As the GMAT exam 2025 approaches, thousands of aspirants are gearing up to take this crucial exam. GMAT is the gateway to get admission into 7,500+ prestigious management programmes all across the globe. This exam assesses candidates on critical reasoning, problem-solving, analytical writing, and data interpretation—key skills essential for success in business and management. If you’re planning to appear for the GMAT in 2025, it’s crucial to understand the latest GMAT exam pattern, syllabus, and important updates to streamline your preparation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the vital details of the GMAT exam 2025 to help you prepare strategically and maximise your chances of success.
What is the GMAT Exam?
Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardised exam used for admission to business and management programmes worldwide, including MBA and other graduate business degrees. It assesses candidates’ analytical, verbal, quantitative, and critical reasoning skills, which are essential for success in business and management studies.
Most GMAT candidates aim for top business schools or management programmes like MIM (Master in Management), Master of Finance, and MS in Management in India or abroad, including Canada, Australia, the UK, the US, and Italy. The GMAT score remains valid for five years for global B-school admissions.
GMAT 2025 Exam Overview
| Full Form | Graduate Management Aptitude Test |
| Accepted | India and Abroad |
| Scoring Scale | 205-805 |
| Sectional Duration | 45 minutes/section |
| Conducted By | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| GMAT Exam Fee (Online) | USD 275 |
| GMAT Exam Fee (Offline) | USD 300 |
| Reattempt Chances | 5 times |
GMAT Eligibility 2025
GMAC has set certain criteria to appear for the GMAT Exam 2025. Only those students who fulfil the given criteria can appear for this exam.
Age Requirement
- The candidate must be at least 18 years old.
- Candidates aged 13 to 17 can take the exam with parental or legal guardian consent.
Educational Qualification
- No specific degree is required, but most candidates are graduates or final-year students aiming for business school admissions.
Number of Attempts
- A candidate can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a 12-month period.
- Lifetime limit: 8 attempts.
- A minimum 16-day gap is required between two attempts.
Mode of Exam
Available in two formats:
- Test Center GMAT
- Online GMAT (from home with remote proctoring)
Work Experience:
- Not mandatory, but some MBA and business programmes prefer candidates with prior work experience.
GMAT Score Validity
- The GMAT score remains valid for 5 years from the test date.
Identification Requirements:
- A valid passport is required for international test-takers.
- Some test centers may accept government-issued photo ID (depending on country-specific guidelines).
NOTE: Since GMAT eligibility primarily depends on business school requirements, candidates should check the specific criteria of their target universities before applying.
GMAT Syllabus 2025
As a GMAT aspirant, it is essential for you to thoroughly understand the GMAT syllabus 2025 . A clear grasp of the syllabus will help you prepare more effectively for this prestigious exam.
Let’s go through the syllabus:
| Sections | Syllabus |
| Quantitative Reasoning |
|
| Verbal Reasoning |
|
| Data Insights |
|
GMAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Compared to previous years, there’s a slight change in the marking pattern of this exam, while the syllabus remains the same. The table below provides a clear breakdown of the updated scoring pattern.
| Subject | Time | Total No of Questions | Computer Adaptive | Range |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 45 minutes | 21 | Applicable | 60-90 (1 point increment) |
| Verbal Reasoning | 45 minutes | 23 | Applicable | 60-90 (1 point increment) |
| Data Insights | 45 minutes | 20 | Applicable | 60-90 (1 point increment) |
How to Register for GMAT Exam 2025?
Students can fill out the registration form online 90 days before the final examination date. Apart from this, they also have the leverage of booking their GMAT slot as per their convenience. However, before one proceeds to fill out the registration form online, they should make sure that they check the latest updates, test centres, and exam date.
Step-by-Step GMAT Registration Process
- Visit the official GMAT website.
- Create an account by entering your name, email address, and password.
- Provide your gender, contact details, and complete address.
- Enter your academic qualifications and work experience (if applicable).
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Choose your exam date, time, and location.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Download the confirmation receipt for future reference.
How Much is the GMAT Exam 2025 Application Fees?
Those students who pay the GMAT Exam 2025 Registration Fees will only be eligible to appear for this exam. An individual student must pay around $275, i.e., around Rs 23,913, if they select the online mode. However, you will be required to pay $300, i.e., around Rs 26,087, if you choose the offline mode. Acceptable payment modes are credit card, debit card, UPI, etc. Here’s a complete description of the fee structure.
| Fees Type | Online | Offline |
| Registration Charges | USD 275 | USD 300 |
| Enhanced Score Report | USD 30 | Not Applicable |
| Another Score Report | USD 35 (Individual Report) | USD 35 (Individual Report) |
| Renew Score Report | USD 50 | Not Applicable |
Tips To Prepare For GMAT Exam 2025
Now that you have decided to appear for the GMAT exam this year, it’s crucial to dive deep into the preparation strategies. Let’s have a look at how a GMAT aspirant should prepare for this exam.
- Understand the Syllabus: Until and unless a student has a proper understanding of the syllabus it’ll be difficult for them to score excellent grades in this exam. You must go through the complete syllabus and start from the basics first and then head over to complex concepts.
- Follow a Study Routine: When preparing for an exam to get admission into top B-schools across the globe, you must create a routine and follow it. By following a routine and dividing topics into small chunks, you will wind up with the entire syllabus before the time and will have enough time for revision too.
- Stop Usage of Digital Devices: Too much dependence on social media can hamper your productivity. Henceforth, you should prevent yourself from using electronic devices too much. If required, you can also set a timer or activate a “Focus Mode” to limit the usage of social media apps.
Apart from this, there are many other tips that you should follow vigorously to score good grades and get admission in the B-School of your dreams.
- Try to solve previous years’ question papers
- Practice mock test papers
- Get yourself familiar with the score pattern
- Aim to achieve the target score
- Collect all types of study materials
- Work more on tough concepts
- Re-evaluate practice test
- Indulge in proper time management
- Master daily revision
- Sleep well, eat good food and stay hydrated
What is the Difference Between GMAT and CAT?
When comparing GMAT and CAT, it’s important to note that GMAT is an international exam, conducted both online and offline, for admission to top business schools worldwide. In contrast, CAT is a national-level exam, specifically for admission into prestigious business schools in India.
| Particulars | GMAT | CAT |
| Full Form | Graduate Management Aptitude Test | Common Admission Test |
| Syllabus | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension,Logical Reasoning,Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation |
| Total no of questions | 64 | 66 |
| Score Validity | 5 | 1 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Should be 13 years of age | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks |
| Exam Duration | 135 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Fees | USD 275 | Rs 2,400 |
| Scholarship Possibilities | Yes | No |
| Negative Marking | No | Yes |
| Exam Mode | Test Centre or Home | Test Centre |
| Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council | Indian Institute of Management |
Conclusion
With this, it’s a wrap on GMAT exam 2025. Success in the GMAT exam 2025 depends on strategic preparation, a clear understanding of the syllabus, and consistent practice. With the right approach—effective time management, mock tests, and focused revision—you can maximise your score and secure admission to top business schools worldwide. Stay disciplined, stay focused, and give your best effort.
Good Luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for GMAT Exam 2025?
A student who falls between the age limit 13-17 or above is eligible to appear for the GMAT.
Do Indian universities accept a GMAT score?
Yes, prestigious Indian universities like K.R. Mangalam University does accept a GMAT score for admission into a management programme.
In how many cities will GMAT be conducted this year?
This year, the GMAT exam will be conducted across 23 cities. There will be 35 test centres for this exam.
Should you appear for CAT or GMAT?
Depending on your career perspective or future goals, you should choose whether you wish to appear for CAT or GMAT.
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