The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is used to get admission in the top B-schools in the world. How often is GMAT conducted? The GMAT exam is conducted multiple times throughout the year, unlike other exams with fixed dates. There is no lifetime limit, there are five GMAT exam attempts per year permitted to each candidate. This means that you can attempt GMAT for a maximum of 5 times in a year with at least 16 days gap in between two consecutive attempts. The GMAT online vs test center frequency allowed to a candidate is the same.
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Candidates need to book the GMAT exam slots online through the official website of GMAC. They get the flexibility to schedule the GMAT exam dates anytime, almost any day of the year as per their convenience and application deadlines. There are two modes for taking the GMAT exam- GMAT test centre and online GMAT-at-home test. Those who want to take the GMAT 2025 exam at the test centre need to select a preferable test centre and exam slot, while those who wish to take the GMAT-at home online test need to select a preferable slot. Candidates should book the GMAT exam slot at least two months prior to ensure slot availability.
Though rescheduling and cancellation is possible, candidates are charged as per the time left for the exam. There are certain GMAT rescheduling rules that must be followed. The GMAT fee in India is INR 23,500 (USD 275) plus taxes for a test centre exam, while the online GMAT exam fee is INR 25,640 (USD 300) plus taxes.
Read More: GMAT registration
The GMAC has removed the 8-attempt lifetime limit for the GMAT exam. Now, there is no lifetime limit for the GMAT exam. Despite this, the 5 attempts per 12 months rule is still applicable. Candidates need to wait for at least 16 days between two consecutive GMAT test dates.
Timeframe | Limit |
Rolling 12‑month period | 5 attempts per 12 months |
Between consecutive tests | Minimum 16 days apart |
Lifetime | No total limit |
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The GMAT exam is offered on most days throughout the calendar year. You can choose between GMAT at the test centre or GMAT at-home test. There are no fixed GMAT exam schedule test windows, so you can schedule your GMAT exam slot 2025 whenever you want, however, it is still recommended to do it as early as possible so that you get your desired slot and test location, especially during the peak season from August to November. Though there is no restriction on scheduling a GMAT exam, there are some restrictions on GMAT exam frequency.
You can take the GMAT exam up to 5 times within a rolling 12-month period. The number of GMAT attempts annually is 5.
You should wait at least for 16 days before re-attempting the GMAT exam.
There is no lifetime limit on the number of GMAT attempts.
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As discussed, the GMAT exam dates are offered on multiple days throughout the year. These are the yearly GMAT test windows for 2025 and GMAT test centres.
Cities | GMAT Exam Dates 2025 |
GMAT Exam Dates Ahmedabad 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates New Delhi 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Noida 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Gurugram 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Hyderabad 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Bangalore 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Mumbai 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Chennai 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Pune 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Jaipur 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Chandigarh 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Pilani 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Nagpur 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Indore 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Bhopal 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Guwahati 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Vijayawada 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Cochin 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Ranchi 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Amritsar 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Kolkata 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Lucknow 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Mysore 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Surat 2025 |
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GMAT Exam Dates Manipal 2025 |
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If the GMAT test centres are far away from your home, you need not worry. In this case, you can simply book the online GMAT-at home test, all throughout the year, as per your convenience. There is no fixed time or date to book this GMAT test. You can do it based on your preparation and MBA entrance exam schedule of the B-school you are applying to. There is no fixed window for GMAT online testing availability; you can book slots 24*7 as per your convenience.
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How many times can you take the GMAT in a year? You can take the GMAT exam as many times as you want in the entire lifetime, however, you can only take the exam 5 times in a year. Based on how well-prepared you are, and the application deadlines for the B-school you are aiming for, choose a desirable test slot at least 2-3 months before the test date so that you have enough time to prepare. Follow these steps to book a preferable GMAT exam slot.
Step 1: Visit the official website of GMAC
Step 2: Choose a nearby GMAT test centre
Step 3: Enter the country from where you will be taking the GMAT test
Step 4: From the list of test centres given, select a maximum of 3 preferred test locations
Step 5: Book a preferred GMAT exam slot
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, the GMAT Exam does not have negative marking. No marks are deducted for wrong answers, hence, it is recommended to attempt all the questions, even if you don’t know the answers.
It is a must to have a gap of at least 16 days before re-attempting the GMAT exam. Then, you can re-take the GMAT again.
Overall, candidates think that GMAT is easier than CAT, in terms of the quantitative section. However, the verbal section of GMAT can be challenging for non-native English speakers. The level of the exam depends on the individual strengths and weaknesses of a candidate.
Generally, a good GMAT score ranges between 700 and 740, and if you are able to score 750+, it is considered to be an excellent score. However, it depends on the individual requirements of the B-schools you are applying to.
No, the GMAT exam dates are available on multiple dates, all throughout the year. However, you can take it only 5 times in a year.
On Question asked by student community
Hello Divya,
Yes, candidates with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT provided that the degree is from a recognized (UGC approved in India or accredited abroad) institution. The leading B-schools in both India and abroad do not look down upon online degrees as long as the degree is from a recognized body, they will mostly be looking at your test scores, academic performance, work experience, and profile holistically. What matters is the legitimacy of the institution and how you showcase your abilities, not whether your degree was obtained online or in-person.
Yes, someone with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT, provided the degree is from a UGC recognized university. Top B-schools in India (like IIMs) and abroad generally accept online degrees if they are valid, and you won’t be marked down just because it’s online. What matters more is your entrance exam score, academic record, work experience, and overall profile.
Hii,
No, not all MBA programs require these tests. These are merely entrance exams that are accepted by a lot of universities. Depending on the college you wish to attend, you can take any of them (such as MAH CET, MAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, or ATMA).
Additionally, some universities have entrance exams of their own. Therefore, for the majority of MBA admissions, you only need to take one appropriate exam. To find out which tests the college accepts, always visit their website.
No, IIMs or Indian Institutes of Management and IITs or Indian Institutes of Technology generally do not accept GMAT scores for admission to their flagship two-year MBA programs for fresh graduates with Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees. IIMs primarily consider the Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to their flagship MBA programs. IITs also primarily consider the CAT for admission to their management programs.
However some IIMs in India do accept GMAT scores for admission to their flagship MBA programs, primarily for the foreign students.
All the very best
That’s a great question and shows you’re thinking carefully about your future. It's important to consider both options carefully, especially with your background. When considering whether to pursue an MBA abroad or in India, especially with poor academics and no work experience, the decision requires careful evaluation of your goals, financial situation, and career aspirations.
When comparing an MBA in India versus one abroad, there's no definitive winner—it ultimately depends on a student’s aspirations and willingness to invest financially for potentially greater returns. Each option offers its own distinct benefits, which can be better understood through a detailed discussion. Both options have their merits and challenges. Let’s break it down to help you make an informed decision.
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) equips students with:
Leadership and management skills: To lead teams and organizations effectively.
Strategic thinking abilities : To solve complex business problems.
Career advancement opportunities : To secure roles in management, consulting, or entrepreneurship.
Networking: To build connections with industry professionals and peers.
The value of an MBA depends heavily on the program's quality, your goals, and the level of effort you put into leveraging its benefits.
Pros:
Global Exposure: Study in a multicultural environment and gain insights into international markets.
Top-Quality Education: Renowned universities provide cutting-edge curriculum and resources.
Networking Opportunities: Build a global professional network.
Higher Earning Potential: Graduates from top programs often secure higher salaries, particularly in developed economies.
Prestige: Degrees from institutions like Harvard, INSEAD, or Wharton carry global recognition and respect.
Cons:
High Cost: Tuition fees and living expenses are substantial. Scholarships are competitive.
Work Visa Challenges: Securing post-MBA work permits can be difficult in some countries.
Work Experience Requirement: Most top MBA programs abroad require 2-5 years of professional experience.
Risk: Without a strong profile, you may not gain admission to top schools, reducing the ROI (return on investment).
Who Is It For?
Those aiming for international roles or exposure to global markets.
Students with a clear plan for their post-MBA career .
Cost-Effective: Tuition fees and living costs are significantly lower than in most foreign programs.
Reputed Institutions: Top Indian MBA programs (e.g., IIMs, ISB, XLRI) are highly regarded, especially for roles in Indian and Asian markets.
Local Relevance: Focus on Indian business contexts and networks.
Shorter Duration: Many MBA programs in India are completed in 1-2 years.
Flexible Entry: Some private universities and tier-2 colleges accept candidates with weaker academics or no work experience.
Cons:
Less Global Exposure: International experience and networks may be limited.
High Competition: Admission to top-tier institutes like IIMs is extremely competitive and requires strong CAT/GMAT scores.
Brand Value: While prestigious in India, Indian MBA degrees may lack global recognition compared to programs abroad.
Who Is It For?
Candidates targeting the Indian job market or local companies.
Students looking for a cost-effective education with high-quality outcomes.
Fresh graduates or those who prefer programs without stringent entry requirements.
Since you mentioned having poor academics and no work experience, both options have specific challenges:
MBA Abroad Challenges :
Admission Requirements: Most top-tier schools abroad require a strong academic record and work experience. Without these, securing admission to a reputed institution can be difficult.
Cost and ROI: The financial investment is high. Without admission to a top program or a clear plan for career advancement, it may not provide a good return.
Limited Opportunities in Top Programs: Schools like IIMs and ISB value academic consistency and work experience.
Lower Exposure: Compared to studying abroad, Indian MBAs may not offer the same level of global exposure.
Conclusion: Based on your current situation, a good approach may be to gain some work experience, improve your academic profile, and then decide whether to pursue an MBA in India or abroad.
Focus on Skills: Irrespective of the choice, focus on acquiring key skills such as leadership, communication, and analytical thinking, which are crucial for a successful career in business.
An MBA is a significant investment in your future, and careful consideration of these factors will help you make an informed decision.
Feel free to reach out if you need further guidance or have more questions!
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