GMAT Eligibility Criteria: Qualification, Syllabus, and Age Limit
Content Curator | Updated On - Jun 5, 2024
Highlights
Minimum Age Limit: A candidate must be 18 years old. The 13-17 years age group of the candidate needs to submit a permission letter from their legal guardian.
Minimum Qualification: The candidate must have completed the graduation degree.
Exam Time Duration: The total time duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes where you have to answer 64 questions
Documents Required: Valid passport, legal contact details, valid demographic information, payment details, and palm vein pattern
Top university GMAT Score: GMAT score for top-ranked business schools ranges between 720-730
GMAT eligibility criteria are developed by Graduate Management Admission Council, the governing body of GMAT. If you are 18 years old and completed your graduation, then you are eligible for the exam. Candidate, between 13–17 years, needs to submit written proof from the guardian to appear in the exam. There is no upper age limit as per GMAT exam eligibility criteria. The top-ranked Universities demand a 720-730 as GMAT qualification score. For example, Stanford Business School asks for 720 as GMAT score, and Harvard Business School demands 730. GMAT exam qualification requirements are similar for all international students. However, you need to have a good GPA score, SOP, and LOR once you apply for any global business school.
GMAT Exam Eligibility Criteria
GMAC, the conducting body of GMAT, has not set any distinct GMAT syllabus and eligibility for the exam. You must register online and pay the GMAT fees to sit for GMAT exam. The eligibility usually depends on the candidate’s profile and the university requirement. The eligibility criteria for GMAT depends on 8 factors. The GMAT eligibility for indian students are:
- GMAT age limit
- Nationality
- Academic qualification
- Academic scores
- Prior work experience
- Type of program
- Medium of instruction
- Number of attempts
GMAT Age Limit
GMAT age limit is one of the most important deciding factors. Students above the age of 18 are eligible to take GMAT. Students within 13-18 years of age can also take GMAT with approval from their parents. The scores can also help you get GMAT scholarships. The GMAT exam age limit is:
Academic GMAT Qualification
Most of the students taking GMAT are either in their final graduate year or already graduate. Candidates with professional experience and currently working can also take up GMAT. There is no minimum Academic requirement for eligibility criteria for GMAT exam. However, you should know the GMAT syllabus before taking the exam.
GMAT Qualification on Nationality
Students from all over the world are eligible to take GMAT Exam. GMAT scores can also help you get GMAT scholarships.The GMAT test eligibility criteria does not depend on nationality. However, the identification proof required for GMAT exam qualification is different for different countries. Indian GMAT takers must produce their passport as ID proof when they go for the test. Aadhar Card will be acceptable only in case of online exam.
GMAT Eligibility Academic Scores
GMAC, the conducting body of GMAT did not mention any minimum scores or GMAT Cut off. This does not mean you will be able to get admission to the university with any GMAT scores. The university has their minimum qualification for GMAT exam. Hence, you must check the minimum score requirement of the university and target that score.
Prior Work Experience
GMAT does not judge you based on your work experience. However, the universities that you are applying for will require work experience. The work experience GMAT eligibility will vary as per the university. You can be a fresher with no experience or an experienced veteran. Neither of these will prevent you from appearing for the test and obtain required GMAT scores.
GMAT Exam Criteria Eligibility
All students with graduate degrees from recognized universities, in any field, are eligible to take the exam at any of the GMAT Exam date. Students from english background and non-english background both are eligible to appear for the test. The details of the test is mentioned in the below section.
Number of Attempts
You can take admission to GMAT Colleges in USA with good GMAT scores. The number of attempts is an important criteria for GMAT Eligibility.
- You will be allowed only 8 attempts in a lifetime
- 5 attempts in a year or 12 month period.
- The gap between the two GMAT exams should be 16 days.
- If you score a full mark in GMAT which is 800, you must wait for at least 5 years for your next attempt.
For all fresh attempts, you must register for GMAT every time.
GMAT Eligibility Reservation Criteria
If you have any disability but want to take GMAT and cannot travel to GMAT test center, there is nothing to worry about. GMAC has set special reservation criteria for candidates with disabilities. You need to satisfy certain GMAT entrance exam eligibility to apply for the exam. These criterias need to be included in the application and candidates need to mention it.
- Explain the impact of disability on taking the GMAT exam.
- The existence of the impairment justifies the requirement of accommodation for them.
The categories that fall under the disabilities criteria are as follows:
- Psychological Disabilities
- Learning and Cognitive Disorder
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
- Sensor Disabilities (Hearing or Vision)
- Physical and Systematic Disabilities
Online GMAT Exam Qualification
If you are taking the GMAT online exam, there are few requirements that need to be met. Also, students from India will have to show their Aadhar Card for online GMAT eligibility. The GMAT Online exam requirements must be met to apply for GMAT. Practicing GMAT question papers will help you get your desired score.
Computer requirements:
- A computer with a minimum of 2.5 GHz processor.
- 4 GB of RAM.
- A 1280x800 screen resolution.
- A webcam.
- A microphone.
- A stable internet connection with a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps and an upload speed of 1 Mbps.
Software requirements:
- The GMAT Online secure browser.
- The GMAT Online whiteboard.
Personal identification:
- A government-issued ID with a photo and signature(Aadhar Card)
Workspace requirements:
- A quiet, well-lit workspace with no distractions.
- A clear desktop free of any prohibited items.
- A 360-degree view of the workspace that can be scanned by the exam proctor.
GMAT exam is not only important for admission but also for scholarships also. If you have a good GMAT score, you can get access to multiple scholarships. Following the rules and regulations for the GMAT exam are very important for GMAT minimum eligibility.
FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum age to take the GMAT?
Ans: The minimum age to take GMAT is 13. Students from the age 13-18 require parent’s permission. For students above 18, GMAT can be taken without parental confirmation.
Ques. What is the maximum age to take the GMAT?
Ans: There is no maximum age to take GMAT. You can take GMAT anytime you want. However, most students who take GMAT are usually graduates or professionals in their 30’s.
Ques. Do I need to have a bachelor's degree to take the GMAT?
Ans: No, you do not need to have a bachelor's degree to take the GMAT. However, most business schools require a bachelor's degree for admission to MBA courses. Hence, giving GMAT after graduation or during the final year is most appropriate.
Ques. What are the GMAT registration requirements?
Ans: The first requirement to proceed with GMAT registration is creating an ETS account. You will also need to provide your personal information, payment information, and test center location. Hence, it is suggested to keep all documents prepared before registering.
Ques. How much does it cost to take the GMAT?
Ans: The cost of the GMAT is $250 for most test takers. However, there are some discounts available for certain groups of people, such as students, military members, and people with disabilities.
Ques. How often can I take the GMAT?
Ans: You can take GMAT 5 times in a 12 month period and 8 times in your life. However, there should be a gap of at least 16 days before the next attempt.
Ques. How long are GMAT scores valid?
Ans: GMAT scores are valid for 5 years. The scores will be available in an ETS account for 5 years. After 5 years, the score will be removed and you will not be able to access the scores or send them to other colleges.
Ques. What are the GMAT scoring ranges?
Ans. The GMAT scores range from 200 to 800. The average GMAT score is 560. You must try to score more than the average score so that it becomes easier to get admission to the target university.
Ques. What are the GMAT percentiles?
Ans. The GMAT percentiles show how your score compares to the scores of other test takers. For example, a score of 650 is in the 85th percentile, which means that you scored higher than 85% of the other test takers.
Ques. What are the GMAT score requirements for business schools?
Ans: The GMAT score requirements for business schools vary. However, most business schools require a score of at least 600. You should check the details of the score before taking the GMAT exam.
Ques. What happens if I get a full score of 800 in GMAT?
Ans: if you get full marks in GMAT, you can apply to all the top universities. However, if you want to take a second attempt, you need to wait for 5 years.
Ques. What are the testing fees for the GMAT?
Ans: GMAT registration costs $275 (INR 22,899) at test centers and $300 (around INR 24,981) online in India. You need to pay this while registering for GMAT.
Ques. Are there any scholarships or financial aid available for the GMAT?
Ans: Yes, several organizations offer scholarships and financial aid for the GMAT. If your GMAT scores meet the university requirements, you will be eligible for scholarship or financial aid. You can find more information on the GMAT website.
Ques: What score is considered good on the GMAT?
Ans: There is no good GMAT score as stated by ETS or GMAC, the conducting body of GMAT. The average GMAT score is around 510. However, the score considered "good" will vary depending on the schools you are applying to.
Ques: Can I retake the GMAT to improve my score?
Ans: Yes, you can retake the GMAT to improve your score. The maximum attempt will be 8 in lifetime and 5 in a 12 month period. However, there is a waiting period of 16 days between test attempts.
Ques: What are the identification documents accepted for GMAT?
Ans: The identification documents accepted for GMAT at the test center is Passport for Indian candidates. However, if you are giving GMAT online, an Aadhar card is the document that needs to be shown.
Ques: What are the requirements for GMAT online exam?
Ans: The requirements for GMAT online exam includes a computer with good processor and high internet speed, a mic, camera and a vacant room with 360 degree view. Students must take the test in a secluded and silent environment.
Ques: Is GMAT available for Reservation Criteria?
Ans: Yes, GMAT exam can be taken by reservation criteria candidates or students with disabilities. They need to understand the reason and what is hampering it to proceed with the test. All the details should be mentioned.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.