GMAT Exam 2024: Registration, Exam Details, Preparation Strategies

GMAT is a computer adaptive test to evaluate the aptitudes of candidates for analyzing also their verbal, reading, writing and moreover quantitative skills in English. GMAT scores are used when applying for, the higher management course, for example the MBA/ PGDM. GMAT is an international test taken from the Graduate Management Admission Council. The GMAT scores can be used in 110 plus countries with well over 600 test centres in the same. Scroll down to get all information about the GMAT Exam 2024.

GMAT 2024 Latest Updates

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has recently modified the term GMAC Focus Edition was changed to the GMAT Exam. It will highly likely operate under the new name from the July first beginning of the next year that will be 2024.GMAT Focus Edition act as different version of the former GMAT. However, both of these test versions has been integrated, and now the test will be known as ‘GMAT Exam’. Any aspirant needs to know that the only thing that has been changed is the name while everything else including the format and grading system shall remain same.

GMAT Full Form Graduate Management Admission Test
Conducting Body GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Maximum Attempts 8 Times
Admission For MBA/ PGDM in India and abroad
GMAT Fees $275 (INR 22,000 aproxx.)
GMAT Exam Structure
  • Analytical Writing
  • Integrated Reasoning
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Verbal Reasoning
Exam Duration 2 hours 15 minutes
Exam Mode Computer-based adaptive test
GMAT Score Range
  • Minimum – 200
  • Maximum – 800
Official Website https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam

What is the GMAT Exam?

Graduate Management Admission Test is conducted By Graduate Management Admission Council Skill. GMAT is administered in order to assess a particular candidate’s ability in English Analytical Writing, Verbal Integrated and As well as, Quantitative Reasoning. Aspirants can use GMAT to enter management programs in India and other countries with ease. Universities such as Harvard University Stanford University and Cambridge accepts GMAT for admission to MBA program. The GMAT scores are useful for getting an MBA degree in the B-Schools. ‘GMAT Focus Edition’ was earlier introduced as a different version from the previous one. But there is only one version of GMAT available in today’s world. Therefore, from the 1st of July, 2024 the term ‘GMAT Exam’ will be used.

GMAT Full Form

GMAT is the abbreviation for Graduate Management Admission Test. It is a computer adaptive test conducted by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) which was designed to predict the candidate’s ability for admission to programs of higher management. C Pass or low score on GMAT can give a candidate an MBA at Harvard or any other university of the world.

Why Does the GMAT Matter?

The scores in GMAT examination are useful while seeking admission into the best business schools in India and other parts of the world. The GMAT is taken by any student, who wants to get an MBA or a management course in any reputed university. GMAT is important because it reveals the candidate’s worth of education and his readiness for the course.

  • GMAT is used like a standardized test since it enables business schools to assess the aspirants on their performance and on their passion on the course.
  • It is an internationally accredited test accepted in over 111 countries around the world. This exam lets you challenge other candidates in other fields and academics from other institutions.
  • Undoubtedly, there are candidates who have GMAT scores and what can I say; with respective scores they can easily derive admission into a management program.
  • GMAT scores can demonstrate a candidate’s manifestation of readiness to devote time and effort for the needed program and at least he or she has basic perception of the sphere.
    With a good score in GMAT you can get scholarship to do an MBA at your desired university.

GMAT Eligibility

The GMAT, the organization behind the GMAT, does not outline specific eligibility criteria for taking the exam. However, candidates need to adhere to the eligibility requirements set by the university or college they intend to apply to after completing the GMAT.

Age Criteria for the GMAT Exam

  • Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
  • There is no upper age limit.
  • Candidates aged 13 to 17 must provide written permission (NOC) from their parents or legal guardian.

Educational Qualifications for the GMAT Exam

  • GMAC has not released any official statements regarding the required qualifications for the GMAT.
  • Candidates aiming for MBA programs typically need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in any discipline.

Work Experience Requirement for the GMAT Exam

  • The GMAT itself does not mandate work experience; it primarily assesses academic abilities and skills relevant to graduate management education.
  • However, some MBA programs may require applicants to have a certain amount of work experience.

GMAT Registration 2024

GMAT registration can be completed within 24 hours to 6 months before the exam date. However, aspirants must prepare thoroughly before registering and booking their GMAT slot. GMAT registration can be done in Online registration, Phone, Postal Mail

How to Register for GMAT?

GMAT registration is divided into four (4) steps. The below-listed steps will help aspirants register for the GMAT.

  • Please register on the official website namely at mba.com and complete the registration process.
  • Upon your registration, create your GMAT profile and fill in your academic records, name of the country and university that you have in mind, and so on.
  • The next step is to confirm the accuracy of all the information you keyed in.
  • Once done with your GMAT profile, you will also choose your test centre, desired exam date and time.
  • The last one is to make the GMAT registration fee payment.
  • Students will then be asked to make the registration fee payment upon which they will be sent an email confirming their application.

GMAT Fees in India

GMAT Fees can be paid via VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Discover Network Cards. The GMAT Focus Edition fee is USD 275 (INR 22,961) at the delivered test centre and USD 300 (INR 24,989) for the online test. The table below highlights all the details related to GMAT fees in India.

GMAT Reschedule Fee

GMAT offers opportunities to the candidates to reschedule their test within a specific time. One can reschedule his or her test from 60 days up to 24 hours before the test appointment. However, candidates must pay some extra amount for rescheduling their test. In case any candidate reschedules his or her test 60 days before the test appointment, he or she has to pay $55. Find the table given below for more information.

GMAT Cancellation Fee

GMAT aspirants are allowed to cancel their test anytime before the test appointment. If any candidate cancels the test more than 60 days before the test appointment, he or she will receive a refund of $110. The table below discusses all the details about the GMAT cancellation fee.

GMAT Services Fee (Offline Test Centre) Fee (Online Test)
GMAT Exam $275 (INR 22,961) $300 (INR 24,989)
Additional Score Report $35 each $35 each
Reschedule Fees
More than 60 days before the appointment $55 $60
15 to 60 days before the appointment $110 $120
14 days or less before the appointment $165 $180
Cancellation Fees
More than 60 days before the appointment $110 Refund $120 Refund
15 to 60 days before the appointment $80 Refund $90 Refund
14 days or less before the appointment $55 Refund $60 Refund

*Note – An additional $10 will be charged for candidates applying via the call centre.

GMAT Exam Dates 2024

The GMAT is given a number of times in a year. GMAT exam dates are not standardized. That is to say that candidates can select GMAT test dates at natural convenient time of their time. In India, leading cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Pune, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Kolkata, Ahmedabad etc have their exam dates. This means that GMAT exam dates vary depending with the number of aspirants for the same date and more so the availability of the specific examination centre. Since prospective students need to know all about the GMAT exam dates, 2024, they should visit the GMAC website.

GMAT Test Centres

Location is among the choices that the candidates are asked to choose during the completion of the GMAT application form. Currently, there are 33 testing sites for the GMAT all across India that are available on a flexiable test taking basis. The table below shows the list of GMAT centres in India.

Ahmedabad Bangalore Pune Nagpur Hyderabad Ranchi Delhi Kochi Indore
Vishakhapatnam Mumbai Chennai Chandigarh Coimbatore Jaipur Kolkata Lucknow Vijayawada
Vadodara Bhubaneswar Bhopal Amritsar Ludhiana Jalandhar Guwahati Noida Mysore
Manipal Raipur Surat Tiruchirapalli Dehradun Kanpur

GMAT Exam Pattern 2024

The GMAT exam pattern helps the candidates understand the structure of the exam, types of questions asked, total number of questions, exam duration, and other exam-related information.

The following table provides information about GMAT exam pattern:

  • There would be a total of 80 questions divided into four sections; Analytical Writing Assessment; Quantitative Reasoning; Verbal Reasoning and Integrated Reasoning.
  • The duration for taking the examination shall be 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • There will be a 10-minute break between the exam.
  • The scores are going to be ranged from 200 points to 800 points.

The table below highlights the GMAT exam pattern in detail.

GMAT Test Sections Questions Time Score Range
Quantitative Reasoning 21 45 60-90 (1-point Increment)
Verbal Reasoning 23 45 60-90 (1-point Increment)
Data Insight 20 45 60-90 (1-point Increment)
Total 64 2 hours 15 Minutes (10 minutes of Break) 205-805 (10-point Increment)

GMAT Syllabus

GMAT syllabus includes three topics: In addition, there are three types of reasoning: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insight. The duration of the test will be 135 minutes. Candidates will also have the benefit of a 10 minute passing time and can go to any section first while the subsequent section can be done next.

Quantitative Reasoning

The quant sections of GMAT assess the knowledge and / or proficiency of candidates in mathematics. There will be twenty one questions and will come under this section. The subjects covered in this section are algebra, arithmetic, critical and analytical thinking. Students need to learn all the topics very well to manifest very well in this section.

Verbal Reasoning

The GMAT Verbal reasoning comprises of the following: reading comprehension, critical reasoning and sentence completion tests. A total of 23 questions will be included in the research. As part of the assessment, the candidates will be required to analyze written work in order to make logical conclusions, up to and including arguments.

This section consists of a mixture of two types of multiple-choice questions:

  • Reading comprehension passage at which a number of questions have to be answered which tests your analysis bent of mind, ability to make assumptions about certain aspects in the given text, and the capability of identifying relational or logical connections between textual features.
  • Critical reasoning helps determine your competence in putting a short argument to a conclusion.

Data Insight

The GMAT Data Insight syllabus tries the candidates on comprehensive formats that include, but not limited to; tables and graphic interpretations. The entire section will carry 20 questions to be based on areas such as data sufficiency, graphics interpretation tables and multi source reasoning.

Test Sections Total Questions Duration Topics Covered
Quantitative Reasoning 21 45
  • Algebra
  • Artihematic
  • Critical/ analytical thinking
Verbal Reasoning 23 45
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Sentence Correction
Data Insight 20 45
  • Data Sufficiency,
  • Graphics Interpretation
  • Multi-source Reasoning
  • Table Analysis
  • Two-Part Analysis

How the GMAT is Scored?

GMAT Score 2024: The GMAT score report is released after the completion of the test. Aspirants can either accept the score report or reject it. Once accepted, candidates and their selected institutions can view the GMAT results. After the examination, candidates will be able to download their non-official GMAT results. Candidates will receive their GMAT score report and AWA scores within the next 20 days.

GMAT Score Calculation

GMAT scores are calculated on a fixed scale. The GMAT total score report includes Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning only. The GMAT score report is calculated based on the following elements:

  • Quantitative Score (0 to 60) with percentile.
  • Verbal Score (0 to 60) with percentile.
  • Total GMAT Score (200 to 800) with percentile.
  • AWA Score (0 to 60 half-integers) with percentile.
  • Integrated Reasoning score (1 to 8)

GMAT Score Range

The minimum and maximum scores GMAT score range is 200 to 800. The table below highlights the section-wise GMAT score range.

Sections Score Range Mean Score
Quantitative Reasoning 0 to 60 38
Verbal Reasoning 0 to 60 37
Analytical Writing Assessment 0 to 6 4.5
Integrated Reasoning 1 to 8 4
Total 200 to 800 548

GMAT Score Valitidy

GMAT scores are valid only for 5 years after the declaration of the result. Candidates must keep themselves informed on university admissions and GMAT exam dates. Keeping informed about the test and university admissions will help candidates avoid last-minute rush.

How to Check GMAT Scores?

The below-listed steps will help candidates check their GMAT scores.

  • Check your email inbox, where you will receive an ID from GMAC.
  • The email will carry all the instructions to check your GMAT scores and will guide you with further instructions.

GMAT Exam Preparation Strategies

In any case whether you are on self-preparation or taking GMAT coaching sessions, you must have adequate study resources to prepare for the GMAT exam. There are various GMAT preparation books, mock tests and online practice is good enough to prepare for the test. If one wants to succeed on the GMAT, he or she can make use of these seven techniques that are discussed below.

  • You should first familiarize with the general scheme of the GMAT examination and the format of this test. GMAT is divided into four sections: There also fixed tests namely, Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
  • Learn what it is that you do well and what you do not do well so that you can determine your position and the extent of attention that you must accord your weaknesses.
  • Create a comprehensive study strategy which has to cover all the pillars as per your strong and weak profile.
  • Practice with mainly GMAT materials available from GMAC including tests and questions.
  • Delay your response and try to answer questions in the best time limit for each section of the exam so that you get used to it and finish the exam before time runs out.
  • Whenever you finish with a topic or even practice tests, attempt to go over your answers. Mistakes should be understood in that they occur and should not be repeated hence one should learn how to behave by looking at why they occurred.
  • After you are through with the whole of GMAT syllabus, you should attempt to prepare with other GMAT preparation source such as books, self tutorials on line, tutors. This will assist you in filling all the gaps you could have left during your preparation and preparation period.

GMAT Preparation Books

Having sufficient and right GMAT Exam preparation books is crucial to score well on the test. The following books will help you prepare for the GMAT Exam.

Name of the Book Author/ Publisher Link
All The GMAT Manhattan Prep Buy Now
GMAT Official Guide 2023-24 Wiley Buy Now
GMAT Focus Edition: Unofficial Guide Career Launcher Buy Now
GMAT Critical Reasoning Manhattan Prep Buy Now
GMAT Official Advanced Questions mba.com Buy Now

GMAT Mock Tests

GMAT Exam mock tests are crucial for exam preparation. GMAT Exam mock tests allow students to acclimatise to the exam environment and experience the real situation. Every GMAT aspirant must solve GMAT Exam mock tests for better understanding and it will also provide them with an overview of their exam preparation.

GMAT Online Practice Tests

Graduate Management Admission Council, offers official online practice tests. The official online practice tests are the paid online practice tests, for which you have to make online payments before you start your online practice tests. At just $107.99, aspirants can have access to 6 GMAT practice tests.

GMAT Colleges

GMAT scores is a globally accepted management standardized test. Business schools in more than 110 countries offer management courses to students who have qualified with GMAT scores. Any aspirant of GMAT should have at least 720 or above on their GMAT to pursue MBA at Harvard, Cambridge, or Oxford.

Colleges in India Accepting GMAT

Take a look at the top colleges in India and their courses for GMAT aspirants.

Universities/ Business Schools Names of Management Programs
IIM Bangalore Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP)
IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX
IIM Calcutta MBA for Executives Program
ISB Hyderabad Post Graduate Program in Management
IIM Indore Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP)
SP Jain PGDM
IIM Lucknow MBA Executive
Amity Business School MBA
BITS Pilani MBA in Busines Analytics
Christ University MBA


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