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 Name GMAT
GMAT full form Graduate Management Admission Test
Official Website https://www.mba.com
Most popular for MBA courses outside India
Also accepted for MS courses outside India

MBA courses in India

Conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Mode of Exam Computer-based adaptive test
GMAT fee US $275 (INR 22,800 approx)
Score Range Min 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

    Exam pattern
    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.

    Quantitative Section (62 mins) 31 Questions to measure your ability to analyze data and use reasoning skills to draw conclusions.
    Verbal Section (65 mins) 36 Questions to measures your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments and correct written material to confirm to standard written English.
    Total Scores GMAT scores are out of 800
    Total Time 3 hours, 7 minutes

    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!

    Start your Journey with Maxxcell

    News and Events

    Why international students love Germany, and one reason they don'tNew

    Maxxcell Institute & IMDR, PUNE Organize SYMPOSIUM On Management Career

    Maxxcell Overseas Education Services Holds EXCELLENTIA ‘ 22

    Lancaster University Global Scholarship for Undergraduates and Postgraduates in 2023-24 UK

    UK: University of Essex Announces £10,000 Scholarship Opportunity for Indian Students.

    F.A.Q.

    Although we have shared all the information with you on our website, if there are any queries that are unaddressed,
    you can find the answers to them below in our FAQs:

    Common facts about the GMAT Exam are:
  • Students are also not allowed to appear for their GMAT exam more than 5 times in a 12-month rolling period.
  • Candidates can attempt the GMAT exam a maximum of 8 times in their lifetime.
  • The unique aspect of the GMAT is that it does not have a set exam date. Students have the flexibility to choose from the many available GMAT exam dates to appear for the exam.
    • GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, it adapts to the performance of the candidate while he is giving the test. The difficulty level of the questions changes based on whether the candidate is answering the questions right or wrong. If the candidate is answering the questions right, the level of the questions will rise, similarly, if the candidate is answering the questions wrong, the candidate will start getting easy questions. Also, as the next question is generated based on the performance in the current question, the candidate cannot visit the previous question. The candidate needs to answer a question about whether he is able to solve it or not in order to move ahead in the exam.
    Once the GMAT Exam is completed, the candidate's unofficial GMAT Exam score is displayed. It includes the verbal score, the quantitative score, and the overall GMAT score. The official GMAT exam score is released within 20 days of the exam date.
    Most candidates believe that GMAT coaching is required to crack the GMAT Exam. This is not necessarily true as quite a few candidates clear the GMAT Exam without any GMAT Coaching. What GMAT coaching provides is a properly compiled study plan and subject knowledge, which allows the candidates to grasp the concepts faster. If you think you can fulfil these requirements on your own, there is no need for GMAT coaching.
    GMAT scores can be sent in two ways to B-schools. While registering for the GMAT exam, candidates have the option of sending the score report to five programs for free. Also, if candidates are not decided yet and need more time to send their scores, they can always request sending an additional score report by paying $35. Many a time, students send their score reports after receiving the score confirmation.