Canonical HTML: https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-gmat-exam-guide
Markdown URL: https://www.studyu.org/en/md/blog-gmat-exam-guide.md
Language: en
Meta title: GMAT Exam Guide 2026: Format, Scores, Fees, Online Test
Meta description: The GMAT in 2026: three 45-minute sections, 205–805 scoring and percentiles, fees by country, online availability, Superscore, retakes and score sending.
Last modified: 2026-09-30

# GMAT Exam Guide 2026: Format, Scores, Fees and Online Testing

- [Home](https://www.studyu.org/en/)

- [Blog](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog)

The GMAT is the admissions test for business programmes such as the MBA and master's degrees in management, finance and analytics. It is run by GMAC, a non-profit council of business schools. The current version, launched as the GMAT Focus Edition, has three 45-minute sections (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights), lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and is scored from 205 to 805. Fees depend on where you test: for Russia, Kazakhstan and Armenia, for example, GMAC lists $250 at a test centre and $275 online. The online exam is available almost everywhere; GMAC's exception list names only mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Sudan.

This guide explains the sections, how to read scores and percentiles, the full fee table, online testing requirements, retakes and the Superscore, and a step-by-step registration plan.

Baker Library at Harvard Business School. Photo: ajay_suresh / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harvard_Business_School_-_Baker_Library_(54939977732).jpg), [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0).

## The GMAT at a glance {#section-1}

| Item | Current GMAT |
| --- | --- |
| Run by | GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) |
| Sections | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights |
| Questions and time | 64 questions; 2 h 15 min plus an optional 10-minute break |
| Total score | 205–805, every value ends in 5 |
| Section scores | 60–90 in 1-point steps; all three weighted equally |
| Delivery | test centre or online with a proctor |
| Fee (Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia) | $250 at a centre, $275 online |
| Official score report | within 3–5 days, occasionally up to 20 |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Retakes | 16 days apart, up to five attempts in 12 months |

## Who needs the GMAT {#section-2}

MBA applicants. Many leading MBA programmes accept either the GMAT or the GRE; Harvard Business School and Wharton, for instance, state that they have no preference. School-by-school requirements, averages and rounds are in our guides to the [MBA in the USA](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-mba-in-the-usa) and the [MBA in the UK](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-mba-in-the-uk), and the [study in the USA](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-usa) hub covers the wider system.

Pre-experience business master's. Programmes in management, finance, business analytics and marketing at business schools often require the GMAT or GRE, or offer a test waiver for strong degrees. Check each programme's admissions page.

Executive programmes. GMAC also offers the Executive Assessment, a shorter test that some Executive MBA programmes accept instead of the GMAT; others do not require a test at all.

When the GRE fits better. If your list also includes master's programmes in economics, psychology or engineering, a single GRE covers more applications. See our [GRE exam guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-gre-exam-guide) for the comparison.

## What changed from the old GMAT {#section-3}

On 1 February 2024 the Focus Edition fully replaced the GMAT (10th Edition); mba.com now simply calls it the GMAT. The essay and the separate Integrated Reasoning section were dropped, Verbal no longer includes Sentence Correction, and Quant now covers arithmetic and algebra only. Data Insights was added, and the total score now reflects all three sections rather than just Quant and Verbal.

The two scales cannot be compared directly: the old total ran from 200 to 800, the new one from 205 to 805, and the score distribution changed. GMAC recommends comparing them through percentiles only. Old-version scores remain valid for five years, so the last of them will still appear in applications until January 2029. Prep books that include the essay or Sentence Correction are out of date.

## The three sections and your time budget {#section-4}

| Section | Questions | Time | What it covers | Seconds per question |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 min | arithmetic and algebra in Problem Solving questions; no calculator | about 129 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 min | Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning | about 117 |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 min | Data Sufficiency, tables, graphics, multi-source and two-part questions; on-screen calculator | about 135 |

You choose the section order. Start with your strongest section to build momentum, or with the hardest while you are fresh. The optional 10-minute break can be taken after the first or the second section.

Bookmarks and edits. You can bookmark questions. If you answer every question in a section and time remains, a Question Review & Edit screen opens: you may revisit as many questions as you like but change no more than three answers per section. If time runs out first, the review screen does not appear.

Unfinished sections cost points. GMAC applies a penalty for each unanswered question, so a guess at the end is better than a blank. Time spent on a single question does not by itself change your score, and early mistakes do not count more than later ones.

## Scores and percentiles {#section-5}

Your total is built equally from the three sections and depends on the difficulty of the questions you answered correctly and incorrectly and on how many you left unanswered. Sections are scored 60–90; the total runs from 205 to 805 in steps of 10.

| Total score | Percentile (GMAC data, 2021–2026) |
| --- | --- |
| 805 | 100% |
| 755 | 100% |
| 705 | 98% |
| 655 | 90% |
| 605 | 69% |
| 555 | 47% |
| 505 | 27% |

The mean total in GMAC's sample is about 555. GMAC puts the standard error of measurement for the total at 30–40 points, so a 10–20-point change between attempts may not reflect real progress. There is no pass mark; compare yourself with the averages or ranges your target schools publish.

Superscore. If you test more than once, your official report automatically includes a GMAT Superscore: a total built from your best section scores across all valid attempts, with the dates of those attempts. Check how each school uses it.

Unofficial section and total scores appear on screen as soon as you finish; you may not record or photograph them. The official report, with breakdowns by section, content area, question type and time management, usually arrives within 3–5 days and occasionally takes up to 20.

## GMAT fees in 2026 {#section-6}

GMAC prices depend on the country of your test centre or the country you test from online. On the check date they were identical for Russia, Kazakhstan and Armenia.

| Service | Test centre | Online |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Registration | $250 | $275 |
| Additional score report | $35 | $35 |
| Reschedule more than 60 days before | $50 | $55 |
| Reschedule 15–60 days before | $100 | $110 |
| Reschedule 14 days or less before | $150 | $165 |
| Refund if cancelled more than 60 days before | $100 | $110 |
| Refund if cancelled 15–60 days before | $75 | $80 |
| Refund if cancelled 14 days or less before | $50 | $55 |

Within 24 hours of the appointment you can no longer reschedule or cancel, and the whole fee is forfeited. Changes made through the call centre may cost an extra $10. Some countries add a local tax: in Armenia, for example, it is paid separately by bank transfer to the test centre before the exam. For other countries, select yours in the fee table on mba.com.

GMAC accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cards. If your card is declined, the appointment is cancelled automatically, so confirm that your card works for international payments before booking.

## Online or at a test centre {#section-7}

| Criterion | Online | Test centre |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Availability | almost everywhere; excluded: mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan | wherever a GMAC partner centre operates |
| Fee (Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia) | $275 | $250 |
| Proctor language | English only | depends on the centre |
| Scratch work | a whiteboard no larger than 30×50 cm with no grid or markings, a digital whiteboard, or both | provided |
| Computer | your own: Windows 10 or 11, macOS 11.06–26.2; at least 4 GB RAM, 15 GB free disk space, 1280×1024 display | provided |
| Software | GMAC lockdown test browser and a system check before test day | none |

Online testing suits you if you have a quiet room, reliable internet and a computer that passes the system check. A centre is $25 cheaper and removes technical risk, but there may not be one in your city. During the online exam you must wipe the whiteboard completely and show both sides to the camera at set points.

## Step-by-step registration {#section-8}

1. Create an mba.com account with your name exactly as it appears on the passport you will test with.
2. Pick the format. Check whether your country is on the online exception list; for a centre, look for locations and open dates in the booking system.
3. Prepare ID. Outside your country of citizenship you need a valid passport; expired passports and renewal papers are not accepted. At home, the accepted documents vary by country, so check GMAC's list for yours.
4. Pay with a card from one of the four networks GMAC accepts.
5. For the online exam, install the GMAC lockdown browser, run the system check and buy a whiteboard of the right size well in advance.
6. After the exam, review your unofficial result and choose where to send scores: up to five programmes free of charge within 48 hours.

The GMAT does not prove English proficiency. If you did not study in English, business schools usually ask for a separate test; our [Duolingo English Test guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-duolingo-english-test-guide) covers a lower-cost online option.

## Sending scores and retaking {#section-9}

Free reports. Your fee includes sending the official report to five programmes if you select them within 48 hours of the exam. You already know your result, so there is no risk of sending a weak attempt by accident. After that, or for more programmes, reports cost $35 each and are non-refundable.

What schools see. Schools receive the total score, section scores and percentiles of that attempt and, if you tested more than once, the Superscore; the detailed diagnostics by topic and timing are for you only. Once you submit a report, it reaches the programme within 8 hours. Scores cancelled for testing issues or policy violations stay on your report, and a report that has been sent cannot be recalled.

Retake rules. Up to five attempts in any rolling 12 months, online and centre attempts combined, with at least 16 days between them. There is no longer a lifetime limit.

Validity. GMAT scores remain reportable for five years from the exam date. Results between five and ten years old can be sent on request if you have not taken the GMAT in the past five years.

## When to test: planning around MBA rounds {#section-10}

| When | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| 6–9 months before round 1 | Take an official practice exam and note the average scores of your target schools |
| 4–6 months before | Focused work on your weakest section; a second practice exam as a checkpoint |
| 3–4 months before | First attempt, leaving room for a retake 16 or more days later |
| 1–2 months before | Retake if you are below your targets' averages; send reports |
| Application round | Scores are in; spend the time on essays, recommendations and interviews |

Round 1 deadlines for autumn 2027 entry at leading MBA programmes fall in September and October 2026. If you are aiming for round 2, which many schools hold in January 2027, plan your first attempt for October or early November 2026 to leave room for a retake. For 2028 entry, spring or summer 2027 is a comfortable time to test. Exact round dates are in our MBA guides.

## Common mistakes {#section-11}

- Using old prep books. The essay, Integrated Reasoning, Sentence Correction and geometry are gone.
- Leaving questions blank. The unanswered-question penalty usually outweighs a wrong guess.
- Wasting the Review & Edit screen. Only three answers per section can be changed, and only if time remains.
- Reading too much into 20 points. That difference sits inside the measurement error.
- Assuming one price worldwide. Fees depend on your testing country.
- Missing the 48-hour window. After it, each report costs $35.
- Expecting the GMAT to cover English. A language certificate is still required.

## How StudyU helps {#section-12}

Only the initial consultation is free. Choosing between the GMAT and GRE for a specific school list, a test and application-round calendar, essays, CVs and other documents, and application support are provided under an agreement with StudyU. GMAC sets the scores; the business school or university decides on admission and scholarships.

## FAQ {#faq}

### What is the GMAT exam?

It is GMAC's admissions test for business programmes such as the MBA and master's degrees in management, finance and analytics. It measures quantitative reasoning, reading and argument analysis, and data interpretation, and it takes 2 hours 15 minutes.

### How much does the GMAT cost in 2026?

It depends on the testing country. For Russia, Kazakhstan and Armenia GMAC lists $250 at a test centre and $275 online. Additional score reports cost $35, and rescheduling costs $50–165 depending on timing and format.

### Where is the online GMAT unavailable?

GMAC lists mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Sudan as exceptions because of regulatory and data-privacy rules. Everywhere else the online exam is offered, with proctoring in English only.

### How is the GMAT different from the GRE?

The GMAT is built for business schools and has no essay, while the GRE also serves master's programmes in other fields. The GMAT takes 2 hours 15 minutes and the GRE about two hours; most business schools accept both without preference.

### What is a good GMAT score?

There is no pass mark. A 655 beats 90% of test takers, a 605 beats 69%, and the average is about 555. Use your target schools' published averages as the benchmark.

### How many times can I take the GMAT?

Up to five times in any rolling 12 months, with at least 16 days between attempts, and there is no lifetime cap. With multiple attempts, schools also see a Superscore built from your best section results.

### How long are GMAT scores valid?

Five years from the test date. GMAC will send scores between five and ten years old on request if you have not retaken the exam in the last five years.

## Sources {#section-14}

- GMAC, mba.com: [exam structure](https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/about/exam-structure), [FAQs](https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/faqs), [payment and country fees (Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia)](https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register/exam-payment), [ID requirements](https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register/id-requirements), [exam policies](https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register/exam-policies), [online exam and requirements](https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/plan-for-exam-day/taking-the-exam-online) — checked 30 September 2026
- GMAC, mba.com: [scores and Superscore](https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/scores), [percentiles](https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/scores/understanding-your-score), [sending scores](https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/scores/sending-your-score) — checked 30 September 2026
- GMAC, gmac.com: [current scores and differences from the 10th Edition](https://www.gmac.com/gmat-other-assessments/about-the-gmat-focus-edition/exam-scores), [about the GMAT 10th Edition](https://www.gmac.com/gmat-other-assessments/about-the-gmat-exam) — checked 30 September 2026

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [GRE Exam Guide 2026/27: Format, Scores, Fees and Test-Day Choices](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-gre-exam-guide)
- [Studying in the USA for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-usa)
- [MBA in the USA: Requirements, GMAT or GRE, Costs and the STEM MBA](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-mba-in-the-usa)
- [MBA in the UK: Top Business Schools, 2026–2027 Fees, Admission Requirements and Visa Rules](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-mba-in-the-uk)
- [Duolingo English Test Guide: Format, Scores, Price and Acceptance](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-duolingo-english-test-guide)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)

Updated: September 2026