What Do You Need for the GMAT?
The GMAT at a Glance
The Graduate Management Admission Test is used by business schools worldwide for MBA and business master’s admission.
Minimum age 18 (13–17 with parental consent). Always confirm on mba.com.
GMAT Exam Format
All three sections are computer-adaptive, multiple choice, and 45 minutes each.
| Section | Qs | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 min |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 min |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 min |
| Total | 64 | 2 h 15 min |
Choose the order
Pick the order of the three sections at the start of the test.
Review and edit
Bookmark questions and change up to three answers per section.
Optional break
One optional 10-minute break after the first or second section.
How the GMAT Is Scored
Total score
205 to 805, in 10-point steps (scores end in 5).
Section scores
60 to 90 for each section; all three count equally.
Adaptive
Question difficulty adjusts to your answers within each section.
Finish every section
Unanswered questions lower your score sharply.
Score preview
See your unofficial score at the end and decide which scores schools see.
Free reports
Send up to five free score reports, as reported.
GMAT Fees in India
Paid online in US dollars. 18% GST is added for India.
| Item | Test centre | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | US$275 | US$300 |
| Reschedule (60+ days before) | US$55 | US$60 |
| Extra score report | US$35 | US$35 |
As reported for 2026. Rescheduling costs more closer to the test date. Check current fees on mba.com before booking.
GMAT Syllabus
Tap a section to see what it covers.
Quantitative Reasoning21 questions
- Arithmetic — number properties, fractions, percentages, ratios
- Algebra — equations, inequalities, functions, exponents
- Word problems — rates, work, mixtures, profit
- Statistics and counting basics
- Problem-solving questions only; no calculator; no geometry
Verbal Reasoning23 questions
- Reading comprehension — passages on business, science and social topics
- Critical reasoning — strengthen, weaken, assumption, inference
- No sentence-correction questions
Data Insights20 questions
- Data sufficiency
- Multi-source reasoning
- Table analysis
- Graphics interpretation
- Two-part analysis
- An on-screen calculator is available in this section only
Free GMAT Study Material
Guides and practice for every section.
These resources are being added section by section. Pages marked “Coming soon” are not published yet.
Quant Review
Number properties, algebra and word problems.
Coming soon →Critical Reasoning
Argument types and how to attack them.
Coming soon →Reading Comprehension
Passage mapping and question types.
Coming soon →Data Sufficiency
A step-by-step method.
Coming soon →Data Insights
Tables, graphs and multi-source reasoning.
Coming soon →GMAT Practice
Start with GMAC’s free official practice exams, then use our section sets.
Under development. The practice sets below are planned and will open here when ready.
Full Practice Test
Quant Section
Verbal Section
Data Insights Section
How to Prepare for the GMAT
2–4 months of steady preparation works for most candidates.
Take a diagnostic
Sit a free official practice exam to find your starting score.
Set a target
Check the median scores at the schools you want.
Master Data Insights
It counts as much as Quant and Verbal — practise every question type.
Learn critical reasoning
Identify the argument’s conclusion and assumption every time.
Manage your time
About 2 minutes per question — never leave questions unanswered.
Plan your section order
Try different orders in mocks and use the one that suits you.
Book Your GMAT
The GMAT is available almost every day at test centres across India and online. Register on mba.com. Always check dates and fees on the official website.
GMAT FAQs
Who runs the GMAT?
The GMAT is owned by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) and is used by business schools worldwide, including many in India, for MBA and master’s programmes. Official information is on mba.com.
Is the GMAT accepted in India?
Yes. Many Indian business schools accept GMAT scores, especially for one-year executive and international programmes. Check each school’s requirements.
Is there negative marking?
There is no separate negative marking, but the test is adaptive and unanswered questions carry a heavy penalty, so finish every section.
How many times can I take the GMAT?
Up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, with at least 16 days between attempts, and eight times in total, as per GMAC rules.
How long is my score valid?
GMAT scores are valid for five years.
GMAT or GRE?
Most business schools accept both. Try a practice test of each. See our GRE page to compare.