Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams
The GMAT online exam format is designed to support the students' meet their application goals – from the comfort of your home. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, GMAC has to suspend the test-center based GMAT exam for candidates, but worldwide various countries have allowed GMAT in the test-enters following the rules and restrictions. Now, you have both the option to take the GMAT exam online or at a test center according to your convenience.
Key Features:
- 4 full exam sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and the AWA section
- Same time duration, GMAT scoring, and number of items as the GMAT test center-based exam
- Flexibility to use a physical or an online whiteboard for scratch work
- Disability accommodations
- Accepted by over 7,000 global business programs
- Scores valid for 5 years
- Complimentary unlimited score report sending
GMAT Online Exam Pattern
The new GMAT pattern also has the option to choose sectional order like the actual GMAT test.
| Sections | No. Of Questions | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GMAT Quantitative | 31 | 62 minutes |
| GMAT Verbal | 36 | 65 minutes |
| GMAT Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 minutes |
| GMAT AWA | 1 | 30 minutes |
GMAT Online Exam Test Dates
To increase flexibility, online exam slot booking is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and you can schedule an exam appointment up to 24 hours before an available testing window. You can continue to monitor conditions and look to add future appointment dates as needed. You can take both Windows and Mac personal computers and laptops for GMAT Online exams.
GMAT Online Registration
To register for GMAT online exam, candidates need to create an account on the official GMAT site (mba.com) and provide their details and finish by paying the GMAT registration fee.
To register for GMAT online, access the official site.
Latest Changes: For candidates registering for GMAT post 8th April 2021, the current and valid Aadhar card can be used.
Safety measures to be followed while using Aadhar card:
- Keep an alternative plan: In case the Aadhar card doesn’t work, always keep your passport ready for those emergencies;
- Matching the name: The name must match with that of the registration and profile with that of the Aadhar card;
- Linked with Phone: The phone number must be linked with the Aadhar card.
Methods to Validate your Aadhar Card:
Candidates will come across the following steps while registering for the online GMAT exam:
- Click on the Aadhar card option: While registering, click on the ‘Aadhar card’ prompt and verify the details;
- Redirection to Government’s website: After clicking on the prompt, candidates will be redirected to the Government’s official website (UIDAI) for verification;
- Downloading XML File: Reaching the official website, create a share code, and download the XML profile to your own computer;
- Upload profile and XML File: After downloading, upload the shared code along with the XML file to the registration platform;
- Notification for XML: If the upload is successful, candidates will receive a message regarding the same;
- Uploading a selfie image: To match the details, the image will be used;
- Completion of Verification: Once the verification is finished, you will be redirected to the registration process.
Rescheduling or Cancelling GMAT Online Exam Fees
GMAT fee online exam is US$ 275 and GMAT online can be rescheduled and canceled – the rescheduling charges for this exam were nil previously, but the candidates will now need to pay US$ 25 for GMAT online rescheduling and US$ 100 for canceling the test. GMAT rescheduling has to be done a minimum of 24 hours before the test.
GMAT Online Exam - Administration Process
The integrity of GMAT will remain the same for online GMAT – there will be no change in this. On VUE online proctoring mode will be used for test administration and all the security protocols will be followed just like the GMAT test-center tests.
System Requirements for GMAT Online
Check the following sections to understand the specific system requirements:
| Operating system | Windows versions include Windows 10, 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit) Old versions of windows like 8, 7, Vista or XP, Linux, and UNIX are prohibited Mac OS 10.13 and above will also work but beta versions are not accepted. |
| Device type | A computer (desktop or laptop) with an authorized windows version to take the test and a steady source of power Use of phone OR iPad are restricted |
| Internet Connection | A smooth, consistent, and fast (1 Mbps down/up speed) internet connection without VPN No use of mobile hotspot |
| Browser | Preferably Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari can be used for at-home GMAT. Alternatively, Internet Explorer 11 can also be used - disabling pop-up blocking and cookies enabling are mandatory |
| Display | 1024 x 768 in 16-bit color minimum |
| Camera settings | The capability of providing a 360-degree view of the room including the table surface of the test-taker is needed. The minimum resolution should be 640×480 @ 10 fps. |
| Headphones |
No |
Disability Accommodations
In case, you are planning to request for the disability accommodations for the GMAT online exam, you do not have to schedule your appointment until your accommodation is approved. Do begin by following the process to register as a test taker with disabilities. Accommodations available include 50% and 100% extended time along with an extended 16-minute break.
GMAT Online Score Sending to B-Schools
Once you receive your official GMAT online score, you can review it before sending it to schools. You can send your GMAT online score to as many programs as you want at no additional cost.
You can send the GMAT scores through the following method:
Step 1: Log in to your official mba.com account
Step 2: Click on the 'Send GMAT online score' button
Step 3: Select the programs you wish to send score reports to
Step 4: Verify and click the 'Send GMAT online score'
Test-takers have 2 options to send score reports to programs. First, at the time of registration, you can select up to 5 programs for sending their score. The second option is to select programs is after you receive your official score through email.
GMAT Online Exam – Rescheduling or Cancelling
Candidates can GMAT reschedule or cancel their exam appointment up to 24 hours before their scheduled exam by logging into their mba.com account.
- Reschedule fee: $25 USD
- Cancellation fee: $100 USD
Also, there are no extra appointment changes within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time.
GMAT Online Exam – Retesting
The GMAT Online exam can only be taken twice in a 12-month period. Currently, retakes and score cancellations will not be available with the exception of verified technical issues as mentioned by the GMAC. The GMAT Online Exam will not count toward the candidates’ yearly nor lifetime exam attempt limits.
GMAT Online Exam Score Validity
GMAT scores validity online exams are for 5 years and will not count towards their 12-month and lifetime GMAT limits.
GMAT Online Exam vs. GMAT Test Center
Most of the GMAT test centers have re-opened in some countries, but still, many test centers are closed. Well, there is no major difference between the GMAT online test and the GMAT test center version. The GMAT online has the same format, same number of questions, and time duration as the GMAT test center exam. It also uses the same GMAT scoring algorithm. Candidates were initially not comfortable that they weren’t allowed to take physical notes during the GMAT Online Exam, but GMAC was quick to address this and now test-takers are allowed to use a physical whiteboard as well as the online whiteboard tool. The test is available globally, except for Mainland China, Iran, Cuba, Sudan, and North Korea. The GMAT Online Exam costs $250(INR 18561.63) globally and is hosted on mba.com.
GMAT Preparation Online
GMAT online course preparation takes a minimum of two months to a maximum of six months to complete the entire syllabus. GMAT mock test online helps candidates to ace the exam. The GMAT preparation books are considered to be the GMAT official guide. It provides previous years’ questions and GMAT mock test free. Along with the self-study, books you can opt for GMAT preparation online free from different websites, apps available.
Best GMAT Online Course
GMAT online classes provide practice papers, free GMAT prep courses, GMAT mock tests online, video explanations, doubt clearing sessions. Here is the list of best GMAT preparation online institutes that provides GMAT training online and GMAT official mock test.
Most of the coaching classes are also providing GMAT preparation online along with the best GMAT prep course and provide GMAT mock test free online.
GMAT Online Exam FAQ
When and How Can You take the GMAT Online Exam?
Answer: The GMAT exam can be taken 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can schedule an appointment 24 hours before your preferred slot.
Who is Eligible for At-Home GMAT Exam?
The online GMAT test will be available for all except 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.
What is the registration fee for the GMAT Online?
The registration fee for GMAT Online is $250. 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.
How will GMAC administer the GMAT Online?
GMAC works on integrity while online exam. GMAC points out that to accommodate online delivery, security protocols, and check-in will be modified.
Is the At-Home GMAT Exam Temporary?
The GMAT Online is temporary. GMAC had continued adding appointments throughout 2021. So, the GMAT online can be offered throughout most of 2021.
Can I retake the ‘GMAT Online?
Yes, GMAT can be taken both online and in test centers.
What locations can I take the GMAT Online exam in?
The GMAT online is available in all locations, with the exception of Mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and due to regulatory and local data privacy rules.
Can I take the GMAT™ Online exam more than once?
Online exam attempts will continue to count toward your overall GMAT™ exam attempt limits – 5 in a rolling 12-month period and 8 in a lifetime. You can take all of your exam attempts at a test center or online, or a combination of both – the choice is yours!
Do I have to switch to the GMAT online exam or can I still take the GMAT™ exam at a test center?
The GMAT online exam or at the test center may be reliant on your preference where you can be your best on test day.
Is the exam recorded?
Yes. The exam is recorded from the start of the check-in method.
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