GMAT Exam: Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a globally recognized standardized exam designed for admission to graduate-level business programs. Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the exam evaluates a candidate's analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and business reasoning, especially in its latest 11th Edition. Know here what is GMAT, GMAT full form, GMAT Exam 2025.
While it is primarily used for MBA admissions abroad, the GMAT is also accepted for other postgraduate business programs such as Master's in Management (MiM), MS in Management, and similar courses.
GMAT Exam Overview |
|
Particulars |
Details |
Commonly known as |
GMAT |
Exam Level |
International Level Exam |
Conducting Body |
Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
Language |
English |
GMAT 2025 Registration Mode |
Online |
GMAT 2025 Exam Mode |
Online |
GMAT 2025 Focus Edition test duration |
2 hours 15 min |
GMAT Focus Edition exam fee |
Rs. 21000/- |
GMAT exam fee payment options |
Credit Card and Debit Card |
Chances for Re-attempts |
Overall, 8 attempts (only 5 chances per year) |
Learn what is GMAT exam and why it is important to get admission to college. The GMAT exam has undergone significant changes in its latest update, offering a more streamlined and flexible test-taking experience. These updates aim to better reflect the skills needed in modern business environments while improving the overall test structure for candidates. Below are the major updates introduced in the new version of "What is GMAT exam"?
The updated version, previously known as the GMAT Focus Edition (11th Edition), was officially launched on November 7, 2023, with registration having opened on August 29, 2023.
The older version, also called the 10th Edition, was offered until January 31, 2024. From February 1, 2024, only the new GMAT version has been in use.
The revised GMAT now features three sections:
Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
Verbal Reasoning (VR)
Data Insights (DI)
Several key components have been removed or revised:
The AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) section has been eliminated.
Sentence Correction (SC) has been excluded from the Verbal Reasoning section.
The Geometry topic is no longer part of the Quantitative section.
The old Integrated Reasoning section has been replaced by the more comprehensive Data Insights section.
The total exam duration has been reduced from 3 hours and 7 minutes to 2 hours and 14 minutes, making it more time-efficient.
The scoring scale has changed from 200–800 to 205–805 in the 11th Edition.
The order of section attempts is now flexible. Test-takers are no longer required to follow a fixed sequence and can choose the order of sections as per their preference.
A new review and edit feature allows candidates to bookmark and revisit questions after completing a section. However, only up to three answers can be changed during this review process.
As of July 1, 2024, GMAC has officially removed the "Focus" branding. The test is now simply referred to as the GMAT Exam.
Starting June 11, 2025, the Aadhaar card will no longer be accepted as valid ID for the GMAT Online exam. A passport is now the only accepted identification for both online and test centre-based GMAT exams.
Also Read: GMAT Focus Exam
Before appearing for the GMAT exam, candidates often look for specific eligibility criteria. However, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which conducts the GMAT, has kept the eligibility criteria flexible to accommodate a wide range of aspirants. Below are the key points regarding GMAT Focus Edition eligibility:
No Official Eligibility Criteria by GMAC:
GMAC does not prescribe any strict eligibility conditions for taking the GMAT Focus Edition. Anyone interested in applying to a business school that requires GMAT scores can register and appear for the exam.
Educational Qualification:
There is no mandatory requirement to submit any educational degree while registering for the exam. However, during the registration process, applicants may be asked to provide details about their graduation timeline, institution, and course.
GMAT and Business School Requirements:
While GMAC doesn’t impose educational prerequisites, individual business schools may require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for admission to postgraduate programs like MBA, MiM, or MS.
Age Criteria:
Candidates must be at least 18 years old to register without restrictions.
Those between 13 and 17 years must provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
There is no upper age limit to take the GMAT.
Work Experience:
GMAC does not require any prior work experience to appear for the GMAT Focus Edition.
However, candidates may be asked to mention their work experience details while creating a profile or filling out the registration form on mba.com.
This flexible eligibility structure allows a wide range of aspirants—students, working professionals, and fresh graduates—to take the GMAT and pursue their management education goals globally.
The GMAT Focus registration is available year-round. Candidates are allowed to complete the online registration and book their exam slots six months in advance. Here are the steps candidates must follow to complete their GMAT registration:
Visit the GMAT official website.
Search and click on the registration link on the homepage.
Fill in the necessary details to initiate the registration process.
Choose the GMAT Focus exam format, test centre or remote proctored online exam.
Access the GMAT application form and enter personal and academic details.
Upload the required documents and verify the details.
Double-check the information provided in the application form and proceed to submit it.
Pay the exam fee using online payment options.
Once registration is complete, candidates will receive a confirmation email at their registered email address.
Also Read: GMAT Eligibility Criteria
GMAT exam fee varies based on the mode of eamination chosen by the candidate. In India, the fee for the test centre version is USD 275, while the online option costs USD 300. For every additional score report, candidates have to pay USD 35. The table below presents details of the GMAT Focus exam fee for 2025:
GMAT Focus Exam Fee 2025 |
||
Category |
Online GMAT |
Test Centre GMAT |
GMAT Exam Fee |
USD 300 |
USD 275 |
Enhanced Score Report |
- |
USD 30 |
Additional Score Report |
USD 35 per report |
USD 35 per report |
Score Cancellation |
- |
USD 25 |
Score Reinstatement |
- |
USD 50 |
GMAT 2025 Exam Pattern consists of three sections, including a total of 64 questions. Candidates get 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam. The table below presents the detailed GMAT Focus test structure:
GMAT Exam Pattern |
|
Particulars |
Details |
GMAT Sections |
3 Sections |
Verbal Reasoning |
|
Quantitative Reasoning |
|
Data Insights |
|
Total Questions |
64 questions |
Quantitative Reasoning (QR): 21 |
|
Verbal Reasoning (VR): 23 |
|
Data Insights (DI): 20 |
|
Exam Duration |
2 hours and 15 minutes, 45 minutes per section |
GMAT Focus Scoring |
Overall: 205-805 |
Section-Wise: 60-90 |
GMAT 2025 Exam Syllabus is structured into three main sections. Each section aims to evaluate the specific skills of candidates. Here are the major topics included in the GMAT 2025 syllabus:
GMAT Exam Syllabus |
|
Section |
Topics |
Quantitative Reasoning |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
|
Data Insights |
|
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