GMAT Exam 2023 - Dates, Full Form, Registration, Pattern, Eligibility, Syllabus, Preparation

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Cyril Zachariah
Updated on May 18, 2023 10:24 AM IST

MBA aspirants across the world have been making the cut for top B-schools abroad with the help of GMAT scores. Even if universities assess a profile holistically, a good score can give one an edge over other competitive candidates. 

The GMAT exam is a prerequisite for not only an MBA programme but also other graduate business and management programmes. Quite simply, it is used to assess a candidate’s business acumen while allowing b-schools to evaluate all applications objectively.

To understand what exactly is the GMAT exam, here is a comprehensive guide to the exam along with its exam dates, syllabus, exam pattern and so on.  

Latest Update

  • March 29,2023 12:00 AM IST
  • The latest details regarding GMAT Focus Edition have been released. Students can check out the features that include test prep and exam structure. 

  • March 15,2023 12:00 AM IST
  • GMAT Focus Edition: The New GMAT Exam

    The Graduate Management Admission Council has introduced a "new evolution of the GMAT" exam called the GMAT Focus Edition, after considering the recommendations and suggestions forwarded by students and schools alike. The new test is shorter, flexible and insightful, aimed at aiding the career prospects of the candidate while also focusing on business-relevant content.

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What is GMAT Exam 2023?

The Graduate Management Aptitude Test is a computer-adaptive admission exam given by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It assesses a candidate's critical thinking, analytical writing, problem-solving abilities, and logical reasoning.

The test is one of the most trusted and preferred entrance tests among candidates who wish to pursue management education abroad as well as in India. It is conducted in approximately 112 countries around the world, and a valid GMAT score is accepted by more than 2,300 institutes.

The GMAT 2023 has been reduced in length by 30 minutes by the GMAC since April 16, 2018. The exam now lasts for three hours and thirty minutes, including breaks and test instructions. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections were cut by 10 and 13 minutes, respectively. An aspirant should keep in mind that the exam can be taken up to five times in a calendar year. However, the period between successive retries must be at least 16 days.

Taking the GMAT exam 2023 can be beneficial for those who wish to take up a career in business and management. Applicants will be able to gain admission to programmes such as the MBA, MIM or Masters in Finance in foreign universities. Stanford University, Harvard University, the University of California, Berkeley, and many other prestigious universities accept GMAT scores. Aspirants can find over 6,000 programmes provided by these top business and management colleges worldwide, with these exam results suitable for admissions.

Interested to learn more about the exam and other important things related to it like your percentile, score, accepting universities or even how to apply to top b-schools without this exam? Check out the links below:

What is a Good GMAT Score and How is it Calculated?

GMAT vs GRE: Which Exam to take for MBA in Abroad Universities?

MBA Without GMAT in Top Business Schools Abroad

Low GMAT Score? Check the List of Popular B-Schools Where You Can Apply

GMAT Score Chart and What Your Score Means?

GMAT Percentiles Guide - What Your Score Means?

GMAT Full Form

GMAT full form is Graduate Management Admission Test. It is an international-level entrance exam organised throughout the year by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for admission to various popular foreign universities specifically for business courses.

This exam is popular among candidates who wish to pursue management courses like MBA and Master of Finance and Accounting and other business and management programmes at the graduate level. The GMAT exam can also be taken from home with round-the-clock testing appointments.

The exam is divided into four sections: mathematical reasoning, integrated reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing assessment. It's maximum score is 800, and test scores are typically valid for five years after the test has been completed.

GMAT 2023 Exam Highlights

Here is a brief overview of the GMAT test for the test takers who are aspiring to give this exam:

Components

Details

Exam Name

GMAT

Full Form 

Graduate Management Admission Test

Conducted By

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Exam Accepting Countries 

110

Number of Accepting Programmes 

7,700+

Number of Accepting Universities 

2,400+

Mode

Paper-Based and Online 

Duration

3 hours and 7 minutes

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have completed/or must be in the last year of their bachelor’s studies.

Number of Sections

4 (Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment)

Date of Exam

Throughout the Year

Fee

USD 275 

Number of Questions Asked 

80

Type of Questions

MCQ and non-MCQ

Frequency

Not more than five times in a year and no more than eight times in a lifetime

Score Range

200-800

Validity of Scores 

5 years 

Documents Required

Adhaar card, PAN card, academic transcripts and mark sheets (10+2+3), passport, driving license

Prepare for the Study Abroad Applications with Our Experts!

Why GMAT Exam is Taken?

The GMAT test has been the go-to entrance test that all top business schools around the world use to enrol students in their MBA and other graduate programmes in business and management. As the name suggests, the exam facilitates the admission process for an MBA degree or management studies abroad in any one of the top MBA colleges in the world.

Reasons to Take the GMAT Exam 2023

Listed below are some of the reasons to take the exam and why is it popular among MBA aspirants around the world: 

  • GMAT scores are accepted by some of the top-bracket B-Schools worldwide. So, a good score can help the test-takers land into top international B-Schools where they can imbibe qualities like leadership, decision making and knowledge regarding marketing and finance. 

  • There is no maximum age limit for taking the exam. So, anyone, on any day can turn up and decide to appear for the exam. Applicants with years of work experience are also eligible to apply. 

  • With over 5,300 test centres located all across the globe, the GMAT test is one of the most easily accessible exams one can take for MBA admissions abroad. With the widespread availability of test centres, test-takers will not have to travel to far-off locations to take the exam. 

  • Every year, over 200,000 students take the test to gain admission to MBA and other graduate business degree programmes in 110 countries across the world.

  • The GMAT is recognised for admission to over 7,000+ programmes at over 2,300 business schools and universities worldwide, including renowned MBA programmes in universities Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.

  • The flexibility provided by this exam is another reason why it is an excellent choice for working professionals. The GMAT can be taken up to five times per year ( with a time gap of 16 days between two attempts). You can reschedule your GMAT appointment (for a cost) more than 7 days before the test date, in addition to taking the exam numerous times a year.

  • Test-takers are also given the liberty to choose the date and centre of the exam at their convenience.

  • This exam tests quantitative and reasoning skills and has a proper syllabus and question types. Therefore, preparing for the GMAT test in three to four months is easy.

  • Scholarships are excellent tools that help you reduce the cost of attending your desired MBA school. Your exam score plays an important role in obtaining scholarships and fellowships at your desired MBA school.

Opportunities After Taking the GMAT Exam

As an aptitude test, test scores can help a test taker to knock open many doors within the Management Industry, which brings about another set of reasons why attempting such an exam is the right choice. Therefore, attempting the test can open up a number of lucrative opportunities, which include:

Graduation from Prestigious Institutes: GMAT scores can help in getting admissions into top graduate management schools abroad. The exam is also considered standardised by the FT’s Top 100 business schools and is accepted globally as a mark of competency.

Scholarship Opportunities: Business and Management studies is one of the more expensive disciplines to pursue even at the undergraduate level. The tuition and incidental fees only increase with upgrades to graduate and post-graduate courses. In this case, good test scores can be used to earn scholarships as they provide credible and quantifiable proof of a candidate's potential.

Better Job Opportunities: GMAT scorecards can be used to apply for jobs in top companies due to the global reputation of the aptitude test. The exam is recognised to be of the highest standards in basic Management aptitude and hence are even accepted, and sometimes prove beneficial, in cv or resumes.

Remarkable Internship Opportunities: In cases where a test taker is applying for industry experience in the form of internships, these test scores can help in being selected for interviews for high-profile job roles from top MNCs across sectors.

Personal Development Opportunities: Since this exam does not impose any age limit on the test-takers, anyone can take the test in order to upgrade their existing skills. In fact, many management professionals use the test to upgrade their knowledge scope and be in step with current trends in the industry.

Impressive Profile Development: The professionals can also use this exam to upgrade their profile or CV and negotiate a better position, job opportunity or salary package in the management industry across any sector.

GMAT Focus Edition: “The New GMAT Exam”

After careful consideration of the suggestions and recommendations made by schools and aspirants across the globe, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has introduced the GMAT Focus Edition test. While the exam is yet to be officially launched as a product, the GMAT Focus edition is expected to slowly replace the previous version of the GMAT exam.

Calling it the “next evolution of GMAT”, the Council aims to focus on the career goals of all the aspirants planning to pursue an MBA. Keeping the future business environment in mind, the Council incorporated several elements that would focus on making the test more efficient and business-oriented. Here are some of the major elements of the new GMAT Focus Exam:

  • More Efficient: A major change from the previous testing process is the reduced content and duration of the test. With only three sections to complete and the removal of the essay, the overall content that students need to prepare for the test has also reduced, thus, making it more efficient.

  • More Flexible: The Test has also been altered to allow aspiring test-takers to choose the order in which they can take the test. 

    • Moreover, they will also be able to avail of the Question Review and Edit option without further restrictions.

    • Another flexible option provided in the new test is the improved score-sending option, wherein the sole authority to send the score now lies with the student.

  • “Insightful”: A welcome introduction to the new test is the ability to receive a detailed candidate performance review via the help of the Official Score Report will also be provided.

Why Take GMAT Focus Edition?

Through its website, GMAC has highlighted several reasons why taking the new GMAT Focus Edition test will be beneficial for future MBA aspirants. The new GMAT exam is set out to be one of the better versions of the test, addressing several of the challenges faced by test-takers in the previous versions, as outlined below.

  • A shorter, streamlined and less-stressful test requiring a more streamlined study plan with reduced content as a result of the reduced test duration, can be expected through the new test.

  • Test-takers will now only be required to attempt MCQs as the new GMAT Focus Edition does not require the need to attempt the essay section, which was a part of the previous version of the test.

  • A welcome addition to the test is the ability to send the GMAT scores after the test-taker has received their test scores, instead of selecting the universities and colleges at the time of registration.

  • The test has now been designed to evaluate candidates through 3 sections, which will now focus on business-related content only.

  • Among the features of the test, those opting for the GMAT Focus edition will be able to receive an insight into their performance in the test through the improved score report.

  • Another feature of the new GMAT test allows test-takers to determine the order of attempt of the exam sections. Thus, facilitating a better optimisation of the candidate’s test-taking strategy.

  • The Question Review and Edit feature of the test will allow students to leave any question they wish to reassess at the end of the test, thus, improving their chances of scoring high on the test.

While the test is yet to be launched as an official product that test-takers can apply for, those who have been preparing for the previous version of the GMAT test need not worry. According to the Council, the old GMAT exam will still be offered till early next year, with its score continuing to remain valid for the stipulated period of 5 years.

GMAT vs GRE

Among the popular graduate admissions tests accepted abroad, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is also an aptitude test opted by study abroad aspirants to enrol in graduate courses abroad, including management courses as it has been accepted by several universities and colleges abroad for different Management courses as well.

Let us learn the differences between these two examinations so you can pick which is right for you:

Differentiating Parameters 

GMAT

GRE

Full Form 

Graduate Management Admission Test

Graduate Record Examinations

Conducting Bodies 

GMAC

ETS

Purpose of the Exam

If you plan to study any management-related graduate programs like MBA in a foreign business school 

If you plan to study any master’s degree abroad

Acceptability 

Global 

Global

Accepting B-schools

More than 7,000 programs at 2,300 business schools

Fewer business schools than GMAT exam

Test fee

USD 250

USD 213

Test Validity

5 years

5 years

Test dates

Year-round

Year-round

Test Format

Computer adaptive test

Computer adaptive test

Test Duration

3 hours 7 minutes

3 hours 45 minutes

Number of Sections

4

6 (1 unscored research section included)

AWA Section

1 essay – 30 minutes

2 essays – 60 minutes

IR Section

12 questions – 30 minutes

NA

Quant Section

1 section – 31 questions – 62 minutes

20 questions each in 2 sections – 70 minutes

Verbal Section

1 section – 36 questions – 65 minutes

20 questions each in 2 sections – 60 minutes

Test Score Range

200 – 800 (in 10-point increment)

260 – 340 ( in 1-point increment)

Quant Score Range

6 – 51 (scaled score)

130 – 170

Verbal Score Range

6 – 51 (scaled score)

130 – 170

IR Score Range

1 – 8

NA

AWA Score Range

0 – 6

0 – 6

Stages Involved in GMAT Exam

It is no secret that a successful exam process involves a lot of stages. These stages start with the registration process and conclude with score certification. Each stage in the GMAT exam holds its own importance and has been defined below for your convenience:

GMAT Exam 2023 Registration

Registration for the test is one of the complicated but crucial stages of the entire process. Also, there are 4 ways to register for the test:

  1. Online
  2. Phone
  3. Postal Mail
  4. Fax

Candidates are required to complete the following steps in the exam registration process: 

  • Sign up on the official website of GMAT and register as a new candidate. 

  • Fill in the personal information and other required details and confirm your registration. To complete your GMAT registration, you will require to fill in the following information: 

    • Full name as mentioned in your passport

    • Residential address for correspondence

    • E-mail address

    • Phone number

    • Gender

    • Date of birth

    • Nationality

    • Payment information (Debit/Credit card)

    • Native language (optional)

    • Educational history (optional)

    • Work history (optional)

  • Verify your profile.

  • Login with the generated ID and fill in the application form.

  • Schedule your exam.

  • Pay the registration fee.

Payment from Profile

Once the GMAT exam application has been completed, the website prompts to the payment portal:

  • Select the fee payment method

  • Proceed to fill in the details and confirm

  • Fill in OTP and click 'OK'

  • Save and download the receipt and form.

Scheduling the GMAT Exam

Once the payment is done, browse through the planned GMAT exam dates and choose the desired date and region and confirm the same.

If the exam slots are empty in the selected options, the appropriate assignment shall be confirmed. However, in case there is no availability for the exam slots on the desired date and time, the website redirects the candidate to the scheduling portal again.

In case after confirmation of the exam, a candidate decides to cancel or reschedule their date then they can do so within 24 hours of selecting the date without having to pay any fees.

GMAT Preparation

Once the application is complete, every candidate should turn towards commencing their preparation. In this process, candidates need to cover all the topics in the syllabus and eventually move on to mock tests and question papers.

Within this framework, candidates can still decide to reschedule or cancel the test at any time, however, a certain cancellation or registration fee will be applicable.

Taking the GMAT Test

If you, a prospective test-taker, have been able to complete your overall test preparation and are well-equipped to tackle all the questions and tasks outlined for the test, the only thing left to do is to attempt the test on the selected/chosen date and time.

After completing the GMAT online test, candidates will get an unofficial score which they have the option to accept or cancel. In case the candidate ends up missing the decision the unofficial scores will automatically be cancelled.

GMAT Score Generation

Once the exam has been conducted, the official GMAT scores will be sent to the institutes and colleges the candidate selected during the registration process. However, if they wish to send additional copies of their scores, candidates shall be asked to pay USD 35 for each report sent.

GMAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2023

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) determines the GMAT eligibility criteria for applicants wishing to take the GMAT exam in 2023. The GMAC's eligibility requirements for the exam in 2023 include a candidate's minimum age requirement and the number of attempts. 

Since the GMAT is approved by different B-schools in several countries, you must fulfil the educational/application requirements of the institution or university in which you are enrolling for the management programme. Some of the general eligibility criteria for 2023 are given below:

  • Exam Requirements: Candidates must gather and retain all essential documentation on hand before the GMAT test. Along with papers relevant to evidence of identification such as the applicant's passport or Aadhar card, some of the most significant documents should be kept ready at the exam centre.

  • Age Limit: To take the GMAT test 2023, the individual must be at least 18 years old. If the candidate is 13-17 years old, they must produce documented proof of parental or guardian agreement. The exam, on the other hand, has no upper age limit.

  • Number of Attempts: The candidate may take the test no more than five times each year. The total number of attempts throughout a lifetime, however, is 8. A minimum of 16 days should elapse between two tries. If an applicant obtains a flawless test score of 800, he must wait at least five years before taking the next GMAT.

  • Education Qualification: Candidates must ensure that they meet the minimum educational requirements for studying a business/management course. A bachelor’s degree holder is required. However, it is also critical to meet the eligibility requirements established by the institute to which the individual is applying.

  • Work Experience: In terms of work experience, the conducting authority has made no recommendations in its exam eligibility criteria. However, the institutes may decide on their eligibility standards for admission. However, having some job experience raises the candidate's profile.

  • Nationality: GMAC again has made no suggestions about employment experience in its GMAT exam eligibility criteria. However, institutes are free to set their entrance requirements. Having some employment experience, on the other hand, boosts the candidate's profile.

  • Exam Reservation: Students with exceptional needs who satisfy specific criteria may be considered for certain support services and test assistance.

Note: If you fulfil the fundamental eligibility requirements of the GMAT test, you are qualified to take the exam. GMAC has preserved unique testing centres created to assist persons who are differently abled and who desire to take this examination.

GMAT Test Dates 2023

There are no set dates for the GMAT 2023. The examination is held several times a year. Candidates are urged to select exam dates that are convenient for them when registering. Throughout the year, the application process will be made available.

Aspirants should keep track of the GMAT 2023 exam dates so that they can organise their studies accordingly. They may refer to the schedule below before registering online at the official website:

Action

GMAT Exam Dates

GMAT 2023 Registration Dates

Can be done throughout the year

GMAT Test Date

Candidates have the option of selecting a date and location during the registration process

GMAT Result Declaration

Within 7 to 20 days of taking the test

How to Choose GMAT Exam Dates and Locations?

Applicants should register for their preferred GMAT exam date at least two to three months in advance. Here's a step-by-step guide to selecting your GMAT exam date and location:

  • Determine how much time you will need to prepare for the GMAT 2023 exam.

  • Check the deadline for admission to the graduate business school you are applying to.

  • Take the exam 6 months before the B-school application deadline.

  • Schedule your exam online or over the phone.

  • Log in to your mba.com Account.

  • Select the city and test centre of your choice and convenience under the 'Schedule Your Exam' section.

  • Under the ‘Select Date’ option, select the exam date of your choice and convenience.

  • On the date of your choice, there will be a variety of time slots available.

  • Choose a time that works best for you and book your exam.

Pro-Tip: Candidates may register for the exam up to six months in advance to allow themselves enough preparation time. Please note that the dates cannot be booked earlier than six months.

GMAT Test Centres 2023

The exam can be taken at any one of the designated GMAT test centres in India or at home. Both these exam formats are designed to help candidates complete the admissions process for business schools globally. After the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the test centres were temporarily closed, but the registration for the conventional admissions process was opened.

To take the GMAT exam, you can either book a slot based on your preferred location or the status of the test centre at the time of registration. The availability and operational status of the test centres can be found on the official website of the chosen test centre.

Factors To Consider While Choosing a GMAT Exam Center

Aside from making sure that everything is organised correctly, one should also check for other points while booking a test centre, some of which have been defined below.

Proximity to Your Place of Stay: An ideal test centre should be near your home or place of stay. The close proximity of this place will ensure that the exam is more accessible to you on the day of the test.

Easily Accessible: Another thing to check is if the selected test centre has access to various public transportation modes. With easy access to public transportation, it will be easier for you as a test-taker to reach your destination without hassle.

Facilities Available: Specific to candidates classed under the special candidate's category, it is important to check whether a selected exam centre offers special facilities and infrastructure that are accessible to differently-abled test-takers.

Personal Belongings at Test Centers: Most items are not allowed at the GMAT exam centres in India. However, some items that are allowed in the test centre include IDs, and documents needed to enter the test centre. However other items that cannot be taken to the exam centre include mobile phones, laptops, or anything else that can obstruct the examination. In addition, there are certain comfort items that can be brought in by the test-takers.

GMAT Exam Center

Listed below are the cities where most of the GMAT test centres can be found:

GMAT Test Centres

New Delhi

Gurgaon

Patiala

Mohali

Noida

Lucknow

Allahabad

Jaipur

Ahmedabad

Indore

Vijayawada

Visakhapatnam

Ranchi

Nagpur

Mumbai

Pune

Kolkata

Patna

Bhubaneswar

Guwahati

Hyderabad

Trivandrum

Cochin

Vellore

Chennai

Coimbatore

Tiruchirappalli

Bangalore

Udupi

Manipal

GMAT Registration 2023

The following steps are necessary for successful registration for the GMAT exam. Just follow the steps outlined below to get started and secure the necessary details for the test:

Step 1: Create an Account

To start the registration process, all the test-takers must create an account on the official GMAT website, i.e. mba.com. Those who already have an account will need to register to access the site. To register, the user will need to provide their email address and provide the username. After creating the account, the candidates will be required to complete the necessary steps.

Step 2: Collect Details

Before applying for the test, aspirants must compile and collect all the necessary details and official documents that will be required to refer to when entering their personal details on the application form. This step will also be beneficial in helping them identify their eligibility for the exam.

Step 3: Build a Timeline

After collecting the necessary details, candidates will then have to build their respective timelines for attempting the exam. They will also have to mention their payment details.

Step 4: Schedule and Pay

The candidates can schedule their GMAT exam online or by phone. To confirm their selected date and time, candidates will be asked to pay the required application fee through various means such as credit or debit cards.

Step 5: Select Colleges that Receive GMAT Scores

After the graduate management admissions test has been conducted, your test score report will be sent to the appropriate universities. Candidates can also request to send their official score reports to as many schools as desired.

Step 6: Check for Confirmation

Make sure that the name on the confirmation letter matches the one on the card. This exam can be taken across various platforms such as Windows and Mac or an offline test centre.

Registration of Test Takers with Disabilities

Applicants in this category will be eligible for the following benefits:

  • They will be given additional time to complete the test.

  • They may be provided additional rest and breaks if necessary.

  • Medical assistance will be accessible in the testing room in case of an emergency.

  • A scribe will assist candidates who are unable to read the questions.

Such applicants are subject to the following norms and regulations:

  • A recorder to keep track of the answers of the applicants.

  • If there are any issues with visibility, a larger computer display will be provided.

  • A sign language interpreter.

Steps for registering a test taker with a disability:

  • Please fill out the GMAT Accommodation Request Form.

  • Fill out the form authorising the sharing of health information.

  • Provide any document that shows the percentage of disability.

Identification Requirements for GMAT Exam

Test-takers are required to show their ID proof before the exam. The document that is required to prove your identity should be presented in its original form. These documents include a government-issued photo ID as proof of identification and the name of the test.

For Indian candidates, proof of their identity at the test centres should be presented at the time of the online registration. The last and first names of the candidate must be included on the card.

GMAT Exam Fee Payment 2023

Check out the following exam fee payment details below:

Fee Type

Particulars

Amount (USD)

Exam Fee

GMAT Exam Fee and Unlimited Score Report Sending

275

Rescheduling Fee

More than 60 days before the exam

50

15 to 60 days before the exam

100

14 days before the exam

150

Cancellation Fee

More than 60 days before the exam

100

15 to 60 days before the exam

75

14 days before the exam

50

GMAT Exam Fee 2023

Similar to most study abroad exams abroad, students will be asked to pay the application fee for the GMAT exam at the time of scheduling the tests, as part of the confirmation process.

Here are the GMAT exam fee details that applicants are required to pay at the time of registration:

Category

Exam Fees (in USD)

Registration for the test

275

Score Report - Enhanced

30

Score Report - Extra

35 per score report

Score Cancellation Fee

25

Rescheduling Fees - 60 days before

50

Rescheduling Fees - 15-60 days before

100

Rescheduling Fees - less than 14 days of appointment

150

Refunds - Score Cancelation more than 60 days of appointment

100

Refunds - Score Cancelation 15-60 days of appointment

75

Refunds - Score Cancelation less than 14 days of appointment

50

Note: The exam fees that have been listed above are subject to change at the discretion of GMAC, the administrator for the exam. Therefore, before applying for the exam, please check if the application, rescheduling and cancellation fees along with other charges have been updated by GMAC.

Know More About Advantages of Studying Abroad with GMAT! 

GMAT Exam Slot Booking 2023

As part of the application process for the globally recognised management admissions test, interested students must book a slot for their GMAT exams, according to their convenience. If you are attempting the exam at a test centre, it is advisable to book your exam slot, one to two months before the actual test date. Test-takers interested in booking a slot must visit the official website and select the appropriate test date and time. Furthermore, students will be required to pay the GMAT slot booking fee to confirm their appointment for the test.

GMAT Slot Booking vs GMAT Registration 

There is a distinction between registering for a test and reserving a seat for it. Registration for an exam requires you to create an account for one year, but slot booking for the exam means you are booking the day, time, and test centre where you will take the exam. Every time you want to take the exam during that year, you must schedule a slot, which costs USD 275. The maximum number of tries in a year is 5, which means you can take the exam 5 times in a year, beginning with the date of enrollment.

In other words, you must register for the test once a year, but you must schedule the slot more than once if you want to take it more than once. Furthermore, according to GMAC guidelines, a candidate cannot take the GMAT more than eight times in his or her lifetime. Reger to the following table for better understanding:

Number of Attempts given per Registration

5 attempts 

Number of Attempts given per Slot Booking 

1 single attempt

Note: GMAT test re-attempts are only permitted after 16 days after the prior attempt.

Steps to Book Slot for GMAT 2023

As we all know, candidates have the freedom to select any location in the country and any time of year that best suits their schedule. The GMAT exam slot can be booked as follows:

  • Step 1: Log in to the official website of GMAT.

  • Step 2: Select your desired date and place in your state (or any other) to take the exam.

Note: With the GMAT Online Exam, students may now schedule an appointment within 24 hours of the available time frame. New openings are available regularly. Candidates who cannot find open test locations in their area can take the GMAT online.

GMAT 2023 Admit Card

Candidates will be able to obtain their GMAT admit card online. Download the admission card and confirmation letters, which included information such as the exam day and location.

The GMAT admission card also contains vital instructions that a candidate must follow in order to comply with the GMAT exam's defined rules and regulations. Applicants should be aware that they must bring their GMAT exam admit card as well as identification on the day of the exam.

Rescheduling and Canceling the GMAT Exam

You may postpone or cancel the exam, as well as alter the test facility, for a cost, within 24 hours of the planned appointment time. To find out the most recent price, go to mba.com. Choose your nation to learn about pricing restrictions. The rescheduling fee or reimbursement in the event of a test cancellation is determined by the number of days remaining before the scheduled test date.

Keep in mind that you must have more than 24 hours to do so. Otherwise, your whole price will be lost, and you will be required to pay the full fee if the test date is rescheduled.

GMAT Exam Pattern 2023

As part of their preparation, students should go over the exam format as stated by GMAC, the exam's official administrator. Furthermore, test takers are urged to grasp the various questions that may be given in the exam. As a computer-adaptive test, the GMAT test has four sections: verbal reasoning, analytical writing evaluation, quantitative reasoning, and integrated reasoning. 

The test is designed to assess applicants' critical thinking, analytical thinking, and verbal communication abilities. The table below briefly summarises the GMAT exam pattern 2023 for aspirants: 

GMAT Sections 

Number of Questions 

Time Duration in Minutes 

Score Range

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

1

30

0-6 in 0.5 point increments

Integrated Reasoning

12

30

1-8 in 1 point increments

Quantitative Reasoning

31

62

6-51 in 1 point increments

Verbal Reasoning

36

65

6-51 in 1 point increments

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The analytical writing assessment section of the exam evaluates a candidate's ability to analyse and communicate ideas. The analytical writing assessment section of the test consists of a 30-minute writing task that includes an argument task. The test aims to determine how analytical a person is when writing the answers.

Integrated Reasoning

In this section, candidates will be asked to analyse various types of data and information provided in the question paper. The Integrated Reasoning section tests how students use the different sources of information available to them and think based on the given information. It also presents a picture of how test-takers are able to use the knowledge gathered from these sources to solve complex problems.

Quantitative Reasoning

This section of the exam is used to measure the critical thinking abilities of a candidate. Here, a candidate needs to analyse the data provided in the exam and draw logical conclusions from it. This quantitative section consists of a total of 31 questions.

They are designed to test the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of test-taking professionals. This section features multiple strategies that test the skills of test-takers in terms of problem-solving and critical thinking as follows:

  • Problem-Solving: Most of the questions in the quantitative section are composed of multiple-choice problems. They test a candidate's ability to mentally solve problems using logical and analytical reasoning.
  • Data Sufficiency: The goal of this test is to identify which data is most relevant to any given quantitative question in the exam. The data must then be presented in two statements.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal section tests a candidate's verbal reasoning skills. There are three question types in this section: critical reasoning, sentence correction, and reading comprehension.

The Verbal Reasoning section consists of 36 questions in total. There are a total of three types of questions asked. They are mixed into three categories so that you can never know which questions will come next.

The four sections of the GMAT exam vary in complexity and allotted time limits. Each section has its own unique set of questions and allotted time limits. This exam is a gateway to studying in the top B-Schools in the USA like Harvard University, Princeton University, UCLA, and more and other management schools across the world.

GMAT Online Test At Home

GMAT Online Test at Home version is an online exam by GMAC to support the business school goals of the aspirants from the comfort of their homes. The GMAT 2023 online exam is a remote proctored version of the examination that is meant to assist individuals to fulfil their application goals from the comfort of their own homes. Candidates can take this exam at a testing location, or both!

The Online exam gives applicants even more options and freedom to perform at their peak on test day and successfully achieve their business school aspirations. It is more aligned with the test centre exam and includes the following features:

  • Schedule GMAT Online Exam Appointments up to 6 Months in Advance: Candidates will be presented with GMAT Online exam appointments on a rolling 6-month basis.

  • Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): With the inclusion of the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) part, you may demonstrate your writing and critical thinking skills.

  • Exam Section Order Selection: Candidates can select whatever section order they want to take the exam in.

  • 2 Optional 8-Minute Breaks: Candidates will have the option of taking two breaks to prepare for the next segment of the test.

  • View Unofficial Scores Immediately: Unofficial scores will be displayed on the screen after exam completion so they can plan their next steps.

Furthermore, the GMAT Online exam design is the same as the GMAT exam, with the same number of questions and time allotted to each section as the present test centre-based exam. The overall exam length is also 3 hours and 7 minutes, excluding two optional 8-minute breaks.

Furthermore, for comparison, the Online exam will utilise the same scoring system and score scale as the test centre-based version for Section Scores and Total Score.

Availability of the GMAT Online Exam 

The GMAC is committed to offering the GMAT Online exam as an alternative to help candidates achieve their graduate business goals, thus applicants can plan an online exam appointment up to 24 hours before an open testing session. New positions become available on a regular basis. 

Due to regulatory and local data protection restrictions, the online test is not available in the following countries: Mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Sudan. Please keep in mind that proctoring for the GMAT Online exam is presently only available in English. Candidates are urged to use a test centre facility if one is available in their area and they feel safe doing so.

GMAT Syllabus 2023

Let us now take a look at the GMAT 2023 syllabus to ensure that you are on the right track with your exam  preparation:

Quantitative Reasoning

The GMAT Quantitative section has two types of questions: problem-solving and data sufficiency. Some of the most important topics that come under this section are classified below:

  • Arithmetic: numbers and their powers and roots, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios and proportion, sets, counting methods, discrete probability

  • Algebra: equations, inequalities, absolute value, functions, and exponents

  • Geometry: it includes lines and angles, polygons, circles, solids, and coordinate geometry.

  • Word Problems: it includes rate, time and effort, mixes, simple and compound interest, discounts, profit and loss, geometry difficulties, measurement challenges, and data interpretation.

Verbal Reasoning

This component assesses your ability to read, grasp, and reason about written material, as well as to analyse arguments. There are three sorts of verbal reasoning questions:

  • Reading Comprehension: questions need you to refer to a paragraph of up to 350 words and answer questions on the primary idea, supporting ideas, inferences, context, style and tone, and so on.

  • Critical Reasoning: questions test your ability to generate arguments, evaluate arguments, and formulate/evaluate action plans.

  • Sentence Correction: inquiries are divided into four categories: agreement, diction, grammatical construction, idiom, logical predication, parallelism, rhetorical construction, and verb form.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

This section of the GMAT test requires you to analyse and criticise a given argument. The debate subjects are primarily of general interest and may be business-related. The AWA will assess your ability to organise your thoughts and use provided evidence to support your point of view.

Integrated Reasoning

This section of the GMAT exam challenges you to analyse and evaluate information delivered in a variety of formats. IR questions will put your mathematical and linguistic skills to the test. The types of questions in this section can be broadly classified as follows:

  • Multi-Source Reasoning: You will be asked to synthesise, compare, interpret, or apply knowledge offered in textual passages, tables, graphs, diagrams, and other visual representations.

  • Table Analysis: Questions require you to calculate statistics, ratios, proportions, or probabilities, among other things, from a spreadsheet-like table with a drop-down menu.

  • Graphics Interpretation: Fill-in-the-blanks questions based on supplied bar graphs, line graphs, scatterplots, and bubble graphs.

  • Two-Part Analysis: Questions will require you to compute proportions, establish trade-offs, and so on, and you will be provided solution possibilities in tabular style.

GMAT Preparation Tips 2023

One of the most important things to consider when researching business school admissions requirements and planning your application strategy is studying for the GMAT exam. With a high exam score, you will stand out in the admissions process and may even be eligible for scholarships to help you pay for your degree.

While the prep may appear intimidating at first, rest assured that with a solid study plan, an effective test prep strategy, and our expert GMAT study tips, you can set yourself up for success and earn your best score. Hence, with these top 10 GMAT study or preparation tips, you can make progress toward your business school goals:

  • Create a study plan as soon as possible.

  • Understand the test sections and include them in your study plan.

  • Choose your GMAT preparation/study materials wisely.

  • Determine your weaknesses (and work on them).

  • Keep a timer as part of your GMAT preparation/study.

  • Do not get entangled by a question.

  • To assess test readiness, use full-length mocks.

  • Determine what has been tested and what has not, and be resourceful.

  • Challenge yourself with advanced questions.

  • Finally, maintain consistency to improve your GMAT score.

Pro Tip: To be accepted to top management schools globally, candidates must score over 700, which is achievable if they prepare well.

How to Prepare for GMAT Verbal Reasoning?

In the verbal section of the exam, GMAC allocated 65 minutes to solve the 36 questions. This section will help you solve various questions related to the English Language. Some of these topics in the syllabus for Verbal Reasoning include - Sentence Correction, Reading Unseen Passages, and Subject-Verb Agreement. One of the better ways to improve your grasp of the section and English grammar is to read newspapers and good grammar books.

How to Prepare for GMAT Quantitative Reasoning?

The quantitative section exam requires 31 questions to be solved within a span of 62 minutes. A tried and tested method to improve your skills and knowledge here is to solve more questions in this section, thus allowing students to grasp the topics in the syllabus for the Quantitative Reasoning section, more easily.

Different strategies and techniques must be utilised to successfully solve the quantitative section's questions. Another tried and tested method is to first try and solve the easy questions first, both while attempting the mock tests and question papers. After solving the easy questions, students will have enough time to focus on the tougher ones. A good coaching centre will help you with the entire exam syllabus and provide you with tips and tricks.

How to Prepare for GMAT Analytical Reasoning?

To complete the Analytical Reasoning section, candidates must write an essay within 25 minutes. They should also keep five minutes aside for revision.

The topics under the syllabus for the Analytical Reasoning section usually assess the critical and analytical thinking abilities of a candidate. A good way to improve your skills in the analytical reasoning section is to read articles, especially related to various global business trends. Reading newspapers can also help you identify some of the important topics that can be asked in the exam as well as help you provide notable examples in your answers.

Go through all the relevant information that you have collected in order to improve your writing. Keep the relevant argumentative points in mind while writing the essay. Doing so will help you finish the task in less time. It is advisable to keep track of the time required to complete the work with the help of a stopwatch.

How to Prepare for GMAT Integrated Reasoning?

Your capacity to analyse data presented in a case study is analysed through GMAT IR. This portion of the exam is challenging but the data contains all the information required to answer the questions. There are diagrams, tables, graphs and charts from which you will have to deduce the main idea behind the text passages. Therefore, read the questions carefully and understand what is being asked.

Best Books for GMAT

According to Kaplan, the average student should count on spending around 120 hours studying for the GMAT 2023. The top GMAT prep books teach students effective test-taking tactics, typical question types they may see on test day, and best practices for making the most of their study time.

Those who want to devote a significant amount of time to studying to improve their exam scores may find the following given exam books particularly beneficial. The Official Exam Guides, which can be obtained on the official website, is the most recommended book for exam preparation. In recent years, several editions of the official guides have been issued. As a result, it is critical to get the most recent edition of the books to obtain the best tips and tricks for passing the exam.

Knowing what areas you need to work on will help you choose the appropriate books and resources as you prepare for this exam.

Top GMAT Exam Books for 2023

Mentioned below is an extensive list of some of the best GMAT exam books for aspirants to ace their exams on the very first attempt:

Best Books for Verbal Reasoning

  • Veritas Prep Complete GMAT Course Set

  • Magoosh Verbal + AWA GMAT Online Course

  • PowerScore GMAT Verbal Guides

  • GMAT Official Verbal Review

  • GMAT Verbal Review

  • Manhattan Prep's GMAT - All the Verbal

  • Aristotle Series

Best Books for Quantitative Reasoning

  • GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review

  • GMAT Official Advanced Questions

  • Manhattan Prep's GMAT - Foundations of Math

  • Manhattan Prep's GMAT - All the Quant

  • GMAT Advanced Quant by Manhattan Prep

  • Princeton Review GMAT Premium Prep

  • Kaplan GMAT Math Workbook

  • Total GMAT Math by Jeff Seckmaan

Best Books for Integrated Reasoning

  • Manhattan Prep GMAT Integrated Reasoning & Essay Strategy Guide

  • Manhattan Review GMAT Integrated Reasoning Guide

  • Peterson’s Mastering the GMAT–Part IV, Integrated Reasoning

  • McGraw-Hill’s Conquering the GMAT Math and Integrated Reasoning

  • McGraw-Hill’s 500 GMAT Math and Integrated Reasoning Questions to Know By Test Day

  • Vibrant Publishers’ GMAT Integrated Reasoning Practice Questions

  • GMAT Official Integrated Reasoning Prep Tool

Best Books for Analytical Writing Assessment 

  • Analytical Writing Assessment (Veritas Prep GMAT) 

  • GMAT Analytical Writing: Solutions to the Real Argument Topics (Test Prep Series) by Vibrant Publishers 

  • The PowerScore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible

  • GMAT Prep Plus (Kaplan)

  • The GMAC GMAT Official Guide Bundle

  • All the GMAT: Content Review by Manhattan Prep

GMAT Practice Papers 2023

You would have actually realised by now that solving a full-length practice paper plays a significant part in your test preparation if you have read the information thus far concerning the GMAT exam. It is advisable to take a suitable number of mock examinations and solve an adequate number of practice papers prior to the actual exam. Students who take the exam without having taken any practice examinations typically find it difficult.

GMAT practice tests can not only help you prepare for the exam but also help you score higher on the very first attempt. GMAT mock tests or practice tests may offer you a clearer image of how to best try the exam, from grasping the exam pattern to gaining an idea of the sorts of questions presented in the exam.

Importance of GMAT Mock Tests/Practice Tests

The importance of preparing with the help of practice tests or mock tests includes: 

  • Before taking the actual exam, it is very important that you attempt GMAT practice tests to get a good idea of the exam pattern and syllabus.

  • By attempting more mock tests, you will be able to keep a strong grip on the entire syllabus and topics that can be asked in the exam.

  • Practice tests can also help you improve your time management skills as well as your ability to provide the most accurate answers.

  • Attempting mock tests will help you prepare for the actual exam. It provides you with an idea of the environment that you will be dealing with during the exam.

  • GMAT practice tests also help you in preparing for the difficult and complex questions that may be questioned on the test.

  • Mock tests are a secret key to achieving good exam scores in terms of speed and accuracy. As a result, if you repeatedly practise the various mock examinations in a short amount of time, you will certainly enhance your speed and accuracy.

  • With two huge portions to finish in a certain period of time, you must comprehend the value of each minute and how quickly you react to questions. Practice exams will allow you to assess your time management skills.

When to Take the GMAT Mock Tests/Practice Tests?

It goes without saying that GMAT practice exams are essential but have you ever wondered what the best time is to take the practice test? The solution is that you should solve a practice paper as part of your first preparation. This method will assist you in determining how close you are to obtaining your baseline score. 

It will also assist you in diagnosing issues as soon as possible. Some test takers assume that they need substantial study before taking a mock exam, but bear in mind that the purpose of this initial practice test is to help you better understand where you are now and what to expect on the actual test.

Hence, very little preparation is necessary prior to taking your first mock exam. To obtain an accurate feel of the sort of questions, familiarise yourself with the subjects and portions of the exam ahead of time.

Got Your GMAT Scores? Seek Expert's Help to Know Which Course to Study! 

GMAT Question Papers 2023

MBA candidates from all over the world are preparing for the GMAT exam in order to get admission to their desired business schools. Candidates can sign up and take online mock tests and use the mock question papers to assess their exam preparations. Although the exam is available in-person and online, actual test-like mock tests are only available online.

We recommend aspirants opt for online GMAT question papers and mock tests because many websites give FREE and actual exam-like sample papers, which will assist test-takers comprehend the exam's style and content.

The main purpose of practising with GMAT question papers is to assess how effectively you can answer each of the exam question categories such as problem-solving, reading comprehension, sentence correction, critical reasoning, data sufficiency, and more.

Furthermore, practising a large number of previous year question papers has been shown to assist students to enhance their understanding and knowledge of the GMAT exam pattern and content while also improving their time management abilities. However, attempting the authentic GMAT question papers would aid to boost one's confidence in taking the exam on the exam day.

GMAT Scores 2023

The GMAT exam score range of 200 to 800, often known as your total score, shows how well test-takers performed on the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the exam. The results for Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing are wholly distinct and do not count toward the test taker's 800-point GMAT score. According to GMAC, two-thirds of test takers score in the 400-600 bracket of the score range. 

The GMAT is divided into four sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning (IR), and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). Candidates receive a scaled score for each section. It should be noted that the GMAT Total Score is computed only on the results of the Quantitative and Verbal sections.

GMAT Exam Sections 

GMAT Scaled Score

Quantitative Reasoning 

6-51

Verbal Reasoning 

6-51

Integrated Reasoning 

1-8

Analytical Writing Assessment 

0-6

What are GMAT Percentiles?

GMAT percentiles are a rating of candidates' GMAT scores in comparison to other students who took the exam within the preceding three years. GMAT percentiles vary from 0-99% and allow test takers to compare their exam scores to those of other students.

If their GMAT percentiles are 80th in Verbal and 56th in Quantitative, this implies they fared as well as or better than 80% of students who took the Verbal part and 56% of students who took the Quantitative exam. Also, the GMAT exam score percentiles are subject to annual modification since they are recalculated based on the previous three years of student data.

Average GMAT Score

Every year, around 150,000 unique students take the GMAT test, with repeat attempts totalling roughly 250,000 test attempts. Only 9% of these students score 700 or above, 1% score 760 or higher, and 93% fail to get what is considered a decent score. The average GMAT score, according to GMAC, is mentioned below:

  • The average score of the GMAT exam is 568.21.

  • The GMAT Verbal average score is 27.26.

  • The GMAT Quant average score is 40.7.

  • The GMAT AWA average score is 4.43.

  • The average GMAT IR score is 4.6.

Total, Verbal, and Quantitative Sections

The total GMAT score ranges between 200 and 800, and around half of the test-takers are able to secure a score between 400 to 600. The Quantitative and Verbal scores of the exam are scored on a fixed scale, and they can be compared across all test administrations.

AWA Section

The Analytical Writing Assessment scores are based on one analysis of an argument essay. The AWA score ranges from 0 to 6, and it ranges from half-point intervals.

AWA essay scores are computed by a machine algorithm and are evaluated by human raters. If the algorithm score and the human rating are equal, the score need not be adjusted. If the score is not accurate, or if the human rating is equal, then the score may be adjusted.

Integrated Reasoning Section

The Integrated Reasoning section measures your ability to integrate data and solve complex problems. This exam section contains questions types of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. Due to the complexity of the test, you must answer all of the questions correctly to receive credit.

GMAT Cutoff 2023

The GMAT Score Cutoff is the minimum score that candidates must obtain and submit in order to be considered for admission to the top-ranked business schools in the world. Every participating school has set a minimum score requirement as part of the eligibility criteria for a graduate management course abroad that all applicants must satisfy in order to be enrolled.

Aside from the exam scores, other factors such as the candidate's interview performance, the Statement of Purpose (SOP) and the Letter of Recommendation (LOR) are also taken into account to see how they will fare as prospective leaders of the world across different sectors. The factors that determine the cut-off mark include the total number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of seats available.

GMAT 2023 Cutoffs

Refer to the country-wise GMAT score requirements here:

  • USA: MBA schools in the USA generally accept a GMAT score of 500 or higher. At Harvard University, the score cut-off is set at 600, meanwhile, at Stanford, it is 650. However, score cut-offs can be lowered to 550 or less depending on the institution's requirements.
  • Canada: In Canada, some of the top universities like the University of Calgary and Ottawa University usually have set a GMAT exam score cut-off of over 600 out of the total score.
  • UK: In the UK, some of the top universities accepting the graduate management admissions tests like the University of East London and Glasgow University usually accept GMAT scores of over 600 out of the total score.

GMAT 2023 Cutoffs for Top B-Schools

Based on the previous year's trends, the tabulated data below consists of the expected GMAT exam 2023 cutoff for some of the world's top business schools to assist candidates in preparing for their dream college.

Name of the University

Location

Average GMAT Cutoff Scores 2023

Stanford University

United States

737

Northwestern University

United States

732

Yale University

United States

730

University of Chicago

United States

730

University of Pennsylvania

United States

730

INSEAD

France

709

London Business School

United Kingdom

708

London School of Economics and Political Science

United Kingdom

708

HEC Paris School of Management

France

690

University of Cambridge

United Kingdom

690

University of Oxford

United Kingdom

690

McGill University

Canada

694

University of Toronto

Canada

665

York University

Canada

660

University of British Columbia

Canada

650

The University of Melbourne

Australia

705

The University of New South Wales

Australia

650

The Australian National University

Australia

600+

The University of Sydney

Australia

600+

RMIT University

Australia

550+

Factors Determining the GMAT Exam Cutoff

Each institution or business school has their own GMAT cutoff range. The GMAT cutoff scores are affected by a variety of factors. Some of these elements are listed below.

  • The total number of candidates who have taken the GMAT exam.

  • The total number of available seats The examination's difficulty level

  • The total number of GMAT exam-qualified candidates.

GMAT Scholarships 2023

In order to get an international MBA, many students try their luck by applying for management scholarships. Business schools around the globe understand the importance of international students, and therefore offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for MBA programmes abroad.

GMAT scholarships can vary depending on the type of scholarship that the student is applying for. Depending on the B-school/university, students may first be required to satisfy the international student eligibility criteria for MBA scholarships apart from the academic requirements. Aside from having a decent exam score, students also need to fulfil other requirements to be considered for a scholarship.

Most of the time, students believe that getting a 750 GMAT score is enough to get a scholarship. However, this is not true as most schools also consider other factors when deciding on a scholarship award.

Important Note: One of the most common mistakes that students make is that they treat the deadline just the same as admission deadlines. It should be noted, that most scholarships abroad are presented on a first-come-first-serve basis along with meeting all the other scholarship eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for GMAT Scholarships

The eligibility criteria for applying for MBA scholarships or GMAT scholarships to manage education in some of the best B-schools may differ based on the type of scholarship sought. Students can have a better understanding of the eligibility requirements for such scholarships by understanding the various requirements of each type of award. Furthermore, GMAT scholarships share a few eligibility criteria, such as:

  • Obtaining a decent minimum score in the GMAT exam for which the scholarship is intended.

  • An academic achievement that satisfies the standards of the specific university.

  • Going through a separate scholarship application procedure (if applicable) and not missing the scholarship deadline.

  • Create a fantastic CV/resume to display your academic and extra-curricular achievements for the scholarship awarding committee till the moment your scholarship application is filed.

How to Get a GMAT Score-Based Scholarship?

The application procedure for a GMAT score-based scholarship, whether through a merit scholarship, need-based scholarship, or any external grant, can vary greatly. The following procedures are commonly taken to successfully get a scholarship for supporting your MBA school expenses:

  • Start Researching: Begin by extensively investigating all of the various GMAT scholarships for which you are eligible. You might begin by reading several blog entries online or on the official websites of the organisations that offer scholarships.

  • Prepare for the GMAT Exam Thoroughly: To be eligible for a score-based scholarship, applicants must first have a decent score (at least 650 for most universities). It will need time and effort to properly prepare for the exam.

  • Check All the Eligibility Factors: Many scholarship committees, particularly those that provide scholarships on behalf of universities, require Indian candidates to satisfy the standards for additional reasons. This might be English competence as demonstrated by a high IELTS score. Before submitting your scholarship application, be sure to tick these items.

  • Remember the Deadlines: You read it correctly! Many candidates may not receive the GMAT scholarship because they confuse the scholarship deadline with the university application deadline. As a result, be sure you understand the deadline.

  • Request Feedback: Ask your alumni or other students who have already received the scholarship how they handled the entire process. This might provide you with useful insights into the entire application and selection process. It may increase your chances of receiving the scholarship.

Before applying for a scholarship, make sure that the school or institution offers GMAT-based scholarships to students and that you are eligible for the scholarship. Check out the GMAT scholarships available fo international students here:

Popular B-Schools

Scholarship Name/Type

Harvard Business School

Need-based fellowships

Chicago Booth

The Ramakrishnan Family Scholarship

Akhtar H. Tobaccowala Fellowship

Columbia Business School

The McGowan Fellowship Fund

Oxford Sad Business School

Need-based fellowships

Dartmouth Tuck

Need-based fellowships

Oxford and Cambridge Society of India

OCSI Scholarship for Indian Students

London Business School

Need-based fellowships

INSEAD

Need-based fellowships

MIT Sloan

Need-based fellowships

GMAT Exam Acceptance 2023

GMAT scores are accepted in over 220 countries, these include the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.

According to GMAC, over 2,300 business schools worldwide accept GMAT scores for the purpose of enrolling students on different business and management programmes. The graduate management admissions test is commonly used by students to determine their proficiency in popular management programmes.

Many of the international schools that accept these exam scores also specify their own MBA admission requirement which includes the minimum GMAT score requirements as well. Students must meet these requirements in order to be considered for admission.

The exam is usually conducted at regular intervals throughout any given academic year. Some of the GMAT scores accepting universities abroad include Arizona State University, Harvard University, and Princeton University, among others.

All universities and colleges situated in Australia and the United Kingdom also consider these scores valid for admissions to different graduate management programmes. The exam is also accepted by over 11,000 organizations in 140 different countries.

Here are some of the top countries and universities across the world that consider GMAT exam scores valid:

The USA: The USA is home to some of the best universities in the world, which include top management colleges in the world. Its high academic standards and well-supported education system make it stand out from the rest. Aside from having high academic standards, American universities also follow a rigorous practice-based approach to teaching and learning.

Some of the top universities in the US that find GMAT scores valid for admissions are Columbia University, Northwestern University, California Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and more.

The UK: UK universities are known for their innovative and challenging environment. They're also considered some of the best across different global international university rankings. In terms of global rankings, UK universities are highly reputed across different academic disciplines. Some of the top universities in the UK that accept GMAT exam scores are Imperial College London, King's College London, the University of Bristol, London Business School, and more.

Canada: Canada is also a great place to study as it has a large number of universities and colleges. Aside from universities, Canada also has a variety of post-secondary schools that offer training in various technical and professional fields. In Canada, the top 10 universities that accept GMAT scores are McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia.

Australia: Australia sets the bar high when it comes to international education. Its high standards are evidenced by the various facilities and services that its students receive. Some of Australia's most notable universities that accept at least a GMAT scores score are the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales, the University of Queensland, and many more.

Germany: Among top study abroad destinations, Germany has been a leading university in the world for hundreds of years. Its low tuition fees and affordable living conditions make it a great choice for international students. In Germany, some of the top universities that findGMATscores valid for admissions include the University of Bielefeld, the Hamburg University of Technology, the Technical University of Munich, and more.

Things to Consider Before Sending GMAT Scores to Universities

Before applying to a school or university abroad, students should first check the course and admission details of the institution they are interested in. Doing so can help them narrow down their choices and prepare for graduate management admissions accordingly.

The admissions committee of each individual school will also consider other factors, such as the candidate's academic background and record, along with other factors, when selecting a prospective student.

The GMAT score cut-off that each school sets for admission purposes will also be a factor that the admissions committee uses to select candidates. After all of the requirements have been met, only the eligible candidates will be given an acceptance letter.

Know More About GMAT Accepting Universities Abroad! 

GMAT Coaching Classes

Being a highly renowned admissions entrance test for management courses across top business schools in the world, every test-taker requires proper GMAT preparation and training, which can be achieved through coaching classes. While many students attempt this test after preparing for it individually, a better, more effective and more efficient option is to connect with experienced faculty in this field.

There are several GMAT coaching institutes around the world, where students can attend classes for both online and offline versions of the test. However, there are certain traits and features that every good GMAT coaching class should have, some of which have been defined below.

  • They should help you build your own Study Plan, according to your convenience and previous commitments.

  • Offer you personalised evaluation sessions to help you monitor your progress in preparing for the test.

  • Conduct additional classes if you need more help or result-oriented strategies if you are on a crunch for time.

  • Additional tools and resources such as question banks and quizzes to help you, not only enhance your aptitude but also help revise the different topics in the exam syllabus.

GMAT Conducting Body

GMAT is conducted by the GMAC for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate management courses offered at various B-schools worldwide. GMAC is an international non-profit organization of business schools that provide products and services to academic institutions and prospective graduate management education students.

GMAC meets the needs of various management schools, and management students by offering a wide array of products, services, and programs that are designed to open doors for many students, professionals, and graduate management programs worldwide. GMAC also serves as the leading source of research and information about quality graduate management education.

Interested in Applying to Top MBA Colleges Abroad?

FAQs on GMAT Overview

What is GMAT full form?

The GMAT full form is Graduate Management Admission Test. The exam is held by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) to assess the potential of test-takers to measure their aptitude in quantitative reasoning, verbal skills and analytical writing. The GMAT exam is taken to study MBA at business schools across the world.

How long do GMAT scores remain valid?

According to the official website for the test, GMAT scores remain valid for a period of 5 years. This will allow students to choose their desired management course abroad at the desired university or B-school abroad. However, it is important to note that the GMAT score requirements at each institution may be subject to change at the discretion of the institution.

What is the GMAT exam used for?

In the words of the official administrator for the exam, the GMAT exam has been designed specifically to allow MBA colleges abroad to quantify the academic performance of the applicants. Being a trusted exam among most schools, a GMAT score will help you secure a seat at one of the top MBA schools in the world.

Are GMAT exams only for MBA admissions?

Yes, GMAT exams are designed for MBA admissions specifically, across the top MBA universities abroad. However, it should be noted that some MBA colleges abroad may also accept GRE scores for the purpose of management course admissions. If you wish to know which colleges accept GMAT scores for admissions abroad, register and connect with highly experienced study abroad counsellors.

When should I take the GMAT?

Test-takers should plan to take the GMAT exam at least 6 months to one year prior to the application deadline of their desired university. However, since a GMAT score is valid for a duration of 5 years, test-takers can attempt the test 5 years before applying to any university abroad.

What is the exam pattern for the GMAT online exam?

The exam pattern for the GMAT online exam has been designed to be similar to the test taken at a test centre. At first, the Analytical Writing Assessment had been omitted from the online test. Nevertheless, the official administrator for the GMAT exam later introduced the section to make the test similar to its test centre offering, thus, keeping uniformity among its offerings.

Are all sections under GMAT separately timed?

Yes, all sections in the GMAT exam are separately timed, according to the official administrator for the test. The GMAT exam has been designed in a manner to individually evaluate a candidate across different sections, thus, resulting in each GMAT exam section being allocated individual time limits that all test-takers must abide by.

Can I select my own GMAT exam section order?

Yes, test-takers can choose to attempt the GMAT exam sections in their own order. While the default order to attempt the GMAT exam sections is AWA, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning. However, candidates can choose to attempt either Verbal or Quantitative Reasoning first, as business schools consider these sections to be more important.

Are GMAT Online Exam and GMAT the same?

Yes, with the latest updates in the online test offering, both the GMAT Test at Home and the GMAT exam are exactly the same. From the number of sections in the GMAT test and the scoring methodology, the GMAT online and GMAT tests are the same. Moreover, the validity of both the test offerings is also the same, thus, allowing aspirants to pursue their dreams.

What is the total duration of the GMAT?

The total duration of the GMAT exam comes out to be around 3 hours and 7 minutes excluding the two optional 8-minute breaks that candidates are allowed to take. With the two additional breaks, a GMAT exam can be completed just within 3 and half hours. Register and find the best ways to optimise your time management skills for GMAT exams with us.

Is GMAT compulsory for an MBA abroad?

No, a GMAT score is not compulsory for an MBA abroad, however, most MBA colleges abroad do require applicants to present a valid GMAT score. However, many universities also accept GRE scores for MBA admissions abroad. It should be noted that many universities are also going test-optional, therefore, check the individual admission requirements of each university before applying to any standardised test.

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