Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
What is the GMAT exam used for? This exam assesses your analytical, verbal, quantitative, and writing skills. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a graduate admissions entrance exam designed specifically for students who want to earn a postgraduate degree in business. A recent score is often required when submitting an application for an MBA, Master of Accountancy, or Master of Finance.
There are various types of GMAT-accepting countries worldwide with different requirements. The GMAT scores are accepted by over 110 different countries, including the UK, US, Australia, Germany, Canada, and New Zealand, as well as various other Asian and European countries. The GMAT exam cutoff for accepting colleges depends on multiple factors such as the number of applicants, available admission seats, and exam difficulty level.
Key Highlights:
- Top MBA programmes typically require GMAT scores between 550 and 730, varying by university and applicant pool.
- Leading business schools such as Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton have average GMAT scores around 730-735, indicating their competitive nature.
- Financial aid options, including scholarships and loans, are available at many top institutions to support students.
- Achieving a strong GMAT score is crucial for enhancing your application and gaining admission to prestigious MBA programmes worldwide.
- Many candidates retake the GMAT multiple times, with schools typically considering the highest score.
Top 10 Colleges Accepting GMAT Scores for Admissions
| Name | QS MBA Rank 2025 | Average GMAT Score Required |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Business School (HBS) – USA | 3 | 730 |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 1 | 735 |
| The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | 2 | 730 |
| INSEAD – France/Singapore | 11 | 710 |
| London Business School – United Kingdom | 5 | 708 |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 4 | 724 |
| Columbia Business School – USA | 8 | 726 |
| Chicago Booth School of Business | 15 | 726 |
| Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University | 9 | 724 |
| HEC Paris – France | 6 | 700 |
GMAT Exam Fees in India
In India, the GMAT entrance exam fee is $275 for a test delivered at a test center, which is approximately Rs. 22,800. The online exam costs $300. It is highly recommended that students prepare thoroughly to minimize the need for multiple attempts.
GMAT Exam Duration & Scoring
Duration: The total test time is 2 hours and 15 minutes with one optional 10-minute break. Test takers must answer 64 questions, with 45 minutes allotted per section.
Score Ranges
- Quantitative section: 60-90 (1-point increments)
- Verbal section: 60-90 (1-point increments)
- Data Insights section: 60-90 (1-point increments)
- Total Score: 205-805
Additional Information
Score Validity: 5 years
Exam Offered: Multiple times a year
Restrictions on Attempts: YES
Note: All quoted fees are subject to change without prior notice.