If you’re planning to apply to business school, one of the most important steps in your application journey is deciding when to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). Before you dive into study schedules, practice tests, and score goals, there’s a fundamental question to answer first: when can you actually take the GMAT?

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about GMAT test dates, registration windows, how far in advance to book, and how to choose the ideal time to take the GMAT — especially if you’re aiming for a top score.

Unlike many standardised tests, the GMAT is offered year-round. This means there are no fixed dates — you can choose a date that works best for your personal schedule, your preparation timeline, and your target business school deadlines.

GMAC, the organisation that runs the GMAT, offers both test centre appointments and online GMAT appointments (via the GMAT Focus Edition). This flexibility allows you to sit the exam almost any day of the year, depending on availability.

Once you create an account on the official GMAT website (mba.com), you can begin the registration process. Most candidates can find a test date within a few days to a few weeks, depending on how many seats are available at their preferred testing location or online.

If you’re taking the GMAT Focus Edition online, appointments are often available 24/7, including weekends, which adds a layer of convenience if you’re balancing work, studies, or family life.

In short, you can take the GMAT as early as a few days from today, but that doesn’t mean you should. Proper preparation is key — especially if you’re aiming to join the top scorers.

One of the most common questions we get at 700 Plus Club is: Can I take the GMAT more than once?

Yes, you can.

You can take the GMAT Focus Edition up to five times in a 12-month period, and no more than eight times in total. However, there must be a minimum 16-day gap between attempts. This means if your first attempt didn’t go as planned, you’ll need to wait over two weeks before trying again.

That said, we strongly recommend that your first GMAT attempt be your best attempt. Schools will see all your official GMAT scores from the past five years unless you specifically cancel them. A strong first score avoids any doubts and helps your application stand out from the start.

We recommend booking your GMAT test at least two to three months in advance — particularly if you’re testing at a physical centre during peak application season (usually between September and January).

Booking early has several advantages:

• You secure your preferred date and time
• You can work backwards to plan your preparation schedule
• You’ll avoid the stress of last-minute availability issues
  

Some candidates prefer to wait until they’re getting strong scores in mock tests, but waiting too long can mean limited test slot availability. A balanced approach is to schedule your exam with 10–12 weeks of preparation in mind, giving yourself enough time to reschedule if needed.

The GMAT Focus Edition is available in both online and test centre formats, and both options are equally valid for business school applications.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Take the GMAT Online If:

• You’re comfortable testing from home
• You want more flexibility in choosing the date and time
• You live far from a test centre or have limited mobility
  

Take the GMAT In-Person If:

• You prefer a distraction-free environment
• You’re used to paper-and-pencil or formal testing setups
• You want to minimise technical risks on test day
  

At 700 Plus Club, many of our students opt for the online GMAT Focus Edition because of its convenience and fast availability. Just make sure you have a quiet, secure testing environment and a reliable internet connection.

There’s no single “best” month to take the GMAT, but your test date should align with your business school application deadlines. Most MBA programmes have autumn deadlines (around September–October) and round two deadlines in January.

We advise sitting the GMAT at least 2 to 3 months before your first application deadline. This gives you time to:

• Retake the exam if necessary
• Focus on your essays, recommendations, and CV
• Submit your score reports on time

For example, if your MBA deadline is in October, aim to take the GMAT no later than July or August.

So, when can you take the GMAT? Technically, almost any time of year. But the real question is when should you take it? Your GMAT date should align with your study progress, your personal schedule, and your business school goals.

At 700 Plus Club, we work with ambitious candidates to plan smart, strategic GMAT preparation timelines — helping them go from wherever they are now to a top score and a place at a top MBA programme.

Ready to take the first step? Book your first session with 700 Plus Club and let us help you plan the perfect GMAT timeline.

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