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GMAT Score Validity in India: GMAT Score is Valid For How Many Years

Updated on 14 February, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

gmat score validity

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-adaptive examination that measures aspirants’ preparedness for graduate-level academic work. Conducted by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the test assesses a candidate’s quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills for admission to top B-schools globally. It is to be noted that from February 1, 2024, the GMAT Focus Edition is the only accepted test worldwide.

What is GMAT Score Validity

The GMAT test score is valid for five years from the date of the test. It means that if you have taken the examination on 15 September 2024, your GMAT score will be valid until 15 September 2029. 

The candidates are advised to pay close attention to the admission deadlines to fill the applications within the GMAT score validity period. Candidates can take the GMAT test once every 16 calendar days and a maximum of five times a year. The total number of attempts an individual can take in their lifetime is limited to eight. The duration of the GMAT Focus Edition test is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The test takers can score anywhere between 205 and 805 in the GMAT Focus Edition exam. According to GMAC, two-thirds of test-takers score from 400 to 600. 

What Happens to Your GMAT Scores After Five Years

Once the validity of your GMAT score has expired after five years, the score history or Official Score Report won’t exhibit it. It means that any B-school will not consider that score. 

Candidates can, however, access their old score reports by placing a special request. Scores that are more than ten years old cannot be retrieved even by placing a special bid. One must call GMAC customer service to request old scores. 

Can Canceled GMAT Scores be Reinstated

Aspirants can cancel their GMAT scores at any point during the five-year validity period. The canceled scores won’t be a part of the Official Score Report sent to colleges for admission. 

A candidate can view their canceled scores anytime. They can also reinstate the canceled score within the GMAT score validity period. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is GMAT score accepted in IIMs?

Several renowned B-schools in India accept the GMAT test score. Institutes such as IIMs, SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), ISB, XLRI Jamshedpur, and others consider GMAT scores. IIMs, however, accept GMAT scores for admission into their one-year full-time executive programs. 

What is the GMAT score required for IIMs?

The cut-off for GMAT across institutes varies depending on the number of candidates who appeared for the test, the difficulty level, seats available, and more. Usually, the average minimum entry scores range between 697 and 720.

Here is a list of average GMAT scores required by top IIMs for admission:

InstituteCourseGMAT Score Cut-Off
IIM, KozhikodePGP (Post Graduate Program), FPM (Fellow Program in Management) &   EPGP (Executive Post Graduate Program)700+
IIM, LucknowIPMX (International Program in Management for Executives)710+
IIM, BangaloreEPGP (ePost Graduate Program)710
IIM, KolkataPGPEX (Post Graduate Program in Management for Executives)700+
IIM, AhmedabadEPGP ((ePost Graduate Program) and PGPX (Post Graduate Program in Management for Executives)702

What is the GMAT score required for ISB?

Several factors decide your admission to the Indian School of Business (ISB). Along with the GMAT score, the other things taken into account include application profile, performance during interviews, and essays.

However, a score of 720+ in GMAT along with a decent application profile can increase your chances of securing admission to ISBs in Hyderabad and Mohali. 

If I take the GMAT Focus Edition exam multiple times, what score will be valid?

The B-schools worldwide consider your best score and not the latest one. So, you might have multiple GMAT scores in your score history, but the best scores are considered for admission in most cases. 

When is the right time to appear for GMAT?

One should have the desired GMAT score 12-18 months before beginning their target program at the university/college. So, in case your desired management program begins in September-October 2025, you should have your GMAT scores by August 2024. 

Is work experience necessary for GMAT?

GMAC specifies no minimum or maximum work experience requirement to take the GMAT exam. However, admission committees at various B-schools might consider your work experience while deciding on your admission application. 

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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.