GMAT Retake Strategy Steps: Complete Guide for Indian Students

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a critical component of the application process for top business schools worldwide. A good score can significantly improve your chances of admission to prestigious institutions. However, if you feel that your initial GMAT score doesn't accurately reflect your abilities, retaking the GMAT may be an option using the GMAT retake policy. Using the GMAT retake strategy steps the GMAT scores can be boosted, check how in the article.

Those who want to retake GMAT exam can do so by understanding that there is an additional fee, a time gap and a minimum number of attempts. Let us check out in detail about the GMAT Retake policy, the GMAT retake policy steps and why applicants should consider retaking the GMAT exam. In this article, we will also provide you with a detailed strategy for retaking the GMAT from India, including steps to follow, the cost involved, and the GMAT retake policy in order to meet the GMAT cutoffs for admissions abroad.

What is GMAT Retake Policy?: Overview

GMAT Retake Policy is a provision available for applicants who wish to take or appear for the GMAT exam again. GMAT retake policy is applicable in certain situations and applicants must adhere to the two rules and they are as follows:

Retake Limit on GMAT Retake Policy

Applicants can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a year (or 12-month period) and up to 8 times in total in an individual’s lifetime. However, retaking the test multiple times without significant preparation can lead to diminishing returns.

Waiting Period on GMAT Retake Policy

After taking the GMAT, applicants must wait for 16 days minimum before retaking the exam. This waiting period is mandatory, regardless of the score you received on your GMAT.

Why Consider Retaking the GMAT?

Before making up your mind to analyse the strategies about GMAT retake options, let’s first explore why applicants might want to retake the GMAT in the first place. There could be several reasons, including:

• Factors like stress, illness, anxiety or external distractions can cause applicants to underperform on GMAT. On the second attempt, the anxiety may be lower.
• In case, the initial GMAT score falls short of the average scores of the target B-schools abroad, a retake might be necessary.
• For those who have identified areas of weakness in their GMAT exam preparation, retaking the GMAT might be the right choice to aim for a better score.
• Panicking on questions that were slightly difficult and either leaving them or spending too much time on them. Since applicants would have got practice on tricky questions, the stress would be lower on the next attempt. Check: Is GMAT Tough?
• Poor time management strategies and problem-solving skills. May be an improved time management strategy and better problem-solving skills with additional practice may be possible on the next attempt. 

The list is endless, but if applicants feel that they can improve their shortcomings and GMAT scores, they must retake GMAT exam. 

10 GMAT Retake Strategy Steps to Ace GMAT Scores

For those planning to retake the GMAT exam, it's important to have a clear strategy in place to improve GMAT scores. Here are some essentially curated GMAT retake strategy steps to follow:

1. Evaluate the Current GMAT Score

The first step towards the GMAT retake strategy is to evaluate the current GMAT exam score. Analyse the breakdown of the scores in each section: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Data Insights (DI) and understand what went wrong and where. 

Tip: If your score in one section is much lower than the others, consider focusing your preparation on that particular section or topic.

2. Understand the GMAT Retake Policy

It’s important to familiarise oneself with the GMAT retake policy before scheduling another retake. The policy outlines the number of times you can retake the GMAT, the time you need to wait before retaking it, and the associated fees.

3. Calculate How Much Time You Need for GMAT Prep

Based on your performance, applicants need to understand how much time they would need to cover GMAT topics for preparation and then apply for a retake. Also follow the GMAT retake strategy steps to avoid repeating old mistakes on the exam.

Tip: Create a prep plan and stick to it to understand your progress and performance. 

4. Assess Your Readiness for Retaking the GMAT

Before scheduling your retake, it’s essential to assess whether you’re truly ready to take the test again. Consider the following questions:

• Have you worked on your weaknesses?
• Have you improved your preparation strategy?
• Are you feeling confident about the material you struggled with before?

If you’re unsure about your readiness, you might want to give yourself more time to prepare for the GMAT or consider essential strategies to ace the exam. Check: What is a Good GMAT score?

5. Create a Targeted Study Plan

Once you've identified the areas that need the most improvement, create a study plan tailored to your needs. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks and allocate more time to areas where you struggled previously. Ensure that your study plan covers all sections of the GMAT, but emphasize your weaker areas.

Tip: Focus on quality, not just quantity. Consistent, focused study sessions will yield better results than long, unfocused hours of studying.

6. Utilize GMAT Prep Materials and Resources

Use a mix of official GMAT prep materials (like the GMAT Official Guide) and trusted third-party resources. GMAT prep courses can be beneficial, particularly if they offer personalised feedback and strategies for improvement. Practice tests are also invaluable, as they help you simulate test-day conditions and get a sense of the time pressure involved.

7. Take GMAT Practice Tests

Taking practice tests is a critical part of any GMAT retake strategy. It helps you identify the overall progress, refine your time management skills, and familiarise yourself with the test format. Ensure to take full-length tests and simulate the actual testing environment to get an accurate sense of your performance. This is another major GMAT retake strategy step towards getting better scores. 

8. Review and Learn from Mistakes

After each GMAT practice test, take the time to review your answers, especially the incorrect ones. Understand why you made certain mistakes and figure out how you can avoid them in the future. This review process will help you strengthen your understanding and boost your confidence.

9. Refine Your Test-Taking Strategies

The GMAT is not just a test of knowledge; it’s also a test of strategy. Focus on improving your time management, pacing, and ability to answer questions efficiently. Work on strategies for tackling difficult questions, and learn how to guess strategically when time is running short.

10. Apply for the GMAT Exam Following the Retake Policies

Once the applicants have completed their GMAT prep, have confidence in their preparation and are ready to re-apply can retake the GMAT exam. Thus, this is the last step in the GMAT retake strategy. 

Tip: Don’t rush into things, plan everything properly keeping your college application deadlines under check. Once everything is in place, and you have completed the gap days, you should consider retaking the GMAT exam.

Applicants who can follow the above-mentioned GMAT retake strategy steps will also be able to ace the exam in the second attempt. The reason is, that 70% of the chances increase after applicants follow these GMAT retake strategy steps. 

GMAT Retake Fee

The GMAT retake fee in India is the same as the initial exam fee that is, USD 275 (at GMAT test centre) or USD 300 (GMAT at home). However, there may be additional charges in case applicants plan on rescheduling their GMAT exam dates and they are as follows:

GMAT Reschedule Fees	GMAT at a Test Center	GMAT Online
More than 60 days before the actual GMAT appointment	USD 55	USD 60
15-60 days before the actual GMAT appointment	USD 110	USD 120
14 days or less before the actual GMAT appointment	USD 165	USD 180

In case applicants choose to shift their GMAT exam dates, will additionally have to pay this fee. In case of GMAT exam cancellation, another fee will be incurred. Get all the details at GMAT exam fees.

Should I Avoid Retaking the GMAT?

While it may seem tempting to retake the GMAT in the hope of improving your GMAT score, there are a few factors to consider before doing so. Avoid retaking the GMAT unless you have a solid strategy for improving your score. Retaking the GMAT without adequately addressing your weaknesses may result in a similar or even lower score, which could hurt your chances of admission. So make up your mind accordingly and avoid retaking the GMAT if there is no gain at the end also if you cannot follow the GMAT retake strategy steps properly. 

Retaking the GMAT can greatly improve your score and increase your chances of admission to top business schools. However, it requires careful planning, a solid study strategy, and a commitment to improving your skills. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can maximise your chances of success on your GMAT retake from India.

Remember to analyze your weaknesses, create a focused study plan, and give yourself enough time to prepare. If you approach the retake with the right mindset and strategy, you’ll be in a strong position to achieve your target score and advance toward your MBA abroad goals. Plus ensure you meet the instructions and are eligible for GMAT exam before a re-attempt.