The GMAT scope in India and abroad has increased significantly over the years. Around 1,17,510 GMAT exams were taken in the last year itself, showing a huge number of interested candidates. Due to its global acceptance, GMAT is valuable for students pursuing MBA programs in India as well as for those who are aiming for international exposure.
GMAT connects students with programs that promise exceptional ROI, good salaries and lifelong networking opportunities.
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What is the GMAT Exam?
GMAT is a computer-adaptive test which is designed to assess a student’s analytical, quantitative and verbal skills for admission to graduate business programs like MBAs. Now, for more than 50 years, the GMAT test has been offered by more than 2,400 universities and institutions to assess students and check if their fundamentals are strong enough that they will be able to succeed in the program.
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GMAT has the following sections:
Why does GMAT hold global relevance?
- Standardised test:
The GMAT holds global relevance because it is a standardised test with acceptance from over 2,400 schools across 114 countries. It has become a preferred choice for students who are aiming to join MBA programs both in India and abroad.
- International programs:
Unlike other local exams, GMAT allows universities across the world to evaluate candidates from diverse academic backgrounds on one common scale. This makes GMAT a powerful gateway for students who wish to get into top B-schools like Harvard, INSEAD, London Business School, and ISB Hyderabad.
- Access to a global network:
Additionally, pursuing a GMAT-based degree allows students to connect to a strong alumni network and gain ample global opportunities. This plays a crucial role in long-term career growth and advancement. GMAT opens both avenues for the student, whether they want to continue their professional life in India or in international spaces. GMAT ensures your profile is globally recognised and valued by your employers.
Scope of GMAT in India
As more and more business schools are recognising GMAT, its scope has increased with each passing year. GMAT was traditionally associated with studying abroad, but is now considered a major pathway to many top Indian B-schools.
Major Indian institutions like IIMs, ISB, SPJIMR, XLRI, and Great Lakes accept GMAT for specific MBA programs, including Executive MBAs and one-year MBA programs.
Students from these colleges often end up in secure roles in finance, consulting, and technology, among others, with average salaries ranging from ₹20–40 lakhs per annum.
Is GMAT worth it for studying in India?
Yes, GMAT is a great choice for students wanting to go to top-tier management programs. Now accepted by more than 200 programs at more than 140 top business schools, the GMAT score is applicable for both full-time and executive MBA programs in India. This allows the students to study MBA in a cost-effective manner with global recognition.
Here are the top 3 reasons why GMAT is worth it for studying in India:
- Recognised by top Indian colleges, GMAT is seen as a globally standardised test which attracts high-performing students from both India and abroad. By giving just one exam, the GMAT, students get access to world-class MBA programs without needing to take multiple entrance exams.
- Doing an MBA program from India is a cost-effective option when compared to international education. Students receive top education, on par with other global schools. Programs like ISB’s PGP or IIM EPGPs are designed in a manner so that they match the top global MBA experience with international business practices, international faculty and vast networking opportunities.
Top Indian Colleges Accepting GMAT
| School | Program | Average GMAT Score | Fees (in Lakhs) | Average Salary (LPA) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGPX | 700+ | 35 | 29.6 |
| IIM Bangalore | EPGP | 710+ | 33.7 | 34.3 |
| IIM Calcutta | MBAEx | 700+ | 33.5 | 30.9 |
| IIM Indore | EPGP | 700+ | 22.12 | 27.5 |
| IIM Lucknow | IPMX | 680+ | 26.2 | 32.3 |
| ISB Hyderabad/Mohali | PGP | 710+ | 31.5 | 35 |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | PGDM | 650-740 | 26.5 | 32 |
| IMT Ghaziabad | PGDM | 600+ | 20.8 | 16.2 |
| NMIMS Mumbai | MBA (Core) | 620+ | 27 | 25.1 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | PGPM | 600+ | 18.6 | 17.8 |
| TAPMI Manipal | PGDM | 610+ | 7.2-16 | 15.7 |
| XUB Bhubaneswar (Xavier University) | MBA | 600+ | 12-19 | 20.4 |
| IFMR GSB, Krea University | MBA | 600+ | 15 | 12.04 |
| LIBA Chennai | PGDM | 580+ | 19.1 | 11 |
*All figures are from official university websites and may change annually.
Job Opportunities in India After GMAT
GMAT offers numerous opportunities, and students who graduated from top GMAT-accepting B-schools like ISB, IIMs, SPJIMR, and Great Lakes, among others, secure roles across high-growth industries.
MBAs earned through GMAT hold the potential to unlock powerful alumni networks and networking opportunities, helping graduates transition into these strategic roles:
| Role | Average Base Pay/ Year | Key reasons for Popularity |
| Management Consultant | ₹25.3L | High salaries and fast growth |
| Product Manager/ Product Lead | ₹23.0L | Booming tech ecosystem, demand for cross-functional leaders |
| Strategy & Business Strategy Roles | ₹23.0L | Leadership-track roles with high visibility |
| Investment Banker | ₹13.0L | Prestigious and lucrative |
| Marketing Manager/Brand Manager | ₹13.3L | Strong demand, especially in FMCG and e-commerce |
*All figures are taken from the official website and may change annually.
Scope of GMAT Abroad
The GMAT exam, necessary for pursuing international MBA and management degrees, holds immense potential as it is accepted by over 7,000 programs across the US, UK, Europe, Canada, Singapore, and Australia.
A strong GMAT score can help you apply to top-ranked universities like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, LBS, MIT Sloan, among others.
GMAT-based programs abroad prepare students for roles in consulting, finance, technology, product management, strategy, and marketing across major hubs like New York, London, Toronto, Singapore, Dubai, and Sydney.
Graduating from these top schools provides students with large, diverse alumni communities, giving students lifelong career support across countries and industries.
Top global schools for MBA
| School | QS World Ranking 2025 | Location | Avg. GMAT Score | Fees | Avg. Salary Per Annum |
| Harvard University | 1 | Cambridge, United States | 740+ | $126,536
(includes housing, food, and other living expenses) |
$184,500(Median Base Salary) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 2 | Cambridge, United States | 720+ | $89,000 | $168,095 |
| Stanford University | 3 | Stanford, United States | 730+ | $85,755 | $185,000
(Median Base Salary) |
| INSEAD | 4 | Fontaineblea, France | 710+ | €109,860 | €111,400
(Median Base Salary) |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | Cambridge, United Kingdom | 700+ | £80,000. | £93,085 |
| University of Oxford | 5 | Oxford, United Kingdom | 650+ | £88,800 | £74,143 |
| London Business School | 7 | London, United Kingdom | 700+ | £119,950. | £92,228 |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | 8 | Singapore, Singapore | 670+ | S$99,953 | US$82,095 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 9 | Philadelphia, United States | 720+ | $92,820 | $175,000 (Median Base Salary) |
| Bocconi University | 10 | Milan, Italy | 650+ | €82,000 | $129,064 |
*All figures are from official university websites and may change annually.
Career Growth Abroad After GMAT
Students opting to go to business school through the GMAT lead to lucrative results, as the GMAT scores are not just required for admission in business schools, but a good score is also highly valued by employers.
Furthermore, a high GMAT score allows the student to access top B-schools of the world, allowing them to experience a world-class faculty and a powerful recruitment network.
- Access to global companies: Employment reports by Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, among others, show that MBA graduates are recruited by top leading companies like Amazon, BCG, McKinsey, Google, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, and Microsoft, offering international roles and strong compensation packages.
- High earning potential: As mentioned in the table above, graduates, on average, receive a six-figure salary package. Along with this, companies also provide their employees with additional bonuses and stock options, giving students a strong financial Return on Investment (ROI).
- Entry into high-impact roles: Most commonly, graduates prefer positions in consulting, finance, marketing, and technology, across various industries like banking, e-commerce, and manufacturing.
- Strong alumni network: Top schools have a large and global alumni network that helps students in securing referrals, shifting industries, and moving industries even years after graduation.
- Faster career acceleration: According to GMAC, the estimated median starting salary for MBA graduates is about 1.75 times that of bachelor’s degree holders. The estimated median starting salary for MBA graduates is about 1.75 times that of bachelor’s degree holders.
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Connect With Us →Top Countries for the Highest MBA Salaries
Here are the top countries that provide MBA students with lucrative job opportunities with some of the highest salaries offered in the world:
- United States
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- Many MBA graduates from the US claim to have salaries in the USD $150,000–200,000+ range within a few years of graduation.
- Columbia Business School reported that graduates from their school earned a median salary of USD $175,000 for the Class of 2024.
- Some of the strong factors that result in high salaries are due to the presence of large consulting firms in the country, global mobility and high demand for leadership roles.
- United Kingdom/ Europe:
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- University of Oxford graduates reported an average salary of £74,143 for the year 2023/24.
- When compared with the US, the nominal figure is lower here, but many roles include bonuses, international posting, and fast growth.
- Other countries, such as Switzerland and Germany, are also cited as offering quite high MBA salaries in many surveys.
- Canada & Australia:
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- Both these countries are listed as the top destinations for MBA graduates as well providing high salaries and global exposure.
- This is primarily due to strong business sectors (finance, tech), favourable immigration/work-rights for MBA grads, and fewer visa barriers in some cases.
- Asia (select hubs: Singapore, UAE, Dubai)
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- Though precise country-wide averages are less consistently published by major institutes, surveys note that hubs like Singapore and Dubai are increasingly attractive for global MBAs.
Key differences between studying in India and abroad via GMAT
| Key Difference | India | Abroad |
| Cost of education |
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| Global Exposure and Network |
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| Work Experience Requirements |
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| Return on Investment (ROI) |
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| Learning Environment and Curriculum |
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| Visa, Work Permits and Mobility |
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| Career Goals and Long-Term Plans |
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The GMAT exam continues to be one of the most powerful gateways for students to advance their careers. Whether one chooses India or abroad, this exam opens doors to top institutions, industry-leading recruiters, and strong long-term career growth.
Therefore, GMAT remains a future-proof investment for anyone serious about business education. By understanding your goals, budget, and preferred career destination, you can choose the right path.
If you’re preparing for an MBA, there has never been a better time to leverage the full potential of the GMAT and unlock opportunities both in India and across the globe.
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Start Now →FAQs
What is the GMAT used for?
The GMAT is used to get admission to MBA, Executive MBA and any other management course in India or abroad.
Is the GMAT useful for studying in India?
Yes, GMAT can be very useful, especially if you are aiming for top B-schools like ISB, IIMs (EPGP), SPJIMR, XLRI, and Great Lakes, as they accept GMAT scores for various MBA and executive programs.
Can I get a job in India with a GMAT-based MBA?
Yes, absolutely. Many recruiters appreciate a good GMAT score, and graduates from GMAT-accepting schools in India secure roles in consulting, tech, finance, product management, marketing, and strategy.
What is the scope of GMAT abroad?
A GMAT score opens many doors for Indian students as it gives access to the world’s top MBA schools, high-paying jobs, international mobility and a strong alumni network.
Is the GMAT worth it even if you want to study in India?
Yes, GMAT is worth it as many top schools like ISB, IIM Ahmedabad (EPGP), IIM Bangalore (EPGP), SPJIMR, XLRI, and Great Lakes now accept GMAT scores. These programs offer strong placements, global exposure, and high ROI within India.
What is the cost of the GMAT exam in India?
The GMAT exam costs $275 (approximately INR 24,000) for the test centre version and $300 (approximately INR 26,500) for the online version. This is subject to periodic updates by GMAC.
How hard is it to score marks in the GMAT exam?
The GMAT can be challenging, but with proper test prep involving consistency, strategy and practice, one can score a high GMAT score.
Which type of work experience is required for the GMAT?
No work experience is required for the GMAT exam. But most MBA programs require professional experience from students of up to 2-5 years. Experience in any industry, including IT< consulting, sales, finance, operations, etc, is acceptable.
Can I retake the GMAT if I’m not satisfied with the score?
Yes, you can retake the exam. You may take the GMAT up to 5 times in any rolling 12-month period (this includes online and test-centre attempts). There is no lifetime limit on the number of attempts, but you must wait at least 16 days between each attempt.
