GMAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: Age Limit, Qualification, PDF Download

The Graduate Management Admission Test, commonly known as the GMAT, is a standardized test that is used to assess the abilities of applicants seeking admission to graduate business programs. The GMAT is accepted by more than 7,000 graduate management programs worldwide, making it a crucial step for anyone aspiring to pursue a career in the field of business. However, not everyone is eligible to take the GMAT. There are certain criteria that candidates must meet to be considered eligible for the test. In this article, we will discuss the GMAT eligibility criteria in detail to help you determine if you meet the requirements to take the test.

GMAT Exam: Key Highlights

GMAT Eligibility Criteria

As per GMAC, the governing body for the GMAT, there is no specific GMAT exam eligibility criteria. However, before applying to any college or university it is suggested to check what all your college or university demands.

1. Academic Criteria

The official eligibility requirements in terms of academic qualifications have not been established by the governing body. This means that there are no specific minimum or maximum degree or academic qualifications that candidates must possess to be eligible for the test. Despite this, a majority of individuals who take the test are typically undergraduate students or working professionals who have an interest in pursuing management courses. However, even if a candidate does not meet these criteria, they are still permitted to take the test.

2. Age Limit for GMAT

The GMAC has established a minimum age requirement of 13 years for individuals who wish to take the GMAT exam, with no upper age limit in place. The majority of applicants who appear for the GMAT are typically over the age of 30. Candidates who are 18 years old or older can directly register and apply for the GMAT exam. However, for individuals between the ages of 13 and 18, a permission letter signed by their parents or legal guardians is required at the time of registration in order to take the test.

3. Previous Grades

When it comes to the GMAT exam, there are no eligibility criteria based on previous academic scores or grades, nor is there any minimum cut-off mark required to take the test. It's important to note, however, that this does not necessarily mean that B-schools or graduate programs won't take academic performance into consideration during the admissions process. While the GMAT exam itself does not have a minimum cut-off mark, individual institutions may have their own specific requirements for admission.

3. Number of Attempts

According to GMAC, the number of attempts a candidate can take for the GMAT exam depends on specific conditions. After the first attempt, a student can retake the exam 16 days later, including weekends and holidays. Within a 12-month period, a candidate cannot take the GMAT exam more than 5 times, and the maximum number of attempts permitted is 8 for any applicant. However, if a candidate scores 800 or above, they must wait for a minimum of 5 years before attempting the exam again.

4. Language Requirements for GMAT

There is no official eligibility regarding the language criteria for GMAT test-takers. Applicants who did not have English as their first language or medium of instruction are eligible to take the exam. The GMAT exam does not have any minimum or maximum work experience requirements for test-takers. An applicant can be a fresher or an industry expert. Renowned and prestigious B-schools and universities across the globe accept GMAT scores for MBA admission. It is one of the biggest and most notable management entrance tests that give applicants access to more than 7,000 programs and 2,300 overseas educational institutions.

5. Work Experience

While work experience can undoubtedly enhance a candidate's logical reasoning and practical learning abilities, it is not an eligibility requirement for taking the GMAT exam. However, having relevant work experience can certainly be viewed as a positive factor when applying to many business schools. Candidates with prior job experience in the same field of business may have a stronger application during the enrollment process, as they may possess knowledge and skills that could benefit them in the program. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that having work experience is not a necessity for taking the GMAT exam, and candidates without prior work experience can still apply to and be accepted by many graduate business programs.

Reservation Criteria for GMAT Exam

GMAC recognizes the difficulties that physically challenged applicants, or those with disabilities, experience. Special reservation criteria have been established to provide accommodations for test participants with disabilities. To be eligible for this benefit, they must document the following with their applications to claim this provision:

• The current effect of the disability and how it hampers the test taker's ability to take the GMAT under normal conditions is required to claim this provision. 
• In contrast to the majority of people, having a disability restricts a significant life activity.

The following categories of applicants will be eligible for the reservation criteria:

• Psychological Disabilities
• Attention Deficit  Hyperactive Disorder
• Learning and Cognitive Disorder
• Physical and Systematic Disabilities
• Sensory Disabilities

To learn more about the GMAT exam, go through the GMAT handbook by EduRev.

GMAT Eligibility Criteria: Importance

• Almost all candidates who want to enroll in specific MBA programs worry about their GMAT eligibility. Test takers take the GMAT exam once their eligibility has been verified and score based on their preparation strategies.
• The GMAT test assessment is not a cakewalk because it is "computer adaptive." Candidates must study hard and consider the analytics of the GMAT as an aptitude assessment examination and work hard to prepare for the test. 
• Test takers have to attempt the exam, which has 80 questions, in 3 hours and 7 minutes. The GMAT exam fee in India is US$275, which is approximately ₹21,356. However, the cost may vary due to changes in foreign currency rates (Rupee-Dollar Value).

Step by Step Guide on Choosing the Appointment for the GMAT Exam

Step 1: Create an Account at www.mba.com

• You may create an account by going to https://accounts.gmac.com/Account/Register. Be sure that your name, date of birth, location of citizenship, and gender EXACTLY match with the information on the identification you will present at the test center.
• Remember that in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan the only acceptable document for identification is a valid Passport.

Step 2: Schedule your exam and Find a Test Centre

• Once you have created the account, register for the GMAT exam. Schedule your exam and look for test centre(s) near your place. You can select up to three test centers to compare availability and then choose your appointment preference. 
• There are two available preferences – Appointments on or around a particular date and the next available appointment. After selecting date and time, complete the order.

Note that you can book a test date only six months before the test date. It is advisable to book early if you want to take the test during the peak season.

Step 3: Confirm Exam Details

Confirm personal information like name, date of birth, and citizenship. It must exactly match your identification (not expired).

Step 4: Pay for your Exam

Agree to policies and make payment in order to complete the registration. In India, credit card is the only mode of payment. That’s it! You are done!
You’ll get an email confirming your GMAT registration, and you can also see the confirmation in your MBA account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about GMAT Eligibility 

Who is eligible to take the GMAT test?

Anyone who is interested in pursuing a graduate management education can take the GMAT exam. There are no specific eligibility requirements for the test, but applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Is there an age limit to take the GMAT exam?

There is no maximum age limit to take the GMAT. However, test-takers must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to take the exam.

What are the educational qualifications required to take the GMAT?

There are no specific educational qualifications required to take the GMAT. However, most business schools require applicants to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.

Are there any citizenship or residency requirements to take the GMAT?

There are no citizenship or residency requirements to take the GMAT. Anyone who meets the minimum age requirement can take the test.

Is work experience required to take the GMAT?

No, work experience is not required to take the GMAT. However, some business schools may prefer applicants with work experience.

How often can I take the GMAT?

You can take the GMAT exam once every 16 calendar days, but no more than five times in a rolling 12-month period. This means that you can take the test up to five times within a year from the date of your first exam, and you must wait at least 16 days between each attempt.

What is the validity period of a GMAT score?

A GMAT score is valid for five years from the test date.

Can I retake the GMAT to improve my score?

Yes, you can retake the GMAT to improve your score. However, you must wait at least 16 days before taking the test again.

What is the cost of taking the GMAT?

The cost of taking the GMAT varies by location, but the standard fee is $250. Some test centers may also charge additional fees for services such as rescheduling or score reporting.