GMAT - Registration

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The GMAT exam can be booked online via mba.com in under 15 minutes. This guide covers everything you need  eligibility, required documents, fees, test formats, step-by-step registration, and rescheduling policies — so you can book with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

CriteriaDetailsNotes
Total Sections3Quant, Verbal, Data Insights
Total Questions64Approx. 21–23 per section
Total Duration2 hours 15 minutesExcluding optional breaks
Score Range205–805In 10-point increments
Exam ModeOnline / Test CentreBoth modes available
Validity5 yearsFrom the date of the exam

How to Register for the GMAT — Step by Step

Online registration through mba.com is the quickest and most recommended method, offering real-time seat availability, instant confirmation, and access to free official prep resources. The entire process typically takes 10–15 minutes.

1. Visit the Official GMAT Website

Go to www.mba.com — the only official GMAT registration portal managed by GMAC. Avoid third-party booking platforms as they may charge extra fees or be fraudulent.

2. Create an Account or Log In

New users must create a free mba.com account using their legal name (exactly as on passport), email address, date of birth, and phone number. Returning users can log in directly.

3. Choose Your Testing Mode

Select either Online (from home with remote proctoring) or Test Centre (in-person at a Pearson VUE location). Both modes are scored on the same scale and are equally accepted by universities.

4. Select Your Test Centre or Schedule Online Exam

Browse available test centres by city or country using the interactive map. Peak months (October–December, March–May) fill up fast — book at least 6–8 weeks in advance.

5. Choose Your Exam Date and Time Slot

Pick a date and time slot from those shown as available for your chosen location. Off-peak months (June–August, January–February) generally offer more flexible availability.

6. Fill in the Registration Form

Enter personal details including your full legal name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, mailing address, and the purpose of taking the GMAT (MBA, business school, etc.).

7. Select Score Recipients (Optional)

You may select up to 5 schools to receive your score report for free at the time of registration. Additional score reports sent later will incur a fee.

8. Pay the Registration Fee

Complete payment using a credit/debit card or other accepted method. Full payment is required upfront — no instalments. Save your payment receipt for future reference.

9. Receive Booking Confirmation

After successful payment, you will receive an email confirmation with your appointment details — date, time, location or online instructions, and candidate ID. Save this for exam day.

Documents Required for Registration

Ensure you have the following documents ready before you begin the GMAT registration process. Incomplete or mismatched documentation can result in delays or cancellation of your test.

DocumentDetailsRequired?
Valid PassportThe only accepted government-issued ID for GMAT registration. Your name must match your passport exactly. Aadhaar, PAN card, and driving licence are NOT accepted.✅ Mandatory
Scanned/Digital Copy of PassportA clear digital scan or photo of your passport's main information page is required for online account verification.✅ Mandatory
Passport-Sized PhotographRequired at some test centres for identity verification on exam day. Keep a recent, clear photograph ready.⚠️ Centre-specific
Payment MethodCredit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), or net banking depending on your region and payment portal.✅ Mandatory
Email Address & Phone NumberRequired for account creation, booking confirmation, score reporting, and all GMAC communications.✅ Mandatory

Step 0 — Choosing the Right GMAT Format

Before you register, it is essential to select the correct test mode and format. This choice will affect your exam experience, result turnaround time, and score reporting options.

GMAT Focus Edition — What’s New?

The GMAT Focus Edition, launched globally in 2023, is now the only version of the GMAT available for new test takers. It features three sections — Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights — each scored on a scale of 60–90, with a total score range of 205–805.

ModeDetailsAvailability
GMAT at Test CentreTaken at an authorised Pearson VUE test centre. In-person check-in, biometric identity verification, and a controlled exam environment.Available at 700+ centres in 110+ countries, including major cities in India.
GMAT OnlineTaken from home or a private location with an online proctor. Requires a stable internet connection, webcam, and a quiet, private room.Available 24/7 in most countries. Results in approximately 7 business days. Score cancellation available within 72 hours.

GMAT Registration Fee

The GMAT exam fee covers the full test, score reporting to up to 5 schools, and your Official Score Report (OSR). Fees are charged in USD globally but may vary slightly by region due to local taxes.

Test / ServiceFee (USD)Notes
GMAT Focus Edition (Test Centre)$275Standard fee for in-person exam at a Pearson VUE centre.
GMAT Focus Edition (Online)$300Includes online proctoring; slightly higher fee than in-person.
Additional Score Report$35 per schoolFor sending scores to schools beyond the 5 free recipients.
Rescheduling Fee (60+ days before)$55Reschedule more than 60 days in advance for the lowest fee.
Rescheduling Fee (15–60 days before)$110Applicable when rescheduling between 15 and 60 days of exam date.
Cancellation Refund (60+ days before)$160 refundCancel more than 60 days before test date for maximum refund.
Cancellation Refund (15–60 days before)$80 refundPartial refund available for cancellations within 15–60 days.

Payment Methods Accepted

Payment MethodDetails
Credit / Debit CardVisa, Mastercard, and American Express accepted globally on mba.com.
Net BankingAvailable in select countries; internet banking transfer to the official payment gateway.
PayPalAccepted in certain countries as an alternative digital payment method.

Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy

Life happens — GMAC allows you to reschedule or cancel your GMAT appointment, but fees and refunds depend on how far in advance you make the change.

Rescheduling Your GMAT Appointment

  • Log in to your mba.com account and go to ‘My Account > Manage Appointments’.
  • Choose ‘Reschedule’ and select a new date, time, and location.
  • Pay the applicable rescheduling fee (see fee table above).
  • You will receive a new confirmation email with updated appointment details.

Cancelling Your GMAT Appointment

  • Cancel at least 60 days before your exam date to receive the maximum refund of $160.
  • Cancellations made 15–60 days before the exam receive a partial refund of $80.
  • No refund is provided for cancellations made fewer than 15 days before the exam.
  • Score cancellation after the exam is free and available within 72 hours of viewing your unofficial score.

Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid

  • Registering on unofficial websites: Always use mba.com — the only official GMAT portal. Third-party platforms may charge extra or steal personal data.
  • Name mismatch with passport: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport. Even a single spelling error can lead to being denied entry on exam day.
  • Booking too late: Peak slots (October–December, March–May) fill up weeks in advance. Always book at least 6–8 weeks ahead.
  • Not saving payment confirmation: Always screenshot or save your receipt. Without it, disputes and refund requests become much harder to resolve.
  • Wrong test mode selection: If you need a controlled, in-person environment, book the test centre option. Online is only suitable if you have a quiet, private, distraction-free space.
  • Ignoring cancellation deadlines: If you need to cancel, do so at least 60 days before your exam to receive the maximum refund and avoid losing the full fee.
  • Forgetting to select score recipients: Adding up to 5 schools at registration is free. Sending scores after the test costs $35 per school, so plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for the GMAT exam?

Visit mba.com, create a free account, choose your test format and date, fill in your personal details, and pay the registration fee. The entire process takes around 10–15 minutes online.

The GMAT Focus Edition costs $275 (approximately INR 22,900) for a test centre exam and $300 (approximately INR 24,900) for the online version. Fees may vary slightly due to currency fluctuations and local taxes.

No. A valid passport is the only accepted government-issued ID for GMAT registration and for entry into the exam centre. Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and driving licences are not accepted.

You can take the GMAT Focus Edition up to 5 times per rolling 12-month period, with a maximum of 8 lifetime attempts. You must wait at least 16 days between consecutive attempts.

Both are the same GMAT Focus Edition and produce scores that are equally accepted by business schools. The online version is taken from home with remote proctoring, while the test centre version is taken in-person at an authorised Pearson VUE centre.

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