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Everything You Need to Know About GMAT Focus Edition Eligibility Criteria

What are the GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) Focus Edition eligibility criteria? What is the minimum age limit for this new version of the GMAT? Is it mandatory to have mathematics as a subject in graduation as a GMAT eligibility criterion? If you are a GMAT Focus Edition aspirant, these questions have probably popped into your head more than once. While taking any examination, the first and foremost task a candidate needs to keep in mind is the eligibility criteria for that particular examination.

Through this article, you will get a thorough understanding of the GMAT Focus Edition eligibility criteria and registration procedures. Doing so is highly recommended before devising a preparation strategy and registering for the entrance examination.

Table of Contents

GMAT Focus Edition Exam: An Overview

Renowned business schools across the globe consider GMAT exam scores for admission. In 2023, the GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) introduced the GMAT Focus Edition. The new GMAT comprises three primary sections: Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions), Verbal Reasoning (23 questions), and Data Insights (20 questions).

This update aims to enhance the testing process for business school candidates by assessing critical reasoning skills, problem-solving skills, data sufficiency, and logical analysis skills. It serves as a benchmark for evaluating aspiring business leaders. The goal is to identify and foster candidates with a holistic skill set, reinforcing GMAT's role as a tool for developing impactful business leaders. This globally recognized test is accepted by an extensive network of over 7,700 programs spanning 2,400+ business schools.

The total GMAT Focus Edition score ranges from 205 to 805 and is based on Verbal and Quantitative scores. Business schools often set their own minimum GMAT score requirements for admission. When applying to business schools, test-takers must check the minimum score required by each school.

The criteria below are utilized to attest to the eligibility of the applicant to appear for the test without any hindrance. However, they do not guarantee admission to any MBA program across any institution. The admission process of every B-School is distinct from one another. All the world-renowned B-Schools have their own set of mandates that must be considered before submitting an online application for enrollment.
Read more about the GMAT Focus Edition.

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GMAT Focus Edition Eligibility Criteria 2024

The GMAT Focus Edition, conducted by the Graduate Management Aptitude Council (GMAC), is open to candidates from around the world. There is no partiality based on the grounds of religion, sex, background history, educational qualification, etc. However, aspirants need to consider the basic GMAT eligibility criteria, and below are the grounds that must be fulfilled for the application of GMAT exam registration.

Age Criteria

A candidate must be 18 years of age or older to apply for the GMAT exam without consent. Should a candidate not meet the required age (13 to 17), a written proof from the guardian must be submitted to take the exam. The good thing about the GMAT is that there is no specified upper age limit. Many GMAT aspirants aged over 30 appear for the test every year. Many of them achieve tremendous success in the exam, enabling them to fulfil their dream of pursuing an MBA from a premier management school.

Qualifications Requirement

Anyone with a bachelor's degree from a recognized institute is eligible to take the GMAT Focus Edition exam. There is no minimum or maximum academic qualification limit for the test taker. Many of the examinees are either students in their pre-final or final year of college or working professionals. However, you can still take the exam as an add-on even if you do not fall under any of these categories.

Number of Attempts for GMAT

A candidate can sit for the GMAT Focus Edition exam a maximum of five times in 12 months, with a 16-day gap between each re-attempt. A candidate cannot take more than eight attempts in a lifetime. If you score a perfect 800 on the GMAT, you need to wait for five years before retaking the test, as it is the maximum score on the scale. Additionally, you need to restart your GMAT registration every time you take a fresh attempt.

Recommended reading: Taking GMAT Again? How to Prepare for GMAT Exam?

Candidate Information for GMAT

Candidates are expected to provide legal information such as their name, address, email address, contact number, gender, date of birth, country of citizenship, government-issued identification, a digital photograph, signature, palm vein pattern, etc.

Work Experience for GMAT

The eligibility of the GMAT is seldom dependent on the number of years of experience you have had in the industry setting before applying. You can either be a fresher or an industry expert. Either way, you will have to take the test. B-School admission teams will compile your work experience and academic performance together to rank your application. They examine multiple factors related to your profile, including your work experience certificate, achievements, certifications, etc.

Also Read : How to prepare for GMAT while working

Language Requirement

You are eligible to take the GMAT even if your medium of instruction in school and/or college was not English. In fact, many students from non-English academic background have aced the GMAT through the correct approach and dedicated preparation.

Want to learn English at your own convenience? Prepare for IELTS Academic! !
Also check : GMAT Reading Comprehension Strategy

Importance of GMAT Focus Edition Eligibility Criteria

If you are potentially looking to secure admission in a premier MBA institute, then GMAT Focus Edition eligibility criteria need to be your initial concern. The GMAT eligibility is surpassed by almost all the candidates who wish to get into targeted MBA programs. Once their eligibility is verified, test-takers take the GMAT exam and score according to their respective preparation strategies.

Being "computer adaptive" in nature, the GMAT test assessment is not merely a cakewalk! In addition to working hard to prepare for the test, candidates need to work smart and consider the analytics of the GMAT as an aptitude testing examination. The test administrators use the concept of Artificial Intelligence to evaluate candidates who would alter the business world through their swift verbal, sensible decision-making, and analytical reasoning skills.

GMAT Focus Edition Eligibility: Registration and Fee Structure

GMAT registration can take place online by visiting www.mba.com and creating an account. You can control the registration according to your preference by managing your GMAT appointment dates and scores. Also, while you’re at it, you can search for your preferred schools, learn about their application deadlines, and read various articles related to finding the right school, compiling your best application, and getting feedback from experts. 

Additionally, for any other detailed content, you can view the registration and scoring timeline section on the GMAT Handbook offered by GMAC. Keeping in mind the aforementioned factors, you can devise your exam strategy.

Below you will find the fees and related costs associated with the GMAT Exam.

GMAT Focus Edition Fees

Cost for Test Center (USD)

Cost for Online Exam (USD)

Exam Fee

275

300

Additional Score Report

35

35

Reschedule Fee (More than 60 days before appointment)

55

60

Reschedule Fee (15-60 days before appointment)

110

120

Reschedule Fee (14 days or less before appointment)

165

180

Cancellation Fee (More than 60 days before appointment)

110

120

Cancellation Fee (15-60 days before appointment)

80

90

Cancellation Fee (14 days or less before appointment)

55

60

Source: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register/exam-payment

Read Complete Detail about GMAT Exam Registration & Fees

Attempt a free GMAT Diagnostic Test to know how you would perform individually in each section!

Frequently Asked Questions

The GMAT Focus Edition exam can be taken by any type of graduate, regardless of the subjects studied during the course or the stream chosen by the candidate.

There is no specific subject requirement for the GMAT Focus Edition. However, if you are aiming to take the test, you need to develop English proficiency as your second nature, as the test is delivered in English.

A candidate can sit for the GMAT Focus Edition exam a maximum of five times in 12 months, with a 16-day gap between each re-attempt. A candidate cannot take more than eight attempts in a lifetime.

The GMAT Focus Edition is delivered year-round and on-demand at multiple test centers across the world as well as online, so you can pick a date and time for your test as per your convenience.

Keep in mind that India is the fifth-largest economy in the world. Hence, the work experience you receive in organizations within India, or even Asia for that matter, counts well. Most top universities' admission committees require their applicants to have a minimum of 4-5 years of work experience since they feel that individuals with a developed sense of business acumen can adapt to the arduous schedules of an MBA.

GMAT applicants can take the test up to five times with a gap of 16 days from the previous attempt and eight times in total in their entire lifetime.

Any individual who wishes to pursue a graduate degree in management or business administration can take the GMAT exam. You must be 18 years or older to apply without consent, but if you're between 13 and 17, you can still take the exam with written proof from your guardian. There are no age or educational qualification restrictions for the GMAT exam.

GMAT scores are accepted by various Indian business schools for admission to their MBA programs. Some top Indian business schools, such as ISB, IIMs, and others, accept GMAT scores for admission.

Yes, you can take the GMAT after completing the 12th grade. However, it's important to note that the GMAT exam is only applicable for postgraduate programs and not for undergraduate degrees. Additionally, candidates under the age of 18 must provide written proof of guardian consent to take the GMAT exam.

While the GMAT is designed specifically for business school applicants, some universities might also require it for Master’s programs such as international management, finance, and business analytics.

Yes, Indian students can take the GMAT exam.

There is no minimum GPA requirement to be eligible to take the GMAT exam.

Yes, you can take the GMAT exam after the first year of your Bachelor’s program.

The GMAT score requirements vary for different universities and programs. Typically, GMAT scores range from 205 to 805, with higher scores being more competitive for admission to top-ranked programs. A GMAT score of 705 or above is generally considered a good score and may increase your chances of being admitted to highly selective programs.

Yes, a distance graduate is eligible to take the GMAT Focus Edition exam if they wish to pursue a graduate degree in management or business administration.

Yes, students from state boards are eligible to take the GMAT exam if they meet the other eligibility criteria.

No, work experience is not an eligibility criterion for taking the GMAT Focus Edition exam. However, some business schools may require work experience as part of their admission criteria.

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