Is GMAT Easier Than CAT for Indian Students in 2025?
If you plan to pursue an MBA or business degree abroad in 2025, understanding the latest GMAT exam fees in India is essential for budgeting and university applications. The GMAT is a primary admissions requirement for many top global business schools, and fee transparency can help you prepare financially for your academic journey.
GMAT Exam Fees in India 2025: Registration, Mode, and Cost
Exam Highlights – 2025
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) |
| Test Conducting Body | GMAC |
| Standard Exam Fee (Test Centre) | USD 275 (approx. INR 23,500) |
| Online Exam Fee | USD 300 (approx. INR 25,640) |
| GMAT 2025 Registration Window | Open Year-round |
| Score Validity | 5 Years |
GMAT fees depend on your chosen exam mode: online (flexible, at home) or in-person (fixed schedule at a test centre). Both options are equally valid for global business school admissions. Review the complete GMAT fee structure below for Indian students.
GMAT Fee Structure in India 2025
| Exam Mode | Fee (USD) | Fee (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Test Centre | 275 | 23,500 |
| Online Exam | 300 | 25,640 |
You should also plan for additional charges, such as rescheduling, cancellation, or extra score reporting. The total cost may increase based on add-ons or changes you make to your GMAT registration.
GMAT Additional Fees: India 2025
| Service | Test Centre (USD) | Online (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Rescheduling | 55–165 | 60–180 |
| Cancellation Refund | 55–110 | 60–120 |
| Additional Score Report | 35 per institute | 35 per institute |
Additional costs can be minimized by finalizing your test date and preparation plans in advance. For more details on GMAT structure, you can refer to our in-depth GMAT exam guide.
Top Universities Abroad Accepting GMAT Scores
- Harvard Business School, USA
- INSEAD, France & Singapore
- London Business School, UK
- IE Business School, Spain
- Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, Canada
- Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad
- HEC Paris, France
- Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK
These globally ranked B-schools accept GMAT scores from Indian students for MBA, MS in Management, and related business programs. Choose universities with strong post-study work visa options and high career placements to maximize your ROI.
Explore other highly ranked universities through our detailed global university listing.
Eligibility and Exam Registration for GMAT 2025
- Minimum age: 18 years (13–17 with parental consent)
- No specific educational qualification required, but a bachelor’s is recommended
- No maximum age limit
- Maximum 5 attempts in a 12-month period
To register, create a profile on the official GMAT website, select your test mode (centre or online), fill out your information, choose a slot, and pay the fee to confirm booking.
For a step-by-step application breakdown, check our overview of GMAT eligibility criteria for Indian students.
GMAT Fees Payment Methods in India
- Credit or Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Online via GMAT portal
- Cheque or Money Order (for mail-in registration only)
- Phone (with additional service fee)
International cards are accepted, and some Indian banks require additional authentication for online card payments. Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions before registering.
GMAT Fee Waivers, Discounts, and Scholarships
GMAT fee waivers are not directly issued to individuals by GMAC. Instead, business schools can allocate up to 10 exam fee waivers per year based on proven financial hardship. Indian students should inquire with their target B-schools for eligibility and application process.
- Submit a financial need statement and supporting documents for B-school-based waivers
- Check scholarships covering exam fees: Fulbright (USA), Chevening & Commonwealth (UK), DAAD (Germany), Forte Foundation, and QS Scholarships
- GMAT test takers with exceptional academic backgrounds may apply for merit-based entrance exam fee reimbursements via select scholarships
For additional opportunities, review our page on study abroad scholarships.
Student Visas & Post-Study Work Opportunities
- USA: Optional Practical Training (OPT) – up to 3 years for STEM MBAs
- UK: Graduate Route visa – 2 years post-MBA
- Germany: 18 months job search visa after studies
- Canada: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — 1–3 years
- Australia: Temporary Graduate visa — 2–4 years
Top destinations offer strong post-study work rights and clear immigration routes for Indian graduates. For more details, visit our guides on Canada student visa or UK post-study work visa.
Careers and ROI After the GMAT
| Country | Average MBA Graduate Salary (INR/year) | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 70–120 lakhs | Amazon, McKinsey, Deloitte, Google |
| UK | 60–95 lakhs | EY, PwC, HSBC, Barclays |
| Canada | 45–80 lakhs | RBC, BMO, Shopify, KPMG |
| Germany | 50–85 lakhs | BMW, Siemens, Allianz, SAP |
A high GMAT score can unlock admissions to MBA and management programs with strong employment outcomes, attractive salaries, and opportunities for permanent residency in several countries after graduation.
In summary, the GMAT exam fee in India for 2025 is INR 23,500 for test centre exams and INR 25,640 for the online option, with extra costs for rescheduling or additional services. Early planning, seeking university support, and exploring scholarships/waivers can make your study abroad pathway both accessible and affordable.
FAQs on GMAT Exam Fees in India 2025: Complete Guide for Students
1. Is GMAT easy for Indian students?
The GMAT exam difficulty varies by student background, but many Indian students find it challenging because it tests analytical writing, quantitative aptitude, and verbal reasoning rather than rote memorization. With focused preparation and practice, especially on the verbal section, Indian students can achieve high scores.
2. Is GMAT easier than CAT?
The GMAT and CAT are both competitive exams for management studies. Generally, students consider GMAT to be more predictable and less time-pressured than CAT, particularly in the Verbal Reasoning section. However, difficulty depends on an individual's strengths and familiarity with each exam's format.
3. Why is GMAT so costly?
The GMAT exam fees are high because the exam is administered globally with rigorous security and advanced computerized adaptive technology. Costs also include test development, psychometric analysis, and international operations to maintain fairness and integrity across locations.
4. Is a 700 GMAT score easy?
A 700 GMAT score is considered excellent and places a candidate in the top 10% globally. Achieving this score usually requires thorough preparation and consistent practice, especially in the more challenging Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative sections.
5. What is the GMAT exam fee in India for 2024?
As of 2024, the GMAT exam fee in India is approximately INR 22,500. This amount may vary slightly depending on exchange rates or specific changes made by the testing authority. Additional fees apply for rescheduling, cancellation, or enhanced score reports.
6. Are there any concessions in GMAT fees for OBC or SC candidates in India?
Currently, the GMAT exam does not offer any official fee concessions or discounts for OBC, SC, or other reservation categories in India. All candidates must pay the same registration fee.
7. What are the GMAT exam fees for Indian students planning to take the test in 2025?
For 2025, the GMAT exam fee in India is expected to remain close to INR 22,500, similar to previous years unless there is an update from the test administrator. It is advised to check the official GMAC website for the latest fee details before registering.
8. What is included in the GMAT exam fees in India?
The GMAT exam fee includes one test attempt and sending score reports to up to five business schools. Additional charges are applicable for rescheduling, cancellation, extra score reports, and receiving an Enhanced Score Report.
9. What is the GMAT exam syllabus?
The GMAT syllabus covers four main sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. The exam tests your skills in problem-solving, critical reasoning, data analysis, and English language comprehension.
10. How do I register for the GMAT exam in India?
To register for the GMAT exam in India:
- Visit the official mba.com website.
- Create an account.
- Select your preferred test date and location.
- Fill in the application form and pay the exam fee.
11. Is the GMAT required for MBA admissions in India?
While the GMAT is commonly required for admission to top international MBA programs, many leading Indian business schools such as ISB, IIMs (for certain programs), and private universities also accept GMAT scores for MBA and postgraduate management courses.
12. Can Indian students pay GMAT fees in Indian Rupees?
Yes, Indian students can pay the GMAT exam fee in Indian Rupees (INR) using accepted payment methods such as debit/credit cards or online banking platforms when registering through the official website.
