If you’re planning to pursue an MBA or business-related postgraduate program, understanding the GMAT exam dates is crucial to your application strategy. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a globally recognized standardized test that plays a vital role in business school admissions. Knowing the available exam dates, registration deadlines, and how to schedule your test will give you a competitive edge.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about GMAT exam dates, including how to register, test frequency, and what to expect in 2025.
Photo credit: Vincia Prep
Contents
- 1 What Is the GMAT?
- 2 GMAT Exam Dates in 2025
- 3 How GMAT Scheduling Works
- 4 When Should You Take the GMAT?
- 5 GMAT Registration Process: Step-by-Step
- 6 GMAT Online vs. In-Center Testing
- 7 Key Deadlines You Shouldn’t Miss
- 8 Cost of GMAT Registration
- 9 How to Reschedule or Cancel a GMAT Exam
- 10 Tips for Choosing the Right Test Date
- 11 Conclusion
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized, computer-adaptive test administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It assesses skills in:
- Analytical writing
- Integrated reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
Over 2,300 business schools worldwide accept GMAT scores for admission to MBA, Executive MBA, Master of Finance, and other business-related graduate programs.
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GMAT Exam Dates in 2025
Unlike traditional entrance exams with fixed schedules, the GMAT is available year-round. You can choose an exam date based on your convenience, preparation level, and school deadlines.
Key Points:
- GMAT can be taken at test centers or online (GMAT Online).
- You can schedule your GMAT appointment up to 6 months in advance or as little as 24 hours before (subject to availability).
- Most popular months for the GMAT: January, March, June, August, October, and December.
- Peak demand periods: August–October (right before Round 1 MBA application deadlines).
Popular GMAT Exam Windows in 2025:
| Month | Earliest Available Dates | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | Jan 2 – Jan 30 | Early planners |
| March 2025 | Mar 1 – Mar 31 | Spring test-takers |
| June 2025 | Jun 3 – Jun 29 | Before Round 1 |
| August 2025 | Aug 1 – Aug 30 | Peak season |
| October 2025 | Oct 2 – Oct 31 | Round 2 prep |
| December 2025 | Dec 2 – Dec 21 | Last-minute testers |
Tip: Don’t wait too long to book your spot. Prime exam slots can get booked quickly, especially near major deadlines.
How GMAT Scheduling Works
GMAT operates on a rolling basis. You can book a slot:
- Up to 6 months in advance
- Minimum 24 hours before the exam
- Limited to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period
- Maximum 8-lifetime attempts
You can schedule your GMAT exam via:
- The official website: mba.com
- Phone (extra fee applies)
- GMAT test centers or GMAT Online
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When Should You Take the GMAT?
The best time to take the GMAT depends on your target school deadlines and your readiness. Most MBA programs have three application rounds:
- Round 1: September–October
- Round 2: January
- Round 3: April
Ideal GMAT Timing Strategy:
| Application Round | GMAT Test Month |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | June–August 2025 |
| Round 2 | October–December 2025 |
| Round 3 | January–February 2026 |
GMAT Registration Process: Step-by-Step
Here’s how you can register for the GMAT:
- Visit mba.com
- Create an account
- Select test format: In-person or online
- Choose the preferred date and location
- Pay the exam fee
- Get confirmation via email
GMAT Online vs. In-Center Testing
| Feature | GMAT Online | GMAT Test Center |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 | Specific dates |
| Location | At home | At test center |
| Flexibility | High | Medium |
| Retakes | 5/year (shared limit) | 5/year (shared limit) |
| Score Reporting | Online, 7 days | Printed, 7 days |
Key Deadlines You Shouldn’t Miss
While GMAT doesn’t have a universal deadline, you should always consider the application deadline of your target program. Aim to take the GMAT at least 2-3 months before your earliest application deadline.
Example:
- Application deadline: October 1, 2025
- Recommended GMAT date: August 1, 2025 (latest)
Cost of GMAT Registration
As of 2025, the registration fees are:
| Region | GMAT Test Center | GMAT Online |
|---|---|---|
| US/Canada | $275 | $300 |
| Europe | €275 | €300 |
| Asia | ₹24,000 | ₹26,000 |
Additional charges:
- Reschedule (7+ days): $55
- Cancel (7+ days): $110 refund
- Score report to additional schools: $35 each
How to Reschedule or Cancel a GMAT Exam
Rescheduling:
- More than 7 days: $55 fee
- Less than 7 days: $150 fee
- Within 24 hours: No changes allowed
Canceling:
- Refund depends on notice given:
- More than 7 days: Partial refund
- Less than 7 days: No refund
Use your mba.com account dashboard to manage appointments.
Tips for Choosing the Right Test Date
Choosing the right GMAT date can make or break your MBA timeline. Consider the following:
- Allow 3 months of prep time before the exam
- Schedule at least 2 months before your application deadline
- Choose early morning or late evening if you’re more focused during those times
- Avoid public holidays and work commitments around your test date
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Conclusion
Understanding GMAT exam dates and planning accordingly is one of the most strategic steps toward your MBA journey. Whether you’re targeting top MBA programs in the U.S., Canada, or Europe, or applying to business schools in Asia or Africa, scheduling your GMAT at the right time will increase your odds of success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many times can I take the GMAT?
Up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period and 8 times in a lifetime.
Can I take GMAT online from Nigeria or India?
Yes. GMAT Online is available in most countries, including Nigeria, India, Canada, and Australia.
What if I miss my GMAT exam date?
You forfeit your test fee if you miss the exam without prior cancellation or rescheduling.
Can I change my test center after booking?
Yes, for a fee. Login to your mba.com account and make the changes under “My Appointments.”
Aremu Lukman Umor is an SEO writer and journalist with over eight years of experience. His opinion articles have appeared in most Nigerian mainstream media, including PUNCH, Vanguard, Tribune, Daily Trust, This Day, Guardian and others.
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