The GMAT 2026, also known as the GMAT Focus Edition, is a computer-based entrance exam administered by GMAC for admission to over 7,700 business programs worldwide, including MBA, MiM, and Business Analytics programs. The exam consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, with a total duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes. The new format includes 64 multiple-choice questions, and scores range from 205 to 805.
The test can be taken online or at a designated test centre, with fees of USD 300 (online) and USD 275 (centre-based). There are no strict academic requirements, and the minimum age to apply is 18 years. Candidates can register six months in advance and choose from test centres across India.
The GMAT Focus Edition eliminates Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning and introduces a redesigned scoring system with no negative marking. Scholarships, including Forté Foundation and Wharton’s Emerging Economy Fellowship, are available for eligible candidates.
GMAT 2026 Recent Changes in GMAT 2026
- The GMAT 2026 is now known as the GMAT Focus Edition.
- The exam duration has been reduced to 2 hours and 15 minutes instead of the previous 3 hours and 7 minutes.
- The total number of questions has been reduced to 64 from the earlier 80 questions.
- The scoring range has changed from 200–800 to 205–805.
- The new GMAT consists of only three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Analysis.
- The Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning sections have been removed from the exam.
- The Data Insights section now includes 20 questions based on data sufficiency, graph interpretation, and multi-source reasoning.
- In the Quantitative Reasoning section, geometry questions have been removed, with more focus on algebra and arithmetic.
- In the Verbal Reasoning section, sentence correction questions have been removed, with a focus instead on reading comprehension and critical reasoning.
GMAT 2026 Highlights
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Exam Name | GMAT |
Conducting body | GMAC |
Official Website | https://www.mba.com |
Offered business programs for GMAT candidates | MBA, MiM, MiEM, and Business Analytics programs |
Accepted in | India & Abroad |
Types of Questions | MCQs |
Mode of Conduction | Computer-based test Candidates can select either online from home or at a designated test centre. |
GMAT Exam Fee | USD 300 (online) and USD 275 (at a test centre) + taxes |
Sections of Testing | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights |
Scoring range | 205 - 805 |
Overall Duration of Exam | 150 minutes |
Sectional Duration | 45 minutes per section |
Break time between the exam (Optional) | 10 minutes |
GMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The GMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 do not have any strict academic or professional requirements. The exam is open to anyone who is at least 18 years old. To appear, no strict educational requirements are prescribed by GMAC. The detailed GMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 are given below:
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Age Limit | Minimum age is 18 years. Candidates aged 13–17 need written permission from a parent or legal guardian. |
Educational Qualification | No specific qualification required. However, most candidates are graduates aiming for MBA or related programs. |
Work Experience | Not mandatory. Candidates may be asked about work experience during registration, but it's optional. |
Retake Policy | Can take the exam once every 16 days, up to 5 times in a year, with a lifetime limit of 8 attempts. |
GMAT 2026 Application Process
GMAT 2026 helps students get admission to over 7,700 business programs worldwide. You can book your exam slot up to 6 months in advance. But before that, you need to register on the official GMAT website. Follow these simple steps:
- To register for GMAT 2026, candidates must first create an account on the official website at www.mba.com.
- After signing up, candidates need to fill in their personal details, including name, address, academic qualifications, work experience, and preferred test format.
- In the next step, candidates must choose their exam date, preferred time slot, and test centre location based on availability.
- The exam fee is INR 25,190 (approximately USD 300) for the online GMAT and INR 23,091 (approximately USD 275) for the test-centre-based format, which can be paid using a credit or debit card.
- After successful payment, candidates will receive a confirmation email with their test date, time, and exam centre details.
GMAT 2026 Exam Fees
GMAT 2026 registration fees vary depending on whether candidates intend to choose the offline or online format. The fee details are given below.
Types of Exam Formats | Registration Fees |
---|---|
GMAT General Test Sections | USD 300 (INR 25,190) |
GMAT Test Centre Fees | USD 275 (INR 23,091) |
In the case of rescheduling and cancelling the GMAT exam, there are additional charges. GMAC has updated some of these fees for 2026, and these are presented as follows:
Cancellation charges | ||
---|---|---|
Timeline | For Test Centre (Refund) | For Online Testing (Refund) |
More than 60 days before the exam | INR 9350 (USD 110) | INR 10200 (USD 120) |
15-60 days before the exam | INR 6800 (USD 80) | INR 7650 (USD 90) |
14 days or less before the exam | INR 4675 (USD 55) | INR 5100 (USD 60) |
Rescheduling | ||
Timeline | For Test Centre Fees | For Online Testing Fees |
More than 60 days before the exam | INR 4675 (USD 55) | INR 5100 (USD 60) |
15-60 days before the exam | INR 9350 (USD 110) | INR 10200 (USD 120) |
14 days or less before the exam | INR 14025 (USD 165) | INR 15300 (USD 180) |
GMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The GMAT 2026 (Focus Edition) is a computer-based test designed to assess skills needed for business and management programs. It includes three sections with a total duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes. The exam allows flexible section order, optional break time, and quick score reporting within 1–3 days.
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Exam duration | 2 hours 15 minutes |
Sections |
|
Type of question | MCQs |
Number of total questions | 64 |
Section-wise number of questions and allotted time for each section |
|
Scoring range | 205-805 |
Review & Edit tool | Yes |
Select section order | Candidates can answer in any order |
Break time | 10 minutes (optional) |
Official score release | Within 1-3 days of completing the exam |
GMAT 2026 Preparation Tips
Preparing for the GMAT 2026 requires a well-planned approach, familiarity with the exam structure, and regular practice. Below are some helpful tips to build an effective study plan:
- Understand the Exam Structure: Create a structured study plan with a clear timeline for each topic to get familiar with the exam pattern.
- Use GMATPrep Software: This tool helps assess exam readiness by providing short, timed tests to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Practice Official Questions Daily: Solving official GMAT practice questions regularly can help improve critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills.
- Attempt Official Practice Exams: Solving full-length official mock exams helps build confidence, improve time management, and understand question patterns.
- Refer to Trusted GMAT Books: Recommended books for preparation include GMAT Algebra Strategy Guide, GMAT Math Prep Course, Barron's GMAT Math Workbook by Markal & Ender, and Kaplan GMAT 800 (Ninth Edition).
GMAT 2026 Syllabus
The GMAT 2026 syllabus is designed to test problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis skills through three main sections. The Quantitative Reasoning section focuses on algebra and arithmetic. Verbal Reasoning checks the understanding of reading passages and logical arguments. The Data Insights section includes various question types based on interpreting data from multiple sources, tables, and graphs.
GMAT Sections | Syllabus |
---|---|
Quantitative Reasoning |
|
Verbal Reasoning | Reading Comprehension: Main idea + Supporting idea + Inference + Application + Logical structure + Style Critical Reasoning: Strengthen + Weaken + Flawed + Supports + Damages |
Data Insights |
Data Sufficiency
|
GMAT 2026 Admit Card
Candidates can download the GMAT 2026 admit card 24–48 hours after scheduling their exam. It will be available up to 7 days before the exam date. GMAC sends an email alert when the admit card is ready. The admit card includes details like your name, exam date, time, and test centre.
Steps to Download GMAT Admit Card 2026
- Visit the official GMAT website and log in to your account.
- Click on the "Upcoming GMAT exam" link.
- View and download the admit card in PDF format.
- Print at least two copies to carry to the exam centre.
GMAT 2026 Results
The GMAT 2026 result is also called the GMAT Score Report. It is usually available on the official website within 3 to 5 business days after the exam. The score is given on a 205–805 scale and includes details like percentile ranking, section-wise performance, and time management insights. GMAT scores are valid for 5 years. Within 48 hours of result release, candidates can send their scores to up to 5 programs for free.
Steps to Download GMAT 2026 Score Report
- Log in to your GMAT account using your registered email ID and password.
- Go to the “My Account” or “My Exams” section.
- Click on the exam date you wish to view results for.
- Select “View Official Score Report”.
- Download or print the score report for future use.
GMAT Focus Scoring System
The GMAT Focus Scoring System 2026 has been updated to emphasize candidate skills more effectively. Each section is scored individually, and the total score reflects overall performance. Key points of the new scoring system are:
- Quantitative Reasoning is scored between 60 and 90, with 1-point increments.
- Verbal Reasoning is scored between 60 and 90, with 1-point increments.
- Data Insights is scored between 60 and 90, with 1-point increments.
- The total score ranges from 205 to 805, in 10-point increments.
- No negative marking is applied for incorrect answers.
GMAT 2026 Scholarship
GMAT 2026 scholarships offer financial assistance to students pursuing an MBA or other business-related programs. These scholarships can help pay for tuition and reduce the need for student loans.
Here are some well-known scholarship options:
- Forté Foundation MBA Fellowships: This scholarship supports women who are joining full-time, part-time, or executive MBA programs.
- Prospanica Foundation Scholarship: This award is available to Hispanic students with strong academic records who aspire to pursue a graduate degree in business.
- Emerging Economy Fellowships: Offered by Wharton Business School, this scholarship helps students from developing countries.
- Dr. Tahir Fellowship: This is for MBA applicants who completed their undergraduate studies in Asia.
GMAT 2026 Test Centres
GMAT 2026 can be taken at various authorised test centres across India. Candidates can choose a nearby city or state to appear for the exam. The list below shows test centres available in different locations.
State/Union Territory | City | GMAT Test Centre 2026 |
---|---|---|
GMAT Test Centres in New Delhi | Delhi | Pearson Professional Centres |
GMAT Test Centres in Maharashtra | Nagpur | Ubisoft Technologies |
Mumbai | Pearson Professional Centres | |
Mumbai | Maharashtra College of Arts, Science and Commerce | |
Pune | GATS | |
Pune | Pearson Professional Centres-Pune MAH | |
GMAT Test Centres in Haryana | Gurgaon | Ansal University |
GMAT Test Centres in Uttar Pradesh | Noida | Pearson Professional Centres |
Lucknow | School of Management Sciences | |
GMAT Test Centres in Chandigarh | Chandigarh | Pearson Professional Centres-Chandigarh PUN |
GMAT Test Centres in Punjab | Patiala | Thapar University |
Ludhiana | TUV SUD South Asia Private Limited Lab-1 | |
Jalandhar | Pearson Professional Centres-Jalandhar 2 PUN | |
Jalandhar | Pearson Professional Centres-Jalandhar PUN | |
Amritsar | Pearson Professional Centres-Amritsar 2 PUN | |
Amritsar | Pearson Professional Centres-Amritsar PUN | |
GMAT Test Centres in Rajasthan | Jaipur | Sakar Edutech Private Limited |
Pilani (Jhunjhunu district) | BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus | |
GMAT Test Centres in Gujarat | Ahmedabad | Pearson Professional Centres-Ahmedabad GUJ |
Surat | Pearson Professional Centres-Surat GUJ | |
Vadodara | Parul University | |
Surat | AURO University | |
GMAT Test Centres in Andhra Pradesh | Vijayawada | KL University |
Visakhapatnam | Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering | |
GMAT Test Centres in Telangana | Hyderabad | Pearson Professional Centres-Hyderabad 2, TS |
Hyderabad | Pearson Professional Centres-Hyderabad | |
GMAT Test Centres in Tamil Nadu | Vellore | Vellore Institute of Technology |
Chennai | Pearson Professional Centres, Chennai | |
Tiruchirappalli | National Institute of Technology (NIT) | |
GMAT Test Centres in Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal | Lakshmi Narain College of Technology Excellence |
Indore | LNCT (Bhopal) Indore Campus | |
GMAT Test Centres in Jharkhand | Ranchi | Infinity Academy |
GMAT Test Centres in Chhattisgarh | Raipur | ITM University |
GMAT Test Centres in West Bengal | Kolkata | Agile Technologies And Solutions |
Kolkata | Brainware University | |
GMAT Test Centres in Karnataka | Manipal | Dr T M A Pai Polytechnic, Manipal Campus |
Mysore | MYRA School of Business | |
Bangalore | Pearson Professional Centres-Bangalore | |
Bangalore | Pearson Professional Centres-Bangalore 2 KAR | |
Bangalore | M.S. Engineering College | |
GMAT Test Centres in Kerala | Cochin | Rajagiri College Of Social Sciences |
GMAT Test Centres in Odisha | Bhubaneshwar | KIIT University |
GMAT Test Centres in Assam | Guwahati | Assam Don Bosco University |
GMAT 2026 FAQs
Ques. What is the GMAT 2026 exam and who conducts it?
Ans. GMAT 2026, also known as the GMAT Focus Edition, is a computer-based entrance exam conducted by GMAC for admission to various business programs like MBA, MiM, and Business Analytics across the world.
Ques. What are the major changes introduced in GMAT 2026 exam pattern?
Ans. The GMAT 2026 exam now has a reduced duration of 2 hours 15 minutes, 64 questions, and three sections. The Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning sections have been removed.
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for GMAT 2026 exam?
Ans. There is no specific academic or work experience requirement for GMAT 2026. However, the candidate must be at least 18 years old. Those aged 13–17 need written permission from a parent or guardian.
Ques. What is the application process for the GMAT 2026 exam?
Ans. To apply for GMAT 2026, candidates must register on the official website (www.mba.com), fill in personal and academic details, select exam preferences, pay the fee, and confirm the test slot.
Ques. What is the exam fee for GMAT 2026?
Ans. The GMAT 2026 online exam fee is USD 300 (approximately INR 25,190) and the test-centre-based exam fee is USD 275 (approximately INR 23,091), excluding applicable taxes.
Ques. What is the exam structure and duration of GMAT 2026?
Ans. GMAT 2026 consists of three sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The exam duration is 2 hours 15 minutes, with 64 MCQs in total and an optional 10-minute break.
Ques. When will the GMAT 2026 results be declared?
Ans. The GMAT 2026 official score report is released within 3 to 5 business days after the exam. Scores are valid for five years and can be sent to five programs for free within 48 hours of release.
Ques. What is the scoring system in GMAT 2026 exam?
Ans. In GMAT 2026, each section is scored between 60 and 90. The total score ranges from 205 to 805, in 10-point increments. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.
Ques. What preparation resources are recommended for GMAT 2026 exam?
Ans. Candidates can use GMATPrep software, official GMAT practice questions, full-length mock tests, and trusted books such as Kaplan GMAT 800 and Barron's GMAT Math Workbook for effective preparation.
Ques. Are there any scholarships available for GMAT 2026 candidates?
Ans. Yes, GMAT 2026 aspirants can apply for scholarships like Forté Foundation MBA Fellowships, Prospanica Foundation Scholarship, Wharton’s Emerging Economy Fellowships, and Dr. Tahir Fellowship.