Eligibility Criteria

The GMAT has minimal eligibility requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of candidates. Key criteria include:

• Age: Minimum age of 18 years. Candidates aged 13–17 require written parental or legal guardian consent.
• Educational Background: No specific degree is required, but most candidates are graduates or final-year students aiming for MBA or business-related programs. Some business schools may require a bachelor’s degree for admission.
• Identification: A valid passport is required for test registration and on test day (for Indian candidates, other government-issued IDs like Aadhaar may not suffice).
• Test Frequency: Candidates can take the GMAT up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, with a minimum 16-day gap between attempts, and a lifetime limit of eight attempts.

Exam Pattern

The GMAT Focus Edition exam consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Below is a detailed breakdown:

• Total Questions: 64 multiple-choice questions.
• Total Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes, with an optional 10-minute break.
• Adaptive Nature: Computer-adaptive test, adjusting difficulty by performance.
• Section Order Flexibility: Candidates can choose the section order.
• Review & Edit: Up to three answers per section can be edited before submission.
• No Negative Marking: No penalty for wrong answers, but unanswered questions lower scores.

Note: The Focus Edition eliminated AWA and Integrated Reasoning, replacing them with Data Insights. The test is fully multiple-choice with no essay.

Syllabus

The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus is tailored to assess skills critical for business school success. Section-wise breakdown:

Quantitative Reasoning (21 Questions, 45 Minutes)

• Objective: Solving quantitative problems and interpreting data.
• Key Topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Number Theory, Probability, Statistics, Word Problems.
• Note: No geometry; no calculator allowed.

Verbal Reasoning (23 Questions, 45 Minutes)

• Objective: Comprehension, logical reasoning, argument evaluation.
• Question Types: Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning.
• Note: Sentence Correction removed.

Data Insights (20 Questions, 45 Minutes)

• Objective: Data analysis and interpretation.
• Question Types: Data Sufficiency, Table/Graph Analysis, Multi-Source Reasoning, Two-Part Analysis.
• Note: On-screen calculator available.

Duration

• Total Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes.
• Quantitative: 45 minutes.
• Verbal: 45 minutes.
• Data Insights: 45 minutes.
• Optional 10-minute break after first or second section.

Fees

• GMAT at Test Center (India): ₹23,200 (~USD 275).
• GMAT Online: ₹25,400 (~USD 300).
• Rescheduling: USD 55–165 (depending on notice period).
• Cancellation Refund: USD 55–110 depending on timing.
• Additional Score Reports: USD 35 each beyond 5 free reports.
• Fee Reduction: Available for eligible candidates.

Note: Non-attendance = no refund. Early booking recommended.

Registration Process

1. Create an account at mba.com.
2. Select mode: Test Center or Online.
3. Choose date & location (book 2–3 months early).
4. Provide personal/academic details (match passport).
5. Pay exam fee via accepted methods.
6. Receive confirmation email & letter (admit card equivalent).

Test Centers in India: 23 cities incl. Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune. GMAT Online is 24/7 based on availability.

Preparation Tips

• Understand exam format & adaptive nature.
• Create a 12-week study plan (2–3 months recommended).
• Use official GMAC resources + mock tests.
• Practice regularly under timed conditions.
• Focus on weak areas (e.g., data sufficiency, critical reasoning).
• Master Data Insights section.
• Memorize key math formulas & reasoning techniques.
• Join study groups/forums for peer support.

Note: Scores from the old GMAT (before Feb 2024) remain valid for 5 years, but confirm with target schools.