If you are planning to apply for an MBA or Master’s in Business Analytics for the 2026 intake, your journey starts with GMAT registration. The landscape of the exam has shifted significantly. As of 2024, the GMAT Focus Edition is the only valid format, and this continues into 2026. This shorter, smarter exam is now accepted by thousands of business schools globally, including top Ivy League and European universities.

However, booking your slot isn’t just about clicking a button. With updated GMAT registration fees, strict ID requirements for Indian students, and the choice between “Test Center” and “Online” exams, a small mistake can cost you time and money.

There is no official GMAT registration last date—registration is open year-round on a rolling basis. But be warned: slots for the peak application season (August to January) fill up months in advance. This guide covers everything you need to know about the GMAT exam registration process, fees, and requirements for 2026.

What Is GMAT Registration?

GMAT registration is the official process of creating a profile with the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and booking a slot to take the exam.

• It’s Mandatory: You cannot walk into a center and take the test; you must register via mba.com.
• Registration vs. Scheduling: “Registration” is creating your account and profile. “Scheduling” is picking the specific date and time.
• One Account Rule: You should only have one GMAC account. Multiple accounts can lead to a ban.
• Validity: Once registered, your appointment is valid only for that specific slot. If you miss it, you forfeit the fee.

GMAT Exam Registration 2026 – Step-by-Step Process

Registering is a straightforward online process, but accuracy is key. Here is how to do it:

• Create a GMAC Account: Visit the official website (mba.com) and sign up with your email.
• Build Your Profile: Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your Passport.
• Choose Test Format: Select between GMAT Focus Edition – Test Center or GMAT Focus Edition – Online.
• Select Center/Date: If choosing a test center, search by city (e.g., Mumbai, Bangalore) and pick a convenient date.
• Pay the Fee: Complete the payment using an international credit or debit card.
• Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation. Keep this safe.

GMAT Registration Process Overview

GMAT Registration Fee 2026 – Updated Cost Structure

The cost of taking the GMAT depends on the mode of the exam (Center vs. Online) and your location. For Indian students, the GMAT registration fee is slightly higher for the online version.

GMAT Exam Registration Fees (2025–2026)

Note: Indian students may be charged an additional 18% GST depending on the payment gateway and bank regulations.

• Why Online is Pricey: The Online exam fee is $300 (higher than the center-based $275) to cover the cost of live remote proctoring.
• Currency Fluctuations: The INR amount changes daily based on the USD-INR exchange rate. Always check your bank statement for the final amount.

GMAT Exam Registration Fees – Additional Costs to Know

Beyond the base fee, there are other costs you might incur if you change plans or need extra services.

• Rescheduling Fee: The closer you are to the exam date, the more you pay to change it.
• Cancellation Fee: You never get a full refund. The maximum refund is around 40% of the fee if cancelled early.
• Additional Score Reports: Sending your score to 5 programs is free on exam day. sending it later costs extra.

Additional GMAT Costs

GMAT Registration 2026 – Important Dates & Last Date Details

A common myth is that there is a fixed “exam date” for everyone.

• No Official Last Date: The GMAT registration last date does not exist. It is an on-demand test.
• Rolling Availability: Slots are open almost every day of the year, excluding national holidays.
• Peak Season Rush: From August to December, students rushing for R1 and R2 deadlines book up slots fast.
• Ideal Booking Window: Book your slot 2 to 3 months in advance to get your preferred time (especially morning slots).

GMAT Registeration Timeline (Suggested)

GMAT Registration Requirements – Documents & Eligibility Checklist

Before you pay, ensure you have the correct documents. For Indian students, the ID proof requirement is strict.

• Valid Passport: This is mandatory for the Test Center exam. No other ID is accepted.
• Name Match: Your name on the GMAC account must match your Passport letter for letter.
• Payment Method: You need an International Credit/Debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex). Rupay cards often fail.

Registration Requirements Checklist

GMAT Registration for Indian Students – Country-Specific Guidelines

If you are testing in India, keep these specific rules in mind:

• Passport Rule: Do not book a test center slot if your passport is expired or with the embassy for a visa. You will be turned away.
• Aadhaar for Online: If you don’t have a passport, you can take the GMAT Online exam using your Aadhaar card.
• Bank Charges: Your bank may charge a “Foreign Currency Markup Fee” of 2-3% on the transaction.
• Location: Test centers are available in almost all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad.

GMAT Registration 2026 – Latest Changes & Policy Updates

The 2026 GMAT landscape is defined by the Focus Edition.

• Shorter Exam: The exam is now just 2 hours 15 minutes (down from 3+ hours).
• No AWA: The Analytical Writing Assessment (Essay) has been removed. You don’t need to prepare for it.
• New Score Scale: Scores now range from 205 to 805 (ending in a 5) to distinguish them from the old GMAT.
• Faster Results: Official scores are typically delivered in just 3–5 days.
• Section Order: You can now attempt the three sections (Quant, Verbal, Data Insights) in any order you prefer.

GMAT Exam Registration – Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let a silly error ruin your exam day.

• Name Mismatch: Writing “Ben” instead of “Benjamin” if your passport says “Benjamin”. The proctor will not let you test.
• Booking Too Late: Trying to book a slot for a Sunday in November just 1 week prior. You likely won’t find one.
• Wrong Time Zone: For online exams, ensure you select the correct time zone (IST).
• Ignoring Free Score Reports: You can select 5 universities to receive your scores for free when you register. If you skip this, you pay $35 per university later.
• Forgetting GST: Budget for the extra 18% tax on top of the dollar fee.

GMAT Registration Tips for 700+ Scorers

Top scorers plan their registration strategically.

• Register for a “Good Day”: If you are not a morning person, don’t book an 8:00 AM slot. Book a time when your brain is most active.
• Diagnostic First: Take a free mock test before you register. This tells you how much prep time you realistically need (e.g., 2 months vs 4 months).
• Buffer Time: Book your date at least 1 month before your college deadline. This gives you time for a retake if needed.

Center Reviews: Google your test center. Avoid centers with reviews complaining about noise or old computers.