GMAT Online vs Offline 2024: Which Exam is Suitable for MBA Aspirants?
GMAT online vs offline explains notable differences between the two formats. Get comprehensive GMAT online vs offline analysis covering various aspects.
Shivani Kumari22 Apr, 2024
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GMAT Online vs Offline: GMAC offers two options for taking the GMAT Focus Edition exam. These include the traditional GMAT offline format, which requires candidates to visit the allocated exam centre and GMAT online, which is a remote proctored online exam. GMAT online exam was started by the GMAC in 2020 to cope with the pandemic situation.
Also Read: GMAT Syllabus 2024
Candidates often search to know which format of the GMAT exam is suitable for admission to top MBA universities. Both GMAT formats include similar exam formats, question types, and scoring systems. The major aspect of GMAT online vs offline exams is the process of conducting them. This article explains which GMAT exam is most suitable for candidates.GMAT Online vs Offline Highlights
The following table presents the notable highlights of GMAT online vs offline:| Aspect | GMAT Online | GMAT at the Centre |
| Registration Fee (in India) | $300 | $275 |
| Availability of Slots | Any slot available | Depends on the capacity of GMAT centre |
| Exam Structure | Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Data Insights | Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Data Insights |
| Section Order Selection | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum Exam Time | 2 hours and 15 minutes | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Retake Provision | Once retake allowed | 5 retakes allowed in one year |
| Lifetime Exam Attempts | 2 | Up to 8 (minus any online test attempts) |
| Check in | 15 minutes before the scheduled exam | 30 minutes before the scheduled exam |
| Enhanced Score Report | No | Yes |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
GMAT Online vs Offline Exam Scheduling
In GMAT online, candidates are provided with a convenient slot booking system. They have the flexibility to book a slot that suits their schedule even up to 24 hours before the exam time. This way, GMAT online offers the freedom to choose a time that suits candidates the best. This flexibility empowers test-takers to plan their preparation accordingly and take the exam when they are ready for the exam. On the other hand, the GMAT offline exam follows a more structured process. To take the GMAT offline exam through a test centre, candidates need to check the availability of their desired date and time on the official website. Additionally, they need to complete the registration well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
GMAT Online vs Offline Common Issues Faced by Candidates
When comparing taking the GMAT online and at a test centre, prospective test-takers must know the challenges associated with each format. For the GMAT online, candidates must ensure a stable internet connection throughout the exam. For this, it is crucial to guard against problems such as power outages, disruption of internet connectivity, etc. To ensure fair testing conditions, GMAC requires candidates to provide pictures of the space where candidates will take the GMAT online exam. In contrast, candidates attempting the GMAT offline exam face a different consideration. They are required to evaluate the proximity of the test centre to their location and plan their travel accordingly. This step is crucial to avoid late arrival to the exam centre. Furthermore, test-takers must adhere to guidelines mandated by GMAC for document verification and other security checks before entering the exam centre.
Supervision During GMAT Online & Offline
Candidates opting for the GMAT online exam must keep their system's camera on during the entire exam as a proctor monitors their activity remotely. While this setup offers the convenience of testing from home, some students may find the constant supervision distracting. Additionally, they are required to provide photos of their testing environment to ensure its suitability. On the other hand, the GMAT offline exam does not include any proctor supervision. Although invigilators are available for the GMAT offline exam, they don't necessarily pay attention to one student. Because of this situation candidates feel relaxed while solving the questions and marking their answers.
Accessing Score in GMAT Online vs Offline
After completing the GMAT online exam, candidates can immediately view their unofficial scores on their computer screen. However, they need to wait for at least 7-10 days to receive their official GMAT scores. In comparison, for the GMAT offline exam, candidates get the unofficial exam scores immediately after the exam. However, their official scores are provided after 20 days. Candidates must also note that after accepting the exam scores, GMAC automatically sends them to 5 B-schools selected during the registration process.| Also Read | |
| GMAT Exam Pattern | GMAT 2024 Exam Day Guidelines |
| GMAT Registration | GMAT Exam Date |
| GMAT Admit Card | GMAT Syllabus 2024 |
Which is Suitable Between GMAT Online or Offline
Deciding between the GMAT online and GMAT offline exam depends on various factors, including candidates' personal preferences, convenience, and testing conditions. Here are the notable considerations to choose between GMAT online and offline exams:- Internet Connectivity: To opt for the GMAT online exam, candidates must have a reliable internet connection with a minimum speed of 1 Mbps. If candidates face internet connectivity issues at home, it is recommended to opt for the GMAT offline exam format.
- Test Availability: If candidates aim to attempt the GMAT exam on a specific date and schedule, the online format is a suitable option. However, for taking the GMAT exam according to the official schedule, candidates should choose the GMAT offline format.
- Technical Proficiency: To successfully attempt the GMAT online exam, candidates require certain technical competencies, such as testing conditions and computer configuration. If candidates lack these facilities at their residence, it is better that they opt for the GMAT offline format.
- Testing Environment: The GMAT online format necessitates a quiet and distraction-free setting, which may not be feasible for everyone. For candidates having shared living spaces GMAT online is a more suitable option.
GMAT Online vs Offline FAQs
Is it better to take the GMAT online?
Choosing between GMAT online and offline exam modes depends on candidates' preferences and convenience. Both the exams follow similar paper structure, difficulty level, and scoring system.
What are the disadvantages of online GMAT?
The most prominent disadvantage of the GMAT online exam is that candidates can't cancel their scores. Additionally, they can not use a physical notepad for doing rough work as they are allowed to use only the virtual notepad for calculations and rough work.
Is GMAT online exam accepted?
Yes, GMAT online exam scores are accepted by all the B-schools that consider GMAt for the admission process. Colleges don't give priority to any of the GMAT exam formats. Both formats have the same weightage.
Is GMAT online more expensive?
Yes, the GMAT online exam is more expensive than the offline mode. For the GMAT online exam, candidates are required to pay $300, whereas the registration fee for the GMAT offline exam is $275.
Does Harvard accept online GMAT scores?
According to the official information provided by Harvard University, candidates applying for MBA courses through GMAT scores are considered for the admission process.
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