October 2021 Update to GMAT Online Exam
Test takers now have more flexibility with their exam attempts as per the October 2021 update. Compared to the previous edition, the #OnlineGMATExam will let you:
- Take all your attempts online as compared to just 2
- Send five free score reports within 48 hours with the flexibility to send additional reports for $35 each
- The fees associated with the GMAT online, including the fees for taking, rescheduling, and canceling your GMAT, will match the fees of the In-Center GMAT Exam.
Watch this video where Rajat Sadana, founder of e-GMAT, walks you through these new updates and what it means for the test-taker:
Previous Updates to GMAT Online Exam
GMAC had announced four key enhancements to the GMAT Online Exam starting May 20, 2021. With these enhancements, the GMAT Online exam will provide you with even more choices and flexibility. Here are the four enhancements that will be available:
- View your official score immediately
- Select your section order
- Take two 8-minute optional breaks
- Write your AWA assessment
Want to maximize your performance on the Enhanced GMAT Online exam? Watch this video where we highlight 3 types of disruptions you can avoid to maximize your performance:
Watch this video to know more about the Enhanced GMAT Online exam. Kickstart your GMAT online prep with these free concept files and 400+ free questions:
Due to th COVID-19 outbreak, many GMAT test centers are closed around the world, making it challenging for students to give the exam. To overcome this problem, the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) has launched an online alternative to the GMAT Exam – The GMAT Online Exam, which will let students take an online GMAT exam at home.
Earlier you were only allowed an online whiteboard for calculations, but eventually, GMAC put out a statement that the test-takers will be allowed to use the physical whiteboard for calculations. More details on the physical whiteboard here.
- October 2021 Update to GMAT Online Exam
- Previous Updates to GMAT Online Exam
- When and How Can You take the GMAT Online Exam?
- Who is Eligible for At-Home GMAT Exam?
- What is the registration fee for the GMAT Online?
- What is the structure of the GMAT Online Exam?
- What is the order of sections in the interim GMAT exam?
- How will GMAC administer the GMAT Online?
- Are there any system requirements for taking the GMAT Online exam?
- Can I retake the ‘GMAT Online?’
- Is the At-Home GMAT Exam Temporary?
- GMAT Online – FAQs
When and How Can You take the GMAT Online Exam?
This Exam is now available on a rolling basis and can be taken 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can schedule an appointment 24 hours before your preferred slot.
Moreover, Moreover, GMAC will continue to add appointments throughout 2021 on a rolling basis. So, start preparing for GMAT online with free concept files and 400+ free questions.
Who is Eligible for At-Home GMAT Exam?
The online GMAT test will be available in impacted geographies, outside of Mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Slovenia. Thus, anyone who is not able to take the test due to COVID-19 is eligible for taking the GMAT Exam at home.
For test-takers in Mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Slovenia, GMAC is working closely with the government authorities to present an alternative solution.
What is the registration fee for the GMAT Online?
The registration fee for GMAT Online is $250. You can reschedule or cancel your GMAT online appointment 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. There is a reschedule fee and cancellation fee.
You can reschedule your appointment anytime before their scheduled exam time for a fee of $25. The cancellation fee for the GMAT Online exam is $100.
No appointment changes can be made within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time.
This is in line with the statement from Geoffrey Basye, a GMAC spokesperson, who said, “The organization is actively working on launching an interim online alternative to the GMAT exam, which will be used during the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the current situation, this interim alternative will have a lower price point than our current exam.”
What is the structure of the GMAT Online Exam?
There are no changes in format as compared to the in-person GMAT exam. The number of questions and the duration of the section will be as follows:
- Quantitative – 31 questions and 62 minutes
- Verbal – 36 questions and 65 minutes
- Integrated Reasoning – 12 questions and 30 minutes
One significant change to the Interim online GMAT Exam is that there will have no AWA section. However, starting May 20, 2021, you will be able to take the AWA section for the GMAT Online Exam.
What is the order of sections in the interim GMAT exam?
Starting May 20, 2021, you will be able to choose your section order and can take 2 optional breaks, 8 mins each.
Did you know a GMAT score of 730+ yields incremental $500K in ROI?
Start your GMAT Preparation by Signing up for our FREE Trial and get access to FREE online GMAT preparation resources. We are the most reviewed GMAT preparation company on GMATClub with more than 2000 reviews.
How will GMAC administer the GMAT Online?
One of the major concerns while taking online GMAT exams at-home is ensuring the integrity of the online GMAT testing. GMAC points out that to accommodate online delivery, security protocols, and check-in will be modified. In addition, to manage test integrity, remote proctors will be used.
According to Bayse, “GMAC focus is on maintaining a rigorous and valid assessment, with the relevant security protocols and practice in place, to evaluate a candidates’ ability to succeed in a graduate school business program.”
Thus, are specific measures and requirements to take the at-home GMAT exam. The exam will be taken via the onVUE online proctoring mode. To know more about onVUE online proctoring, take a look at this video:
Are there any system requirements for taking the GMAT Online exam?
As per GMAC, below are the system requirements for taking GMAT Online:
| Technical requirement | Technical Specification |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit) Mac OS 10.13 and above (excluding beta versions) |
| Firewall | Do not take your exam in a setting with a corporate firewall (including VPN), or, alert your Network Administrator to the network configuration requirements. |
| Display | Minimum Resolution: 1024 x 768 in 16-bit color. Additional monitors are forbidden. |
| Internet Browser | The newest versions of Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome, and Firefox for web registrations or downloading the secure browser or Internet Explorer 11. |
| Internet Connection | A consistent connection speed of 1 Mbps down/up is required. We recommend testing on a wired network as opposed to a wireless network. Tethering to a mobile hotspot is explicitly prohibited. |
| Webcam | Webcam must have a minimum resolution of 640×480 @ 10 fps. Webcam may be internal or may be external and connected to the computer. Mac users may need to allow OnVUE within their ‘System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy’ settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation and Input Monitoring. |
| Sound & Microphone | Verify the audio and microphone are not set on mute in Windows. Mac users may need to allow OnVUE within their ‘System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy’ settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation and Input Monitoring. |
| Browser Settings | Internet Cookies must be enabled. Any Pop-Up blocking setting(s) must be disabled. |
| Work Computer | We recommend testing on a personal computer as work computers may block the OnVUE software. |
| Power | Ensure you are connected to a power source before starting your exam to avoid draining your battery during the exam |
Can I retake the ‘GMAT Online?’
Yes, you can retake the GMAT Online. Starting October 2021, you will also be able to take the GMAT online for all your GMAT attempts, rather than for just the two attempts allowed under the previous policy. In total( GMAT online + in-center), you are allowed five GMAT attempts in a rolling 12-month period and 8 in a lifetime.
Is the At-Home GMAT Exam Temporary?
As of now, the GMAT Online is temporary. However, GMAC will continue to add appointments throughout 2021 on a rolling basis. So, we can expect the GMAT online to be offered throughout most of 2021.
Keep an eye on this blog and get the latest updates on the Online GMAT Exam at Home. In the meantime, get FREE GMAT Preparation resources by signing up for our FREE Trial. We are the most reviewed GMAT preparation company on GMATClub with more than 2000 reviews.
Write to us at acethegmat@e-gmat.com for any queries.
GMAT Online – FAQs
Do not worry. GMAC has introduced the ‘GMAT Online.’ Now you can take the official GMAT exam from the comfort of your home.
You can start preparing for the GMAT at home by self or by using an online study resource. You can take a look at this article for a few tips on how to prepare for GMAT at home.
This exam will not have the AWA section. The rest three sections i.e., Quant, Verbal, and IR will continue to remain the same. However, Starting May 20, 2021, you will be able to choose your section order. Here is the format of the GMAT.
I have taken the center based GMAT this week. When can I retake it from home? Is the 16 day window before 2 exam valid or I can retake before that. Kindly help me on priority basis as I have scored 690 and aiming for 720+ next time. Thanks for your support!
You don’t have to wait 16 calendar days if you want to take the at-home GMAT after taking the in-center GMAT. All the best for your next attempt. We wish you achieve your target score. Let us know if we could be of any help.
Can we choose not to accept/cancel the online score?
Hi
I gave my GMAT exam online but the connection was lost during the exam. I wrote a mail and got a response that my fees can be used in the next exam, however now I have got a mail one month later that I am banned from taking GMAT exam. How do I appeal against this ban ? Please suggest.
Hey Showbhit
That’s unfortunate. You should quickly get in touch with their customer service through mail or phone and get more information.
Email: GMATCandidateServicesAPAC@pearson.com
In India: +91 120-439-7830, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Indian Standard Time (Mon – Fri)
I have a very messy room, my laptop battery is so drained that it will not work without a charger and I don’t even have a comfortable table and chair to place my laptop. I can find cheaper alternatives for tables and chair and borrow my friends laptop. But my room is so messy and I live in that tiny small room. Can i still take the exam?
Hey Sai
The first thing you should do is assess if you’d feel comfortable while taking the GMAT Onine at your place. If you feel taking the GMAT at a test center would be more comfortable then go for the test center. You can take a look at this article on GMAT Online vs in-center GMAT – https://e-gmat.com/blogs/gmat-online-vs-in-center-gmat/
This article will help you decide which test you should take.
Also, you can take a look at this article on ‘how to set up your room for the GMAT Online’. https://e-gmat.com/blogs/tips-and-checklist-setting-up-your-room-for-gmat-online-exam/
This article has tips and a checklist that’ll help you set up you room in accordance with GMAC’s guidelines.
Every time I try to sign up for the Online GMAT an error pops up? Is not everyone eligible for the Online GMAT?
If you’re 18 years or above, have not already taken the GMAT Online (you’re allowed to take the GMAT Online only once) or you’re taking the test from Mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan you should be eligible to take the GMAT Online.
If the error persists you should get in touch with the GMAT help team – https://www.mba.com/service/contact-us
Am I at a disadvantage if I give online GMAT now and apply after 3 years? Will it be accepted since it won’t have the AWA section?
Hey Prithvi
GMAC took the decision to exclude the AWA section on the GMAT Online exam after talking to business schools admissions officers. So, even if you apply after 3 years with a GMAT Online score, it will be accepted and you’ll not be at a disadvantage. You can also take a look at this article explaining the difference between GMAT online and in-center GMAT and Sehar Khanna’s (a GMAC Official) views. https://e-gmat.com/blogs/gmat-online-vs-in-center-gmat/
If this ends up being my first and last time taking the exam and I choose the online version, will I be at a disadvantage for not having an AWA score to send to b schools?
Hey Larry
If you take the GMAT Online you’ll not be at any disadvantage for not having any AWA score.
You can also take a look at this article explaining the difference between GMAT online and in-center GMAT and Sehar Khanna’s (a GMAC Official) views. https://e-gmat.com/blogs/gmat-online-vs-in-center-gmat/
The GMAT online exam doesn’t permit a retake. However, after taking the online exam, can a re-attempt be taken in-centre later?
Hey Surbhi
After taking the GMAT Online, you can definitely reattempt the GMAT in-center.
Is the GMAT Online score considered valid for admission to all Universities and for all programs which consider the GMAT exam ?
Hey Mustafa
Yes, the GMAT Online is valid 5 years for admissions to all the programs considering the GMAT exam.
I don’t have a personal laptop. Can I take the GMAT on my work laptop ? Is there any ways I can do pre checks that One Vue software is boy blocked ??
Do you think GMAC will change it’s policy of allowing only one online GMAT Test? I ask because the increase closing of business due to COVID may inhibit the opening of test centers until 2021?
What if in Online GMAT the power goes out and hence the internet connection or wifi?
Hey, does taking GMAT Online still enable one to send one’s score to multiple schools free of charge?
Hey Aravind
Yes. You can send your GMAT Online scores to as many business schools as you want, free of charge. Earlier, GMAC used to charge $35 for every additional score report over the quota of 5 score reports. Here is a detailed article on the differences between GMAT Online and in-center GMAT – https://bit.ly/2NAO4E6
Can we use a scratch paper during the online GMAT exam?
Hey Akshat
As of now, scratch paper and pens are not allowed during GMAT Online exam. Also, no touch-screen machines allowed.You can only use the online whiteboard for calculations and rough work.
I would recommend attending the webinar by GMAC on ‘GMAT Online’ tonight. Here is the registration link – https://start.mba.com/gmat-alt
You can also ask queries to GMAC by filling out this form – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V22VDLG
Hello, Thank you for this article. I would like to know- Is there a restriction on using notepad for calculations and rough work?
Hey Sowmya
There is a restriction on using scratch pad or pens or touch screen devices. You can only use the online whiteboard for calculations and rough work.
I would also recommend attending the webinar by GMAC on ‘GMAT Online’ tonight. Here is the registration link – https://start.mba.com/gmat-alt
You can also ask queries to GMAC by filling out this form – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V22VDLG
is possible admission without gmat