GMAT Minimum Score: Percentile Rankings, Scoring Breakdown, Your Unofficial Score and more

GMAT Minimum Score: Your GMAT Total Score is based on your performance in all 3 sections of the exam, with each section weighted equally. Your score is also valid for five years, giving you the flexibility to send your score to schools when you are ready! 

IMPORTANT: Comparing your current GMAT score directly to your score on the GMAT Exam (10th Edition) is not an accurate comparison.

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GMAT Minimum Score: The GMAT Score Scale

If you're familiar with the previous edition of the GMAT, the GMAT Exam (10th Edition), you'll notice the Total Score scale is different from the current edition, the GMAT Exam (Focus Edition). This change has been made to ensure you and schools can easily distinguish scores between editions.

Total Score

GMAT Exam (Focus Edition): 205–805
GMAT Exam (10th Edition): 200–800

The score scale for the GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) has also been adjusted to reflect changes in the test-taking population, which has become more diverse and global. Over the years, scores have shifted significantly, resulting in an uneven distribution. The updated score scale fixes that, thus allowing schools to better differentiate your performance on the exam.

645 is the New 700

On the GMAT Exam (10th Edition), many test takers aimed for a score of 700. On the GMAT Exam (Focus Edition), a score of 645 is equivalent to a 700 due to the new score scale. Since they are both in the 89th percentile, they represent the same level of performance. Therefore, while scores may look "lower" in comparison, they aren't. The GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) is scored differently, and business schools know this when reviewing your application and paying more attention to your percentile ranking.

Percentile Rankings: What are Percentile Rankings?

Percentile rankings indicate what percentage of test takers you performed better than. For example, a percentile ranking of 75% means that you performed better than 75% of other test takers, and 25% of test takers performed better than you.

Total Score Percentile

Total Scores for the GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) range from 205 to 805. Your GMAT Total Score is composed of the Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights sections of the exam. The contribution of each section's score to the  Total Score is equally weighted across sections.

GMAT Minimum Score: Scoring Breakdown 

The GMAT Total Score scale ranges from 205 to 805, and all Total Score values end in a 5. Section scores range from 60 to 90.

Total Score

• Score range: 205-805
• Score intervals: 10
• Standard error of measurement: 30-40 points

Know more about: THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE GMAT EXAM

Quantitative Reasoning Score

• Score range: 60-90
• Score intervals: 1
• Standard error of measurement: 3 points

Verbal Reasoning Score

• Score range: 60-90
• Score intervals: 1
• Standard error of measurement: 3 points

Data Insights Score

• Score range: 60-90
• Score intervals: 1
• Standard error of measurement: 3 points

In addition to the score scale recalibration, the following key changes distinguish the GMAT Exam - Focus Edition:

• The Total Score is now comprised of all 3 section scores (as mentioned above)
• The content areas and test constructs have been refined to narrow the scope to focus on data literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• The scoring algorithm has been updated
• The new Question Review & Edit feature will have implications for testing behaviour

Know more: GMAT Prep Online: Crack The Exam On the First Attempt

GMAT Minimum Score: Your Unofficial Score

Immediately after completing the exam, your unofficial scores for the Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, as well as your Total Score are displayed on-screen. You are not allowed to record, save, screenshot, or print your unofficial score. You will receive an email notification when your Official Score Report is available in your mba.com account.

Score Penalty for Unanswered Questions

There is a penalty for not completing each section of the exam. If you do not finish in the allotted time, your score will be penalized reflecting the number of questions unanswered. Your GMAT exam score will be the best reflection of your performance when all questions are managed to be answered within the time limit.

Privacy Information Specific to Your Score and Score Reports

GMAT exam scores and personally identifiable information will be released only at your specific request, except as otherwise set forth in our policies and procedures as required by law, and as necessary to detect or prevent unlawful activity or to cooperate in a judicial or governmental proceeding.

How to Effectively Plan for GMAT Prep Online

• Assessment: Begin with a mock test to gauge your strengths and weaknesses. This helps in devising a personalised study plan.
• Set Goals: Define your target score and break it into manageable milestones. Set realistic deadlines for achieving each milestone.
• Resource Selection: Choose reputable online platforms or courses that offer comprehensive study materials, practice questions, and mock tests.
• Study Schedule: Create a study schedule that aligns with your daily routine. Allocate specific time slots for studying different sections of the GMAT.
• Consistency: Stay consistent with your study routine. Regular practice is crucial for retaining information and improving performance.
• Review and Practice: Regularly review concepts and practice questions. Identify areas of improvement and focus on strengthening them.
• Mock Tests: Incorporate full-length practice tests into your study plan to simulate test conditions and improve time management skills.
• Adaptability: Be flexible and adapt your study plan based on your progress and performance in practice tests.

Sign up for the GMAT Classroom live -online  2025 program is designed to efficiently build your overall skills.

How to schedule your GMAT exam in 2024?

GMAT has made it easy to schedule a test at your convenience. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way.

• Visit the mba.com website and create an account by filling in basic information about yourself.
• Once your mba.com account is created, use the details to log back in and go to your My Account page.
• You’ll find the Register button there. Click on it, and you’ll be redirected to the registration portal.
• Just fill out the details asked, including personal, academic, and work history. You might also be asked to upload documents, such as your photograph and signature.
• You can also immediately schedule your exam at your preferred test centre. Choose your appointment time and pay the registration fees.
• You’ll receive an email with the acknowledgement and confirmation of your payment receipt and the exam appointment.
• Remember that cancelling or rescheduling your GMAT, while possible, will be expensive.
• Cancellations only net a return of around $50, while rescheduling can cost anywhere between $50 and 250$ depending on when you reschedule. 
• Keep all our tips in mind before booking your GMAT exam. If you have any other doubts regarding the GMAT exam dates in 2024, please fill out this form to have a quick conversation with our mentors.