FAQs for GMAT Exam 2025: Frequently Asked Questions

Want to study abroad and prepare to give the GMAT in 2025? A lot of questions popping up in your mind related to it? Don't worry, below is a list of common FAQs that might be helpful for you.

The questions cover a variety of common issues related to GMAT test, GMAT practice tests, GMAT mock tests, GMAT coaching, GMAT preparation, GMAT test samples and so on. So, let's start.

Q. What is GMAT full form?

A. The GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. The test is designed to assess verbal, quantitative, and data insights of the candidates who want to pursue their studies in business schools.

Q. What is GMAT exam used for?

A. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardised test for aspiring business school students. Candidates who are planning a career in business can take GMAT exam to apply to top business schools in the world. GMAT is used for evaluating a candidate’s aptitude in terms of quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation.

Q. What kind of questions are asked in the GMAT exam?

A. The GMAT exam mainly focuses on quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation. The math covers basic algebra, geometry, and data analysis, while the verbal section tests the candidate's reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction, all in a business context.

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Q. What is the maximum GMAT score?

A. Based on the current edition of the exam (Focus Edition), the GMAT Total Score varies from 205 to 805. The previous version of the GMAT, the GMAT Exam (10th Edition), had a range from 200 to 800.

Q. Is GMAT harder than CAT?

A. Both GMAT and CAT exams are considered to be highly competitive. Therefore, it is difficult to measure which one is harder than the other, as it depends on the individual's strengths, weaknesses, and personal preferences. The GMAT quant section is often considered to be easier, however, its verbal section is tough for non-native English speakers. Whereas, CAT quant section is considered to be tricky in comparison to the verbal section. Therefore, students are advised to analyse both CAT and GMAT exam pattern carefully before opting for one.

Q. Who is eligible for GMAT exam?

A. The GMAT 2025 has no specific eligibility criteria. All candidates who fulfil the following basic GMAT eligibility criteria can take the test.

• Candidates must be 18 years of age to be considered eligible for the GMAT exam. Students who are below 18 years of age must produce parental consent to apply for the exam.

• Candidates may take the exam up to five times a year and eight times total throughout their lives.

• The applicant needs to complete the minimal GMAT eligibility requirements specified by the institution or school of their choice.

• Previous work experience is not a prerequisite.

Q. Is GMAT only for MBA?

A. No, the GMAT exam is not exclusive to MBA only. Many business schools accept the GMAT test for master's in business or management programmes. GMAT is also accepted by ISB YLP, the Harvard 2+2 programme, the Yale Silver Scholars programme, and the Booth Scholars Programme.

Q. Is GMAT costly?

A. Yes, the GMAT is considered costly for Indian students. The GMAT exam fee in India is USD 275, i.e., INR 22,800 approx. at the test centre. For an online exam, the GMAT test price in India is USD 300 (INR 24,890 approx). However, additional fees are also included for retaking the exam, sending additional score reports, and many more. Therefore, considering the overall expenses, GMAT is costly for Indian test-takers.

Q. What does GMAT Focus Edition mean?

A. The GMAT Focus Edition was introduced in 2023, which replaces the older GMAT test format. It focuses on the critical skills for business programmes, like problem-solving and data analysis. GMAT focus edition duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Q. Is getting 650 in GMAT easy?

A. Taking the GMAT exam is in itself a big deal, as over two lakh students participate each year.The average score remains around 565, making it a pretty tough test. The stats also reflect that only 27% scored above 650, and just 12% reached 700.

Q. Are calculators allowed in GMAT?

A. Yes and no. A digital on-screen calculator may only be used for the Data Insights part of the GMAT, but no calculator is allowed to use in the Quant part.

Q. Can I score 700 in GMAT in 3 months?'

A. Scoring 700 in 3 months might seem a little challenging but is possible with dedicated and focused strategies.

Q. Can I drink water during GMAT?
A. Food, drinks, and lip balm are allowed to be kept in a locker (if it is available for your use at the GMAT test centre) and taken with you during the breaks. Although you are not allowed to talk to anyone about what is included in the GMAT exam during the test, or during the break.

Q. Is 400 a bad GMAT score?
A. The score range for GMAT is between 200 and 800. According to the governing body, GMAC, two-thirds of test-takers score between 400 and 600.

Q. How many GMAT attempts are allowed?
A. The GMAC has recently announced a major shift in testing policy: The long-standing 8-attempt lifetime limit for GMAT is now gone, opening up new opportunities for candidates throughout the world. Now on, there is no lifetime limit.
The other thing that needs to be kept in mind is that even though the lifetime limit has been removed, the rule of a maximum of 5 attempts in a rolling 12-month period still continues.

Q. Is there negative marking in GMAT?
A. The GMAT exam does not have a negative marking system. The GMAT 2025 exam consists of three sections, which are Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Data Insights (DI). Each section in the GMAT exam is scored on a scale of 60 to 90, with the total score ranging from 205 to 805.

Q. Is GMAT MCQ-based?
A. The GMAT Focus Quantitative Reasoning is 45 minutes long and comprises 21 questions. All 21 of these questions are problem-solving and are similar to multiple-choice questions. Students are required to solve a problem and choose from five possible answer choices.

Q. How hard is the GMAT test?
A. Unlike the GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, the GMAT is tougher because the scoring is competitive and requires focus on critical thinking and data analysis. Start by building up your knowledge and practicing under timed conditions for 3 to 6 months.

Q. What is GMAT fees?
A. It costs USD 275 (INR 23,091), and the online test costs USD 300 (INR 25,190). The exam fee is not refundable. Cancellation fees or rescheduling of your exam fees depend on when you request the change and as applicable by local law for cancel fees/refunds and rescheduling fees.

Q. Which is the official website for GMAT?
A. The GMAT exam is owned by the the Graduate Management Admission Council, or the GMAC. The official wesite for GMAT is mba.com, in order to prepare students with critical GMAT exam guidelines and smoothen students registration process for GMAT.

Q. Is the official guide enough for GMAT?
A. The official guide is not just enough for the GMAT preparation, as it just provides you with the practice questions. GMAT preparation requires strong Quant and Verbal skills, which comes through a strategic preparation of 3 to 6 months.

Q. Can I use my GMAT score after 2 years?

A. Your GMAT scores are valid for five years, giving you a longer tenure to send your scores to your preferred university whenever you feel like. Your total GMAT score is calculated based on your performance on all three sections. All three sections are weighed equally.

Q. Which country is best for GMAT?

A. Yes, a three-month time duration is sufficient to achieve a competitive GMAT score with your hard work and focused dedication. Although, it completely depends upon the candidate's personal skills.

Q. Which coaching is best for GMAT?

A. A few of the top GMAT coaching institutes have been mentioned below:

• Manhattan Review
• Manya Education
• Top One Percent
• Aspire Global Education
• Crack Verbal
• Texas Review
• Career Launcher
• IMS, Bangalore

Q. Are there GMAT focus practice exams?

A. Yes, there are multiple GMAT focus practice exams available on the official website of the GMAC. These GMAT Focus Official Practice Exams are full-length, computer-adaptive exams that mimic the real GMAT experience. Candidates can take these exams to improve their skills and predict their potential score.

Q. Does Harvard accept GMAT Focus Edition?

A. Yes, Harvard accepts the GMAT scores, representing an applicant's analytical, quantitative, and verbal abilities, which are the necessary skills required for the HBS MBA programme. Here is the breakdown: while the average GMAT score for admitted students hovers around 740, HBS doesn't set a strict minimum requirement.

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