LIVE GMAT 2025 News and Announcement

Several prestigious Indian business schools, including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and the Indian School of Business (ISB), accept GMAT scores for MBA admissions. These institutions, ranked highly by QS and Financial Times, require scores typically between 650-720. SPJIMR Mumbai and XLRI Jamshedpur also admit students via GMAT. Over 140 Indian B-schools, offering programs like PGP and Executive MBA, accept GMAT, attracting both freshers and professionals. GMAT’s five-year score validity offers flexibility for applicants aiming for world-class management education.

Indian students from Tier 2 and 3 cities are driving a surge in GMAT registrations, contributing 25% of total registrations, with cities like Jaipur and Pune leading the charge. According to GMAC’s regional director, Gaurav Srivastava, GMAT takers in India have grown over 20%, with 35,000 tests annually. While the US remains the top destination for Indian business school aspirants, interest in studying in India is rising. Specialized programs in Data Analytics, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship are gaining traction, reflecting industry demand.

New Zealand has emerged as a top choice for Indian students seeking international education, driven by its world-class universities, affordable tuition, and welcoming environment. The country’s post-study work visa, offering up to three years of employment opportunities, enhances its appeal. With a focus on fields like technology, engineering, and healthcare, New Zealand provides a safe, multicultural setting and globally recognized degrees. Streamlined visa processes and a high quality of life further attract Indian students, with over 10,000 currently enrolled, making it a preferred destination for academic and career growth.

The Indian School of Business (ISB) has been ranked No. 1 in Asia and 23rd globally in the Financial Times (FT) Executive Education Custom Ranking 2025, improving from 26th in 2024. ISB’s consistent performance in the FT rankings over the past decade highlights its leadership in executive education. The institute excels in delivering tailored programs for organizations, emphasizing future readiness, leadership skills, and digital transformation. ISB also ranks 7th globally in the open enrolment category, reinforcing its strong global presence in both custom and open executive education programs.

Ivy League MBA programs in 2025 demand high GMAT scores for admission. Harvard Business School’s median is 740 (range: 700–770), Wharton and Columbia average 732 (Wharton’s 80% range: 710–760), and Yale’s median is 725 (690–760). A strong overall profile, including essays and work experience, can compensate for lower scores, but competitive GMAT results remain critical for success. Recent trends show rising medians due to increased competition. Students should aim for the upper range, strengthen holistic application components for better results.

The Indian School of Business (ISB) welcomes the PGP Class of 2026 as orientation for the 2025-26 academic year kicks off on April 4, 2025, across its Hyderabad and Mohali campuses. This vibrant week introduces students to ISB’s rigorous curriculum, faculty, and diverse community. Packed with workshops, networking events, and team-building activities, the orientation sets the stage for a transformative MBA journey, fostering leadership and innovation.

It’s fascinating to see how the GMAT is gaining traction in India, with a 20% jump in test-takers in early 2025. That shift toward domestic MBA programs—53% of candidates choosing Indian B-schools in 2023-24, up from 41%—really highlights a growing confidence in what these institutions offer.Institutions like IIM Mumbai, with its stellar 2025 placement results, showcase the growing appeal of GMAT-accepting programs in India.The trend suggests students are opting for Indian institutions for their world-class business education.

The GMAT Focus Edition remains crucial for MBA admissions, assessing quantitative, verbal, and data insights. Registration for GMAT 2025 is open on mba.com, with varying test dates. The 2025 Financial Times Global MBA Rankings placed Wharton at the top, while Harvard saw a record-low ranking due to lower employment rates. IIM Bangalore ranked 57th globally, reflecting India’s growing MBA appeal. A GMAC survey noted more Indian students choosing domestic MBAs. Some programs now waive GMAT requirements, prioritizing work experience and interviews for admissions.

A GMAC survey reveals a growing trend of Indian GMAT test-takers opting for MBA programs in India over abroad. Factors include cost-effectiveness, strong ROI, and global recognition of top Indian B-schools like IIMs and ISB. The pandemic further accelerated this shift, with students prioritizing affordability and proximity. This trend highlights the rising quality of Indian business education and its ability to compete globally, reflecting a significant change in preferences among Indian MBA aspirants.

The Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action has intensified scrutiny of legacy admissions in Ivy League schools. Critics argue that these preferences reinforce privilege, while universities claim financial benefits. Studies, however, challenge this justification. With public opposition rising—75% of Americans disapprove—more colleges are dropping legacy admissions, fueling the debate on fairness in higher education.

The GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) has a new scoring system, ranging from 205 to 805, unlike the previous edition’s 200-800 scale. This change reflects a broader range of test-takers and aims for a more even distribution of scores. For comparison, a 645 on the Focus Edition is roughly equivalent to a 700 on the older (10th Edition) exam. While the new scores might appear lower, business schools are aware of this adjustment and will focus on percentile rankings rather than the raw score when evaluating candidates.

Over 75% of MBA and business master’s programs now incorporate AI into their curricula, focusing on business ethics, decision-making, practical applications, and strategy, according to GMAC. Since the rise of generative AI, spurred by ChatGPT in 2022, business schools have addressed growing student demand for AI education. GMAC surveys show 40% of prospective students prioritize AI in their studies, while employers predict AI competencies will be vital in five years, highlighting the evolving synergy between education and industry needs.

The Indian School of Business (ISB) is introducing a new 20-month management program designed for recent graduates and those with limited work experience (up to two years). This program, launching in July 2025, will align ISB’s offerings more closely with traditional two-year programs offered by IIMs. With a fee exceeding 29 lakhs, it will be a substantial investment for aspiring managers.

GMAT testing volume has risen, driven by India’s 20.1% growth (4,500+ test takers) and the U.S.’s 6.1% increase (1,500+ test takers). Emerging markets like Uzbekistan showed notable growth, while Western Europe grew 6.0%, led by Germany (+242) and Sweden (+198), despite a slight decline in the UK (-94). Over half of tests in Europe used the new GMAT format.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is crucial for most MBA programs in India, but some, like IIM Bangalore’s Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP), don’t require it. This one-year MBA for professionals with 5-12 years of experience focuses on core management skills. Admission is based on GMAT/GRE scores, academic performance, work experience, and an interview. Prepare for GMAT/GRE by understanding the format, studying strategically, and practicing consistently.