The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-based standardized exam used for admission to graduate business programs (MBA) globally.
The test measures skills required for B-school graduates and is accepted by accredited universities and management schools worldwide. Effective February 1, 2024, the GMAT Focus Edition is the only version available to prospective test takers globally. It focuses on three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights.
Before proceeding with the application process, it is vital to fulfill the GMAT exam eligibility set by the conducting body, GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council). Let us learn more about the 2024 GMAT eligibility criteria.
The GMAT Focus Edition has a basic age eligibility criteria for candidates, mandating that they must be at least 18 years old. Parental acknowledgment or consent is necessary for students below 18 years of age. Apart from the age criteria, GMAT eligibility criteria do not mention any specific educational requirements, which enable students from all educational backgrounds to apply to graduate management programs.
Why GMAT Focus Edition Eligibility Criteria Are Important
Due to the minimum eligibility criteria, the test aims to open the door to graduate management education to everyone. It also sets a benchmark among the test takers so that all students who sit for the test have an equal opportunity when applying for a business or management program abroad.
The organizing body has set no official eligibility requirements in terms of academic qualification. There is no minimum or maximum academic qualification or degree requirement for test-takers. However, most of the examinees are undergraduate students or working professionals eager to take up a management course. Even if the students don’t fall under the above criteria, they can still take the test.
Age Criteria
The minimum age criteria as set by GMAC for the GMAT examination is 13 years. There is no maximum upper limit on age. A majority of applicants who appear for the GMAT are above 30 years of age. Students above 18 years of age can simply register and apply for the GMAT examination. However, students between the 13-18 age group need their parents or legal guardians to sign the permission letter at the time of registration to allow them to take the test.
Grades and Scores
The GMAT examination has no eligibility criteria in terms of previous academic scores and grades. There are no minimum cut-off marks required. However, this should not be confused with the admission criteria of B-schools, as they will consider your grades and scores before granting admission. For GMAT, there is no minimum cut-off mark.
Number of Attempts
As per GMAC, the number of attempts that an applicant can take will depend on a few conditions. Students can retake the GMAT examination 16 days after the first attempt. It will include holidays and weekly offs as well. Within 12 months, the applicants cannot take the GMAT examination more than 5 times. The maximum number of attempts is 8 for any applicant. If any applicant has scored 800 and above, he or she has to wait for another 5 years for the second attempt.
Language
There is no official eligibility regarding the language criteria for GMAT test-takers. Applicants who did not have English as their first language or medium of instruction are eligible to take the exam. but they must have the language proficiency in English as the GMAT exam is held in the English language.
Work Experience
The GMAT exam does not have any minimum or maximum work experience requirements for test-takers. Work experience is only an additional plus point and not a criterion for the GMAT exam. Candidates with prior job experience in the same field of trade have a stronger application during the enrollment process.
Renowned B-schools and universities across the globe accept GMAT Focus Edition scores for MBA admission. It is one of the biggest and most notable management entrance tests that give applicants access to more than 7,000+ programs and 2,300+ overseas educational institutions.
The GMAT exam fee in India is US$275, which is approximately ₹22,800 for the test center-delivered exam and US$300 (₹24,900 approx.) for an online exam. However, the cost may vary due to changes in foreign currency rates (Rupee-Dollar Value). Please remember, this fee is for the new GMAT Focus Edition.
Other Restrictions on GMAT Focus Eligibility Criteria
While there are no stringent educational prerequisites, candidates must adhere to GMAC's policies on test integrity and honesty. Violations can lead to disqualification or cancellation of scores.
GMAT Eligibility for Indian Students
Indian students are eligible to take the GMAT if they meet the age requirement. The test is widely accepted by numerous Indian and international business schools, making it a critical component for MBA and other management program applications.
Almost all candidates who want to enroll in specific MBA programs worry about their GMAT eligibility. Test takers take the GMAT exam once their eligibility has been verified and score based on their preparation strategies.
The GMAT test assessment is not a cakewalk because it is "computer adaptive." Candidates must study hard and consider the analytics of the GMAT as an aptitude assessment examination and work hard to prepare for the test. Lastly, test takers have to attempt the GMAT Focus Edition exam, which has 64 questions, in 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Reservation Criteria for GMAT Test
The GMAT does not have specific reservation criteria based on nationality, ethnicity, or other demographic factors. It is a global test aiming to provide a level playing field for all applicants.
GMAT Eligibility Criteria for Re-Attempts
Candidates can retake the GMAT up to five times within a 12-month period, but there must be a 16-day gap between attempts. Aspirants can take the examination a maximum of eight times in their lifetime. These yearly and lifetime limits apply for the combined online or test center versions of the GMAT.
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The GMAT Focus Edition examination is taken by applicants who are seeking admission to a premier MBA institute or B-school. The test applicants are majorly undergraduates and working professionals. Applicants between 13-18 years of age need to apply with a permission letter from their parents or guardians. Applicants above 18 years don’t need any permission to register and take the GMAT examination.
What is the age limit for the GMAT Focus Edition examination?
The minimum age is 13 years. Applicants between 13 and 18 years of age will need an official permission letter from their guardians or parents to appear for the examination. Applicants above 18 years can apply without any permission. There is no upper limit on age for the GMAT examination. A good proportion of test-takers are industry experts above 30 years of age.
What is the GMAT eligibility for re-attempt?
Applicants can take the GMAT Focus Edition examination a maximum of five times a year. For re-attempting of the examination, they need to wait for 16 days. In total, applicants can take the GMAT examination up to eight times in their lifetime.
What is the cost of GMAT Focus Edition exam registration?
The GMAT exam fee in India is US$275, which is approximately ₹22,978. However, the cost may vary due to changes in foreign currency rates (Rupee-Dollar Value). The mode of payment should be credit and debit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover Network Card). It is an expensive entrance exam, and applicants must aim to prepare well.
What is the GMAT eligibility criteria?
The GMAT Focus Edition has no specific eligibility requirements. The only requirement is that the applicant should be at least 18 years old. Candidates between the ages of 13 and 18, are eligible to take the test if they provide written proof of their parent's consent.
Do I need a Bachelor's degree to appear for GMAT?
To appear for the GMAT Focus Edition, you don’t need graduation or a Bachelor’s degree. To take the exam, you just need to be 18 years old.
Are there any restrictions on the number of attempts for the GMAT exam?
Yes, candidates can attempt the GMAT up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, with a maximum of eight attempts in a lifetime.
How many times is GMAT conducted in a year?
The GMAT is available year-round, allowing candidates to choose test dates based on their preparation and application timelines.
Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.
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