Planning to pursue an MBA? You will likely sit for the GMAT exam. After all, it’s a crucial component of your application to top business schools worldwide. But before you start your preparation, we recommend you, first, understand the cost of GMAT exam in India. From the base registration fee to potential additional costs, this article will help you gain a clear picture of the financial commitment involved in giving the test so you can budget effectively.
Cost of GMAT Exam in India: An Overview
If you have been actively keeping tabs on recent updates on the GMAT exam, you would know that since February 2024, GMAT Focus Edition has been the only accepted GMAT version.
This change extends to the cost of GMAT Exam in India as well. Multiple payment options have now been added to make the GMAT fee payment process even simpler.
As of now, the GMAT application fee in India is $275 (between 22,000 INR to 23,000 INR) for an exam delivered at the test center and $300 (approximately 25,000 INR) for an online exam. This fee is payable directly to GMAC.
Remember, this base fee is just one part of the overall investment. You should also factor in additional expenses such as study materials, additional test reports, and potential retake fees.
Fee Category | Fee Amount |
GMAT Registration Fees | $275 for the exam delivered at the test center. $300 for the exam delivered online. |
Cost of GMAT Enhanced Score Report | $30 |
Score Cancellation Fee (After leaving the test centre) | $25 |
Additional Cost for GMAT Score Report | $35 |
Rescoring for AWA Essay | $45 |
Retake fees (if needed) are the same as the fresh registration fees (+ all other additional costs shown above). Better you prepare thoroughly and excel in your first attempt!
GMAT Exam Cancellation Fees
First thing first, you can not cancel or modify your GMAT exam within 24 hours of the scheduled test. That’s why you should be very careful when booking your test slots.
However, if unexpected circumstances arise and you are forced to reschedule or cancel the exam, here is one thing you must know: The closer you are to your exam date, the higher the cancellation fee.
So, if you cancel your GMAT exam more than 60 days before the test, you’ll get a refund amount of $110 (delivered at the test center) or $120 (delivered online), depending on your choice of exam location while filling out the application.
If you cancel between 15-60 days before the test, you’ll get $80 (at the test center) or $90 (online) as your refund.
For cancellations within 14 days or less of the appointment, the refund fee gets even smaller – $55 (at the test center) or $60 (online).
Note: These fees are subject to change. Always refer to the official GMAT website for the most current information.
GMAT Exam Rescheduling Fees
Rescheduling the GMAT exam will cost you an additional fee, depending on how much time there is before your scheduled test date. The closer you are to your exam, the higher the fee.
Reschedule Time Frame | Reschedule Fee (Test Center) | Reschedule Fee (Online) |
Before 60 days of the test | $55 | $60 |
15-60 days before the test | $110 | $120 |
14 days or less before the test | $165 | $180 |
Remember: You can change your GMAT exam time or cancel it up to one day before the test. You will have to pay an additional fee for doing so. The exact fee and refund depend on when you cancel or reschedule.
If you don’t take the test or don’t cancel it on time, you lose all your money and have to wait 24 hours to book another exam.
Payment Methods for GMAT Fees in India
The most common way to pay for the GMAT exam fee is through a credit or debit card. GMAC accepts payments via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. Note that your appointment will be immediately canceled if your card is declined and you’ll have to book another test slot with valid payment. Similarly, using a fraudulent card is a serious offense and can lead to exam cancellation, score annulment, and legal consequences.
If you prefer to pay by check or money order, you can do so by mailing it to Pearson VUE-GMAT. Ensure the payment is in US dollars, dated correctly, and signed.
Remember, while choosing your payment method, consider factors such as transaction limits, processing times, and any additional fees your bank might charge for international transactions. It’s advisable to inform your bank about the upcoming international transaction to avoid any potential issues.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of GMAT in India is crucial for effective planning. While the base GMAT exam fee is a significant expense, additional costs such as rescheduling, cancellations, and extra score reports can add up. By carefully considering these factors and budgeting accordingly, you can navigate the GMAT exam process with greater financial clarity.