GMAT Exam Preparation: Master the Test, Master Your Business Career

The GMAT measures a candidate's ability to succeed in a graduate management program and is a reliable predictor of academic success , Follow this guide to know everything about GMAT exams.

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What is GMAT Exam?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam required for admission to MBA programs abroad. The test evaluates a candidate's analytical abilities in both quantitative and verbal reasoning sections. Although the GMAT is specifically designed for MBA admissions, candidates are not required to have a background in management. Instead, the exam assesses fundamental mathematical and verbal skills necessary to succeed in business school academics. Therefore, students from non-management backgrounds need not worry about GMAT preparation.

Why Take the GMAT Exam?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a unique standardized exam exclusively for admission to graduate business and management programs. It is recognized by more than 7,000 programs at around 2,300 graduate business and management schools across the globe. The exam evaluates a candidate's analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills, which are essential for pursuing an MBA. A high GMAT score demonstrates a candidate's readiness and commitment to the rigor of a graduate business program. Furthermore, a good score on the exam can open doors to top-ranked management schools, thereby increasing job opportunities.

GMAT Exam Highlights

Exam NameGMAT
GMAT full formGraduate Management Admission Test
Official Websitehttps://www.mba.com
Most popular forMBA courses outside India
Most popular forUndergraduate courses in the US and Canada
Also accepted by

MS courses outside India

MBA courses in India

Conducted byGMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Mode of ExamComputer-based adaptive test
GMAT feeUS $275 (INR 22,800 approx)
Score RangeMin 200, Max 800

GMAT Exam Eligibility

GMAC, the organization that administers the GMAT, does not establish specific eligibility criteria for taking the exam. Nonetheless, candidates should always ensure they meet the eligibility requirements established by the university or college to which they plan to apply after taking the GMAT.

GMAT Age Criteria
  • The candidate must have completed 18 years of age
  • There is no upper age limit for the candidate
  • If the candidate is between 13 to 17 years old, they should have permission in writing from their parents or legal guardian
  • Educational Qualification
  • GMAC has not announced any official statement regarding the qualifications required to appear for GMAT
  • Candidates who wish to enrol in an MBA programme should possess a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university
  • GMAT Exam Syllabus

    Analytical Writing Assessment

    Argument Essay and Issue Essay.

    Integrated Reasoning

    Table Analysis, Two-part Analysis, Multi-Source Reasoning and Graphics Interpretation.

    Quantitative Reasoning

    Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving.

    Verbal Reasoning

    Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning and Sentence Correction

    GMAT Exam Structure

    Analytical Writing Assessment (30 minutes) 1 Argument essay to measure critical thinking and communication skillsIntegrated Reasoning (30 minutes) - 12 Questions to analyze data and interpret information presented in varied formats.
    Mathematics (70 minutes)

    1st Module - 20 Operational questions and 2 pretest questions Time Allotted - 35 minutes

    2nd Module - 20 Operational questions and 2 pretest questions Time Allotted - 35 minutes Total Marks – 800

    Writing Section (50 mins)2 tasks of writing essay responses based on reading and listening
    Total ScoresSAT scores are out of 1600
    Total Time2 hours 14 mins (Digital)

    GMAT Exam Dates

    There is no fixed official GMAT exam date in 2023, and candidates may choose any date that is convenient and available for them. In the event that a candidate needs to retake the exam, they must wait for 16 days before doing so. Candidates may take or retake the GMAT exam up to five times per year, with the ideal timeframe for registration being two to three months before the exam date. While online or phone registration is available up to 24 hours before the exam, it is recommended to register early to allow ample time for exam preparation. Coaching institutes also recommend early registration to provide candidates with a broader window for exam preparation.

    GMAT Exam Fees

    The cost of the GMAT Exam varies depending on the location. In India, the GMAT Exam fee differs based on the candidate’s preference. If the exam is taken online in a home based setting, it costs $250, while taking it at a test center costs $275.

    GMAT Registration Fee: - $250
  • Rescheduling Fee : -$50 (60 Days before the appointment) $100 (15-60 Days before the appointment) $140 (14 Days before the appointment)
  • Cancellation Fee :- $100 Refund (60 Days before the appointment) $75 Refund (15-60 Days before the appointment) $50 Refund (14 Days before the appointment)
  • Enhanced Score Report :- $30
  • Score Cancellation Fee After Leaving the Test Centre :- $25
  • Additional Score Report :- $35 each
  • Rescoring for AWA Essay :- $45
  • GMAT Registration

    GMAC allows candidates to register for the GMAT entrance exam up to six months before the Graduate Management Admission Test date, or as late as 24 hours before the scheduled exam date in 2023. However, last-minute slots may not be available, so it is advisable to reserve a preferred slot well in advance of the planned exam date.

    Ways for GMAT registration 2023:

  • Online
  • Phone
  • Postal mail
  • There are 5 steps to register for the GMAT and also different steps for the GMAT schedule. You can read the complete steps for GMAT registration.

  • Step 1 :- Signup on GMAT official portal
  • Step 2 :- Submit personal information
  • Step 3 :- Submit profile details
  • Step 4 :- Select test centre, date and time
  • Step 5:- Make payment to complete the registration
  • When to Take the GMAT?

    When selecting a date for the GMAT exam, it is essential to consider the following points:

  • Application deadlines and study abroad intakes: Familiarize yourself with the deadlines for MBA applications and the various study abroad intakes. This will enable you to determine the amount of time needed to prepare your application.
  • Time for preparation: After understanding the deadlines for MBA or MIM applications and the time required for documentation purposes, you should determine the amount of time required to prepare for the GMAT. Typically, students spend between 3 to 6 months preparing for the exam.
  • Choice of country: Deadlines, intakes, GMAT cut off scores, required documents, and other factors vary depending on the country and university. It is important to be aware of these factors when selecting a date for the GMAT exam.
  • The GMAT exam is an essential step for those who wish to pursue an MBA or other graduate business programs. Aspiring candidates should carefully plan and prepare for the exam, taking into account various factors such as application deadlines, study abroad intakes, and the amount of time needed for preparation.

    At Maxxcell, we offer comprehensive GMAT preparation courses that can help you excel in the exam and achieve your goals. Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention and guidance to students, helping them improve their skills in areas such as quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. With Maxxcell, you can be confident in your abilities and perform your best on the GMAT exam.

    So, if you're looking to ace the GMAT exam and pursue your dream of a successful career in business, enroll in Maxxcell's GMAT preparation courses today!