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How long are GMAT Scores Valid?

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Rituparna Nath

Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams

GMAT score validity is for 5 years from the date of the test taken. For instance, if a candidate took the test in October 2023, the validity of the GMAT scores would extend to October 2028. The GMAT scores can be used to apply for internships, jobs, and college admissions. Candidates can take the GMAT exam every 16 days, a maximum of five times a year. An individual is only eligible to make 8 tries throughout their lifetime.

How are GMAT Scores Affected Five Years Later? 

The Official Score Reports will not be considered, once the GMAT score expires its validity. This implies that business schools will only consider valid GMAT scores into account. To get earlier GMAT scores, candidates must contact GMAC Customer care. Candidates can seek special access to their previous score reports. But as a matter of fact, GMAT scores that are older than 10 years cannot be recovered.

Can Canceled GMAT Scores be Restored? 

Through the mba.com account, one can pay a fee to access the previously canceled GMAT scores. The canceled GMAT scores can be restored for four years and eleven months after the GMAT exam date. Reinstated scores are available in 7 business days. However, sometimes processing takes up to 20 business days.

During the five-year GMAT validity period, candidates can cancel their GMAT scores at any time. The Official Score Report submitted for university admission will not include the canceled GMAT scores. The canceled GMAT scores of a candidate are always accessible. They can also restore the canceled score within the GMAT score validity period.

Are GMAT Scores Acceptable in India? 

Candidates often have this query or specifically “Is GMAT score valid for IIM?”. To answer them, it needs to be specified that GMAT scores are accepted in not only IIMs but most of the top B-schools in India. So, the GMAT score validity for Harvard is the same as the GMAT score validity for ISB and GMAT score validity for IIM. This means that GMAT exam validity is for 5 for both business schools in India and abroad.

Validity of GMAT Scores for Top Business Schools Abroad

Candidates should be aware that top business schools abroad have their own deadlines for verifying that applicants'. The GMAT scores are valid, including those from Harvard, INSEAD, and London Business Schools, among others. Check GMAT scores for MBA admissions at Harvard Business School for the academic year 2025(matriculating fall 2023):

HBS Admission Rounds Application Deadline Decisions
Round 1 7th September 2022 8th December 2022
Round 2 4th January 2023 29th March 2023

How to Find Out if GMAC Cancels the Score?

A reason code will be present if the GMAC cancels anyone’s scores. The reason code is a signifier, often an alphabet, that shows what error an individual has made. If GMAC has canceled the candidate’s scores, he or she may read how to interpret the reason codes in their score reports

Testing Issues: “T”

The reason code "T" on candidates' score report indicates that test-related errors have resulted in results being canceled. Any inaccuracy or irregularity in the test's administration is referred to as one of these testing difficulties. This signifies that this mistake affects the candidates as well as many other candidates. The term "testing errors" refers to administrative problems, irregularities at testing locations, payment problems, registration mistakes, and disclosure of exam materials. Even if the candidate hasn't specifically broken any exam rules, their results might nevertheless be canceled.

In these situations, candidates have two options: the first is to take the exam for free, and the second is to receive a refund of their exam price. But let us consider that the candidate committed a behavior violation that was not very serious and occurred as a result of ignorance or carelessness. Candidates could be given the option to remedy the mistake or take remedial action.

Common Policy Violations: “P”

If the reason code "P" appears on the score report, common policy violations have resulted in the scores being canceled. Common policy violations include using electronic devices while taking an exam. Like having any unauthorized materials in the exam room, and accessing study materials while taking an exam. If candidates break these rules, there will be severe penalties. GMAT score is reversed, candidates are banned from taking the test for three years. The college candidates selected are informed as a result.

Serious Policy Violations: “S”

If the reason code "S" appears on the candidate score report, it signifies that major policy infractions have caused the results to be withheld. Among these policy infractions are divulging test information. Like engaging in fraud or other fraudulent behavior, identity theft, raising a commotion at the testing location, and using any kind of violence that is expressly forbidden. The cancellation of the candidate’s GMAT results will occur if the candidate breaks any of these rules. Additionally, a notice will be sent to every institution the candidate named. The candidate will be prohibited from taking the exam for the next three years, as well as for the rest of their life.

Depending on how serious the infringement was, the duration of the suspension varies. A month after receiving the score report, the candidate can appeal to the GMAC if he or she believes the results were canceled for improper reasons. The candidate can contact the GMAT customer care by phone or email to make his or her appeal. It's vital to keep in mind that the candidate must present all necessary documentation to support their appeal. The GMAC applies its judgment after evaluating the papers to reach a decision. Following that, the GMAC will give the candidate two choices: either take the test for free or follow the cancellation decision properly.

GMAT test score validity for 5 years and the candidates need to apply to the universities within that. GMAT score will be available on the website for 10 years but after the validity period of 5 years, it cannot be used anymore. The hard copy will also not be accepted anywhere after 5 years.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

GMAT 2023 : 27 answered questions

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Ques. MBA Preparation: What GMAT score can be considered good for applying to ISB Hyderabad with an average academic profile?

● Top Answer By Uday Pawar on 30 Jan 23

Generally speaking anything above 750 is a good score for admission to IBS Hyderabad. But even a high GMAT score does not guarantee admission to IBS Hyderabad because the shortlisting is profile-based. GMAT score is just a part of the entire selection process. You need to improvise your profile by working on other aspects also like  essays profile academics extracurricular activities Academics: Your 12th class marks graduation grades, post-graduation, and certification scores along with the GMAT cutoff is considered in your academic profile. Leadership: The leadership skills of the aspirants are tested on the basis of their prior achievements and roles. Personal attributes: This comprises your personal qualities like hobbies, talents, and extracurricular skills. Aspirants from diverse work experiences, cultures, and educational backgrounds are welcomed at IBS Hyderabad. So along with preparing well for GMAT, give importance to these parameters as well to increase your chances of admission....Read more

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Ques. What is the percentile required to get into ISB Hyderabad?

● Top Answer By Akanksha Sharma on 30 Jan 23

In case you are enquiring about the CAT percentile let me clarify that ISB Hyderabad does not take into consideration CAT scores. It accepts GMAT/GRE scores only. Most importantly, the ISB Shortlisting process is profile-based. This means even with a lower percentile you can manage to get shortlisted provided you have an excellent profile. There is no fixed cutoff for GMAT. However, a 700+ GMAT score isn't a must-have for ISB if your application is strong in other areas. According to an ISB spokesperson, candidates were admitted to the 2021 cohort with scores as low as 580, and as high as 780. So the GMAT score range for ISB is 580-780....Read more

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Ques. Is it worth spending 30k to join GMAT coaching at Crack ISB Hyderabad?

● Top Answer By Yash Bhati on 30 Jan 23

Yes, it certainly is worth paying a hefty fee of 30k for GMAT coaching at Crack ISB Hyderabad. The quality of trainers and the certainty of admission is what draw the candidates here. While there are many institutes that specialize in training for the CAT, very few institutes offer training for GMAT.  Crack ISB Hyderabad has many features that have made it so popular and demanding among GMAT aspirants The peer group is a productive and effective group discussion is possible The institute gives the admission essay reviews free of cost while most institutes charge around 20-25k The quality of editing is much better at this Institute mainly because the faculty comprises alumni of top B Schools  So it’s better to pay more for quality education than pay less or the same for substandard education. But remember an Institute can just prepare you for your entrance exam. It’s upon you to put in maximum effort and achieve your goals....Read more

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Ques. Why do students go for CAT, XAT, SNAP etc when almost all the B-Schools in India accept GMAT scores for the full time MBA?

● Top Answer By Nia Malhotra on 17 May 21

There is hardly any B-school in India that accepts GMAT scores for full-time MBA. IIMs, FMS, XLRI, JBIMS, IIFT, MDI, etc. are some of the institutions that accept GMAT scores.  However, students applying through a foreign national quota or NRI quota are eligible for GMAT score. ISB on the other hand accepts the GMAT for its full-time program MBA program. Here is the list of some B-Schools that accepts GMAT scores in India XLRI, Jamshedpur XIM, Bhubaneswar VIT Business School TISS, Mumbai TERI School of Advanced Sciences, TERI University TASMAC, Pune TAPMI, Manipal School of Management, Udaipur School of Management, NMIMS, Mumbai School of Management, International Institute of Management This is why most students go for CAT, XAT, SNAP, and other management exams for admission in MBA. Only foreign nationals or students with NRI Quota can apply through GMAT....Read more

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Ques. Does ISB Hyderabad need work experience apart from the GMAT score?

● Top Answer By Bejoy John on 30 Jan 23

Yes, ISB Hyderabad’s PGP program requires a minimum of 2 years of full-time paid work experience. This criteria came into force on 31st March 2016 and is still a necessity. For candidates who lack in this aspect, there is a back door entry called the Early Entry Option or the EEOs. Under this, you can apply right away, go through the selection process, and receive the admission offer but join only after working for 2 years. This can also be referred to as Deferred admission.  ...Read more

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