GMAT Exam Dates – Latest GMAT Exam Test Dates & Availability (2025–2026)
If you are planning to take the GMAT for your MBA or Master’s application, the first question on your mind is likely: “When can I take the exam?” The good news is that unlike many other entrance tests, the GMAT is offered year-round. There are no fixed, nationwide GMAT exam dates; instead, you have the flexibility to choose a date and time that suits you best.
With the recent shift to the GMAT Focus Edition, scheduling has become even more flexible. You can check GMAT exam available dates and GMAT exam dates availability in real-time through your official MBA.com account. Whether you are looking for GMAT exam dates 2025 or planning ahead for GMAT exam dates 2026, this guide will help you understand how to pick the perfect slot.
Latest Updates on GMAT Exam Test Dates
Before you book your slot, here are some crucial updates regarding GMAT exam scheduling:
- GMAT Focus Edition: This is now the only version available. The old GMAT format has been retired.
- Year-Round Availability: Tests are conducted almost every day of the week (Monday to Saturday) at physical centers.
- 24/7 Online Testing: The Online GMAT exam allows you to take the test at any time, day or night, from your home.
- Immediate Unofficial Scores: You get your scores (except the essay, which is no longer part of Focus Edition) immediately after the test.
GMAT Exam Dates 2025 – Month-Wise Calendar
While there is no fixed calendar, here is a general indicative pattern of availability. Actual dates depend on your specific test center in India.
Table: GMAT Exam Dates 2025 (Indicative Availability Pattern)
| Month | GMAT Exam Available Dates | Booking Status |
| January 2025 | Available most weekdays (Mon-Sat) | Open |
| February 2025 | Available most weekdays (Mon-Sat) | Open |
| March 2025 | Available most weekdays (Mon-Sat) | Open |
| April – June 2025 | High availability, including some Saturdays | Open |
| July – Sept 2025 | High Demand (Peak Season) | Book 2 months ahead |
| Oct – Dec 2025 | Very High Demand | Book 2-3 months ahead |
Note: Dates are subject to change. Always check the live calendar on MBA.com for real-time slots.
GMAT Exam Dates 2026 – Expected Schedule
For students planning for the 2026-27 intake, GMAT exam dates 2026 will follow a similar pattern to 2025.
- No fixed release date: You can generally book up to 6 months in advance.
- Early Booking is Key: If you want a specific date in January-April 2026 (for late Round 2 or Round 3 applications), start checking slots in late 2025.
- Peak Demand: Expect heavy competition for slots during the post-summer months (August 2026 onwards).
Table: Expected GMAT Exam Test Dates 2026
| Quarter | Expected Availability | Notes |
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | Moderate to High | Good for last-minute Fall applications. |
| Q2 (Apr-Jun) | High | Best time to take the test for Round 1 Fall applications. |
| Q3 (Jul-Sep) | Moderate (Peak Season) | Slots fill up fast due to Round 1 deadlines. |
| Q4 (Oct-Dec) | Low to Moderate | Book well in advance for Round 2 deadlines. |
How to Check GMAT Exam Dates Availability (Step-by-Step)
Finding a slot is easy if you know where to look. Do not rely on third-party sites; always check the official portal.
- Visit MBA.com: Create or log in to your official account.
- Go to ‘Register’: Click on the registration link for the GMAT Focus Edition.
- Find a Test Center: Select your preferred country (India) and city (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai).
- Select Up to 3 Centers: You can compare availability across three different locations simultaneously.
- View Calendar: Click on “Access Availability” to see a calendar with open dates highlighted in green.
- Pick Your Slot: Select a specific date to see available times (morning or afternoon).
How to Book GMAT Exam Date Online
Once you find a suitable slot, follow these steps to book GMAT exam date:
Steps to Book GMAT Exam Date
- Confirm Location: Double-check that you have selected the correct test center city.
- Select Date & Time: Choose a time when you are most alert (morning vs. afternoon).
- Review Details: Ensure your name matches your passport exactly.
- Payment: Pay the exam fee (approx. $275 for center-based in India) using an international credit/debit card.
- Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation immediately. Keep this for your records.
What to Consider Before Booking
- Preparation Level: Do not book a date if you haven’t taken a diagnostic test yet.
- Application Deadlines: Give yourself at least 15 days before your college application deadline.
- Retake Buffer: Leave enough time (minimum 16 days) between attempts in case you need to retake the test.
GMAT Exam Dates for Online GMAT (At-Home Version)
If you cannot find a suitable slot at a test center, or if you prefer testing from home, the Online GMAT is a great option.
Availability
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- You can often book a slot with as little as 24 hours’ notice.
Ideal Candidates
- Working professionals who need to take the test at odd hours (e.g., 10 PM or 6 AM).
- Remote location applicants who live far from major cities like Mumbai or Delhi.
- Last-minute test takers who cannot find center slots before a deadline.
GMAT Exam Test Dates – Factors Affecting Availability
Why are some dates harder to get than others?
- Location: Major metros like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai have more centers but also more applicants.
- Seasonality: August to December is peak MBA application season; slots fill up months in advance.
- Holidays: Test centers are closed on major national holidays in India.
- Weekends: Saturday slots are highly prized and fill up faster than weekday slots.
Best Time to Book GMAT Exam Date
Timing your exam is crucial for your application success.
- Recommended Booking Timeline: Book your slot 2 to 3 months before your actual exam date. This ensures you get your preferred location and time.
- Avoid Price Surges: While GMAT fees are fixed, travel and accommodation costs (if you need to travel to another city) can rise if booked last minute.
- Peak Windows: If you want to test in August-October, try to book your slot by May or June.
GMAT Exam Dates & Scores – When Should You Take the Test?
Align your exam date with the intake you are targeting.
For Fall Intake (September Start)
- Best Time: Take the GMAT between January and April of the same year (or the year before).
- Why: Gives you enough time to write essays for Round 1 (September deadlines).
For Spring Intake (January Start)
- Best Time: Take the GMAT between August and November of the previous year.
- Why: Aligns with Spring application deadlines.
GMAT Exam Dates – Fees for Rescheduling & Cancellation
Life happens, and sometimes you need to change your date. Be aware of the costs involved.
Table: GMAT Rescheduling & Cancellation Fees (For India)
| Timeline Before Test | Reschedule Fee | Cancellation Refund |
| 60+ days before | ~$55 | ~Refund of $110 |
| 15 – 60 days before | ~$110 | ~Refund of $80 |
| 1 – 14 days before | ~$150 | ~Refund of $55 |
| Less than 24 hours | Not allowed | No refund |
Fees are subject to exchange rate fluctuations and GST.
GMAT Exam Test Dates for Top Indian Cities
Here is a quick look at test center availability in major Indian hubs:
- New Delhi / NCR: Multiple centers in Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon. Usually good availability if booked 1 month ahead.
- Mumbai: Highly competitive. Book 2 months ahead for weekend slots in centers like Andheri or Worli.
- Bangalore: Multiple centers. Demand is high among IT professionals; book early for weekend slots.
- Chennai & Hyderabad: Good availability, but weekday slots are easier to find than weekends.
- Pune: Centers available; good for candidates in Maharashtra outside Mumbai.
Conclusion
GMAT exam dates offer incredible flexibility, allowing you to fit the test into your busy schedule. Whether you choose a physical test center or the online format, the key to success is planning ahead. By checking GMAT exam dates availability early and booking 2-3 months in advance, you can ensure a stress-free testing experience and focus on achieving your target score. Keep an eye on MBA.com for the latest updates on GMAT exam dates 2026 and beyond!
Feel free to reach via contact us form.
Have a question?
You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in any rolling 12-month period, with a maximum of 8 times in your lifetime.
You can book your slot up to 6 months in advance.
Yes, many centers offer Saturday slots, but they are very popular and fill up quickly. Most centers are closed on Sundays.
The fastest way is to log into MBA.com and use the “Find a Test Center” tool. It shows real-time availability for all centers near you.
For Fall admissions, the ideal time to take the test is between May and July to prepare for Round 1 applications in September.
Yes, but it is treated as a reschedule, and you will have to pay the rescheduling fee based on when you make the change.
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