GMAT Exam 2025: Test Format, Centres, Fees & More

The GMAT exam has long been the key to unlocking opportunities at over 7,700 programs across 2,400+ prestigious Business Schools worldwide. Whether you are aiming for MBA or a specialized Master’s Degree in Management related courses, the GMAT equips you with a competitive edge to accelerate your career ambitions.

What makes this exam even more accessible is its flexibility. You can take it at a test centre or online from the comfort of your home. As we step into 2025, it's the perfect time to prepare for the GMAT and take a step closer to your dream Business School abroad. So, read on to uncover everything you need to know about this important exam, from its format and test centres to fees, and more.

Table of Content:

1. GMAT Exam Applicability
2. GMAT Exam Pattern for 2025
3. GMAT Exam Syllabus 2025
4. GMAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025
5. GMAT Exam Centres for 2025
6. GMAT Exam Fees for 2025
7. GMAT Exam Online Mode
8. How to Book a GMAT Exam 2025 Slot?
9. GMAT Exam Day Checklist for 2025
10. How KC Simplifies the GMAT Exam Prep?
11. FAQs

GMAT Exam Applicability

As we mentioned earlier, the GMAT is a key to unlocking opportunities for those looking to boost their careers or pursue higher education in management fields. To gain a clearer perspective, let us bifurcate and explore exactly who can benefit the most from taking this exam.

Aspiring MBA Students

For joining a top MBA program, the GMAT exam is a must. A good score reflects your ability to think critically and solve problems, which are essential skills for success in Business Schools.

Undergraduate Students

For Undergraduate students, taking the GMAT early can give a head start. Your mind is sharp and ready to absorb complex concepts. Moreover, with scores valid for five years, you will have plenty of time to focus on building your career before applying to a Graduate program.

Career Changers

For switching to a business or management role, the GMAT exam can help prove that you have the analytical and strategic thinking skills needed to excel in your new field. It shows employers and Business Schools that you’re serious about your career shift.

Finance & Consulting Aspirants

For a career in finance or consulting, a solid GMAT score can set you apart from the competition. Many top firms value the exam as a measure of your problem-solving abilities and quantitative skills, which are key in these industries.

Understanding your reasons for taking the GMAT is just the beginning. Up next, we’ll delve into the exam pattern to help you prepare effectively and approach the test with confidence.

GMAT Exam Pattern for 2025

The GMAT is designed to evaluate your skills in three key areas. The exam lasts for 2 hours and 15 minutes, with an optional 10-min break between any two sections. It consists of 64 questions in total in the MCQ format. The bifurcation is given in the table below.

Looking at the sections, we can certainly say that GMAT exam is structured to challenge your abilities, giving you the opportunity to explore your potential to the fullest. Now that we have understood the exam structure, let us get into the intricacies of the syllabus.

GMAT Exam Syllabus 2025

Think of the GMAT syllabus as the map to your destination; the clearer you understand it, the smoother your journey will be. Having a good grasp of what to expect in each section helps you prepare strategically. So here is an overview of the content for each section.

1. Quantitative Reasoning

This section tests your ability to solve problems using fundamental math skills. You will face 21 Problem-Solving questions that focus on arithmetic and elementary algebra. The emphasis is less on memorizing formulas and more on applying logic and reasoning to solve problems. No calculators are allowed, so your analytical skills are the key.

2. Verbal Reasoning

In this part, you will be asked to prove your ability to read, understand, and evaluate written material. With 23 Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions, you will need to demonstrate how well you can follow and analyze arguments.

Critical Reasoning questions often present short passages where you will need to identify flaws in reasoning, strengthen or weaken an argument and logically complete the argument based on the context.

3. Data Insights

This section evaluates your ability to analyze and interpret data in a business context which are essential skills in today’s data-driven world. You'll have 20 questions that require you to make sense of numeric, verbal, and graphical data.

There are several types of questions, including:

• Data Sufficiency (deciding if you have enough information)
• Graphics interpretation (analyzing data from various sources)
• Table Analysis (working through tables of data, similar to spreadsheets)

The goal is to test how you can use data to make informed decisions.

After getting familiar with the GMAT syllabus, let’s glance at the eligibility criteria to check if you’re ready to take the leap toward your dream Business School.

GMAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025

Before you start preparing for the GMAT, it is important to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Look at the pointers below.

• Your Nationality must be Indian.
• You must be at least 18 years old. If you’re under 18, you’ll need written permission (No Objection Certificate) from a guardian.
• A graduation degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution is required. There are no specific marks criteria to apply.

You can attempt the exam up to 5 times a year, with a lifetime limit of 8 attempts. Speaking of attempts, it’s important to know where you can take the GMAT exam. So, let’s take a closer look at the exam centres for the year 2025.

GMAT Exam Centres for 2025

The GMAT exam is available at numerous test centres across India, giving you plenty of options to select a convenient location. In fact, the test is held in 23 cities and is available at 39 different centres nationwide. Here is the list of major cities that conduct the GMAT.

• New Delhi & NCR
  • Gurugram
  • Delhi
  • Noida
• Bangalore/Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Cochin
• Mumbai
• Kolkata
• Jaipur

With the GMAT centre explored, it’s also important to consider the essential fees for 2025 to ensure you're fully prepared for the upcoming GMAT exam.

GMAT Exam Fees for 2025

The GMAT exam offers two formats: Offline (Test Centre) and Online. The fee structure for each option is outlined below.

Offline Exam (Test Centre): Fees range from $250 to $275

Online Exam (At Home): Fees range from $275 to $310

Cancellation Fees

If the cancellation is more than 60 days before your exam date, you’ll receive:

• $110 refund for the test centre-based exam.
• $120 refund for the online exam at home.

Rescheduling Fees

If you need to reschedule your GMAT exam more than 60 days before your original appointment, you can expect to pay a fee of around USD 55-60. This fee applies if you decide to change the date of your exam well in advance. Therefore, it’s a good idea to plan your exam date carefully to avoid any last-minute changes and additional costs.

As most aspects of the GMAT exam are covered, let us shift our focus and talk about the online exam mode.

GMAT Exam Online Mode

If you prefer the flexibility of taking the GMAT from the comfort of your home, the online exam option is an excellent choice. This mode allows you to take the test at any time that suits you, without compromising on the exam's rigorous standards. Here is a quick overview of what you can expect from the GMAT Online Exam.

• Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Structure: 3 sections (64 questions) – Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, which you can complete in any order.
• Appointment Availability: 24/7 availability, giving you complete flexibility to choose a time that works best for you.
• Review & Edit: You can bookmark and review as many answers as you like and change up to 3 answers per section before the time runs out for that section.
• Score Scale: Your score ranges from 205 to 805, with all 3 sections equally weighted toward your final score.
• Scratch Work: You will have access to an online whiteboard. Alternatively, you can use a physical whiteboard and dry-erase marker.
• Score Availability: View your unofficial score immediately after the exam, with your official score report available within 1-3 days (but it may take up to 20 days).
• Score Validity: Your GMAT score is valid for 5 years.
• Exam Attempts: You can take the exam up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period. You can take the exam as many times as you wish, with no limit on the number of attempts.
• Score Sending: Send up to 5 free score reports to your preferred programs within 48 hours of receiving your official score.

With the online GMAT exam providing such a flexible and convenient option, you're in control of your test-taking experience. But what's the most important step in this process? Applying for the exam! Wondering how to go about it? The answer is just ahead.

How to Book a GMAT Exam 2025 Slot?

Booking your GMAT exam for 2025 is simple, and you can complete the process in just a few steps. Here are quick steps to help you through.

Start with Personal Information: Fill in your details as they appear on your official ID. This includes:

• Full Name
• Contact Information
• Preferred Language
• Date of Birth
• Citizenship

Add Your Profile Details: This is an optional step, but sharing your academic background, GPA, work experience, and intended study plans can help tailor your GMAT experience. You can also indicate when and where you plan to study.

Select Your Exam & Delivery Mode: Choose whether you prefer to take the exam online from the comfort of your home or at a test centre.

Pick Your Test Center: If you opt for an in-person exam, you’ll need to select a nearby test centre.

Confirm & Pay: Once you’ve selected your exam centre and date, you’ll proceed to confirm your booking and pay the fees. Double-check everything before finalizing your registration.

Now that you’re all set to book your exam slot, grab a book and a pen to jot down the essential checklist for D-day.

GMAT Exam Day Checklist for 2025

Being thoroughly prepared ensures you stay calm and confident during the test. Therefore, here is a checklist to help you stay focused and avoid any distractions on exam day.

Now that we’ve reached the end of this guide, have you ever wondered what could give your GMAT preparation an extra edge? The answer might just be finding the right GMAT coaching academy. One such reliable GMAT Coaching provider is KC Overseas Education. With its head office in Nagpur and Branch offices across India and overseas, KC has a great reach to students. KC Overseas conducts online as well as offline batches, so those interested can enrol as per their convenience. Let’s look at a few perks of GMAT coaching through KC Overseas Education.

How KC Simplifies the GMAT Exam Prep?

If you aim to achieve a high score in the GMAT exam with KC, your preparation evolves into a journey of clarity, confidence, and ultimate success. Here’s how we ensure you’re ready to ace the exam.

Personalized Learning: Our 110-hour program isn’t just about classes, it’s about tailoring every session to suit your needs, helping you grasp even the trickiest GMAT concepts.

Expert Mentorship: Our experienced faculty bring concepts to life with interactive presentations, simplifying every topic in a way that sticks.

Excellent Resources: Say goodbye to guesswork. Our comprehensive materials and hands-on worksheets provide everything you need to practice till perfection.

Smarter Test Strategies: Learn time-tested tips and techniques to outsmart the exam, with focused test series for Verbal and Quant that sharpen your skills.

Mock Tests: Simulate the real GMAT with adaptive mock tests designed to build your confidence and polish your performance.

All-Round Support: From securing admissions to guiding you through visa applications, we’re here to turn your study abroad dream into reality.

If you prefer in-person learning, our GMAT classes in Nagpur, Amravati, and Sambhajinagar are ready to welcome you with a focused and interactive classroom experience. For those who value flexibility, our online coaching program allows you to learn from the comfort of your home.

Choose KC and take the first step toward acing the GMAT and achieving your study abroad goals.

FAQs

Que 1: Is the GMAT available in multiple languages?

Answer: No, the GMAT is conducted exclusively in English.

Que 2: Can I choose the order of sections in the GMAT exam?

Answer: Yes, the GMAT offers flexibility to select the order in which you attempt the sections. This allows you to tackle the areas you feel most confident in first.

Que 3: What identification is required on GMAT exam day?

Answer: In India only a Valid Passport is accepted as ID proof. Ensure it is not expired and meets GMAT's identification requirements.

Que 4: Is it possible to retake only specific sections of the GMAT?

Answer: The GMAT doesn’t currently allow retaking specific sections. If you want to improve your score, you’ll need to retake the entire test. However, you can choose not to send scores from earlier attempts to Business Schools.

Que 5: What is the Enhanced Score Report (ESR), and how can it help me?

Answer: The Enhanced Score Report provides a detailed breakdown of your performance in each section, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. It’s an excellent tool for retake preparation.

Que 6: What happens if there is a technical issue during the GMAT online exam?

Answer: If you encounter a technical issue during your online exam, you can contact the GMAT support team immediately. They can provide troubleshooting steps or help reschedule your exam without additional charges in most cases.

Que 7: Can I pause the GMAT exam if I feel unwell during the test?

Answer: You cannot pause the exam yourself, but there are scheduled breaks after certain sections. If an emergency arises, you can notify the test centre administrator to decide the next steps.