GMAT Exam: Full Form, Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility, Preparation & Fees in India
The GMAT exam is an internationally acknowledged entrance exam that business schools use as one of the measures to identify good candidates for MBA and management programs. It is a fair measure of the skills that may be required for a business education, e.g., analytical thinking, problem solving, data interpretation, and verbal reasoning. Through a common, standardized benchmark, universities are able to use GMAT scores to compare applicants from different academic and professional backgrounds.
GMAT is the main test for overseas students from India to reinforce their international applications. It is the most well-known and globally respected test for admission to business schools in the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, and Asia. As a matter of fact, a GMAT score is often associated with a scholarship and securing a shortlist of the most competitive candidates. This blog provides a detailed explanation of the GMAT examination. We shall cover what the full form of GMAT is, the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility criteria, how to prepare, cost of the exam in India, and other such details students should know before scheduling their exam, along with coming for free counseling and guidance at Global Degrees.
GMAT 2026 Exam Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) |
| GMAT Exam for 2026 | GMAT is conducted in the GMAT Focus Edition, which replaced the earlier version in February 2024 |
| Conducted By | GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) |
| Official Website | https://www.mba.com |
| Popularly Given For | MBA, MiM, and other postgraduate business and management programs |
| Accepted In | India and abroad |
| Types of Questions | All MCQ-based |
| Mode of Examination | Online at a test center or online from home |
| GMAT Exam Fees | Online: USD 300 (approx INR 27,000) + taxes Test Centre: USD 275 (approx INR 25,000) + taxes |
| GMAT Scoring Scale | 205 to 805 |
| Overall Exam Duration | 135 minutes with one optional 10-minute break |
| Sectional Duration | 45 minutes per section |
| Registration Mode | Online through the official GMAT portal |
| Score Reporting | Official score report available in the mba.com account within 48 hours |
| Retake Policy | Minimum 16 days between attempts; up to 5 attempts per year and 8 attempts in a lifetime |
| Cancellation & Refund Policy | Refund varies based on cancellation timeline; no refund if cancelled within 24 hours of the test |
| Total GMAT Test Takers (2025 till July) | 93,196 |
| GMAT Contact for Indian Students | +91 120-439-7830 (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. IST) |
What Is GMAT Exam In India?
When students from India seek to pursue an international management education, almost everyone comes across a question: What is the GMAT exam in India? The GMAT is a standardized management aptitude test that measures the skills required for business studies, such as analytical thinking, data interpretation, and verbal reasoning. It is held by the Graduate Management Admission Council and is the most common form of admission consideration to MBA, MiM, and other business master’s programs globally. GMAT is not only a test of English proficiency nor a general aptitude exam, but it is a test that focuses on academic and decision-making capabilities that are most relevant to management education.
GMAT Exam Full Form
The GMAT exam’s full form is Graduate Management Admission Test. The graduate management test refers to the GMAT because it is primarily a test for those who want to enroll in postgraduate business and management programs. Unlike other tests, which center on subject knowledge, the GMAT assesses the skills of an individual in analytical thinking, problem solving, data interpretation, and reasoning, which are indeed the core skills for MBA and other management courses.
GMAT Exam Eligibility for Indian Students 2026
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which is responsible for the GMAT exam, operates an open registration system. The GMAC does not set any mandatory academic or professional qualifications for candidates appearing for the exam. Indian students, by knowing the GMAT exam eligibility, can easily plan their exam attempts and management admissions without any confusion.
Some of the key eligibility criteria are:
- Age criteria: Candidates must be 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit. Students aged 13 to 17 are allowed to take the exam only after obtaining written consent from their parents or legal guardian.
- Educational qualification: No minimum academic qualification is necessary at the time of registration. Yet, the majority of candidates, as a matter of course, take the GMAT either during the final year of their bachelor’s degree or after graduation, as business schools require students to be graduates to allow them admission.
- Work experience: The test does not make prior work experience a compulsory condition, even if it is the GMAT Focus Edition.
- Identification requirement: Indian test-takers are required to have a valid passport, which serves as the only acceptable ID at the time of registration and for verification on the test day.
Attempt limits: Candidates are allowed to take the GMAT a maximum of 5 times a year and 8 times in their lifetime, with a minimum of 16 days between attempts.
GMAT Exam Fees in India 2026
The pricing for the GMAT Focus Edition in India depends on the exam mode chosen by the candidate. The GMAT exam registration fee is more for the online version than the test centre one. Besides the basic exam fee, charges are levied for score reporting, rescheduling, or cancellation. Candidates who do not show up for the exam without cancelling will be charged the full fee.
GMAT Focus Edition Fee Structure
| Fee Component | GMAT at Test Centre | GMAT Online |
| GMAT Focus Edition Exam Fee | USD 275 | USD 300 |
| Additional Score Report | USD 35 per report | USD 35 per report |
| Mode of Payment | Online via the GMAT portal | Online via the GMAT portal |
The GMAT exam registration fee remains unchanged from one exam date to another, but rescheduling and cancellation fees vary depending on how close the request is to the test date. Candidates can get the most recent fee policies on the official GMAT website before they make their booking.
GMAT Exam Dates 2026
The GMAT exam is held on different dates throughout the year. Students can choose GMAT exam dates that perfectly suit their study and application schedules. The GMAT exam dates 2026 are spread across different months; however, the final decision depends on whether the test centres still have seats available or online slots. Besides, students aiming to take the GMAT exam in India should be aware that the availability of the GMAT exam may depend on the city as well as the mode of the exam.
Some of the essential points that relate to the GMAT exam dates and attempts are:
- After taking the GMAT, candidates have to wait for at least 16 calendar days before they can retake it.
- Within a rolling 12-month period, 5 attempts are allowed, whereas 8 attempts are permitted in a lifetime.
- In the case that the candidate does not take the exam on the scheduled date, the candidate will be required to register again and pay the full exam fee to reappear.
- GMAT test availability varies with location, the capacity of the test centre, and the chosen mode for the exam.
When is the right time to take the GMAT?
Universities usually suggest candidates take the GMAT 3 to 4 weeks before the application deadline. This gives enough time to get scores and, if needed, do a retake. While making a schedule, candidates should take into account the timing of the application deadlines, how long they want to spend on the preparation, when they will take the mock tests, and register in advance to get the test centres of their choice.
GMAT 2026 Test Centres
The GMAT test location in India is quite diverse, with many authorised test centres scattered all over the country. Candidates have a great choice of a nearby centre, as there are more than 100 GMAT test centres in India, and major cities have at least a couple of options for testing throughout the year. When bidding for registration, candidates will be given an option to pick a centre that suits their timing and location for the GMAT exam in India.
Major Indian cities with GMAT test centres include:
- Delhi NCR
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Pune
- Nagpur
- Chandigarh
- Lucknow
- Amritsar
- Jaipur
- Jalandhar
- Ahmedabad
- Surat
Keep in mind that cities may have different available dates for the test, so you should register as soon as possible if you want to get the location that you prefer.
GMAT Online vs Test Centre
GMAT is an exam that you can take in two different ways: GMAT Online, which is a test you take at home, and GMAT at a test centre. In both modes, the exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and the way the test is scored are the same. The biggest differences are in the exam setting, how flexible scheduling is, and the cost of the exam.
If you want to change the way you take the exam, or if you just need some advice on the study centre or planning your timelines, you can always get help from Global Degrees study abroad consultants in Hyderabad. They will guide you through your GMAT plan, university deadlines, and your whole application strategy.
GMAT Exam Pattern 2026
The GMAT exam pattern has changed over the years, and those who will take the GMAT in 2026 are looking at the GMAT Focus Edition, which replaced the previous version in February 2024. One needs to know the key differences between the current and the old GMAT formats to prepare well, particularly if one is going to study in Australia or other major global destinations. Focus Edition is less time-consuming, more adaptable, and geared towards assessing the skills for contemporary business education programs.
Old GMAT vs GMAT Focus Edition
| Feature | Old GMAT (10th Edition) | GMAT Focus Edition |
| Total Exam Duration | 3 hours 7 minutes | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Sections | Quant, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, AWA | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights |
| Question Type | MCQs + Essay | All MCQs |
| Total Questions | 80 | 64 |
| Scoring Range | 200–800 | 205–805 |
| Section Order | Fixed options | Any order allowed |
| Answer Review | Not allowed | Limited review permitted |
| Free Score Sending | Before exam (5 schools) | After score release (5 schools) |
| Essay (AWA) | Included | Removed |
| Integrated Reasoning | Separate section | Integrated into Data Insights |
| Data Sufficiency | Part of Quantitative Reasoning | Part of Data Insights |
| Flexibility | Limited | High |
| Enhanced Score Report | Paid | Free |
| Optional Breaks | Two breaks of 8 minutes | One break of 10 minutes |
The biggest changes involve no more essay sections, grouping data-based questions under Data Insights, and allowing greater flexibility in the ordering of sections and looking back at answers.
GMAT Focus Edition Pattern 2026
The GMAT Focus Edition is based on a definite structure that GMAC has set. The test contains three sections, equally weighted, each with a specific time limit. All questions are multiple-choice; there is no writing or essay task.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allocated |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 questions | 45 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 questions | 45 minutes |
| Data Insights | 20 questions | 45 minutes |
There are 64 questions in the exam paper, and the total time allowed is 135 minutes, plus one optional break of 10 minutes. Candidates can decide on the order of sections, which can be of great help in time management and test strategy.
GMAT Exam Syllabus 2026
The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus mainly tests students on different skills pertinent to management and business studies. Each part of the exam assesses a different area of ability; the GMAT exam syllabus is more skill-oriented than subject-based. This format is ideal for students who will attend international management programs, including those who plan to study in France.
The GMAT syllabus is split into three parts:
- Quantitative Reasoning: Involves arithmetic and algebra concepts to evaluate numerical problem-solving as well as logical reasoning abilities.
- Verbal Reasoning: Comprises questions on critical reasoning and reading comprehension, which test the ability to understand, analyze arguments, and interpret.
- Data Insights: Primarily deals with data analysis via data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis questions.
These sections collectively aim at mirroring the kind of analytical and decision-making tasks that are common in real-world scenarios and that are used in graduate management education.
GMAT Result and Score Validity
GMAT exam scores remain valid for five years from the date of the test. Therefore, candidates can use the same score for admission applications in different cycles. Such a long validity is a great help for applicants who decide to apply to business schools over various intakes or want to retake the exam to get a better score.
Once the exam is over, candidates are able to see their unofficial section-wise scores on the screen immediately. Within 3 to 5 days, the official GMAT result is made available in the candidate’s mba.com account. These scores on the screen are not allowed to be copied or downloaded and are provided only for immediate reference.
Some of the key items relating to GMAT results and score reporting are:
- Within 48 hours of receiving their official scores, candidates are able to send up to five free GMAT score reports to universities.
- There is no longer an option to cancel GMAT scores after 72 hours of taking the exam. A candidate who wishes can simply choose not to send scores to any institution.
- If a candidate decides to send any additional score report apart from the five free ones, he/she has to pay an extra fee.
- GMAT scores enjoy a very high level of worldwide acceptance, and a majority of applicants depend on them for admission to top business schools globally.
The validity period for GMAT and GMAT Focus Edition scores is five years. However, once cancelled, previous GMAT exam registrations cannot be restored.
GMAT Exam Preparation Strategy
It is very important to have a clear strategy for your GMAT exam preparation, as the test basically checks your reasoning and decision-making skills, not how well you can memorize things. Newcomers generally need between three and six months of well-planned study, and those who are retaking the exam might have to put in six to ten weeks of concentrated work on their weak points. One should thoroughly learn the exam format, section details, timing, and scoring system before beginning practice, so as not run into the problem of preparation going in the wrong direction. Mocks are almost a must to evaluate one’s level, pacing, and strategy. Students can get proper guidance on planning and matching their preparation with applications from Study Abroad Consultants in Vijayawada.
Section-Wise GMAT Preparation Tips
- Quantitative Reasoning: Devote time to understanding the basics of arithmetic and algebra, regularly engage in problem-solving exercises, and practice doing it accurately within a time limit.
- Verbal Reasoning: Enhance your reading comprehension by practicing it every day, develop your critical reasoning skills, and learn how to logically analyze arguments.
- Data Insight: Train with data sufficiency, table analysis, and multi-source reasoning questions to become more efficient in interpreting and making decisions.
GMAT Study Plan Timeline
- 3-month plan: Practice intensively with regular mock tests and targeted revision.
- 6-month plan: Slowly build up your understanding, practice different sections, and do full-length mock tests every now and then.
- Daily and weekly structure: Study concepts, practice questions, analyze mock tests, and revise equally and consistently.
Conclusion
Management professionals seeking admission to top business schools worldwide consider the GMAT exam an essential part of their application process. It helps the universities to evaluate the candidates’ analytical aptitude, reasoning skills, and overall preparedness for the demanding MBA and management programs. As there is high competition, one must plan early and follow a disciplined strategy. Knowing the test pattern, syllabus, and marking criteria enables candidates to concentrate their efforts in the right areas. Consistent practice, taking mock tests, and timely evaluation of one’s performance not only help strengthen one’s confidence but also develop skills to work with precision in an examination setting.
Picking a suitable exam deal gives you time to take a second shot if needed and also allows you to meet the application deadlines. If you want one-to-one assistance on how to plan your preparation, which universities to choose, and how to strategize your application, you can be sure that Global Degrees will give you a helping hand with a confident, well-planned GMAT journey abroad to your next future management studies program.
FAQs
Business schools differ on the requirements of the GMAT. However, almost all top MBA and management programs require or at least strongly prefer the GMAT score for consideration and scholarships.
Definitely. There are a good number of students who take the GMAT early so as to know their score range and then pick universities that go with their profile and competitiveness.
Having a very good GMAT score may be able to make an application appear stronger; however, universities look at the entire profile that includes evidence of good academics, essays, recommendation letters, and work experience.
It makes sense to retake the GMAT if you think you’ll score significantly better and you still have time before the application deadline.
Global Degrees helps students not only with exam guidance but also with university shortlisting, application timelines, document planning, and overall study abroad strategy.
Of course. Global Degrees will assist you in making the right choice, whether GMAT, GRE, or other tests will better fit your career goals, target countries, and university preferences.
Ideally, you should set your GMAT score a few months before the application deadline, as this will give you enough time to take the test again or work on your profile if necessary.
Global Degrees
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