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GMAT Exam Eligibility: Check Age Limit, Academics & Scores for GMAT Focus Edition

Updated on 13 February, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-based standardized exam used for admission to graduate business programs (MBA) globally. The test measures skills required for B-school graduates and is accepted by accredited universities and management schools worldwide. Effective February 1, 2024, the GMAT Focus Edition is the only version available to prospective test takers globally. It focuses on three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights

Before proceeding with the application process, it is vital to fulfill the GMAT exam eligibility set by the conducting body, GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council). Let us learn more about the 2024 GMAT eligibility criteria.

The test provides a common measure of an applicant’s preparedness for management courses of various specializations. The business school admissions panel considers the GMAT scores of students to assess their capabilities to handle a business program. Students must take the GMAT Focus Edition exam to get admission to an MBA program in the best B-schools globally. The GMAT exam eligibility is uniform to ensure that everyone opting for an MBA program can take the examination.

What is Considered a Good GMAT Score

It varies depending upon a student’s admissions goal, as every university or B-school sets its own GMAT score eligibility.

GMAT Eligibility Criteria

Academic Eligibility

The organizing body has set no official eligibility requirements in terms of academic qualification. There is no minimum or maximum academic qualification or degree requirement for test-takers. However, most of the examinees are undergraduate students or working professionals eager to take up a management course. Even if the students don’t fall under the above criteria, they can still take the test.

Age Criteria

The minimum age criteria as set by GMAC for the GMAT examination is 13 years. There is no maximum upper limit on age. A majority of applicants who appear for the GMAT are above 30 years of age. Students above 18 years of age can simply register and apply for the GMAT examination. However, students between the 13-18 age group need their parents or legal guardians to sign the permission letter at the time of registration to allow them to take the test.

Grades and Scores

The GMAT examination has no eligibility criteria in terms of previous academic scores and grades. There are no minimum cut-off marks required. However, this should not be confused with the admission criteria of B-schools, as they will consider your grades and scores before granting admission. For GMAT, there is no minimum cut-off mark.

Number of Attempts

As per GMAC, the number of attempts that an applicant can take will depend on a few conditions. Students can retake the GMAT examination 16 days after the first attempt. It will include holidays and weekly offs as well. Within 12 months, the applicants cannot take the GMAT examination more than 5 times. The maximum number of attempts is 8 for any applicant. If any applicant has scored 800 and above, he or she has to wait for another 5 years for the second attempt.

Language

There is no official eligibility regarding the language criteria for GMAT test-takers. Applicants who did not have English as their first language or medium of instruction are eligible to take the exam.  but they must have the language proficiency in English as the GMAT exam is held in the English language.

Work Experience

The GMAT exam does not have any minimum or maximum work experience requirements for test-takers. An applicant can be a fresher or an industry expert. While work experience is a great way to improve your logical reasoning abilities and practical learning, having work experience prior to taking the GMAT test is not an eligibility criterion. It can be considered a plus when applying to many business schools. Candidates with prior job experience in the same field of trade have a stronger application during the enrolling process.

Renowned B-schools and universities across the globe accept GMAT Focus Edition scores for MBA admission. It is one of the biggest and most notable management entrance tests that give applicants access to more than 7,000+ programs and 2,300+ overseas educational institutions.

The GMAT exam fee in India is US$275, which is approximately ₹22,800 for the test center-delivered exam and US$300 (₹24,900 approx.) for an online exam. However, the cost may vary due to changes in foreign currency rates (Rupee-Dollar Value). Please remember, this fee is for the new GMAT Focus Edition. 

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GMAT Eligibility Criteria: Importance

Almost all candidates who want to enroll in specific MBA programs worry about their GMAT eligibility. Test takers take the GMAT exam once their eligibility has been verified and score based on their preparation strategies.

The GMAT test assessment is not a cakewalk because it is "computer adaptive." Candidates must study hard and consider the analytics of the GMAT as an aptitude assessment examination and work hard to prepare for the test. 

Test takers have to attempt the GMAT Focus Edition exam, which has 64 questions, in 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

Reservation Criteria for GMAT Test

GMAC recognizes the difficulties that physically challenged applicants, or those with disabilities, experience. Special reservation criteria have been established to provide accommodations for test participants with disabilities. To be eligible for this benefit, they must document the following with their applications to claim this provision:

  • The present impact of their disability and how it hinders their ability to take the GMAT under standard circumstances.
  • In comparison to most people, the existence of an impairment limits a major life activity.

The reservation criterion will apply to applicants who fall into one of the following categories:

  • Psychological Disabilities
  • Attention Deficit  Hyperactive Disorder
  • Learning and Cognitive Disorder
  • Physical and Systematic Disabilities
  • Sensory Disabilities

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Before applying for the GMAT Focus Edition, ensure you have gone through the 2024 GMAT eligibility criteria and important information regarding the exam pattern and syllabus. You can also read our guide on the GMAT scores required by top B-schools to get a clear picture of what score range you should fall in to be accepted at your dream business school. Wishing you good luck for your GMAT!

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Learn everything about MBA abroad with this e-guide. Get to know about different types of MBA, the benefits of pursuing an MBA degree abroad, how to choose an MBA degree, top business school requirements, top MBA universities, scholarships, job prospects after an MBA abroad, and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can appear for the GMAT examination?

The GMAT Focus Edition examination is taken by applicants who are seeking admission to a premier MBA institute or B-school. The test applicants are majorly undergraduates and working professionals. Applicants from 13-18 years of age need to apply with a permission letter from their parents or guardians. For applicants above 18 years, they don’t need any permission to register and take the GMAT examination.

What is the age limit for the GMAT Focus Edition examination?

The minimum age is 13 years. Applicants between 13 and 18 years of age will need an official permission letter from their guardians or parents to appear for the examination. Applicants above 18 years can apply without any permission. There is no upper limit on age for the GMAT examination. A good proportion of test-takers are industry experts of age above 30 years.

What is the GMAT eligibility for re-attempt?

Applicants can take the GMAT Focus Edition examination a maximum of five times a year. For a re-attempt of the examination, they need to wait for 16 days. In total, applicants can take the GMAT examination up to eight times in their lifetime.

What is the cost of GMAT Focus Edition exam registration?

The GMAT exam fee in India is US$275, which is approximately ₹22,800. However, the cost may vary due to changes in foreign currency rates (Rupee-Dollar Value). The mode of payment should be credit and debit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover Network Card). It is an expensive entrance exam, and applicants must aim to prepare well.

What is the GMAT eligibility criteria?

The GMAT Focus Edition has no specific eligibility requirements. The only requirement is that the applicant is at least 18 years old. Candidates between the ages of 12 and 17 are eligible to take the test if they provide written proof of their parent's consent.

Do I need a Bachelor's degree to appear for GMAT?

To appear for the GMAT Focus Edition, you don’t need graduation or a Bachelor’s degree. To take the exam, you just need to be 18 years old.

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upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.