How Long is GMAT Score Valid?

GMAT Score Validity Period

75% of applicants to top business schools submit GMAT scores. GMAT scores are valid for five years from the date of the exam. This means that students can submit their GMAT scores up to five years from the date of examination for admissions. After this period, the scores would not be considered official and would be reported to the B-schools.

GMAT Score Report Availability

Students who appear for GMAT exam can expect to get their scores immediately after the examination unofficially. They will receive scores for three sections: Quantitative reasoning, Verbal reasoning, and Data insights and the total GMAT score. Each of these sections have the same weightage.

Also, applicants must know that GMAT scores assess the applicant's data literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and based on the number of correct answers, the GMAT score report is generated.

GMAT scores are available online within 7 days of taking the test. Students can send the official GMAT score reports to B-schools anytime within the five years validity time.

As you can see in the table above, after giving the GMAT exam, you will immediately receive the unofficial score report. The official score report will be given within 7 days of the test. And, the score report will be available up to 5 years from the date of examination.

Can GMAT Score Validity Be Extended?

No, it is not possible to extend GMAT scores beyond five years under any circumstances. If their scores have expired and they still wish to apply to any of the business schools, then they have to retake the GMAT examination.

Things to do when your GMAT scores have expired

Following are a few options that students can do when their GMAT scores have expired:

• Retake the GMAT: They can retake the examination after the GMAT score validity period is over.

• Look for alternative examinations: Give alternative exams, such as GRE that is also accepted by B-schools.

• Leverage older scores: Some programs may consider past scores informally for alumni applicants.

What Happens to Your GMAT Scores After Five Years?

Once the GMAT result validity is over and the scores have expired after five years, you won’t find the score history or official score report. Hence, none of the B-schools will consider your GMAT score.

However, by placing a special request, candidates can access their old score reports. However, if the scores are older than ten years, then, they can’t access it even with any special request. One must call GMAC customer service to request old scores.

GMAT Score Valid for Which Colleges?

Following are some of the top B-schools in the world that accept GMAT scores:

• Harvard Business School: GMAT score validity for Harvard is 5 years.

• Wharton (University of Pennsylvania): GMAT score validity for Wharton is 5 years.

• Indian Business Schools (ISB, IIMs): GMAT score validity for IIM and ISB is 5 years, but some executive programs may have additional requirements.

• Global Business Schools: Most MBA programs worldwide accept GMAT scores within the 5-year validity period.

• Top Private Universities: Institutes like SPJIMR, XLRI, and IMT also accept GMAT scores within a 5-year validity period.

Read more:

• GMAT scores for top business schools

• How to calculate and understand GMAT score

• GMAT cutoff

GRE Score Validity vs. GMAT Score Validity

The score validity for both GRE and GMAT is 5 years. While both tests have the same validity period, some schools may have different preferences between the two. Therefore, it is important to go through the guidelines of the university you are applying to before submitting the score report.

How to retake the GMAT exam for an updated score?

Many candidates choose to retake the GMAT within the five-year period to achieve a better score. Students can retake the examination up to five times in a rolling 12-months period and up to eight times in a lifetime. First, go through the GMAT retake policy, plan strategically and then appear for the examination.

According to GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council):

• 23% of test-takers retake the GMAT at least once.

• 10% of test-takers retake it more than twice.

• On average, retakers improve their scores by 30-50 points.

Read more: How to send GMAT scores to business schools

To get an improved GMAT score, it is a must to wait for at least 16 days after your previous attempt. Then, analyze your performance and identify those areas where you need improvement. Work on those areas and prepare accordingly before retaking the GMAT exam.

Understanding GMAT score validity is essential for planning MBA applications effectively. Since GMAT scores remain valid for five years, candidates should time their test-taking strategy accordingly. Given the increasing competition in business school admissions, candidates should aim for a strong score and consider retaking the exam if necessary.

For those with expiring scores, retaking the GMAT or considering alternative admissions strategies can be beneficial.By keeping track of GMAT validity in 2025 and trends, prospective business school applicants can maximize their chances of admission to top-tier programs.