Generic

The GMAT 2026 marking scheme uses a Total Score of 205–805 in 10-point intervals, with each section scored 60–90 and weighted equally. There is no negative marking for wrong answers, but unanswered questions are penalised by the adaptive scoring algorithm, so you should always submit an answer.

The GMAT 2026 exam pattern has three sections with 64 total questions: Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions), Verbal Reasoning (23 questions) and Data Insights (20 questions). The computer-adaptive test duration is 2 hours 15 minutes with one optional 10-minute break, and all three sections are 45 minutes long and equally weighted.

To register for GMAT 2026, create an account on mba.com, choose the test-centre or online mode, fill in your personal and academic details exactly as on your passport, select your date and slot, and pay the fee. You can book from six months up to 24 hours before the exam.

The GMAT 2026 syllabus covers three sections: Quantitative Reasoning (arithmetic and algebra, no geometry), Verbal Reasoning (reading comprehension and critical reasoning) and Data Insights (data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation and two-part analysis). There is no essay or sentence-correction section in the current Focus Edition.

A GMAT score is valid for five years from your test date. This long validity lets Indian aspirants take the GMAT early — even as undergraduates or while gaining work experience — and use the same score for MBA applications in India and abroad within the five-year window.

You can take the GMAT up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, with a minimum gap of 16 days between attempts. GMAC sets no lifetime limit on attempts. If you score a perfect 805, you must wait five years before retaking the exam.

A good GMAT score in 2026 is generally 645 and above on the 205–805 scale, often called 'the new 700'. Top global and Indian B-schools usually look for scores in the 645–705 range, while the most selective programmes admit candidates around 705 and higher, alongside a strong overall profile.

Yes, the GMAT is accepted by ISB and the IIMs, but mainly for specific programmes. ISB's PGP accepts GMAT or GRE, and the IIMs accept GMAT for their one-year and executive MBAs (PGPX, EPGP, MBAEx, IPMX). For the flagship two-year IIM programmes, Indian residents must take CAT.

The GMAT 2026 exam fee in India is USD 275 plus 18% GST at a test centre and USD 300 plus 18% GST for the online exam. An additional official score report costs USD 35 each. Rescheduling and cancellation attract separate fees that depend on how early you make the request.

The GMAT 2026 exam pattern has three sections with 64 total questions: Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions), Verbal Reasoning (23 questions) and Data Insights (20 questions. The test runs 2 hours 15 minutes with one optional 10-minute break, and all three sections are 45 minutes long and equally weighted.