Here’s a quick breakdown of who can take the GMAT exam:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Educational Background: An undergraduate degree is preferred, but not mandatory
- Below 18? You’ll need to submit a signed Parental Consent or Authorization Form
The GMAT welcomes candidates from all academic and professional fields.
Educational Qualifications Required For GMAT
Standard Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree: From a recognized university or institution
- Academic Standing: No specific GPA requirements for test eligibility
- Field of Study: Any undergraduate major accepted
- Degree Verification: Must be completed before MBA program enrollment
Alternative Qualifications:
- International Degrees: Evaluated on case-by-case basis
- Professional Certifications: Certain industry certifications may substitute
- Work Experience: Significant professional experience can offset educational gaps
- Special Circumstances: Individual assessment for unique backgrounds
Age Limits and Relaxations
Age Requirements:
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- Maximum Age: No, there is no upper age limit to appear for GMAT 2025 exam.
- Parental Consent: Required for candidates under 18 (rare exceptions)
Age-Related Considerations:
- Young Professionals: Early career candidates welcome
- Career Changers: Mid-career professionals encouraged
- Senior Executives: Executive MBA programs available for experienced professionals
- International Variations: Some countries may have specific age guidelines
Work Experience Requirements
GMAT Test Taking:
- No Work Experience Required: For taking the GMAT exam
- MBA Admission: Individual programs set their own work experience requirements
- Typical Range: 2-5 years preferred by most programs
Experience Categories:
- Full-time Employment: Traditional corporate experience
- Entrepreneurship: Starting and running businesses
- Non-profit Work: Social sector experience valued
- Military Service: Recognized as valuable leadership experience
- International Experience: Cross-cultural exposure appreciated
Category-Specific Eligibility
General Category:
- Standard Requirements: All basic criteria apply
- No Special Provisions: Merit-based selection only
- Competitive Standards: Higher score expectations
International Students:
- Visa Requirements: F-1 visa for US programs
- English Proficiency: May require additional TOEFL/IELTS
- Document Authentication: Degree verification through credential evaluation services
- Financial Documentation: Proof of financial resources for visa applications
Special Categories:
- Disabled Candidates: Accommodations available through ETS
- Military Veterans: Special consideration and support programs
- Underrepresented Minorities: Diversity initiatives and support networks
- First-Generation College Students: Mentorship and preparation programs
Documentation Requirements
Primary Documents:
- Government-Issued ID: Passport, driver's license, or national ID
- Educational Transcripts: Official academic records
- Degree Certificates: Proof of graduation
- Professional Resume: Work experience documentation
Additional Documents (If Applicable):
- Parental Consent Form: For candidates under 18
- Disability Documentation: For special accommodations
- Military Service Records: For veterans
- Professional Certifications: Industry-specific credentials
Document Verification:
- Original Documents: Required for verification
- Certified Copies: Acceptable for some applications
- Translation Requirements: Non-English documents need certified translations
- Notarization: Some institutions require notarized copies
Special Circumstances and Accommodations
Disability Accommodations:
- Learning Disabilities: Extended time, separate room
- Physical Disabilities: Accessible testing facilities
- Visual Impairments: Screen readers, large print materials
- Hearing Impairments: Sign language interpreters
Medical Considerations:
- Chronic Conditions: Flexible scheduling options
- Temporary Impairments: Postponement possibilities
- Medication Needs: Allowances for medical breaks
- Documentation Requirements: Medical professional verification
Religious Accommodations:
- Sabbath Observance: Alternative test dates
- Prayer Requirements: Scheduled breaks
- Dietary Restrictions: Considerations for extended testing
- Holiday Conflicts: Rescheduling options
Geographic Considerations:
- Remote Locations: Online testing options
- International Candidates: Multiple test center locations
- Travel Restrictions: Alternative arrangements during emergencies
- Time Zone Differences: Flexible scheduling
Retake Policies and Limitations
Retake Frequency: You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a 12-month period, and there is no lifetime limit.
Waiting Periods:
- Minimum Gap: 16 days between attempts
- Strategic Planning: Adequate preparation time recommended
- Score Improvement: Most candidates improve on second attempt
Score Reporting:
- Score Choice: Can select which scores to send to schools
- All Scores: Some schools require all attempt scores
Highest Score: Most schools consider highest score achieved