The Complete GMAT 2026 Guide: Format, Score Scale, how It Compares to the GRE and CAT
The GMAT Focus Edition is the only active GMAT examination: 64 questions across three 45-minute sections (Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights), with a score range of 205 to 805 and 5-year validity. It costs USD 275 (around Rs 23000 - 25000) at a test center and USD 300 online. The GMAT is the better option if your target is pure MBA applications, especially in Indian B-schools such as the ISB and the SPJIMR. GMAT is also mandatory for admission to the ISB, all IIM 1-year MBAs, SPJIMR PGPM and every global program, whereas CAT is required only during admission to the IIM 2-year flagship MBAs. The GMAT is the default option to a majority of the working professionals with the experience of 24 plus months.