GMAT 2021 Exam - Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus

GMAT 2021 Exam - Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus

The GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test that assesses the candidates’ analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in standard written English. The cost of giving the GMAT Exam is US $250. This test is taken to get admission into a graduate management program, such as MBA and Masters in Finance related courses in top business schools across the world.

In GNOSIS TUTORS article, we will inform you about each and every aspect related to GMAT covering GAMT Registration to GMAT Exam Structure and more:

• GMAT Registration 

• GMAT Scholarships

• GMAT Preparation tips

• GMAT Syllabus 

• GMAT Results and Scores

Since, 16th April 2018, the Graduate Management Admission Council has shortened the GMAT exam by 30 minutes. Now, the exam is of 3 hours and 30 minutes including test instructions and breaks.

However, candidates would be required to validate their identity using their Aadhar Card or Passport during the registration process.

This initiative has been taken by GMAC to make the GMAT exam more accessible to a larger student base. However candidates should keep in mind a few pointers and they are, candidates would be required to validate their Aadhar Card during the online exam registration process, Aadhar Card is only being accepted as valid ID proof for appearing for the online format of the GMAT test, the GMAT test centre will only accept a valid passport as ID proof and the new development comes to effect starting April 08, 2021.

CORONAVIRUS/Covid-19 ALERT: Effective June 11 candidates taking the GMAT Online exam will have a choice of whiteboard options, physical or online. GMAC also announced a commitment to maintaining the availability of online GMAT exams throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and opened additional online test appointments for the GMAT exam currently through July 17.

 With uncertainty persisting in test center availability, GMAC will continue to open additional appointment dates as needed and continues to waive reschedule and cancel fees across both the online and test center exams to offer extended flexibility for test-takers.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GMAC has to suspend test-center based GMAT exam for candidates, as worldwide various countries have put restrictions on the movement of citizens. On April-15th-2020, GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), administrator of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) announced the release of the GMAT Online exam. 

Why take the GMAT Exam?

It is the most widely accepted exam for MBA admissions worldwide. No other exam has as wide acceptability as GMAT, as per the GMAC, globally 9 out of 10 MBA enrolments are made through GMAT Score. Further, 2,300 + schools accept GMAT Scores for giving admission. Also, there are 650 testing centers in 114 countries that administer the GMAT Exam.

GMAT 2021: Key Highlights

Exam Name GMAT

GMAT full form Graduate Management Admission Test

Official Website https://www.mba.com

 Conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council).

Mode of Exam Computer-based adaptive test

GMAT fee US $250 (INR 18,300 approx)

Score Range Min 200, Max 800

What is the Eligibility criteria for the GMAT exam?

As such, there is no set eligibility criteria set by GMAC, the body conducting GMAT for appearing for the GMAT exam. However, one should always meet the eligibility criteria set by the university/college one aspires to get into after giving the GMAT.

Age criteria

• The candidate must have completed 18 years of age

• There is no upper age limit for the candidate

• If the candidate is between 13 to 17 years old, they should have permission in writing from their parents or legal guardian.

Educational qualification

• GMAC has not announced any official statement regarding qualification required to appear for GMAT

• Candidates who wish to enroll for an MBA programme should possess a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university

GMAT Exam Fee: How much the exam cost?

The application fee for the GMAT exam is $250, which would translate to INR 18,300 approximately. Also, if the applicants want to change the center or reschedule the test then they will be charged extra. Candidates who do not show up for the test will be charged a full GMAT exam fee.

• GMAT Cancellation Fee: If you cancel the exam 1 to 14 days before the test date then you will be charged $200 and $50 will be refunded. If you cancel the exam 15 to 60 days prior to the appointment then you will be charged $175 and $75 will be refunded. And if you cancel the test more than 60 days prior to the appointment then you will be charged $150 and will receive $100 as a refund. Moreover, the test appointment cannot be canceled or modified within 24 hours of the scheduled test and time.

• GMAT Rescheduling Fee: If you reschedule the exam 1 to 14 days before the test date, you have to pay US$150. Also, if you reschedule the exam 15 to 60 days prior to the appointment then you have to pay US$100. If you reschedule the exam more than 60 days before the test date then you have to pay US$50.

How to Register for GMAT?

According to GMAC, you can register for the GMAT exam 6 months before the Graduate Management Admission Test date or latest by 24 hours before the GMAT exam date, however, the slot is not available at the last moment. Therefore, it is suggested to book your preferred slot well before the planned exam date.

Ways to register for GMAT:

• Online

• Phone

• Postal mail

There are no fixed official GMAT dates, you can choose any date according to your convenience and availability. In case you need to retake the GMAT exam you can do so after 16 days. You can take or retake the GMAT exam after every 16 days. You can appear for the exam a maximum of five times a year. Ideally, candidates are recommended to register themselves two to three months before the exam date. If you register online or by phone, you can get yourself registered as late as 24 hours before the exam date. But it is safer to stick to early registration as you will then have a set schedule to prepare for the exam accordingly. Even the coaching institutes recommend you to register at the earliest available date so that you have a wide window of time to prepare.

Exam Pattern for GMAT

The GMAT Exam comprises of four sections:

• Analytical Writing

• Integrated Reasoning

• Quantitative Reasoning

• Verbal Reasoning

 

Also, candidates can avail of two optional eight-minute breaks during the exam. Read more about the GMAT Exam Pattern in detail here.

Syllabus of GMAT Exam

GMAT is a three and a half hours test with a maximum score of 800 points. The GMAT test the candidate's’ abilities on various parameters. Further, the GMAT exam has four sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment—measures  ability to think critically and to communicate their ideas

•  Reasoning—measures candidates ability to analyze data and evaluate information presented in multiple formats

• Quantitative Reasoning—measures aspirants ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills

• Verbal Reasoning—measures the ability of the candidates to read and understand written material, to evaluate arguments, and to correct written material to conform to standard written English

Read more about the GMAT Syllabus in detail

When is GMAT result available?

The candidates receive almost the entire GMAT Score Report just after finishing the GMAT test except for the AWA Score. The candidate will have the option of accepting it or rejecting it. In the case of accepting the result, the candidate and the institutes of choice can view the result; but if the candidate declines the result none of the parties will be able to view the result of GMAT. Once the exam is over, candidates can download the non-official GMAT result. Finally, the candidates receive the complete GMAT Score Report within 20 days of giving the test.

How is GMAT Score calculated?

Each of your five GMAT Scores i.e. 4 GMAT sections and the total score is reported on a fixed scale. These are your official scores that appear on your GMAT Score Report. Your selected score recipients will receive these scores. Always remember, that the GMAT Total Score Report includes Verbal and Quantitative scores and does not include any other section into account.

The GMAT Score Report comprises of these elements:

• Your Quantitative Score (0 – 60), with percentile

• Your Verbal Score (0 – 60), with percentile

• Your Total GMAT Score (200 – 800), with percentile

• AWA Score (half-integers from 0 to 6), with percentile

• Integrated Reasoning score (integer from 1 to 8)

GMAT Score Range

Here are the minimum and maximum score range of each section, along with a mean average:

Section Score Range Mean Scores*

*Source - GMAC

How to access GMAT Score Report?

• Candidates receive a link on their registered Email ID from GMAC.

• Follow the instructions in the Email and with the help of that link candidates can check their official GMAT Score Report.

Validity of GMAT Score

Candidates should note that GMAT scores are valid for a period of 5 years. Hence, candidates should check the application deadlines of various universities and schedule their GMAT exam accordingly.

GMAT Preparation Tips

To be able to study on your own effectively, you need a few good GMAT books and resources, along with study material, motivation, and self-discipline. On the other hand, if time is a constraint and you feel the need for professional guidance to ensure the competitive edge in GMAT exam preparation, then joining a coaching center for GMAT in your location is the better option.

 

GMAT Prep tips for each section:

• Analytical Writing Assessment: The Analytical  Assessment section analyses the candidates’ ability to analyse an argument.

• Quantities Section: The Quantitative section section

• Verbal Section: The Verbal section measures the aspirants’ ability to read and comprehend written material. 

• Integrated Reasoning Section: The Integrated Reasoning section measures the candidates’ ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple sources.

Strategy for preparing for GMAT

Candidates need an appropriate strategy to score perfect 800 in the GMAT 2020 Exam. Before start preparing also decide what a good GMAT Score according to you is and then prepare accordingly. Candidates can also go through the GMAT Sample Papers which will help them in preparing for the GMAT exam 2021. 

GMAT Test Centres

It is advisable to choose your test centre once you are ready to attempt the exam in the coming 2-3 months as the booking needs to be done in advance. It is suggested that you choose your city located nearest you so that you do not have to travel much before the exam. Once the state/city is chosen you may check out the availability of date in your nearest test centre.