GMAT

Overview

The GMAT is a computer-based admissions test owned and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for entry into MBA and other graduate business programmes worldwide. GMAC retired the older version of the exam on 31 January 2024; since 1 February 2024, the GMAT Focus Edition is the only version offered, and GMAC now refers to it simply as "the GMAT Exam." It is accepted by thousands of business school programmes across more than 100 countries.

Who can apply

There is no fixed educational eligibility criterion set by GMAC itself; individual business schools set their own admission requirements. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to schedule and take the GMAT without additional consent. Candidates aged 13 to 17 may take the exam, but only at a test centre and only after submitting written parental or guardian consent before scheduling.

Exam pattern

The GMAT has three sections, 64 questions in total, completed in 2 hours 15 minutes, with one optional 10-minute break that a candidate can take after the first or the second section. Candidates choose the order in which they attempt the three sections, and can review and change up to three answers per section before moving on.

Quantitative Reasoning tests algebraic and arithmetic reasoning. Verbal Reasoning tests reading comprehension and the ability to evaluate written arguments. Data Insights tests how well a candidate interprets and combines data from multiple sources and formats to reach business-relevant conclusions.

Marking and results

Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights are weighted equally when calculating the Total Score. The Total Score ranges from 205 to 805, always ending in 5. Each section is scored separately on a 60–90 scale, in increments of one point. The score report shows the Total Score, each section score, and a percentile ranking for the Total Score and for each section.

Important dates

The GMAT is offered year-round at test centres and online, with no fixed exam dates — candidates book an appointment for a day and time that suits them, subject to seat availability. Appointments can typically be booked up to six months in advance. Slots fill up fastest during the August–November peak application season, so candidates testing in that window are advised to book well ahead.

Fees

For 2026, GMAC's US pricing is US$275 for a test-centre appointment and US$300 for the online (at-home) format; fees vary by country and currency. The registration fee includes sending the Official Score Report to up to five chosen programmes at no extra charge, provided the schools are selected within 48 hours of score release — each additional school after that is a paid add-on at US$35. Rescheduling an appointment starts at US$55 when done more than 60 days before the test date, rising closer to the date. Candidates can self-cancel a score online within 72 hours of testing for a US$25 fee.

How to apply

Candidates create an account on mba.com, then register for the GMAT by choosing the test-centre or online format, picking a date, time and (for test centres) a location, and paying the fee online. A confirmation email follows with appointment details. Test-centre candidates must bring an accepted, unexpired, government-issued photo ID that matches the name used at registration.

After the exam

Before leaving the test (or ending an online session), candidates see a Score Preview of their unofficial Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights and Total scores and have two minutes to accept or cancel them; making no choice in that window cancels the scores automatically. A cancelled score can instead be self-cancelled online within 72 hours of testing for a fee, and a cancelled score can be reinstated at any time within its five-year validity period. Official Score Reports are delivered electronically to the candidate and to any schools selected to receive them. Scores remain valid for five years from the test date. Candidates may retake the GMAT after a minimum 16-day wait between appointments, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period (test-centre and online attempts combined); there is no lifetime cap on attempts.

Preparation tips

GMAC's free GMAT Official Starter Kit includes two full-length adaptive practice exams and 70 practice questions covering all three sections, built on the same scoring algorithm as the real exam, and is available after creating a free mba.com account. GMAC also publishes a self-guided six-week study planner and sells additional official practice question sets and exams for further practice. Because all three sections carry equal weight toward the Total Score, candidates are advised to practise across Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights rather than concentrating on one section.