Written ByRituparna Nath Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams
GMAT score validity is for 5 years from the date of the test taken. For instance, if a candidate took the test in October 2023, the validity of the GMAT scores would extend to October 2028. The GMAT scores can be used to apply for internships, jobs, and college admissions. Candidates can take the GMAT exam every 16 days, a maximum of five times a year. An individual is only eligible to make 8 tries throughout their lifetime.
How are GMAT Scores Affected Five Years Later?
The Official Score Reports will not be considered, once the GMAT score expires its validity. This implies that business schools will only consider valid GMAT scores into account. To get earlier GMAT scores, candidates must contact GMAC Customer care. Candidates can seek special access to their previous score reports. But as a matter of fact, GMAT scores that are older than 10 years cannot be recovered.
Can Canceled GMAT Scores be Restored?
Through the mba.com account, one can pay a fee to access the previously canceled GMAT scores. The canceled GMAT scores can be restored for four years and eleven months after the GMAT exam date. Reinstated scores are available in 7 business days. However, sometimes processing takes up to 20 business days.
During the five-year GMAT validity period, candidates can cancel their GMAT scores at any time. The Official Score Report submitted for university admission will not include the canceled GMAT scores. The canceled GMAT scores of a candidate are always accessible. They can also restore the canceled score within the GMAT score validity period.
Are GMAT Scores Acceptable in India?
Candidates often have this query or specifically “Is GMAT score valid for IIM?”. To answer them, it needs to be specified that GMAT scores are accepted in not only IIMs but most of the top B-schools in India. So, the GMAT score validity for Harvard is the same as the GMAT score validity for ISB and GMAT score validity for IIM. This means that GMAT exam validity is for 5 for both business schools in India and abroad.
| Name of Institutions | GMAT Cut Off | Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Management, Indore | 580+ | EPGP |
| S.P.Jain Institute of Management & Research | 680+ | PGDM |
| IMT, Ghaziabad | 690+ | PGDM, PGDM-Ex |
| Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore | 690+ | EPGP |
| Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow | 680+ | IMPX |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | 680+ | PGPM |
| XLRI, Jamshedpur | 700+ | General MBA |
| Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta | 700+ | PGPEX |
| Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad | 700+ | PGP, YLP |
| Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad | 700+ | PGPX |
Validity of GMAT Scores for Top Business Schools Abroad
Candidates should be aware that top business schools abroad have their own deadlines for verifying that applicants'. The GMAT scores are valid, including those from Harvard, INSEAD, and London Business Schools, among others. Check GMAT scores for MBA admissions at Harvard Business School for the academic year 2025(matriculating fall 2023):
| HBS Admission Rounds | Application Deadline | Decisions |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 7th September 2022 | 8th December 2022 |
| Round 2 | 4th January 2023 | 29th March 2023 |
How to Find Out if GMAC Cancels the Score?
A reason code will be present if the GMAC cancels anyone’s scores. The reason code is a signifier, often an alphabet, that shows what error an individual has made. If GMAC has canceled the candidate’s scores, he or she may read how to interpret the reason codes in their score reports
Testing Issues: “T”
The reason code "T" on candidates' score report indicates that test-related errors have resulted in results being canceled. Any inaccuracy or irregularity in the test's administration is referred to as one of these testing difficulties. This signifies that this mistake affects the candidates as well as many other candidates. The term "testing errors" refers to administrative problems, irregularities at testing locations, payment problems, registration mistakes, and disclosure of exam materials. Even if the candidate hasn't specifically broken any exam rules, their results might nevertheless be canceled.
In these situations, candidates have two options: the first is to take the exam for free, and the second is to receive a refund of their exam price. But let us consider that the candidate committed a behavior violation that was not very serious and occurred as a result of ignorance or carelessness. Candidates could be given the option to remedy the mistake or take remedial action.
Common Policy Violations: “P”
If the reason code "P" appears on the score report, common policy violations have resulted in the scores being canceled. Common policy violations include using electronic devices while taking an exam. Like having any unauthorized materials in the exam room, and accessing study materials while taking an exam. If candidates break these rules, there will be severe penalties. GMAT score is reversed, candidates are banned from taking the test for three years. The college candidates selected are informed as a result.
Serious Policy Violations: “S”
If the reason code "S" appears on the candidate score report, it signifies that major policy infractions have caused the results to be withheld. Among these policy infractions are divulging test information. Like engaging in fraud or other fraudulent behavior, identity theft, raising a commotion at the testing location, and using any kind of violence that is expressly forbidden. The cancellation of the candidate’s GMAT results will occur if the candidate breaks any of these rules. Additionally, a notice will be sent to every institution the candidate named. The candidate will be prohibited from taking the exam for the next three years, as well as for the rest of their life.
Depending on how serious the infringement was, the duration of the suspension varies. A month after receiving the score report, the candidate can appeal to the GMAC if he or she believes the results were canceled for improper reasons. The candidate can contact the GMAT customer care by phone or email to make his or her appeal. It's vital to keep in mind that the candidate must present all necessary documentation to support their appeal. The GMAC applies its judgment after evaluating the papers to reach a decision. Following that, the GMAC will give the candidate two choices: either take the test for free or follow the cancellation decision properly.
GMAT test score validity for 5 years and the candidates need to apply to the universities within that. GMAT score will be available on the website for 10 years but after the validity period of 5 years, it cannot be used anymore. The hard copy will also not be accepted anywhere after 5 years.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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