GMAT Exam Dates

GMAT Exam Dates 2024-25

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) exam is conducted throughout the year for its aspiring MBA students and business professionals like you who wants to succeed in the leadership and management careers. Interestingly, over 2,00,000 students every year take the GMAT exam. The GMAT exam offers students a choice between taking the exam at designated test centers or from home through an online format as per students availability and needs.

GMAT can be taken five times in a year and can be re-attempted after 16 calendar days. However, the total number of attempts for the GMAT in a lifetime is eight. Before you start registering for the GMAT, students should check the availability of seats at their preferred test centers. GMAT exam slots run out very quickly and hence applicants are advised to register 2-3 months prior. GMAT exam dates for 2024-25 have been given in section below.

How to Book a GMAT 2024 Slot?

Booking a GMAT slot is a simple process and can be done by following the following steps:

• Visit the GMAT official website and register for an account by filling all the required details.
• After registering, choose the GMAT test option that suits you the best (Online or In-person).
• Now, choose from an available test center as per the city or location you are in.
• After selecting a suitable test center, browse through the calendar to see the available dates and select the one date which works best for you.
• Choose a preferred slot time on the date selected.
• Now make the payment of the GMAT exam fees to confirm your booking.
• You will be sent a confirmation email.

Time & Location of GMAT Exam 2024

GMAT exam is conducted multiple times throughout the year. And each student can take the GMAT exam up to five times within a year, with at least a 16 day gap in between first exam attempt and the second exam attempt.

Time of GMAT Exam Date

GMAT generally starts at different times as per the different test centers. The exam duration is around 3.5 hours including the breaks. Please make sure that you reach the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled starting time for the exam.

GMAT Exam Date & Location

GMAT exams are conducted in different cities and locations across the world, including major cities in Canada, the US, Europe, and Asia.

Test Center Availability and Online GMAT

There are two options for you to take the exam: one is the traditional and physical test center method, and the second is the online GMAT, which is a flexible option. Each option has its pros and cons, like:

• Test Center: GMAT test centers are available in different cities in India, like Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mysore, Pilani, etc. The test center provides a disturbance-free, strict environment to focus on the exam. The high demands of traditional physical tests result in limited seats, particularly during the peak season. So, for the test center exam, you will have to book the exam well in advance.
• Online GMAT: Online GMAT provides flexibility and the comfort of your home to take exams. The dates are available throughout the year with different slots, which you can choose from as per your availability. The online GMAT also monitors you throughout the exam with an online proctor. This test setting mandates a proper internet connection, a quiet, well-lit space, and many other guidelines.

Which One Should You Select?

The decision is mostly on your personal preference for the GMAT exam dates:

So, if you prefer a traditional, controlled exam scene and want no risks of any tech issues, then you must choose a test center to give the exam.

However, if you want flexibility in your exam or cannot access a test center, go with an online GMAT exam.

GMAT Exam Dates 2024-25

There are a total of 87 test centers across 83 cities in India from which you can choose. You can also go through the official GMAT website to determine the appropriate test centre.

To check the exact dates and their availability in your preferred location, you must visit the official GMAT site. You can select your country and city, use the scheduling tool, and see the available dates at your chosen test center.

How to Choose a GMAT Exam Date 2024?

Before deciding on GMAT dates, the candidate should consider the following factors:

1. When should you apply to business school and when is the deadline?
2. It is essential to start planning at least 10 months in advance.
3. Make a GMAT exam date appointment at least 6 months before the deadline.
4. Only then the candidate will have the option of retaking the GMAT at a later date.

Target Timeline for Admission

If you’re an MBA aspirant, it is very important to map out your timelines for preparation. Some points to keep in mind:

1. It is wise to complete your GMAT by the spring or summer, in time for the early decision rounds (September to October) for various leading MBA programs across the world.
2. Completing the GMAT early in the year also means you can focus on other aspects of the application process.
3. However, if participating in the early decision rounds for universities is not a priority, you can also aim to complete the GMAT by October or November.

Target GMAT Score

Setting a target for yourself is a helpful step in preparation. Setting a target also depends on the programs you are looking at, which can vary significantly.

1. It is a good idea to research previous GMAT percentile categories.
2. Generally, the very best MBA programs expect candidates to be in the top 10%, meaning a score of 710 or higher.
3. To score in the top 25% of test takers however, you need a score of about 660.
4. An average GMAT score is generally at the 550 mark.

It is important to remember that your target score should be unique to you and set based on the programs you’re aiming for. Different university programs judge scores differently, and this is only one part of the application process.

Assessing Current Ability with GMAT Mock Tests

You can only set your target score if you can correctly estimate your abilities. Frequently attempting GMAT mock tests is the best way to understand your baseline score and quickly identify which topic areas need the most improvement and practice.

There are countless free GMAT tests available online, which accurately simulate the actual test, down to question format and timing.

Regularly schedule mock tests throughout your planned study period to track your progress, set target scores and focus your practice.

Estimate GMAT Prep Time

Simply put, your required prep time depends on your mock scores during preparation. What is your baseline score and how far away are you from your target score?

1. A report by the official GMAT website found that candidates with a score of 700+ reported a study time of about 100 hours.
2. Those with a score below 500 reported a study time of about 50 hours on average.
3. You can use GMAT’s interactive tool to get an estimate on your study time, based on your mock scores.

Therefore, if you’re aiming for a high score, you may want to invest 100 to 150 hours on prep. However there are other considerations:

• For Full-Time Professionals: You may want to spread your study across 3-4 months.
• Intensive Study: If you can dedicate lots of time to study, you can also complete prep in under 2 months.

No matter your prep time, plan to include study, review and mock test periods for best results.

Use of GMAT for MBA Admissions 2024

The GMAT is the most popular test for global MBA programs. Over 7,700 porgrams across 2,400 business schools require aspiring students to submit applications with corresponding GMAT scores.

Due to its focus on skills relevant for a career in business, the GMAT is a top choice for students and professionals hoping to advance thei careers. High GMAT scores are indicative of a candidates quantitative, logical, analytical and verbal abilities: all seen as precursors to success in the complicated world of business.

It is recommended to research how important are your GMAT scores as part of the application processes to your target universities. This will help you plan your prep journey.

GMAT Exam Registration

Registering for GMAT is simple, but the GMAT registration steps must be followed carefully. The entire process can be completed online within a few minutes. You can register a maximum of 6 months in advance.

Here is how you can register for the GMAT exam dates: 

1. Visit the official GMAT website, mba.com and create an account while filling your personal details, educational background, and contact details.
2. After creating your account, choose your preferred test center, date, or select a slot if you prefer online exam.
3. Now pay the GMAT exam fees which is approx. INR 22,000 via a valid credit or debit card.
4. There will be additional fees if you want to reschedule or cancel the exam later.
5. When the payment is confirmed, you will get a confirmation email with your exam details.
6. Check GMAT exam rules and policies and carry a valid government ID proof to avoid any issues.

Selection of Right GMAT Exam Date

Carefully planning your GMAT exam date is an important step as it can impact your overall performance, preparation, and result. Some of the key factors to consider while planning your GMAT exam date are stated below:

Rescheduling & Cancelling GMAT Dates 2024

If an unfortunate situation arises, you can reschedule or cancel your GMAT exam date up to 24 hours before the test. Cancellation, rescheduling fees, or refunds are calculated based off local mandates of the GMAC and how close to the test date you made the request.

Appointments cannot be rescheduled or canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled time. The full exam fee will be charged if rescheduling or cancellation is not done more than 24 hours in advance. You may reschedule a new exam at your own cost 24 hours after the original test start time.

Nutshell

Test dates are available throughout the year, but you need to plan your GMAT 5 to 6 months in advance to get the desired score. Look for test centers in or near your area. There are several test centers available in the metro and other cities. Consider distance, location, and reviews of the test center. The quality of the test center matters a lot.

Go through the registration instructions on mba.com cautiously before or while preparing for the GMAT to ensure that you understand the integrities of the GMAT and other registration guidelines, especially if you’re considering a study abroad program. You would not like to surprise yourself with new information at the last moment. For example, you should have a valid passport when taking the test.

Research preferred B-schools before you start prepping for the GMAT. Check the GMAT score eligibility for each school in order to plan your GMAT preparation. A higher GMAT target score implies more time for preparation.

Take a couple of mock tests to know where you stand and how much preparation time is needed. This will aid you in deciding the test date. Lastly, check special scheduling instructions if you have a disability and require any testing accommodations.