GMAT Eligibility 2023 - Age Limit, Academic Qualification, Reservation Criteria

GMAT Eligibility Criteria 2023

The GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test that takes place at regular intervals throughout the year. Among the benefits of attempting GMAT 2023, candidates have the option of selecting the GMAT test date as per their convenience and choice. However, before appearing for the examination, aspirants must ensure that they satisfy the eligibility criteria to apply for the exam.

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) determines the GMAT eligibility criteria for candidates intending to take the GMAT in 2023. The GMAC's GMAT exam eligibility requirements for 2023 include a candidate's minimum age requirement, language proficiency and the number of attempts to give the exam in a year. Having said that, there are no specific prescribed eligibility criteria based on factors such as age, nationality, gender or academic history. Moreover, test takers or aspirants can appear for GMAT tests anywhere in the world.

While there is no defined GMAT eligibility prescribed by GMAC, universities accepting GMAT scores do set their respective admission requirements, particularly regarding GMAT scores. Top B-Schools across the globe consider the GMAT score for enrolling candidates for different MBA courses. These GMAT requirements will differ from one b-school to the other. Hence, candidates are bound to meet the academic standards or application requirements of the college or institute to which they are applying for the management programmes abroad.

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General GMAT Exam Eligibility 2023

Before applying for the prestigious exam this year, potential candidates and aspirants should review the GMAT eligibility and application guidelines, which are given below:

• Candidates applying for the GMAT must at least be 18 years of age.

• If the candidate is between the ages of 13 and 17, he/she/they must provide written approval from a parent or guardian.

• There is no maximum age for taking the GMAT exam.

• The candidate may take the test no more than 5 times each year. However, the total number of attempts throughout a lifetime is 8. 

• A minimum of 16 days should elapse between any two attempts.

National Criteria for GMAT Eligibility

As per the nationality criteria of the GMAT exam eligibility, people from all around the world can take the exam irrespective of their nationality. In other words, the guidelines, as defined by GMAC, are applied equally to everyone, regardless of their nation of origin. Different GMAT test centres have different requirements regarding identity confirmation required at the time of the exam. For example, an Indian test taker is required to present a passport as identification during the exam. Now, Aadhar Card is also regarded as an important form of alternate identification which is accepted.

Academic Qualification Criteria for GMAT Eligibility

As per GMAC, any applicant who holds a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution is eligible to take the test. Candidates are only supposed to keep the following points in mind:

• There is no minimum or maximum academic qualification needed to take the GMAT. A large number of the examinees or test takers are either students in their pre-final or final year of study or working professionals.

• Even if you do not fit into any of these categories, you can still take the test as an add-on.

• Anyone above the age of 18 can take the test, regardless of the courses they studied in high school.

• The GMAT has no specific subject requirements. However, in order to take the GMAT test, one must be fluent in English.

Age Limit Criteria for GMAT Eligibility

One of the most frequently and commonly asked questions among test-takers is perhaps whether or not is there any age limit criteria for GMAT exam eligibility. According to the GMAC, the minimum eligible age for taking the GMAT exam is 13 years. 

Applicants between the ages of 13 and 18 will require an official permission letter from their guardians or parents to sit for the exam. Applicants above the age of 18 can apply without the need for a permission letter from their guardians. There is no upper age limit for taking the exam. Notably, the majority of the test-takers are beyond the age of 30.

Work Experience Criteria for GMAT Eligibility

The GMAT work experience eligibility criteria are often regarded as required for pursuing an MBA overseas. Students in this competitive environment do not pass up possibilities to further their careers in the management hierarchy. A strong GMAT score combined with job experience can get you into top MBA courses all around the world. 

Before applying for an MBA at several universities, you must have at least 2-5 years of professional experience. Furthermore, GMAT work experience is regarded as an essential GMAT eligibility criterion for admission to a prestigious business school because:

• Business and management schools choose students who are well-versed in the modern business world and its functions.

• An experienced applicant with practical expertise will find it easy to discuss enterprises, startups, and the entire corporate environment.

• Business schools seek people with experience in a variety of fields, including engineering, business, science, and humanities.

Reservation Criteria for GMAT Eligibility

The GMAC has modified and made the GMAT accessible to candidates with disabilities. So, if you are differently abled, the GMAT reservation is available to you. However, you must provide proof of your disability and how it affects and limits your ability to take the exam before you are eligible for this reservation. Once you have provided proof, you can take advantage of the reservation and register for the customised GMAT exam.

Reservation Categories for GMAT

Applicants who fall under any one of the following categories are eligible for the following reservation criteria for GMAT:

• Psychological Disabilities
• Learning and Cognitive Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
• Sensory Disabilities (Hearing or Vision)
• Physical and Systematic Disabilities

Identity Proof Requirements

The GMAC specifies the type of identification you must bring with you to the exam centre. These criteria also vary based on where you live. However, the following should be included in the standard requirements for identity proof:

• Your full name 
• A recent and recognisable passport-sized photo 
• Date of birth proof
• Your signature

The information on your ID should be factually valid and comparable to the information you provided while registering for the GMAT exam. You will not be allowed to take the examination if the information is erroneous or does not match what you filled out initially. As a result, before you go to the exam facility, double-check the identity proof criteria.

GMAT Consent of the Parents/Local Guardian

The parental consent form for GMAT is issued by GMAC which is an eligibility criterion for candidates, who at the time of taking the test, fall under the age group of 13 to 17 years. The form mentions the details of the candidate and seeks permission from the parents or the guardian of that candidate to allow them to participate in the examination and book a seat in the desired management institution.

This consent form will further be used by various management institutions accepting GMAT scores for enrolling candidates below 18 years of age. However, the final selection of such candidates will depend upon their GMAT score and their performance in the selection process for the desired MBA programme abroad, along with other admission-related criteria.

GMAT Re-Attempts

"How many times can you take GMAT in a year?" has probably been one of the more commonly asked questions by aspirants. Acknowledging that students need the opportunity to improve their scores, GMAC introduced GMAT retakes.

Why Retake the GMAT Exam?

In short, test takers should repeat the GMAT exam if:

• They were unable to provide their maximum effort the first time.

• According to their profile and target business schools, their scores are not competitive.

• Their score does not match their ability or mock test scores.

• They failed to complete at least one of the sections.

When to Retake the GMAT Exam?

GMAC requires you to wait at least 16 calendar days before retaking the GMAT. Furthermore, you may take the GMAT no more than 5 times every year and no more than 8 times in your lifetime. So, in general, if you believe you will be ready to retake the GMAT on the 17th day following your prior attempt, go for it. However, let us first look at how long it takes retakers on average to present for their next attempt.

As shown in the above table, 50% to 60% of participants repeat the GMAT within 2-3 months of their previous attempt. This is acceptable given that GMAT preparation can be completed in as little as 1-2 months.

What After Meeting GMAT 2023 Eligibility Criteria?

After the applicants have gone through the detailed GMAT 2023 eligibility criteria, they have to prepare themselves for the next step, i.e GMAT 2023 registration. The registration and application process for GMAT 2023 is carried out in both offline and online modes.

Here is how you can apply for GMAT exams this year after meeting the eligibility criteria:

• Create and log in to your account with ETS. If you already have an account, simply log into your account.

• Find and click on the Register for GMAT Exam or Register for GMAT Online Exam.

• Select the test date and time, and subsequently, confirm the same.

• Pay the GMAT exam fee via the given modes.

Applying to universities abroad is a lengthy process. It is recommended to take help from the experts throughout the process starting from university shortlisting, exam preparation, preparing the common documents for application, filing the visa, and flying to your dream study destination.