Thinking about studying MBA abroad in 2026? Then the GMAT exam is likely on your checklist. The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a globally recognised entrance exam that plays a key role in getting admission to top MBA and business schools around the world. It’s conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is accepted by over 2,300 universities in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and more.
Whether you’re aiming for Harvard, INSEAD, Rotman, or ISB, a strong GMAT score can significantly boost your chances of admission and even scholarships. But with recent updates, format changes, and a shift toward online testing, planning your GMAT in 2026 requires clarity.
That’s where this guide comes in.
From GMAT 2026 exam dates, registration steps, test centres near you, fees, syllabus, and result timelines — this blog puts everything in one place. It’s perfect for Indian and international students looking for updated and easy-to-understand information.
What is the GMAT Exam in 2026?
The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized, computer-based exam used by top business schools around the world for MBA and other management program admissions. Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT tests your analytical writing, quantitative skills, verbal reasoning, and data interpretation abilities.
In 2026, the GMAT continues to evolve. The new version, GMAT Focus Edition, is shorter and more focused on real-world business skills. It includes three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
Why take the GMAT? A high score can improve your chances of getting into top MBA colleges abroad, qualify for scholarships, and boost your resume for business-related jobs. Most GMAT scores remain valid for five years.
Whether you’re applying to universities in the USA, UK, Canada, or Europe, the GMAT is often a required or highly recommended part of your application.
GMAT 2025 Exam Dates in India & Worldwide
The GMAT doesn’t have fixed dates like traditional exams. Instead, it’s offered year-round, allowing students to pick a time that works best for them. You can take the GMAT at a test centre or online from home. However, it’s smart to book your test early—especially if you plan to apply in Round 1 or 2 of MBA admissions.
Here is a general overview of the GMAT 2025 schedule:
| Month | Availability Window | Booking Opens |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | All weekdays and some weekends | Open now |
| April 2025 | Full availability (online & offline) | Open now |
| July 2025 | High demand period | Book early |
| October 2025 | Final round applicants’ rush | Book ASAP |
| December 2025 | Last-minute applicants | Subject to availability |
Note: Book your slot 2–3 months in advance to avoid scheduling conflicts.
GMAT Test Centres in India & Abroad
GMAT can be taken either at a test centre or online. In India, GMAT test centres are located in most major cities, making it accessible for students nationwide. When booking, the system will show test centre availability based on your location and preferred date.
Here’s a table of popular GMAT test centres in India:
| City | Test Centre Name | Location/Area |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Pearson Professional Center | Connaught Place |
| Mumbai | Pearson VUE – ITES | Andheri West |
| Bangalore | Pearson Professional Center | Koramangala |
| Hyderabad | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd | Begumpet |
| Chennai | Pearson VUE | Nungambakkam |
| Kolkata | VUE Testing Centre | Salt Lake |
| Pune | Pearson VUE | Shivaji Nagar |
| Ahmedabad | Prometric Testing | Satellite Road |
International students can also find GMAT test centres in major cities across the USA, UK, Canada, Singapore, Germany, Australia, and more.
GMAT Registration Process Step-by-Step
Registering for GMAT is easy and can be done in just a few steps. You can sign up online through the official GMAC website.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Official GMAT Site.
- Create an Account: Sign up using your email address and personal details
- Choose Your Exam Format: Pick either GMAT at a test centre or GMAT Online
- Select Your Test Date & Location: Choose from available dates/test centres
- Pay the Exam Fee: Use a debit/credit card or other accepted payment methods
- Confirm & Save Details: Download the confirmation email and keep it safe
Pro Tip: Book your exam at least 3–4 months before your MBA application deadlines.
GMAT Exam Fees
In 2025, the cost of taking the GMAT Focus Edition varies depending on your test format and location. For Indian students, here’s what you can expect:
| Test Format | GMAT Exam Fees (India) | Reschedule Fee | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Centre | ₹22,000 (approx. $275) | ₹5,000–₹10,000 | ₹5,000–₹10,000 |
| GMAT Online Exam | ₹20,000 (approx. $250) | ₹5,000–₹10,000 | ₹5,000–₹10,000 |
Fees may vary slightly due to currency exchange rates.
The registration fee includes:
- The exam itself
- Sending your scores to up to five schools
- Enhanced Score Report (optional add-on)
Tip: Rescheduling or cancelling closer to your test date costs more, so plan carefully.
GMAT Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The GMAT follows the Focus Edition format, designed to better assess real-world business skills in a shorter time frame—just 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Here’s the updated exam structure:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 Questions | 45 minutes | Problem-solving, logic, math |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 Questions | 45 minutes | Reading comprehension, grammar |
| Data Insights | 20 Questions | 45 minutes | Data analysis, interpretation, charts, tables |
There is no Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) or Integrated Reasoning in the new version.
Important: You can choose the section order and review/edit up to 3 answers per section before submission.
Top GMAT Preparation Tips & Resources
To crack the GMAT in 2026, you’ll need the right study plan, resources, and strategy. Here’s how to get started:
GMAT Prep Tips:
- Start early – 3 to 6 months of prep time is ideal
- Understand the format – Focus Edition is new and shorter
- Practice with official materials – Use GMAC’s Official Prep tools
- Use online platforms – Try Magoosh, Manhattan Prep, or GMAT Club
- Take mock tests regularly – Track your progress and timing
- Review your mistakes – Learn from every practice test
Popular GMAT Resources:
- GMAT Official Guide 2026
- GMAT Focus Edition Starter Kit + Practice Exams
- GMAT Ninja (YouTube & Blogs)
- MBA.com Practice Questions
- Study apps like Target Test Prep & E-GMAT
Tip: Make a weekly study schedule and set realistic goals.
GMAT Results: How to Check & When Will It Come?
After taking the GMAT, you’ll get unofficial scores immediately for most sections. Your official GMAT score report will be available within 7 business days (sometimes sooner) on your mba.com account.
How to Check GMAT Results:
- Log in to your mba.com profile
- Go to the “My Account” or “Score Reports” section
- Download your official GMAT scorecard in PDF format
- Send your scores to up to 5 schools (included in the test fee)
Your GMAT score report includes:
- Total Score (out of 805 in Focus Edition)
- Section-wise scores
- Percentile ranking
Note: GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, and you can retake the test after 16 days (up to 5 times a year).
How is GMAT Score Calculated?
The GMAT Focus Edition scores range from 205 to 805, replacing the older 200–800 scale. Your score is a combination of your performance across three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
Here’s a breakdown of how the score works:
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Quantitative | 60 – 90 |
| Verbal | 60 – 90 |
| Data Insights | 60 – 90 |
| Total Score | 205 – 805 |
Your percentile ranking shows how well you performed compared to other test-takers. For example, a score of 675+ usually places you in the 90th percentile, which is competitive for top MBA programs like Harvard, INSEAD, or LBS.
What’s a good GMAT score?
- 705+ for Ivy League/Top 10 B-schools
- 650+ for Tier 1 schools
- 600+ for most international MBA programs
Top MBA Colleges Accepting GMAT Score in the USA, UK, Canada & More
A strong GMAT score opens doors to some of the best MBA programs across the world. Most top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe require or highly recommend the GMAT for admission.
Top MBA Colleges Accepting GMAT Score:
| Country | Top Universities |
|---|---|
| USA | Harvard Business School, Wharton (UPenn), Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan, Columbia, Kellogg (Northwestern) |
| UK | London Business School (LBS), Oxford (Saïd), Cambridge (Judge), Imperial College Business School |
| Canada | Rotman (University of Toronto), Ivey (Western), Schulich (York), McGill Desautels |
| Australia | Melbourne Business School, UNSW (AGSM), Monash Business School |
| Europe | INSEAD (France/Singapore), HEC Paris, IE Business School (Spain), ESADE (Spain), ESMT Berlin |
| Asia | ISB (India), HKUST (Hong Kong), NUS (Singapore), CEIBS (China) |
Tip: Check each university’s GMAT average and range before applying, as some also accept GRE.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about the GMAT 2026 exam—from test dates, centres, and registration steps to syllabus updates, score calculation, and top universities—it’s time to start your preparation.
A well-planned GMAT strategy can be your passport to top global B-schools and future career success. So, whether you’re searching for “GMAT test centres near me” or “how to register for GMAT 2026,” this guide has you covered.
Stay focused, stick to your study plan, and aim high—your dream MBA college is just one test away!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the GMAT exam?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used globally for admission into graduate business programs, such as MBA and Master of Finance. It assesses analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning skills.
2. How is the GMAT structured?
The GMAT consists of four sections:
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Analyzes the ability to think critically and communicate ideas.
Integrated Reasoning (IR): Measures the ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats.
Quantitative Reasoning: Tests mathematical skills and understanding of elementary concepts.
Verbal Reasoning: Assesses reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.3. What is the scoring scale for the GMAT?
The GMAT total score ranges from 200 to 800, combining the Quantitative and Verbal sections. The AWA is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6, and the IR section is scored on a scale of 1 to 8.
4. How often can I take the GMAT?
You can take the GMAT up to five times in a rolling 12-month period and no more than eight times in total. There must be a minimum of 16 days between attempts.
5. How long are GMAT scores valid?
GMAT scores are valid for five years from the date of the exam.
6. What is the cost of taking the GMAT?
As of now, the GMAT exam fee is $275 for test center appointments and $300 for online appointments. Additional fees may apply for rescheduling or score reporting.
7. How can I register for the GMAT?
You can register for the GMAT through the official website: mba.com. The registration process involves creating an account, selecting a test date and location, and paying the exam fee.
8. What preparation resources are available for the GMAT?
There are numerous resources available, including:
Official Guides: Published by GMAC, these guides contain real past questions.
Online Practice Tests: Simulate the test-taking experience.
Prep Courses: Offered by various organizations, these courses provide structured study plans.
Study Apps: Mobile applications for on-the-go practice.9. Can I cancel or reschedule my GMAT appointment?
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your GMAT appointment through your mba.com account. Fees may apply depending on how close to the test date you make changes.
10. How do I send my GMAT scores to schools?
During the exam, you can select up to five programs to receive your scores for free. After the exam, you can send additional score reports for a fee through your mba.com account.
11. What is the GMAT exam used for?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test used for admissions into MBA and business-related master’s programs worldwide. It assesses analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning skills required for success in business school.
12. How many times can I take the GMAT exam?
You can take the GMAT five times in a 12-month period and up to eight times in a lifetime. There must be a 16-day gap between attempts, and retaking is subject to business schools’ policies on multiple scores.
13. Is GMAT harder than CAT?
The GMAT and CAT are both challenging but differ in format. The GMAT is computer-adaptive and focuses on logic, reasoning, and business-related problem-solving, while CAT emphasizes speed and quantitative aptitude. Many test-takers find GMAT’s verbal section harder than CAT’s.
14. When should I take the GMAT for Fall 2025 admission?
For Fall 2025 MBA admissions, take the GMAT by October–December 2024 to meet Round 1 and 2 deadlines. Some schools accept scores until January 2025 for later rounds, but early applicants have a better chance at scholarships and acceptance.
15. How is the GMAT different from GRE?
The GMAT focuses on business school skills with sections like Data Insights, while the GRE is broader and used for various graduate programs. Business schools may accept both, but the GMAT is preferred for MBA admissions.