GMAT Exam Dates 2026: How to Schedule, Reschedule & Cancel Your Appointment

Updated on 6th July 2026 | 11:32 AM

GMAT exam dates

GMAT exam dates are available throughout the year, offering candidates a high level of flexibility. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) conducts this exam. Test-takers can book their preferred GMAT test dates as close as 24 hours before the scheduled time. There are more than 40 GMAT test centres in India. However, if you don't find a test center near your location, you can opt for the online option as well.

Key Considerations for Selecting GMAT Exam Dates

  • Book your GMAT date at least 2–3 months in advance to secure your preferred date and test centre, especially during peak application season (August–November).
  • You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period. The lifetime limit of 8 attempts has been removed — there is now no lifetime limit on GMAT attempts. (Source: support.mba.com/hc/en-us/articles/10118337626139 & mba.com/exams-and-exam-prep/gmat-exam/the-gmat-offers-unlimited-potential)
  • You can send scores to up to 5 schools for free within 48 hours of receiving your official score.
  • A minimum gap of 16 days is required between two GMAT attempts. (Combined across online and test centre formats.)
  • You cannot switch delivery methods when rescheduling. If you want to change from test centre to online (or vice versa), you must cancel your existing appointment and register for a new one. Cancellation fees apply.

Keeping track of GMAT exam dates plays a crucial role in planning your exam. Choose a test date that fits your personal schedules and preparation plans.

GMAT Exam Dates: Pointers to Keep in Mind

Flexibility is key when selecting GMAT dates, especially during peak application seasons. It's advisable to have a few backup options for your next GMAT exam date in case your first choice is not available. Here are some helpful pointers to guide you:

  • To take the test on your preferred GMAT date, make sure you get onto the process of registration well in advance.
  • When planning for your exam at the test center, it's important to be aware of the available GMAT test dates in your region.
  • Take into consideration the institute you have in mind, and their respective deadlines before taking the final call.
  • Make sure you have all the required information and data during the registration process.
  • Fee tiers depend on how far in advance you act. Always verify the latest fees on the official payment page, as fees are location-specific and subject to change.
  • Appointment changes cannot be made within 24 hours of your scheduled exam time.

GMAT Exam Dates 2026

The GMAT exam dates are flexible. You can take the test almost any day of the year, except for a few holidays. However, test dates may fill up quickly due to demand. As a result, specific test dates may not be guaranteed. Remember that these dates can change. So, to get the latest and most reliable info, you should check the official GMAT website.

Peak Application Season - Book Early Test centre slots fill up quickly between August and November, which is peak MBA application season. If you plan to test during this period, book your GMAT appointment as early as possible - up to 6 months in advance.

In the next section, we explain how to check available dates and book your slot. Ensure you plan ahead to avoid any unexpected issues at the last minute.

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How to Check GMAT Exam Date Availability?

In case of cancellation/rescheduling/retaking of GMAT exam, the candidate has to pay a certain fee. Cancellation and rescheduling fees vary based on how early you act relative to your exam date and your testing location. Always check the official Exam Payment page for current location-specific fees.

The initial steps for both test-centre and online test booking will remain the same. Follow these four general steps to check GMAT date availability:

Step 1. Visit the Official GMAT Website, mba.com, for GMAT registration and information.

Step 2. Access Your Account

  • New user: Click 'Create Account' to set up your profile.
  • Returning user: Select 'My Account' and log in with your credentials.

Step 3. Once logged in, locate and click on the 'Register for the GMAT' option on your account dashboard.

GMAT Exam Registration

Step 4. You'll be presented with two options:

  • Test centre Exam
  • Online Test
choose GMAT Exam Mode

Select your preferred method. Each has its own process for checking availability.

Once you have chosen which medium (online or offline) of test you want to opt for, follow the following steps:

Checking Availability of GMAT Exam Dates at Test Centre

Step 5. If you opt for a test centre exam, you'll be directed to a page titled "Agree to Graduate Management Admission Council® policies."

GMAT exam date registration - terms and condition

Step 6. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the 'Agree' button in the bottom right corner.

Gmat exam date availability procedure

Step 7. Now, the system will display test centres based on your location. You can choose a maximum of three test centres to compare availability. Click ‘Next’ after selecting your preferred centres.

Gmat exam centre selection for given date

Step 8. After that, you will be directed to a page that will ask you to ‘Schedule your GMAT Exam’. Click on 'Show me the next available appointments' and then 'Next'.

Scheduling Gmat exam date

Step 9. Browse through the calendar to see available dates and select the date that best fits your schedule.

Choose Gmat exam date

Step 10. To reserve your slot, select the 'BOOK THIS APPOINTMENT' option.

Book Gmat exam date appointment

Step 11. Complete your registration by clicking on ‘Complete Order' on the 'My GMAT Exam' page and proceed to make the payment to finalize your registration.

final step for gmat exam date booking process

Checking Availability of GMAT Exam Dates Online

To check the availability of GMAT test dates for the online exam, follow this process after clicking on ‘Register for the GMAT’ option.

Step 1. A pop-up box will appear. Check the box and click 'Continue'.

final agreement term for gmat date registration

Step 2. From here, you'll be directed to the online scheduling flow within your mba.com account

Step 3. CComplete your profile following the instructions provided.

complete profile on examity to get final gmat exam date

Step 5. Then, click on the 'Schedule Appointment' tab in the menu bar. Browse through the available time slots.

schedule appointment date for GMAT exam

Step 6. Choose a slot that aligns with your timeline and preferences.

Step 7. Complete the payment process to finalize your registration.

Remember, the earlier you book your GMAT date, the more options you'll have for dates and times.

GMAT Exam Registration Process 2026

To find out about the available GMAT test dates, you’ll have to first register for the GMAT by visiting the official website. Here, you can complete the registration process, which takes around 10 to 15 minutes. In case you are thinking about registration deadlines, there is no specific GMAT registration date.

You will need to provide: name, email address, phone number, date of birth, address, and gender. Once registered, choose your exam date, location, and payment method.

GMAT exam fees vary by location. In the US: USD 275 for a test centre exam and USD 300 for an online exam. For India-specific pricing, check the official website payment page. Accepted payment methods include VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover Network Cards.

Check Complete GMAT Exam Registration Process

How to Reschedule/Cancel GMAT Exam Date?

Rescheduling or canceling your GMAT exam is a straightforward process that can be done through your mba.com account. It's important to be aware of the GMAT test dates available in your area, as options may be limited. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to reschedule or cancel your GMAT exam:

Important Policy: Cannot Switch Test Modes When Rescheduling You cannot reschedule your GMAT exam from test centre to online, or from online to test centre. If you wish to change delivery method, you must cancel your current appointment and register for a new one. Cancellation fees will apply.

Rescheduling Your GMAT Exam

  • Log into Your Account: Visit mba.com and log into your personal account.
  • Locate Your Appointment: Find your scheduled test centre or online exam appointment.
  • Initiate Rescheduling: Click on the "RESCHEDULE" link next to your appointment details.
rescheduling gmat exam

After clicking "RESCHEDULE," you'll be directed to the Examity dashboard. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Look for the "Reschedule or Cancel" link in the last column.
  • Click the "Reschedule Exam" button.
  • Select a new date and time slot.
  • Click the "Reschedule" button and complete the payment process.

To cancel your GMAT Exam, go through the same steps at the beginning and choose the "CANCEL" choice next to your appointment info. Stick to the instructions that follow to finish canceling your exam.

Emergency Cancellation You may be eligible for a free reschedule or a full refund in the case of:

  • Medical emergency: Provide a doctor's note or hospital discharge papers.
  • Military orders: Provide a copy of your military assignment orders.
  • Bereavement (immediate family): Provide a death certificate or obituary notice.
All requests require documentation and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval.

GMAT Rescheduling & Cancellation Fees 2026

Fee tiers are location-specific and subject to change. The official mba.com Exam Payment page is the only reliable source for current India-specific rescheduling and cancellation fees. Do not rely on figures that may be outdated. Always check: mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register/exam-payment before acting. (Source: mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register/exam-policies)

Standard US fee structure for reference (verify at mba.com for India):

Rescheduling Timeframe

Fee

>60 days before exam

US $55

15–60 days before exam

US $110

0–14 days before exam

US $165

Cancellation Timeframe

Refund Amount 

60+ days before exam

US $110 refund

15–60 days before exam

US $80 refund

14 days or less before exam

US $55 refund

No-show (missed without cancelling)

Full fee forfeited. 24-hour wait before rebooking.

GMAT Exam Test Centres in India 2026

GMAT Exam Test Centres are essential facilities where candidates can take the exam on their chosen GMAT exam date. These centres provide the right testing environment for fair and accurate assessment. Each centre has personal workstations, making sure everyone gets the same test experience.

There are more than 40 GMAT Exam Centres in India. The 27 states in which GMAT is administered are listed below:

S.No.

State

City

1

Andhra Pradesh

Vishakhapatnam

2

Assam

Guwahati

3

Bihar

Patna

4

Chandigarh

Chandigarh

5

Chhattisgarh

Raipur

6

Delhi

Delhi

7

Gujarat

Ahmedabad

8

Gujarat

Surat

9

Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu

10

Jharkhand

Jamshedpur

11

Jharkhand

Ranchi

12

Karnataka

Bengaluru

13

Kerala

Ernakulam

14

Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal

15

Madhya Pradesh

Indore

16

Maharashtra

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad)

17

Maharashtra

Mumbai

18

Maharashtra

Nagpur

19

Maharashtra

Pune

20

Odisha

Bhubaneswar

21

Rajasthan

Jaipur

22

Tamil Nadu

Chennai

23

Tamil Nadu

Coimbatore

24

Telangana

Hyderabad

25

Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow

26

Uttar Pradesh

Noida

27

West Bengal

Kolkata

In conclusion, understanding GMAT dates and the availability of test centers is crucial for effective exam planning. Make sure to align your chosen GMAT date with your target GMAT application date.

How to Choose Your GMAT Exam Date?

Choosing the correct GMAT date requires reverse-thinking: start from your application deadline and work backwards.

  • Set your application deadline first. The recommended approach is to book your GMAT at least 6 months before the application deadline. This gives you time to prepare, test, and retake if needed.
  • Allow 3–4 weeks before the deadline for your exam. Official GMAC guidance is to take the GMAT 3–4 weeks before your application deadline, so you have time to retake if necessary. (Source: mba.com/exams-and-exam-prep/gmat-exam/gmat-registration-guide)
  • Prepare for at least 6 weeks. GMAC recommends a minimum of 6 weeks of consistent preparation. The majority of GMAT test takers prepare for 60 hours or more. (Source: mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/faqs)
  • Consider your personal schedule: balance GMAT prep with work or academic commitments and avoid booking during high-stress personal periods.

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How Choosing Exam Dates Help in Your Preparation?

Choosing your GMAT dates is more than just picking a day on the calendar. It's a strategic decision to improve your GMAT preparation journey and overall performance. Whether you're studying seven days a week or balancing prep with other commitments, choosing your exam date ensures you have ample time to not just prepare for the GMAT Focus, but also to refine your application documents like resumes and letters of recommendation, strengthening your business school application.

Here's how strategic GMAT date selection can enhance your GMAT preparation:

1. Creates a Clear Timeline

  • Helps you create a structured study schedule
  • Allows you to work backwards and set milestones

2. Aligns with Personal Schedule

  • Balance GMAT preparation with work or academic commitments
  • Plan around important personal events or holidays

3. Maximizes Preparation Time

  • Allocate sufficient time for comprehensive subject review
  • Take multiple practice tests to gauge progress
  • Address weak areas identified during preparation

4. Consider Application Deadlines

  • Meet business school application deadlines comfortably
  • Allow time for retakes if necessary
  • Reduce stress by avoiding last-minute rushes

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FAQs

You can take the GMAT exam at any time of the year. The exam is offered year-round at authorised test centres and online, subject to appointment availability. You can choose a date that best fits your preparation timeline and business school application deadlines.

Yes. Unlike many standardised tests, the GMAT is conducted throughout the year, giving candidates the flexibility to schedule the exam when they are ready. It is recommended to book your preferred GMAT test date several weeks in advance, especially during peak admission seasons, to secure your desired slot.

If you miss your scheduled GMAT exam without cancelling or rescheduling in advance, your appointment will be marked as a "No Show" on your mba.com account. You will forfeit your exam fee and must pay the full registration fee to book a new appointment. You can schedule another exam at least 24 hours after your missed appointment.

Yes. You can reschedule your GMAT exam date through your mba.com account before your scheduled test. A rescheduling fee applies, and the amount depends on how far in advance you make the change. Planning ahead can help you minimise additional costs.

No. There is no fixed last date to register for the GMAT exam because the test is available throughout the year. However, registration closes once all seats for a particular date and location are filled, so it is advisable to book your preferred test date early.

The best time to take the GMAT exam is 2-3 months before your earliest business school application deadline. This gives you enough time to receive your official scores, retake the exam if necessary, and complete your applications without rushing. When choosing your GMAT date, consider your preparation level, application deadlines, work commitments, and the time needed for score reporting.

No. The GMAT does not have fixed annual exam dates. Instead, appointments are available throughout the year, and availability varies by test centre and location. You should check the official GMAT booking portal for the latest test dates in your preferred city.

When registering for the GMAT exam, enter your date of birth exactly as it appears on your passport or other accepted identification document. The registration form will specify the required format, which may vary depending on your location and the registration system. Always follow the on-screen instructions to avoid discrepancies during identity verification.

It is recommended to book your GMAT exam 2-3 months in advance, especially if you plan to test during peak MBA admission periods. Booking early gives you a wider choice of test dates, centres, and time slots while ensuring you receive your scores before application deadlines.

You will receive your unofficial GMAT score immediately after completing the exam at the test centre. Your official GMAT score report is typically available within 3-5 business days and can be sent to the business schools you selected during registration.