GMAT Exam 2021

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is one of the most trusted and preferred entrance tests among candidates who wish to pursue management education in India and abroad. It is an international-level entrance exam organised throughout the year by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for admission to various popular foreign universities including Stanford University; Harvard University; University of California, Berkeley and many more. GMAT 2021 can now be taken from home with round-the-clock testing appointments.

GMAT is conducted in approx 112 countries around the world, and the scores of GMAT exam are accepted by more than 2,100 institutes. Taking GMAT can be really beneficial for those who wish to take up management as a career option. More than 6,000 programmes are offered by these GMAC-associated institutes. This exam is popular among candidates who wish to pursue management courses like MBA and Master of Finance and Accounting.

GMAT COVID-19 Response

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, GMAC has ensured that enhanced measures are in place for the health and safety of GMAT 2021 candidates. Given below are the steps taken by GMAC to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus:

• GMAC has increased the number of GMAT Online Exam attempts from one to two.

• GMAT testing has been suspended in many locations in India and across the globe. However, testing is re-opening in many GMAT testing centres in India. 

• GMAT 2021 is also being conducted in online mode and appointments are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Cleaning procedures, hand sanitiser social distancing and wipes are provided for GMAT 2021 candidates taking the test from the test centres.

• There have been a few changes in the GMAT exam pattern.

• GMAC has waived both reschedule and cancellation (up to 24 hours before appointment time) fees for GMAT 2021. 

GMAC Introduces New Changes to GMAT Online Exam, Now Has AWA Section Among Other Things

GMAC has introduced new enhancements to the GMAT Online Exam to ensure "more choice and flexibility" in the testing experience. These changes include the following:

• The Analytical Writing Assessment section, which was omitted in the initial GMAT online exam, has been brought back as it continues to be an integral part of the exam. The section lets business schools get important insights and judge the candidate's critical thinking and communication skills.

• Candidates will now be able to choose the section order, meaning they can select which section they want to attempt first.

• They can also receive their unofficial scores right after completing the test.

• Test-takers may also take two eight-minute optional breaks.

In a nutshell, from April 8, 2021, the online and test centre GMAT exams have become identical in terms of test structure and they also offer similar testing experiences.

Now, GMAT Aspirants Can Appear with Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar is now one of the valid identification proofs to take the GMAT exam as long as the card is valid and current. However, it is only available as an alternate ID for the online version of the GMAT exam.

GMAC's Regional Director - South Asia, Gaurav Srivastava said the new feature will help thousands of Indian students living in remote areas.

GMAT Aspirants Can Now Select Exam Slots 6 Months in Advance

GMAT test takers can now schedule test appointments up to six months in advance. Candidates will be shown GMAT online exam appointments on a rolling 6-month basis.

GMAT Online Exam Now a Permanent Option

GMAC has made the GMAT Online Exam a permanent option, which will be continued post-pandemic. It was introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which led to the closure of a lot of GMAT test centres.

The online option is available in most locations, with the exception of Mainland China, Cuba, North Korea and Sudan.

The GMAT exam takers will benefit in the following ways:

• GMAT scores are accepted by some of the top-bracket B-Schools worldwide. So, a good GMAT score can help the test-takers land into top international B-Schools where they can imbibe qualities like leadership, decision making and knowledge regarding marketing and finance.

• There is no maximum age limit for taking the GMAT exam. So, anyone, on any day can turn up and decide to appear for GMAT exam. Applicants with years of work experience can also apply for GMAT exam.

• The GMAT scores remain valid for 5 years and that allows the applicants to decide which MBA program is suitable for them.

• With over 5,300 GMAT test centres located all across the globe, the GMAT test is one of the most easily accessible exams one can take for MBA admissions. The test-takers will not have to travel to far-off locations in order to take the GMAT exam.

• The GMAT exam takers are also given the liberty to choose the date and centre of the exam as per their convenience. The test-takers will be allowed to appear in the GMAT exam 5 times, with a time gap of 16 days between two attempts, within a span of one calendar year for score improvement.

GMAT is conducted by the GMAC for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate management courses offered at various B-schools worldwide. GMAC is an international non-profit organization of business schools that provide products and services to academic institutions and prospective graduate management education students.GMAC meets the needs of various management schools, and management students by offering a wide array of products, services, and programs that are designed to open doors for many students, professionals, and graduate management programs worldwide. GMAC also serves as the leading source of research and information about quality graduate management education.

1. Is GMAT compulsory for an MBA abroad?    

For most b-schools abroad, GMAT is usually required although many also accept GRE for MBA and more and more schools are removing the test as their admission requirement. It is recommended that students check their intended university's admission requirements for an MBA programme.

2. Who conducts GMAT?    

GMAT is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

3. What is the total duration of the GMAT? 

 The total duration of the GMAT is 3 hours.

4. Are GMAT Online Exam and GMAT the same?  

 GMAT online exam has been introduced in view of the current COVID-19 crisis for students who are not able to take the test from test centres. GMAT online exam can be taken from home and will have only three sections, unlike the GMAT exam.

5. Is the GMAT only for admission to MBA?  

 GMAT is accepted for admission to over 7,000 graduate business programmes offered across the world.

6. Can I select my own GMAT exam section order?

Yes, when you arrive at your GMAT test centre, you can choose from three options for your order of sections under the exam.

7. Are all sections under GMAT separately timed?    

Yes, all four sections under GMAT will be timed separately.

8. What are the sections under the GMAT Online Exam?  

 The Analytical Writing Assessment has been omitted in the GMAT Online Exam.

9. For how many years will my GMAT scores be valid?    

GMAT online scores are considered valid for up to five years.

10. When should I take the GMAT?    

One should take the GMAT for at least one year before applying to universities.