A 25 min read

The single biggest unforced error that top MBA candidates make isn’t in their essays—it’s picking the wrong GMAT exam date. Booking too late means battling for limited slots, rushing your prep, and compromising your score.

This blog is more than a static list. It’s the most rigorously updated GMAT Exam Dates & Slot Tracker for 2025. What else? This blog gives you a strategic framework to determine your exact GMAT Exam Date as per your GMAT journey.

Use our interactive tool below to find the optimal GMAT exam dates in your city, avoid the application-season rush, and build a stress-free timeline for your target score.

To create an effective GMAT preparation timeline, start by evaluating your current skills with a diagnostic test. This will highlight your strengths and areas for improvement.

City-Wise GMAT Exam Test Centers and GMAT Exam Dates 2025 

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) offers the GMAT on multiple days throughout the year. Unlike other standardized tests, there are no fixed test dates—the GMAT follows a continuous testing model. 

Test centers in most cities offer morning, afternoon, and evening slots based on availability. You can register for GMAT test according to your convenience, with a mandatory 16-day gap between attempts and a maximum of 5 attempts in a rolling 12-month period. 

Jumpstart your journey to success with our comprehensive guide – GMAT Preparation 2025: How to prepare for the GMAT exam! Packed with crucial insights and expert advice, this article is your key to an effective, winning GMAT prep strategy.

GMAT Exam Dates 2025 

Below are the available GMAT exam dates 2025 for major test centers in India until December 2025 (All the test dates for 2025 are the most updated and directly taken from the GMAT Official website): 

To locate a test center near you, visit the GMAT official website.

Looking for GMAT exam dates and test center information tailored to your region? Check out these detailed guides:

GMAT Exam Dates in the United States: Comprehensive information on test centers, slots, and dates across 19 major cities.

GMAT Exam Dates in the United Kingdom: Explore dates and test centers in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and more.

GMAT Exam Dates in Canada: Find dates, slots, and centers in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and other key cities.

Key Insights from the GMAT Exam Dates 2025

Our analysis of the GMAT exam dates 2025 patterns reveals several important trends that can help you plan effectively: 

• Maximum Flexibility Test Centers: Kolkata, Ranchi, and Mumbai consistently offer the most testing dates (18-30 days per month), with Kolkata leading at 30 days in September, making them ideal for flexible scheduling.

• Critical Planning Required Centers: Pilani offers the fewest testing dates (only 0-2 days per month, averaging 1.25), followed by Vadodara (June only) and Guntur (2-4 days), requiring 60-90 days advance booking.

• Peak Availability Comparison: July 2025 shows the highest overall availability with 610 total slots across all centers, followed by September (588 slots) and August (524 slots), representing a 16% variation between peak and lowest months.

• Scheduling Sweet Spot: Based on historical data, booking 45-60 days in advance provides the optimal balance between securing preferred slots and maintaining flexibility. 
  

How to Choose the Right GMAT Exam Date 2025 

Video Guide: How to Choose the Right GMAT Exam Date 

Once you understand your timeline from the above quiz, the next step is to choose a suitable GMAT exam date using a “backward planning” approach. 

This strategy draws inspiration from Steve Jobs’ famous Stanford graduation speech: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” When applying to GMAT scheduling, this means starting with your application deadline and working backward to determine your optimal test date. 

5-Step Process to Choosing GMAT Exam Date Based on Your Target Deadlines 

While most applicants obsess over study strategies and practice tests, they overlook a critical factor: strategic test scheduling that aligns perfectly with application deadlines and optimal preparation windows. 

Here is a GMAT exam date timeline to understand better based on your target application round. 

Round	Application Deadline	GMAT Test Date	Possible GMAT Retake	Prepare for Retake	Prepare Essays & Resume
Round 1	September – October	April	July	May – June	August
Round 2	December – January	July	October	August – September	November
Round 3	March – April	October	January	November – December	February

1. Identify Your MBA Application Deadline 

Begin by identifying the precise application deadlines for your target schools. For example, if you’re aiming for Wharton’s Round 1, their deadline is typically early September (September 6th in recent years). This date becomes your immovable anchor point for all subsequent planning. 

2. Allocate Time for Application Preparation 

Dedicate at least one month before the application deadline to craft compelling essays, polish your resume, and secure strong letters of recommendation. The quality of these materials significantly impacts your candidacy, so don’t rush this crucial phase. For most applicants, this means: 

• Round 1: August for application materials 

• Round 2: November for application materials 

• Round 3: February for application materials 

3. Factor in the GMAT Score Reporting Timeline 

Your official GMAT score must be available before you submit your application. While unofficial scores are available immediately after the test, official scores typically take 3-5 business days to process. More importantly, you need to account for a potential retake if your score falls short of your target. 

Given the mandatory 16-day waiting period between attempts, you should plan to take your final potential GMAT attempt at least 20-25 days before your application deadline. This provides buffer time for score processing and last-minute application adjustments. 

4. Set Your GMAT Exam Date: First Attempt 

Working backward from your latest possible retake date, schedule your GMAT exam date for your first attempt with enough buffer time to: 

• Process your initial test performance 

• Identify improvement areas 

• Implement targeted study strategies 

• Complete the required waiting period 

For most applicants, this means scheduling the first attempt approximately 2-3 months before the application deadline. Using our Wharton Round 1 example, with a September 6th deadline, your first attempt should ideally be in mid-July, allowing for a potential retake in early August if necessary. 

5. Determine Your Preparation Start Date 

The final step is calculating when to begin your GMAT preparation. This timeline varies significantly based on: 

• Your starting ability level 

• Your target score 

• Available weekly study hours 

• Learning style and pace 

As a general guideline, most successful test-takers allocate 2-4 months of dedicated preparation. Using our example, shown in the video, of moving from a 565 starting score to a 715 target, you should begin studying around the first week of May for a mid-July first attempt. This provides approximately 10-12 weeks of focused preparation. 

Remember to adjust this timeline based on your personal circumstances. If you can only study part-time while working, you may need to extend your preparation window. Conversely, if you can study full-time, you might compress this timeline somewhat. 

Time Needed to Prepare for GMAT 

The time needed to prepare for GMAT varies significantly based on your starting point and target score. Most successful candidates need between 2-4 months of dedicated study time to achieve their target scores. Here’s a general guideline: 

• Score improvement of 0-50 points: 1-2 months of preparation (10-15 hours/week) 

• Score improvement of 50-100 points: 2-3 months of preparation (15-20 hours/week) 

• Score improvement of 100-150 points: 3-4 months of preparation (20+ hours/week) 

• Score improvement of 150+ points: 4-6 months of preparation (20+ hours/week with structured approach) 

To maximize your preparation efficiency, consider: 

• Taking a diagnostic test to establish your baseline 

• Creating a structured study plan with weekly goals 

• Using high-quality preparation materials 

• Taking regular practice tests to track progress 

• Focusing on your weak areas while maintaining strengths 

GMAT Exam Test Center vs. GMAT Online: Which is Right For You?

The GMAT offers two testing formats, each with distinct advantages: 

Category	GMAT Test Center	GMAT Online
Appointment Availability	7 days a week during test center operating hours	7 days a week, around the clock
Cost	$250-$275	$275-$310
Monitoring	In-person ID verification Physical Proctoring	Remote proctor via webcam AI behavior monitoring
Scratch Work Resources	5 laminated pages and 2 dry erase markers are provided	A physical whiteboard, dry erase marker, and access to an online whiteboard
Score Cancellation	Can cancel scores immediately after test	Cannot Cancel scores

Your personal preferences, learning style, and location should guide this decision. Some test-takers perform better in the formality of a test center, while others excel in familiar environments. 

Discover exclusive insights from GMAC representative Sehar Khanna in our in-depth comparison guide: “GMAT Online vs. In-center GMAT: Which Version Is Right For You?” This expert analysis breaks down every critical difference to help you make the choice that maximizes your score potential!

Step-by-Step Guide to Scheduling Your GMAT Exam 

Taking the GMAT is an essential part of the business school application process. The registration process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure a smooth testing experience. 

Instructions for registering on mba.com: 

Sign up on mba.com 

• Create an account on the official GMAT website, mba.com 
• Provide basic information including name and email address 
• Verify your email to activate the account 

Start the GMAT Registration Process– Enter Your Personal Information

Enter Personal Information

• Provide your full name exactly as it appears on your identification documents 
• Enter accurate date of birth, address, and contact information 
• This information must match your ID for test day verification 

Enter Optional Information 

• Educational background 
• Work experience 
• Native language 
• While optional, this information helps personalize your experience 

Verify Your Profile 

• Review all entered information for accuracy 
• Any discrepancies between your profile and ID can cause issues on test day 

Choose Preferred GMAT Format

• Log in to your account and navigate to the GMAT registration section 
• Select your preferred GMAT format (test center or online) 
• Begin the registration process 

Schedule Your GMAT Exam 

• Select your preferred test date, time, and location (if taking the test center GMAT) 
• Choose a date that aligns with your preparation timeline and application deadlines 
• For online GMAT, select your preferred date and time slot 

Pay the GMAT Registration Fee  

• Complete payment using a credit or debit card 
• You’ll receive confirmation of your test schedule and payment 
• Save this confirmation for your records 

Pro Tip: You can register for GMAT test from 6 months to 24 hours before your chosen test date. However, scheduling at least 2-3 months in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date and time, especially for popular testing centers. 

Here is an article which explains the GMAT registration process step by step (with pictures)

Take a free trial to get unlimited access to concept files, live sessions, and practice questions. For any strategic advice for GMAT or MBA Admissions, write to us at acethegmat@e-gmat.com. We are the most reviewed GMAT prep company on GMATClub with more than 2800+ reviews.

List of required information for registration 

To complete your GMAT registration, you will require the following information: 

• Your full name exactly as it appears on your passport 
• E-mail address 
• Address for correspondence 
• Phone number 
• Gender 
• Date of birth 
• Nationality 
• Payment information (Debit/Credit card) 
• Educational history (optional) 
• Work history (optional) 
• Native language (optional) 

You will need around 10 to 15 minutes to complete the GMAT registration process if you do not fill out the optional information. 

Fees for GMAT Exam: How much does it cost to take the GMAT in India in 2025?  

Understanding the complete fees for GMAT exam structure is essential for proper financial planning as you prepare for your business school journey. The GMAT represents a significant investment in your future, and being aware of all associated costs can help you avoid unexpected expenses. 

Fees for GMAT Exam in India 2025

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) has two delivery formats, each with its own fee structure. In India, the base registration fees for GMAT exam in 2025 are: 

Exam Format	Fee in USD	Approximate Fee in INR
Test Center-Based GMAT	$275	₹23,100
Online GMAT	$300	₹25,200

These fees cover your exam session and sending score reports to up to five programs of your choice (which must be selected at the time of registration). The GMAT exam fee is non-refundable once paid, so you should be certain of your readiness to take the exam when registering. 

Rescheduling and Cancellation Fees 2025

You can cancel or reschedule your GMAT exam appointment, but it comes with a fee based on how far in advance you make the change:  

RESCHEDULING FEES

Time Before Test Date	Test Center	Online
More than 60 days before test	US $55	US $60
15 – 60 days before test	US $110	US $120
14 days or less before test	US $165	US $180

CANCELLATION FEES

Time Before Test Date	Test Center	Online
More than 60 days before test	US $110 Refund	US $120 Refund
15 – 60 days before test	US $80 Refund	US $90 Refund
14 days or less before test	US $55 Refund	US $60 Refund

Strategic Fee Management Tips 

• Schedule when you’re confident – The initial registration fee is substantial, so schedule your GMAT exam date only when you’re reasonably confident about your preparation timeline. 

• Use calendar reminders – Set alerts at the 60-day and 15-day marks before your GMAT exam date to make timely decisions about rescheduling at the lowest cost. 

• Choose score recipients wisely – Selecting your five free score recipients at registration saves $35 per school compared to adding them later. 

• Budget for a potential retake – Include the cost of at least one retake in your overall GMAT budget planning. 

Critical Note: Cancellations must be made more than 24 hours before your scheduled GMAT exam date. If you don’t cancel in time or fail to show up, you’ll forfeit the entire registration fee and will need to pay the full amount to schedule a new exam. 

Learn how to reschedule or cancel your GMAT exam in detail.

How to choose the right GMAT Exam Test Center 

Choosing the right GMAT exam test center is crucial for a comfortable testing experience. In India, there are 40+ authorized test centers located across major cities. While selecting your test center, consider these factors: 

1. Proximity and accessibility: Choose a center that minimizes travel time and stress on test day 

2. Test date availability: Popular centers in metropolitan areas offer more frequent testing dates 

3. Facility quality: Centers vary in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and ambient conditions 

4. Review ratings: Check online forums for feedback about specific centers 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)