Master
GMAT
2026
The world's leading business school admissions test — your gateway to top MBA and business Master's programmes at Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD, ISB, and beyond. Everything you need to know, in one place.
What is the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is the world's most widely used business school admissions test, accepted by 7,700+ programmes at 2,400+ universities in 110+ countries.
Developed and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT Focus Edition (launched 2023) evaluates your Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights abilities — the core skills needed to succeed in business school and management careers.
For Indian students aiming to join top MBA programmes at schools like Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD, London Business School, or ISB Hyderabad, a strong GMAT score is one of the most critical components of your application. Most top-10 global MBA programmes have average GMAT scores of 700–730, while ISB and IIM Ahmedabad PGP typically see averages of 710–720.
The GMAT Focus Edition (2023) is significantly shorter and more flexible than its predecessor — running just 2 hours 15 minutes with a new scoring scale of 205–805. You can now choose the order of your sections and review and change answers within each section.
If you are targeting top MBA programmes, GMAT is traditionally preferred and signals business focus to admissions committees. For STEM Master's or dual-degree programmes, GRE is more commonly used. Many top business schools now accept both equally — always check the specific programme's stated preference before deciding.
The 3 Test Sections
The GMAT Focus Edition consists of three sections — Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights — each scored 60–90. You choose the order you tackle them in.
Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes — each of the 3 sections is 45 minutes with an optional 10-minute break between any two sections. You can choose section order and review and edit up to 3 answers per section — a major advantage over the old GMAT format.
Understanding GMAT Score Ranges
The GMAT Focus Edition uses a new 205–805 total score scale (in 10-point increments). Each section is scored 60–90. The total score is derived from all three sections combined.
| Total Score | Level | Description | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 755–805 | Exceptional | Top 1–2 percentile; elite-level performance across all sections | Harvard, Wharton, Stanford GSB, Booth |
| 705–754 | Excellent | Top 10–15 percentile; highly competitive for top global MBA programmes | LBS, INSEAD, Kellogg, MIT Sloan |
| 655–704 | Strong | Top 25–35 percentile; competitive for most top 50 global MBA programmes | ISB, IIM Ahmedabad PGP, Tuck, Ross |
| 605–654 | Competitive | Average range for reputable business schools globally | Most accredited MBA programmes |
| 505–604 | Below Average | Limits options at top programmes; retake recommended for elite targets | Some lower-ranked programmes |
| 205–504 | Low | Significantly below average; retake strongly advised | Retake recommended |
For ISB Hyderabad, the average GMAT score is around 710–720. IIM Ahmedabad's PGP programme typically sees applicants with 700+. For top global MBA programmes (Harvard, Wharton, LBS), aim for 720–760+. A strong Data Insights score is increasingly weighted by admissions committees as it reflects real-world business analytical skills.
Expert Prep Tips
Scoring 700+ on the GMAT Focus Edition requires 3–4 months of structured preparation. Here are the key strategies recommended by our GMAT coaches.
How to Register
Registering for the GMAT Focus Edition in India is done entirely online via mba.com. You can take the test at a Pearson VUE test centre or from home using the GMAT Online option.
GMAT is available at Pearson VUE centres across India in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and more. The GMAT Online option is available anywhere in India with a stable internet connection.
GMAT Exam Fees 2026
GMAT fees are set by GMAC and are consistent globally. Here are the current fee structures for Indian students and popular MBA destinations.
You can reschedule more than 1 business day before your test for a fee of USD 55 (60+ days: free, 15–60 days: USD 55, 1–14 days: USD 110). Cancellation refunds range from USD 165 to full refund depending on notice given. You may retake the GMAT once every 16 days, up to a maximum of 5 times in any 12-month period and 8 times lifetime.