exam two to three months before your preferred testing date, as this will give you time to prepare.
The cost of the GMAT differs based on location, as well as whether you choose to take the exam online or at a testing centre. In the United States, the online exam costs $300, while the testing centre version costs $275. This price includes sending your score reports to up to five MBA programs. There is an additional service fee if you want an enhanced score report. In India, taking the GMAT at a test centre costs $275 plus taxes, while the online version costs $300.
It is important to note that the GMAT can only be taken up to five times in a single year, even if your scores are canceled. If you need to reschedule or cancel your GMAT exam, the fees will vary depending on how much notice you give. For example, if you are taking the exam at a testing centre in the US, it costs $55 to reschedule more than 60 days in advance, $110 to reschedule between 15 and 60 days in advance, and $165 to reschedule less than 14 days in advance. If you cancel your exam more than 60 days in advance, you will receive an $110 refund, while cancelling between 15 and 60 days in advance will result in an $80 refund. No refunds are given if you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment. Different countries may also have different policies regarding refunds and cancellations.
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GMAT exam preparation
The GMAT is a standardised exam used for admission to MBA and other postgraduate business-level courses in countries like the US, UK, Italy, Australia and Canada. The GMAT exam is designed to assess your problem-solving, critical thinking and data analysis skills. It is a challenging exam, with only 6% of test-takers passing. However, with the right strategies and preparation, you can increase your chances of success.
Understand the Exam Format and Structure:
Before you begin your preparation, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the GMAT exam format and structure. The exam consists of three sections, each with its own question types and format. Understanding the structure will help you prepare more effectively and boost your confidence. Official resources, such as the GMAT Official Starter Kit, provide valuable information on the exam format and sample questions.
Create a Study Plan:
Develop a structured study plan that works best for you. Dedicate specific days to focus on different subjects, allowing you to improve on areas you feel less confident about while covering a range of topics. Set aside time for practice tests, preferably after your review sessions, to reinforce the material and identify areas that need further practice. Consider using resources like the 6-Week GMAT Exam Official Study Planner to help you stay organised and track your progress.
Utilise Official Practice Exams and Questions:
Take advantage of official practice exams and questions provided by the exam administrators. These practice materials use the same algorithm, scoring, and timing as the actual GMAT exam, giving you the most accurate preparation experience. Official practice resources include detailed answer explanations, allowing you to understand your strengths and weaknesses and improve your performance.
Seek Additional Support:
If you feel you need more guidance, consider reaching out to advisors or tutors who specialise in GMAT preparation. They can provide valuable insights, study tips, and assistance throughout your preparation journey. Additionally, consider joining online courses or in-person classes if you feel you would benefit from a more structured learning environment.
Understand the Registration Process:
The GMAT exam can be taken online or at a testing centre in your local area. Registration can be done through the official website, mba.com, operated by the Graduate Management Admission Council. The registration fee is $250, and it is recommended to register two to three months before your preferred test date to allow adequate preparation time.
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GMAT exam format
International students can take the GMAT exam at a test centre in their local area, or online. The GMAT is a standardised graduate exam, the score of which is used for obtaining admission to MBA and other postgraduate business-level courses. It is the most widely used assessment designed specifically for graduate business education. The exam is trusted by over 7,700 programmes and 2,400 business schools worldwide.
The GMAT exam is 135 minutes long, consisting of three separate 45-minute sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The exam is a computer-adaptive test, which adapts to your performance as you take it. When you begin each category, the computer assumes you have an average score and gives you a question of medium difficulty. As you answer correctly, it will generate more difficult questions. Conversely, if you answer incorrectly, it will serve up easier questions. The algorithm calculates your score as you go, based on what you got right or wrong, and the difficulty level of the question.
The Verbal section tests your command of standard written English, your skill in analysing arguments, and your ability to read critically. The Data Insights section includes four subsections that measure your ability to evaluate information presented from multiple sources in different formats. This section is the most unique part of the exam, with five different formats of questions. You will be tasked with analysing data from multiple formats and sources, such as graphs, tables, and text passages.
The exam can be taken up to five times in a single year, with recorded scores valid for five years. The online version can be retaken once. The exam costs $250 each time it is taken, with different fees for taking the exam at a test centre or online.
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GMAT results and validity
The GMAT is a standardised exam, the scores of which are used for obtaining admissions to business schools abroad, in India and other institutions worldwide. The exam is designed specifically for graduate business education and is trusted by over 2,400 business schools globally.
GMAT scores are valid for five years. GMAC, the organisation that conducts the GMAT, considers scores valid for five years after the exam date. For example, if you took the GMAT on 1 May 2023, your score would be valid until 1 May 2028. During the five-year validity window, your GMAT score will appear in your score history on your mba.com account.
It's important to note that business schools may calculate GMAT score validity differently. Therefore, it's recommended to check the individual policies of the schools you plan to apply to before submitting your scores. For instance, let's consider applying to Harvard Business School (HBS) and Stanford for the class of 2026. To apply for HBS in Round 1, a GMAT test date on or after September 6, 2018, is required. Meanwhile, for Stanford's Round 1, the GMAT test date must be on or after September 12, 2018.
While MBA admissions committees generally do not view newer GMAT scores more favourably, it's still essential to be mindful of the specific application deadlines and validity requirements of your desired schools.
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GMAT alternatives
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardised exam used for obtaining admissions to business schools. It is trusted by over 7,700 programs and 2,400 business schools worldwide and is the most widely used assessment designed for graduate business education. The GMAT is a tough exam, with only 6% of the 200,000 students who take it qualifying. It requires rigorous preparation and consistent effort over several months to obtain a good score.
However, the GMAT is not the only admissions test for business schools. An increasing number of business schools are accepting the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in lieu of the GMAT. The GRE consists of an Analytical Writing section, a Verbal Reasoning section, two Quantitative Reasoning sections, and an experimental section that covers math or verbal reasoning. GRE scores are valid for five years, the same as GMAT scores.
Some business schools have also developed their own tests instead of using the GMAT. For example, the EMBA admission test at INSEAD (France) consists of data analysis, data interpretation, communication analysis, critical thinking, and case presentation. The University of Birmingham (UK) has also waived the GMAT requirement for its MBA programme, instead requiring applicants to have at least five years of professional experience with evidence of management.
Another alternative to the GMAT is the Executive Assessment (EA), which was introduced in 2016. The EA is a shorter and easier test than the GMAT, featuring the same kinds of quantitative and verbal questions. Columbia University and New York University have both accepted the EA instead of the GMAT or GRE for their MBA programs.
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Frequently asked questions
The GMAT is a standardised exam used for admissions to MBA and other postgraduate business-level courses. It is specifically designed for graduate business education and is used by business schools to assess candidates.
International students can register online through the official testing website, mba.com. Registration requires creating an appointment through the website's scheduling system, and the exam can be taken online or at a local testing centre.
The cost of the GMAT exam varies depending on the location and method of taking the test. In most parts of the world, the cost is between USD 250 and USD 275 at an authorised test centre, and between USD 275 and USD 300 to take it remotely. In China, the fee is USD 231, and in India, it is USD 270.
Preparing for the GMAT exam can be a lengthy process, with some students requiring 6 to 8 months of preparation. It is recommended to start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus before purchasing any study material. Official study material is available on the GMAT website, and additional resources such as Manhattan Prep guides can also be useful. Practice tests and creating a study plan are also important tools for preparing for the GMAT.
