GMAT Dates

Applicants can register for the GMAT exam anywhere between six months and 24 hours before the desired GMAT exam date. Since it may be difficult to find a convenient time slot at the last minute. It is recommended, to register for GMAT exam at least two to three months prior to the planned test date.  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.To register for the online GMAT exam, log in to your MBA.com account and click “Register for the GMAT.” You can then choose to register for an online exam. You'll be prompted to complete various tasks, including uploading pictures of your ID and checking that your computer meets the system requirements

Since the GMAT is offered year-round, you can take it at any time in 2024. Pearson VUE test centres give the exam, which is also accessible online, allowing you to select a time that works for you. The majority of testing facilities are open six days a week, so you may choose a time frame that works for you. Booking your exam date at least two to three months in advance is advised, particularly if you intend to apply to programs with deadlines. With a minimum of 16 days between attempts and a maximum of eight attempts in your lifetime, you are permitted to take the GMAT up to five times in a 12-month period. Better availability and time for any retakes are ensured by early scheduling.

Before understanding the timeline, let us understand what all factors are important for your MIM or MBA admissions. These factors include your undergraduate percentage or GPA, GMAT score, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, admission essays, updated resume, work experience (if applicable), and performance on the interview. It is advised that you begin your research for the MBA or MIM College at least 10-12 months before the application deadline. In these 10-12 months, you need to prepare for the GMAT, prepare your application documents, arrange all the finances, and complete your paper work. Typically, it takes 3-6 months to prepare for the GMAT. You must also keep some buffer time just in case if you have to retake the GMAT exam. Hence, ideally speaking, there must be 6-8 months of gap between your GMAT exam date and MBA or MIM application deadline (considering 4 months of preparation).

Before understanding the timeline, let us understand what all factors are important for your MIM or MBA admissions. These factors include your undergraduate percentage or GPA, GMAT score, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, admission essays, updated resume, work experience (if applicable), and performance on the interview. It is advised that you begin your research for the MBA or MIM College at least 10-12 months before the application deadline. In these 10-12 months, you need to prepare for the GMAT, prepare your application documents, arrange all the finances, and complete your paper work. Typically, it takes 3-6 months to prepare for the GMAT. You must also keep some buffer time just in case if you have to retake the GMAT exam. Hence, ideally speaking, there must be 6-8 months of gap between your GMAT exam date and MBA or MIM application deadline (considering 4 months of preparation).

There are certain conditions laid down by the GMAC for retaking the GMAT:Candidates can take the GMAT test only once in 16 daysCandidates are allowed to take up to 5 attempts in a period of 12 monthsCandidates can take 8 attempts in a lifetimeIn case if a student wants to reschedule or cancel his/her GMAT exam, he/she needs to pay a fee for the same. The fee for rescheduling the GMAT exam in the case of a test centre GMAT and the online GMAT are different. Similarly, the refund in the case of GMAT exam cancellation are different in the case of a test centre GMAT and the online GMAT. It is advised that the students prepare well for their GMAT exam in one go to avoid rescheduling, cancellation, or running out of attempts.

Before deciding on the GMAT exam date, make sure to consider the following points:Application deadlines and study abroad intakes: You must be aware of the MBA application deadlines and different study abroad intakes. Accordingly, you need to decide the time you will take to prepare your application.Time for preparation: Once you are aware of the MBA or MIM application deadlines and the time required for documentation purposes, you need to figure out how much time is required for you to prepare for the GMAT. Typically, students spend around 3-6 months preparing for the GMAT exam 2023.Your choice of the country: Deadlines, intakes, GMAT cut off, documents, etc. vary from country to country and university to university. You must be aware of all these factors.