GMAT Exam 2025: Exam Dates, Registration, Test Centres, Eligibility & Results
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-adaptive, standardized exam used by business schools worldwide for admissions to MBA, MiM, and other postgraduate management programs. Run by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for over 50 years, the latest GMAT (11th Edition / Focus Edition) evaluates three skill areas:
- Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
- Verbal Reasoning (VR)
- Data Insights (DI)
These sections collectively measure problem-solving, critical thinking, data analysis, and communication—skills central to success in graduate management studies. The test is available at test centres and online at home.
GMAT 2025 – Key Highlights
| Item | Details |
| Exam Name | GMAT (11th Edition / Focus Edition) |
| Transition | Classic GMAT fully replaced by Focus Edition on Feb 1, 2024 |
| Conducted by | GMAC |
| Official Website | https://www.mba.com |
| Who Takes It | MBA, MiM, and other PG business applicants (India & abroad) |
| Delivery Modes | Test centre or online (at home) |
| Question Type | All MCQ (no essay/AWA in Focus) |
| Section Order | Any order; you choose |
| Sections & Timing | Quant (21 Q / 45 min) · Verbal (23 Q / 45 min) · Data Insights (20 Q / 45 min) |
| Total Questions | 64 |
| Total Test Time | 135 minutes + optional 10-minute break |
| Score Scale | 205–805 (total) |
| Fees (India) | USD 275 (test centre) · USD 300 (online) + taxes* |
| Score Availability | Official score in your mba.com account within ~48 hours |
| Score Validity | 5 years (reportable up to 10 years) |
| Retakes | Up to 5 in 12 months, 8 lifetime, 16-day gap between retakes |
| Cancellations/Refunds | >60 days: USD 110/120 · 15–60 days: USD 80/90 · <14 days: USD 55/60 · ≤24 hrs: no refund |
| India Support | Phone: +91 120-439-7830 (9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. IST) |
*Convert USD to INR at payment time to see exact fee in rupees.
What is the GMAT (Focus Edition)?
The GMAT Focus Edition (11th) streamlines the exam to three sections (QR, VR, DI) and removes the previous AWA essay. Data Insights consolidates and expands data-centric skills (including the former Integrated Reasoning content). The exam remains computer-adaptive (CAT) and tests practical reasoning, not business theory—so you don’t need prior management coursework.
Why take GMAT?
- Demonstrates readiness for rigorous management programs
- Offers a standardized benchmark across applicants
- Supports merit-based scholarships in many schools
- Accepted widely for MBA/MiM and related programs globally
Old GMAT vs. GMAT Focus — Quick Comparison
| Feature | GMAT 10th (Old) | GMAT Focus (New) |
| Duration | ~3h 7m | 2h 15m |
| Sections | QR, VR, IR, AWA | QR, VR, DI |
| Questions | ~80 | 64 |
| Essay | Yes | No |
| Scoring | 200–800 | 205–805 |
| Review/Edit | Limited | Yes (limited) |
| Free Score Sends | Before exam (5 schools) | After scores (5 schools) |
| Breaks | 2 × 8 min | 1 × 10 min |
| Some Topic Shifts | SC/Geometry present | SC/Geometry removed; IR → Data Insights |
GMAT 2025 Pattern (Focus Edition)
| Section | Questions | Time |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 min |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 min |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 min |
| Total | 64 | 135 min (+ 10-min optional break) |
Content snapshot
- Quant: Arithmetic & algebraic reasoning; data sufficiency shifted into DI.
- Verbal: Reading comprehension & critical reasoning (no sentence correction).
- Data Insights: Multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, and data sufficiency.
Eligibility (India) – Who Can Take the GMAT?
- Age: 18+ (13–17 allowed with parent/guardian consent)
- Education/Work-ex: No formal prerequisites from GMAC; programs set their own criteria
- ID: Valid, acceptable ID (typically passport) required for registration and on test day
Always confirm each target school’s current policy (some are test-optional).
Registration & Slot Booking (2025)
You can register as early as 6 months before your target date—or up to 24 hours before, subject to seat availability. Earlier booking gives you better choice of date/time/test centre.
How to register (online):
- Go to mba.com and create/sign in to your account.
- Choose GMAT (test centre or online at home).
- Select location/date/time (or online slot).
- Enter personal details exactly as on your passport.
- Pay the applicable fee and confirm your booking.
- You’ll receive an email confirmation; your appointment shows in your dashboard.
Tips before booking
- Ensure name & details match your passport precisely.
- Read GMAC policies (reschedule, cancellation, retakes).
- Plan backwards from application deadlines; leave buffer for a potential retake.
Exam Dates & Centres
- GMAT runs year-round; dates vary by city/centre and online availability.
- Popular seasons fill fast—aim to book 3–4 weeks in advance (or earlier in peak months).
Scores, Reporting & Validity
- Total Score: 205–805 (ends in “5” on Focus Edition).
- Section Scores: QR, VR, DI reported on 60–90 scales.
- Official score report: Typically within ~48 hours to your mba.com account.
- Validity: 5 years (schools may accept older scores at their discretion).
- Free Sends: You can send five score reports after viewing your result.
- Additional reports: Available for a fee.
What is a “good” GMAT score?
GMAC indicates that ~645 on the Focus scale is roughly comparable to a 700 on the old scale. “Good” depends on your target programs—check each school’s class profile.
Cancellation, Reschedule & Retakes (At a Glance)
- Refunds (approx.):
- 60 days before: USD 110/120 refund
- 15–60 days: USD 80/90 refund
- <14 days: USD 55/60 refund
- ≤24 hours: no refund; no reschedule
- Retakes: Up to 5 times in 12 months, 8 lifetime, 16-day minimum gap
- No-show: You can rebook (fees apply); a 24-hour wait may apply for missed appointments.
Preparation Pointers (Section-wise)
- Quant: Refresh arithmetic & algebra fundamentals; drill data sufficiency in DI context. Timed sets help build pace.
- Verbal: Focus on reading comprehension and argument evaluation (critical reasoning). Practice active reading and note triggers for inference/assumption.
- Data Insights: Practice interpreting charts/tables, multi-source prompts, and two-part/logical set-ups. Precision over speed; estimate when helpful.
A focused 8–12-week plan with timed practice, error logs, and 3–5 full mocks work well for many candidates.
Contact (India)
- GMAT Support (India): +91 120-439-7830 (Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. IST)