GMAT Exam 2024: Dates & Centres, Registration, Preparation, Result, Score

GMAT is a standardized exam, score of which are used for obtaining admissions to B-schools abroad and in India as well. Most of the US, UK, Italian, Australian and Canadian universities accept GMAT scores for admissions to MBA programs. Students who are pplying for MBA or MS in Management related courses may have to submit GMAT scores. GMAT is now GMAT Focus Edition, thus, those who are applying for the first time can submit GMAT Focus scores, while those who have previously taken GMAT can submit the scores if they still are valid. 

GMAT exam is actually very tough, as only a handful number of students crack the exam. Out of 200,000 students, only 6% of the students qualified the exam. SIne the competition is very high, these tests are a hard nut to crack. Students preparing for GMAT exam will have to prepare rigorously and solve question papers in order to crack the exam. GMAT is hard to crack but not impossible. With the right strategies, students can aim to crack the exam. 

Check out: Is GMAT exam tough?

There are two modes of GMAT exam, which are as follows:

• GMAT Exam Online: This mode of GMAT exam is for those who have limited access to a GMAT exam centre. Or if the exam centre is far off. In this case, applicants can take the GMAT exam online either at home or at any location of their convenience. 
• GMAT Exam at Test Centre: For those who want to give the GMAT exam traditionally, can go for the GMAT exam at an exam centre. 

The content, duration and pattern of both these above-mentioned GMAT exam modes are similar. Both modes test the same syllabus also, the only difference is the GMAT exam fee. The GMAT online exam is more expensive than appearing for the GMAT exam at the exam centre, which is USD 300 and USD 275 respectively. Thus, applicants can choose their preferred mode of appearing for the GMAT exam, based on their convenience and choice. 

GMAT Focus Edition syllabus includes three sections each of the same time limit. Check out the sections on the new GMAT along with the number of questions and topics tested on the exam:

• Quantitative Reasoning (21 Questions in 45 Minutes) = Algebra + Arithmetic
• Verbal Reasoning (23 Questions in 45 Minutes) = Reading Comprehension + Critical Reasoning
• Data Insights (20 Questions in 45 Minutes) = Data Sufficiency + Multi-source Reasoning + Table Analysis + Graphics Interpretation + Two-part Analysis

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Sentence Correction (SC) do not form a part of the GMAT Focus Edition.

The full form for GMAT is Graduate Management Aptitude Test. The GMAT exam is now referred to as GMAT Focus Edition. The GMAT full form is the same, but the name has changed from GMAT exam to GMAT Focus Edition. The GMAT Focus is being conducted by GMAC in full swing from January 31, 2024 onwards. The GMAT Focus is slightly shorter in duration in comparison to the previous one. 

GMAT exam is conducted all around the year for students in India or abroad. Students can apply to any of the chosen GMAT exam dates and register according to their score submissions. GMAT exam is though condusted all around the year, in all the months and all days of the week, there may be date exceptions in some GMAT exam centres. Students may not always find GMAT exam dates suitable based on their choice as centres fill up quickly. Thus, students can check out the GMAT exam dates beforehand and prepare themselves for applications. 

Both GMAT and CAT entrance exams for MBA admissions. While CAT is required for Indian B-schools, GMAT is required for both Indian and international B-schools. GMAT is tougher than CAT because:

• GMAT records more applicants since it is accepted globally, which means there is a higher competition among applicants, in comparison to CAT.
• GMAT tests applicants holistically across its three broad sections - Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. 
• Also, GMAT is tougher than CAT because, questions on GMAT have stronger emphasis on global business school entrance exams and their specific requirements. CAT only focuses on Indian business specific requirements.

Check: GMAT vs CAT: Key Differences

650 - 690 is a good score, however, if you score above 700 then it is great and it also enhances your chances of securing admission to a top B-school. However, a good GMAT score is not the only criterion for securing admission to a top MBA college. Students need to build a holistic profile that should have a decent balance of work experience, academic excellence, extracurricular activities, etc. Nonetheless, a good GMAT score will definitely help you in improving your candidature. Make sure to cover every aspect of the GMAT syllabus with the correct resources.

GMAT scores are valid for a period of five years from the date of result announcement. The old GMAT version or the GMAT Xth Edition scores are also valid for a period of five years. Thus, applicants can use these scores anywhere before five years of the GMAT score declaration. Once five years have passed, the applicants will have to appear for the exam again and wait for the new scores. 

The GMAT exam tests applicants - logical, analytical and quantitative reasoning skills. To bifurcate section-wise, the skills tested o all the three sections of GMAT includes:

1. Quantitative Reasoning Section on GMAT: Logical, analytical and mathematical skills
2. GMAT's Verbal Reasoning Section: Critical reasoning and argument formation skills
3. Data Insights Section on GMAT: Analytical and data interpretational skills

As such there is no particular preference for choosing the best month to appear for GMAT exam. It is up to the applicants to choose a relevant GMAT exam date based on their admission intakes abroad and regster accordingly. Those who wish to submit GMAT scores for Fall intake should register for July-August months. While those applying for Spring intakes can appear for the exam in September-December months. It is completely up to the students because they need time to prepare and select an apt GMAT exam date. 

Irrespective of the educational background, completion of high school or not, applicants are eligible to appear for the GMAT exam. However, those applicants will be eligible for GMAT, those who:

• Are 18 years or above
• Or, those who are 13 - 17 years old, can appear for GMAT after parent/guardian's consent at a test centre.
• Have not exceeded five attempts in a year or exhausted eight overall attempts.
• Also had scored 805 on GMAT and have completed five years of taking the exam.

If these criteria are fulfilled, applicants are eligible to take the GMAT exam. 

GMAT is not only for MBA admissions, but also for other master's courses offered in business and related fields. Courses for which GMAT is also accepted apart from MBA are as follows:

• MS in Business Analytics
• Masters in Accounting
• MSc in Marketing
• Master of Finance
• Masters in International Business

These are some of the courses for which GMAT exam scores are accepted. The requirements may vary country-wise and course wise for international applicants. 

GMAT exam should be taken by those, Twho are planning to take admission to a business course offered at the master's level. The GMAT scores are accepted across almost all B-schools abroad (either mandatorily or optionally ( and is considered as an adept assessor of the applicant's logical and business aptitude for studying business courses. Thus, international students aiming for B-schools or Management courses at the graduate level can consider giving the GMAT exam. 

It is the most widely accepted exam for MBA admissions worldwide. No other exam has as wide acceptability as GMAT, as per the GMAC, globally 9 out of 10 MBA enrollments are made through GMAT Score. Further, 2,400+ schools accept GMAT Scores for giving admission. Also, there are 650 testing centres in 115+ countries that administer the GMAT Exam. Other benefits of taking the GMAT entrance exam include its validity for 5 years. In case a student scores well and wants to gain so work experience, he/she can utilize that GMAT score for 5 years.

Let us understand the difference between the GMAT test centre and online in the table below:

This is how the two modes of GMAT exams differ from one another. Rest other aspects remain the same.

What is common between the GMAT at the test centre and online is the:

• GMAT exam eligibility, syllabus, structure, preparation and registration are the same for both these modes of GMAT exams.
• The costs for rescheduling or cancelling the GMAT are also the same for both modes of the exam.
• GMAT scores, GMAT score reports and up to 5 free score reports are also the same. 
• Plus, the unoffical GMAT scores also reflect on the screen temporarily for both test centre and online test takers of GMAT. 

Based on the following parameters applicants can understand which is a better option for them when registering for GMAT exam:

Thus, based on personal choices, applicants can choose which is the better option for them, and consequently register for the exam. 

Yes, GMAT Focus Edition is the new and the latest version of the exam is being conducted across since January 31, 2024. The universities abroad are accepting both GMAT exam and GMAT Focus Edition. The reason being, some applicants have appeared for the previous version of the GMAT by January 31, 2024. So for now both versions are being accepted. But applicants should note, that the previous GMAT exam has been scrapped and GMAC is only conducting GMAT Focus Edition. So applicants from now onwards should prepare for the GMAT Focus Edition exam. 

GMAT Focus Edition is shorter, has lesser sections (with the removal of AWA and SC), and has a newly introduced section called Data Insights (DI). The newly introduced section (DI) is loosely based on the Integrated Reasoning (IR) section of the current version of the GMAT exam 2023. Here are a few points that will provide an overview of the GMAT Focus Edition:

• The GMAT Focus Edition will be for 2 hours and 15 minutes as opposed to the current GMAT version which lasts for 3 hours and 7 minutes.
• A new section called Data Insights (DI) has been introduced. Performance in the Data Insights (DI), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR) will be a part of the final GMAT Score.
• QR will have 21 questions (45 minutes), VR will have 23 questions (45 minutes), and DI will have 20 questions (45 minutes). There will be an optional break of 10 minutes.
• GMAT Focus Edition syllabus too has changed with the removal of Sentence Correction and the introduction of the Data Insights section.

In terms of academic requirements for taking the GMAT, we find that GMAC, the organisation responsible for administering the test, has not formally established any standards. As a result, candidates are not required to have a specific educational background or degree to take the GMAT. However, the bulk of GMAT exam takers are working professionals or undergraduate students in their last year who want to continue in a management school. Candidates who do not fit under this category are nonetheless permitted to take the exam. 

There is no maximum age limit to appear for the GMAT exam  as anybody 18 years and above can appear for the GMAT. However, there is definitely a lower ceiling. In the case of students who are between 13 years and 17 years of age, they are required to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their parents or legal guardians to appear for the GMAT exam 2023. Students, who are more than 18 years of age, need not provide any such NOC and can directly register and appear for the GMAT 2023 exam. However, it is advised that the candidates check the eligibility requirements of the MBA Colleges before applying since the GMAT eligibility criteria can be significantly different for the MBA admissions criteria.

For Indian students, yes, GMAT is costly. The GMAT's online testing at home costs around USD 300 + taxes on the other hand, GMAT taken at test centre costs around USD 275 + taxes. Thus, Indian students taking the test at home have to pay USD 25 more in comparison to the GMAT testing at a centre. Overall also, GMAT is costly for Indian applicants. 

If you reschedule the GMAT exam that was scheduled at a GMAT test centre 1 to 14 days before the test date, you have to pay USD 165 for the test centre GMAT exam and USD 180 for the online GMAT exam. The table given below provides the details of the GMAT Focus rescheduling fee for the test centre GMAT exam and the online GMAT exam:

The table given below provides the GMAT Focus exam cancellation fee for the test centre GMAT exam 2024 and the online GMAT exam:

Candidates should book the GMAT slot at least 3 to 5 months prior to the admission deadlines for their desired university. Moreover, it is better to book the GMAT slot at least 3-6 months prior to your desired test date. As you will get plenty of time to prepare for the exam. Consider the following points before GMAT slot booking:

• Let us say that your University application deadline is 1st November.
• Now consider 6 months’ time prior to 1st November, i.e. 1st May. Hence, from 1st May onwards you need to consider GMAT preparation + GMAT slot booking + application document preparation.
• If you have time, then you can prepare for the GMAT beforehand only so that you have sufficient time to prepare your admission documents and choose a GMAT slot of your choice.

Make sure that you research all the factors such as the time required for GMAT exam preparation, document preparation, university deadlines, etc. It is crucial for students to take into account every aspect of their study-abroad application to avoid any last minute hassles.

The GMAT online exam is available on a rolling basis. Moreover, the GMAT online exam is available around the clock. The GMAT online exam can be scheduled up to 6 months in advance and up to 24 hours before an available GMAT slot. Online GMAT exam fees is $300, which is nearly Rs, 24,600 (as per the current exchange rate). Candidates can give the online GMAT exam in order to seek admission to a graduate B-school. The pattern of the online GMAT exam is similar to the one of the test centre GMAT exam.

GMAT exam is conducted all around the year for students in India or abroad. Students can apply to any of the chosen GMAT exam dates and register according to their score submissions. GMAT exam is though condusted all around the year, in all the months and all days of the week, there may be date exceptions in some GMAT exam centres. Students may not always find GMAT exam dates suitable based on their choice as centres fill up quickly. Thus, students can check out the GMAT exam dates beforehand and prepare themselves for applications. 

There are multiple dates available for GMAT Focus for all months in the year. The GMAT exam dates may vary in some cases, some months may not offer all dates for appearing for the GMAT Focus Edition. Thus, students must ensure that they check the dates and doubly cross check with the official website also. Once they make up their minds, they can apply for the GMAT Focus exam in 2024. 

Applicants who wish to attempt GMAT once more, can go for it. However, applicants must remeber that GMAT if taken online or at a test center, cannot exceed attempts in a year. Plus, in a lifetime, only eight attempts are allowed per applicant. This is applicable across all versions and editions of the GMAT exam. 

So if the applicants have taken three attempts on GMAT Xth edition can go for five more attempts on GMAT XIth edition (or the latest GMAT Focus Edition).  Get more details at GMAT Retake Strategy Steps

No, booking a slot for GMAT is not difficult, rather the options are available easily based on the test centre options chosen by the applicant during registration. Applicants can just follow the instructions while registering for GMAT exam and it'll be easier for applicants to book their slots to appear for the GMAT exam based on the chosen dates and centre. 

Only slot can be booked per GMAT date and registration. Creating multiple login IDs and booking multiple GMAT slots can lead to disqualification of the applicant for appearing for any GMAT exam in the future. 

GMAT Exam Dates are released by the GMAC well in advance. Applicants can check and choose their dates and consequently choose their slots. Candidates can book the GMAT slot up to 6 months in advance.

Also, applicants can register for the GMAT exam once a year and in that registration, they can appear for the GMAT exam for maximum 5 times a year, on different dates only.

Candidates need to schedule their appointment as per the GMAT exam dates available on the official website. In order to check the availability of GMAT test centres and GMAT exam dates, students must create an account on the official website. After they have created their account, they can check the GMAT test centres and the available GMAT exam dates. In the case of the online GMAT exam, GMAT appointments are available around the clock. Students can book their GMAT slots up to 6 months in advance for the test centre GMAT exam and the online GMAT exam at home. Candidates need to gather information related to the application deadline before scheduling their exams. Build your timeline using the information you gathered. Then schedule and pay for the exam.

The GMAT exam is conducted all-round the year by the GMAC, however, there might be some exceptions on public holidays. You can check the available test dates and book the slot at least 6 months in advance (for the test centre GMAT and the online GMAT exam, both). GMAT exam at a test centre is available up to 7 days week and the online GMAT exam at home is available round the clock. In addition, one cannot take the GMAT more than 5 times in a year (12 month period) and 8 times in a lifetime.

GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, it adapts to the performance of the candidate while he is giving the test. The difficulty level of the questions changes based on whether the candidate is answering the questions right or wrong. If the candidate is answering the questions right, the level of the questions will rise, similarly, if the candidate is answering the questions wrong, the candidate will start getting easy questions. Also, as the next question is generated based on the performance in the current question, the candidate cannot visit the previous question. The candidate needs to answer a question about whether he is able to solve it or not in order to move ahead in the exam. If you get an easy question while taking the GMAT exam, you need not panic whether the previous question was correct or incorrect. Instead of wasting your time, you must focus only on solving the current question.

The GMAT exam format is developed to test applicant's business aptitude. The exam is divided into three sections, which are tested over 2 hours and 15 minutes along with an optional 10-minute break. Overall, there are 64 questions, each section has a different set of questions, but all are timed equally. More details on GMAT exam format are given below: 

• Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions, 45 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, 45 minutes
• Data Insights: 20 questions, 45 minutes.

The table given below provides a comparison between the current version of the GMAT exam and the GMAT Focus Edition:

Check out: GMAT Focus Edition vs GMAT: Key Differences

To cover the GMAT 2023 syllabus in 3 months, you can follow a structured study plan and make efficient use of your time. Here's a suggested approach:

• Understand the GMAT syllabus: Learn the topics covered by the GMAT's syllabus, including Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. You can prioritise your study topics with this assistance.
• Create a study schedule: Divide your 3-month study period into weekly and daily goals. Allocate specific time slots for each section of the GMAT syllabus. Ensure that your schedule is realistic and allows for regular practice and revision.
• Gather study materials: Gather pertinent study materials that span the whole GMAT course, both online and off. Textbooks, question banks, GMAT prep books, and online materials may all be included in this.
• Focus on weak areas: Identify your weak areas and allocate more time to study and practice those topics.
• Practice regularly: Set aside dedicated time for GMAT practice questions and mock tests.
• Seek guidance and support: Consider enrolling in a GMAT prep course or working with a tutor who can guide you through the syllabus and provide feedback on your progress.
• Review and revise: Regularly review the topics you have covered and revise key concepts. Make use of flashcards, summaries, and mnemonic techniques to reinforce your learning.
• Take mock exams: As you approach the end of your 3-month study period, take full-length mock exams to simulate the actual GMAT test conditions. Analyze your performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Keep in mind that perseverance and commitment are essential for success. Stick to your study schedule, stay inspired, and keep a good outlook throughout the GMAT prep process. Good fortune!

While some people may not agree but GMAT examination can be qualified without coaching. Applicants just need to be confident, sincere and hardworking enough. GMAT syllabus can be prepared without coaching by:

• Identifying resources on the Internet, and start by shortlisting YouTube videos, best suited for GMAT prep.
• Choose the right books for the preparation of this examination, some of the books which are helpful are:
  • GMAT quantitative exam review official guide in prep,
  • GMAT advance quant. the official guide for GMAT verbal review. 
  • GMAT Official Practice Exams
• Time management is one of the most important part to be careful of while preparing for this examination. 
• Solve as many questions as possible. 
• Give multiple GMAT mock tests and track how much time they take while solving each question. 

After following all these tips it is not impossible to crack this examination by preparing at home and without coaching. 

GMAT exam pattern 2024 and the GMAT syllabus for the current version of the GMAT Focus Edition exam can be understood from the table given below:

Moreover, this is the latest GMAT Focus Edition syllabus that is being followed across.

As the name suggests, GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus is the new version of the GMAT entrance examination as effective from the year 2023. Let's discuss the syllabus in detail: 

The examination is divided into three sections each - 

• Twenty Three Questions of verbal reasoning which includes multiple choice questions based on reading and critical verbal analysis. 

• Twenty one questions of quantitative reasoning to test the problem solving skills of the candidates based on algebra and arithmetic problems.

• Twenty Questions of data insights including graph analysis, data sufficiently and graph interpretation skills of the candidate. 

The total time duration for this examination is 135 minutes. 

Candidates need to follow the new syllabus itself for the GMAT Examination. To know more about the examination, refer to the official website.

GMAT scores can be sent in two ways to B-schools. In the case of the test centre GMAT exam, students can select up to 5 programmes to which they wish to apply without any additional cost. After this, every additional GMAT score report is chargeable at $35 each. In the case of an online GMAT exam, a candidate can send his/her scores to 5 B-Schools within 48 hours of receiving the official GMAT score. If he/she wants to send his/her GMAT scores to more B-Schools or programmes, every additional GMAT Score report shall be chargeable at $35 each. It is important for the candidates to select the right courses/programmes beforehand. In order to do this, it is advised that research different programmes, their GMAT cut offs, career outcomes, etc.

Your unofficial GMAT score report will be available immediately after you finish your GMAT exam. It will contain Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Integrated Reasoning scores along with the total GMAT score. Your official GMAT score report will be available in your GMAT account within 3-5 business days of your GMAT test date. The official GMAT score report will contain your total score, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights scores.

The GMAT score includes a percentile that compares your performance with other test-takers. If you score in the 80th percentile, then you performed better than 80 percent of the aspirants and 20 percent candidates have performed better than you have on the GMAT exam. Scoring high percentile means you performed better than most of the candidates who appeared for the exam. Similarly, scoring low percentile signifies that you scored lower than most of the candidates. As per the January 2019 to December 2021 data, the mean GMAT score stands at 574.51 with nearly 34% percentile ranking. Moreover, it is noted that two-thirds of the candidates, who appear for the GMAT exam, score between 400 and 800. A GMAT exam score of 800 corresponds to 99% percentile ranking, a GMAT score of 750 corresponds to 98% percentile ranking, and a GMAT exam score of 700 corresponds to 87% percentile ranking.

Candidates will receive their unofficial GMAT score report immediately after the completion of their GMAT exam. The unofficial GMAT score report will contain the scores of the Verbal Reasoning section, Quantitative Reasoning section, and Integrated Reasoning section. It will not contain an AWA score. Candidates will receive their official GMAT score within 7-20 business days. The official GMAT score report will include the AWA scores as well. Once the official GMAT score report is available, a candidate will be notified via email. In case, if a candidate has taken the GMAT exam more than once in the past 5 years, the official score report will include all the GMAT exams.

Applicants who are looking for best coaching classes for GMAT preparation in Delhi can go for:

• Jamboree
• T.I.M.E.
• Career Launcher
• IMS

There are ample options for applicants looking for GMAT coaching classes. Applicants can check out the full list of centres and select the best coaching center for GMAT prep. 

We have curated a list of GMAT coaching centres for applicants planning to take coaching in different parts of the country, and they are as follows:

• Top GMAT Coaching Centres in North India
• Top GMAT Coaching Centers in South India
• Top GMAT Coaching Centers in East India
• Top GMAT Coaching Centers in West India

Candidates need an appropriate strategy to score a perfect 805 in the GMAT Exam. Before start preparing also decide what a good GMAT Score (according to you) is, and then prepare accordingly. The best way to prepare for GMAT is as follows:

• To begin with, applicants must first understand the structure of the GMAT exam.
• Understand what kind of questions are tested and then proceed with GMAT preparation.
• Take mocks to assess skills tested on GMAT exam and then ready your preparation.
• Practice more and more to get agrip on the GMAT preparation.
• Candidates can also go through previous GMAT Sample Paper which will help them in preparing for the GMAT exam.

GMAT Focus test centres can be found based on the current location of the applicant. When the applicant is registering for GMAT Focus exam, he/she will be required to add their full address. Based on the nearest test centres options, a list of suggested GMAT Focus test centres will open up. This is the only way of looking for a GMAT Focus test centre for an applicant. 

There are 40 GMAT Focus test centres located in India. Applicants can choose their test centres for GMAT Focus exam based on their location. The applicants may not always find a test centre nearby and may have to go for a test centre farther away. The nearest GMAT Focus test centres are prompted to the applicant based on their current location and those who cannot find a nearby centre can opt for the next best option available. 

There is an option to choose up to three GMAT Focus exam centres in one go while registering for the exam. But this is for the purpose of comparing the test exam centres based on the availability of dates for the GMAT Focus exam. Once the test centre and GMAT Focus exam dates match, applicants can choose their final GMAT Focus exam centre and appear for their exam. 

Always check with the school before going to request an old score report, a majority of the schools do not accept the scores of the exam taken over 5 years ago. Score reports from exams given within 5 to 10 years ago are available; however, they are sent to schools with a caveat that should be interpreted with caution. In addition, scores before 5 years can only be ordered by reaching out to GMAT Customer Service of your concerned region. Another rider with this is that a candidate must not have taken the GMAT exam within the last 5 years.

GMAT or otherwise known as the Graduate Management Admission Test and Common Admission Test or commonly referred to as CAT are the two most widely accepted management entrance tests, scores of which are accepted by all the top B-schools, including the IIMs. The basic difference, between the two, is that while CAT is a national-level entrance exam for students looking for admission to Top Business Schools in India, GMAT is held on a global level and helps students for admission to top B-Schools worldwide. Conducted by Graduate Management Admission Council, GMAT scores are acceptable mainly in the case of NRI/Foreign students who want to study in India. The IIMs accept the GMAT score of domestic candidates for executive management programmes. Candidates can learn in-depth about the difference between GMAT and CAT exams.

Candidates have more control to manage their scores with the GMAT online exam. They can view their score and then choose to send their scores to programs. Candidates can send their GMAT scores to 5 B-Schools/Programmes (without any additional cost) within 48 hours of receiving their official score for the online GMAT exam. However, 5 is not the maximum number as candidates have the opportunity to send their official scores to as many programs as they want once they receive their official scores. The cost of sending an additional GMAT score (after the first 5 programmes) is USD 35.