GMAT Exam 2024: Test Types, Eligibility, Registration Process, Fee, Score Range, Exam Pattern

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a globally recognized standardized test for those seeking admission into advanced management and business programs, including MBAs. Serving as a key differentiator in the admissions journey, the GMAT is a trusted metric for gauging academic prowess in graduate business studies. Remarkably, GMAT scores influence 9 out of every 10 MBA admissions decisions. Overseen by GMAC, this exam ensures that business schools have a consistent standard to evaluate applicants' readiness for rigorous graduate studies. Annually, the GMAT witnesses 200,000 test-takers, with its scores being a ticket to over 2,300 esteemed business institutions worldwide.

Latest Update

• A new exam format for the GMAT called GMAT Focus Edition has been introduced, including fewer topics.

• The GMAT Focus Edition application period began on August 29.

• The old syllabus and exam pattern will continue until this year's third quarter ends.

• Candidates can now book their spots six months in advance on GMAC and register using their Aadhar ID.

• Candidates can use the GMAC Prep Guide's advice to ace the exam if they intend to take the GMAC.

• Five free GMAT score reports are currently included with the online GMAT exam.  

GMAT Focus Edition

GMAC has launched the GMAT Focus Edition to cater to the needs of the modern corporate world. This new format emphasizes on the "higher-order critical reasoning and data literacy skills".

However, the GMAT Focus Edition  has a few changes. The new exam will emphasize higher-order reasoning skills, especially the Verbal Reasoning section, while assessing candidates' Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning abilities and competence in data analysis and interpretation. These exams are for business schools and employers who look for a high level of critical reasoning and data literacy skills in candidates.

• A new section on the GMAT called Data Insights (DI) has recently been added. Candidates' performance in DI, Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR) will now be factored into their final GMAT Score.

• There will be 21 questions in QR (45 minutes), 23 questions in VR (45 minutes), and 20 questions in DI (45 minutes). Ten minutes of voluntary rest will be provided.

• Sentence correction is eliminated from the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus, while the new DI section was emphasized.

On June 6, 2023, the official GMAT Focus Edition prep material launched and released its current version. The availability of this GMAT edition will extend until at least early 2024. Therefore, well-prepared students for the current GMAT exam need not worry as they can access this version until at least early 2024. GMAT Focus registration opened on August 29, 2023; testing is scheduled to commence on November 7th of that same year. The new GMAT Focus Edition will have a shorter duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes compared to the current version, which takes 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete. 

GMAT Exam Importance

The GMAT exam has a lot of importance in your career trajectory. It allows you to begin your career at a better remuneration level, gives you an alternate career, and inculcates confidence, knowledge, and good practices in you. 

GMAT is the widely used and trusted exam for MBA and other graduate business degree programs. This exam helps aspiring candidates to stand out in the admissions process. 9 out of 10 MBA admissions decisions in top universities are made considering a GMAT score. The exams are taken to evaluate skills that all B-schools require worldwide. 

GMAT Exam Pattern: Key Highlights

GMAT Online Exam

• The GMAT Online Exam was launched by GMAC in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for anyone who would like to take the GMAT admission exam at home instead of at a testing facility. Currently, candidates can choose to take the GMAT at a nearby test center or online.

• Candidates may book an online exam appointment up to 24 hours in advance of a testing time that is open for the GMAT Online Exam. Continuously, new appointments are available for the GMAT Online exam.

• There is no longer a two-try limit on GMAT online exam attempts. The five attempts each rolling 12-month period and eight attempts overall for the GMAT will be applied to the online attempts.

• GMAC declares the Aadhaar Card's validity as identification proof for the GMAT Online Exam. Consequently, Indian applicants may present their Aadhaar Card during registration to validate their identity. It is important to note that only in appearing for the online format of a GMAT test will they accept this card; otherwise, a valid passport serves as an acceptable ID at all GMAT test centres.

Reservation Criteria for GMAT Test

GMAC understands the challenges faced by applicants who face physical disabilities or limitations. To ensure equal opportunities for all test-takers, it has implemented special reservation criteria to accommodate individuals with disabilities. To avail of this benefit, applicants must provide documentation of their disabilities and their application. It believes in creating an inclusive testing environment for everyone and is committed to providing accommodations for those in need.

• Under standard circumstances, how their disability affects their ability to take the GMAT.

• An impairment limits the ability to do a major life activity compared to most people.

Applicants that fit into any of the following categories will be subject to the reservation criterion:

• Psychological Disabilities

• Learning and Cognitive Disorder

• Attention Deficit  Hyperactive Disorder

• Physical and Systematic Disabilities

• Sensory Disabilities

GMAT Examinations Types

The GMAT exam has two forms: online and test center. It is comprised of four sections, and the online version is a computer-adaptive exam that can be taken wherever is convenient for the candidate - either at home or at a test center, or both. The online exam is available to be taken worldwide, barring a few nations due to local data protection regulations.

Four distinct section types comprise the GMAT; however, you will apply the same critical thinking and analysis skills throughout this test--just as during your MBA coursework.  The four sections of the GMAT include: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning (IR), and Analytical Writing (AWA) ; among these – it is unquestionably the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections that bear utmost significance for MBA and graduate school admissions.

GMAT Exam Eligibility

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is responsible for administering the GMAT exam, and there is no universal eligibility requirement. Nevertheless, candidates must meet the criteria specified by the school they plan to attend after taking the test. The following are essential requirements for taking the GMAT.

Academic Eligibility Requirement

No formal eligibility requirements for academic qualification have been specified by the organizing body. Test takers are not required to have any particular degree or minimum or maximum academic qualification. All of the examinees, nevertheless, are keen to attend a management course and are either working professionals or undergraduate students. Students can still take the test even if they do not meet the requirements above.

GMAT Age Criteria

GMAC sets the minimum age criteria for the GMAT examination at 13 years, without establishing an upper limit on age. The majority of applicants who take the GMAT are over thirty years old. Students who are at least 18 years old may register and apply for the GMAT examination without complication. Yet, students in the age group of 13-18 must secure their parents' or legal guardians' signature on a permission letter during registration; this allows them to take the test.

Grades and scores Requirements 

The GMAT examination does not  impose any eligibility criteria based on past academic scores and grades; there is no requirement for minimum cut-off marks. It's important, however, it should not be confused with the admission standards of B-schools as they do consider grades and scores before granting acceptance.

Number of Attempts for GMAT

The number of attempts that an applicant may make will be dependent upon a few factors, according to GMAC. After the first attempt, students have 16 days to retake the GMAT exam. Holidays and weekly off days will also be included. The candidates may only take the GMAT exam five times in a 12-month period. Any applicant may attempt no more than eight attempts in a lifetime. Any applicant who received a score of 800 or higher will have to wait an additional five years to retake the exam.

Language criteria for GMAT

No official eligibility exists regarding the language criteria for GMAT test-takers. However, applicants who use English as a second language or did not receive instruction in it can still qualify to take this exam; they must demonstrate proficiency in English--since the GMAT is conducted solely in that language.

Work Experience Requirements 

The GMAT exam imposes no minimum or maximum work experience requirements on test-takers; thus, applicants can be fresher or industry experts. For many business schools, work experience before taking the GMAT is considered a plus.. Prior job experience in the same trade field strengthens an applicant's enrollment application.

GMAT Registration Process

GMAC demands that the registration for the exam must be completed either six months prior to the test date or at most a day before the test. However, it should be kept in mind that if the candidates wait until the last minute to book their slots, it may not be possible. It is recommended that the slots be booked before the scheduled test date. Registration can be done through postal mail, online, or via phone.

Prospective test-takers of GMAT can choose the time that works best for them. However, it is mandatory to wait for at least 16 days before scheduling a new exam. A maximum of five attempts are allowed within a 12-month period and eight attempts over the course of a lifetime. Here is what you need to know to register:

• Visit official GMAT site.

• Create an account.

• Provide your name, address, and other personal information.

• Describe your academic and professional background.

• Check your information before submitting.

• Decide when the exam will be held. Choose a testing location that is approachable or nearby.

• Decide on the time and date accordingly.

During November, the demand for the GMAT exam tends to be higher than usual. To secure your desired time and location, it is recommended to register 3 or 4 months prior. You can make the payment by cheque, and arrange the test through postal mail. There is also an option to register by phone, with a surcharge of US$10 for the service.

GMAT Exam Fee

The cost of the test is $275 (registration fee), which is roughly equivalent to INR 22,835. If the candidate wishes to alter the center of choice or rearrange the test date, additional charges will be applicable. Even if the candidate does not turn up for the exam, they will still have to pay the entire fee.

GMAT Exam Syllabus And Pattern

The GMAT evaluation encompasses four parts - Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. This exam assesses a test-taker's capacity to address problems, think critically, evaluate data sufficiency, and exercise logic.

To have a productive career in management, there are certain abilities that need to be possessed. The GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, and the exam has a duration of 3 hours and 7 minutes. The GMAT score is valid for a period of five years, and the exam can be taken either in English language online or offline.

Helpful Calculators:

• CGPA to Percentage
• SGPA to CGPA
• SGPA to Percentage

Calculation of GMAT Scores

The GMAT exam consists of four sections, each with its own respective score, and an overall cumulative score. This information is provided in the official score report, which contains both Quantitative and Verbal scores only.

GMAT Score Range

The following table outlines the minimum and maximum scores, as well as the mean, for each section: