GMAT 2025 Important Dates – Registration, Exam, Result & Score Release Timeline

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is one of the most widely recognized exams for admission into MBA and business management programs across the globe. Conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), the exam is accepted by more than 2,400 universities and 7,700 programs worldwide.

Unlike competitive exams that are conducted once or twice a year, the GMAT is available year-round. Candidates have the flexibility to choose their exam date, reschedule it, or even retake the test based on their preparation. However, despite this flexibility, it’s important to keep track of the important GMAT dates such as registration, exam scheduling, rescheduling, result declaration, and business school deadlines.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive timeline of GMAT important dates for 2025–26, along with detailed guidance on registration, slot booking, result availability, and application deadlines to help you plan effectively.

GMAT 2025 Exam Highlights

Here’s a quick overview of the GMAT 2025:

GMAT Registration 2025

One of the most unique features of the GMAT exam is its continuous registration system. Unlike competitive exams such as CAT, XAT, or GRE, which are conducted only once or a few times a year within fixed exam windows, the GMAT provides unmatched flexibility by allowing candidates to register and schedule their test year-round. This feature is especially beneficial for working professionals and international applicants who want to plan their test attempts around professional or academic commitments.

Key Highlights of GMAT Registration:

• Year-Round Availability: Candidates can register for GMAT on any date of the year, subject to slot availability. This allows test-takers to align the exam with their MBA application deadlines instead of waiting for fixed annual dates.
  
• Advance Booking Option: You can book a GMAT exam date up to 6 months in advance. For example, if you are planning to take the test in September, you can register as early as March to secure your preferred slot.
  
• Last-Minute Registration: For those who finalize their preparation late, GMAT also allows registration as close as 24 hours before the exam date. However, this is subject to seat availability, so it’s risky to wait till the last minute.
  
• Flexible Exam Formats: Test-takers can choose between two formats:
  
  • GMAT Focus Edition (latest version) at test centers.
    
  • GMAT Online Exam that can be taken from the comfort of your home with remote proctoring.
• Official Website: All registrations are processed exclusively through the official portal, mba.com, ensuring a smooth and secure registration experience.
• Global Test Centers: GMAT is conducted at over 600 test centers across 170+ countries, in addition to the online format, making it highly accessible to international candidates.
• Fee Structure: Registration costs differ slightly for formats—USD 275 for the test center edition and USD 300 for the online edition.

Step-by-Step GMAT Registration Process

• Visit mba.com.
• Create an account with your personal details.
• Select your preferred test format (online or test center).
• Choose an exam date and time slot.
• Pay the registration fee (USD 275 for test center, USD 300 for online).
• Confirmation email with exam details is sent instantly.
  

Note* Book your GMAT slot at least 2–3 months before your B-school deadlines to leave room for retakes if needed.

GMAT Exam Dates & Slot Booking 2025

Unlike standardized tests that have a fixed calendar, GMAT provides year-round flexibility. Candidates can appear for the test on any date they choose, depending on seat availability at their chosen center or online.

How GMAT Slot Booking Works:

• Once you register, you’ll see available exam slots for your location.
• Slots can fill up quickly during peak seasons (Aug–Oct, Dec–Jan), so early booking is advised.
• Time slots are typically available in morning, afternoon, and evening sessions.
  

Important Considerations:

• Candidates can take the exam up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period.
• There must be a 16-day gap between two attempts.
• Lifetime limit: 8 GMAT attempts.
  

Pro tip: If you’re targeting Round 1 B-school deadlines (usually September), aim to book your exam by July or August to allow buffer time.

GMAT Rescheduling & Retake Dates

Rescheduling Policy:

• Can be done up to 24 hours before your exam.
• Rescheduling fees vary depending on how early you make the change:

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellation is also possible up to 24 hours before the exam.
• Refund amount depends on cancellation timing (up to USD 100).
  

Retake Rules:

• Earliest retake possible: 16 days after the last attempt.
• Max 5 attempts in a 12-month period.
• Lifetime limit: 8 attempts.
  

Tip: Always plan your first attempt well in advance of application deadlines, so you have room to retake if needed.

GMAT Result & Scorecard Dates

GMAT provides two sets of results:

• Unofficial Score: Displayed immediately on your computer screen after you finish the exam.
• Official Score Report:
  • Delivered via your mba.com account within 7 business days (sometimes up to 20).
  • Automatically sent to the 5 B-schools you selected at registration.
  • Additional schools can be added later for a fee.
    

GMAT Score Validity:

• GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.
• This allows candidates to plan ahead and apply in multiple admission cycles.
  

Note: Always align your GMAT attempt so that the official score is available at least 2–3 weeks before your target B-school’s application deadline.

Q1. When should I register for GMAT 2025?
You can register anytime, but it’s best to register 2–3 months before your preferred exam date to secure your slot.

Q2. Can I take GMAT multiple times in 2025?
Yes, you can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a 12-month period, with at least 16 days between attempts.

Q3. How long does it take to get GMAT results?
Unofficial results are available immediately. Official score reports are delivered within 7 business days (sometimes up to 20).

Q4. When should I take GMAT if I’m applying for 2025 intake?
Ideally, attempt GMAT by July–August 2025 to meet Round 1 deadlines in September–October.

Q5. Are GMAT dates fixed every year?
 No. GMAT is available year-round, and candidates can choose any slot based on availability.