How Many Students Take GMAT Every Year?

Did you know that over 200,000 students take the GMAT exam worldwide every year to secure a spot in top MBA programs? Despite its popularity, many aspirants struggle with achieving a good GMAT score, often feeling overwhelmed by the quantitative section, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. With business schools increasingly accepting the GRE, some wonder if the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is still worth it.

But the reality is, most top business schools still consider the GMAT a vital part of the admission requirements. A GMAT score of 700+, for instance, considerably increases your chances of getting admission to a full-time MBA program. In 2025, shall you take the GMAT? Let us analyze some of the data insights and trends from 2019 through 2023 to help you in that decision. 

Which Countries Have the Highest Number of GMAT Test-Takers?

When it comes to the GMAT exam, participation varies significantly across countries. Historically, the United States has led in the number of test-takers. However, recent trends indicate a shift, with countries like India and China showing substantial increases in GMAT participation. This surge reflects the growing interest in graduate management education among students from these regions.

To provide a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of GMAT exams taken by citizens of select countries over recent testing years:

Country	TY2019	TY2020	TY2021	TY2022	TY2023
U.S	66,506	50,135	43,281	35,302	21,657
India	30,590	26,129	27,445	28,465	24,580
China	45,484	29,671	25,151	24,398	24,398

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) has experienced notable shifts in test-taking patterns from 2019 to 2023. Below is a summary of the global GMAT exam trends during this period:

Testing Year	Total Exams Taken	Percentage Change from Previous Year
2019	225,621	—
2020	173,176	-23.2%
2021	156,453	-9.6%
2022	123,880	-20.8%
2023	108,851	-12.1%

Is GMAT Exam More Popular Than Other Business School Entrance Exams?

If you’re planning to apply to a top MBA program, you’ve probably asked yourself: GMAT or GRE? The GMAT exam, designed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), has been the gold standard for business school admissions for decades. But with more schools accepting the GRE, many applicants wonder which test gives them an edge. So, which one should you take? Let’s break it down.

GMAT vs. GRE: Which One Do Students Prefer?

The GMAT Focus Edition is tailored specifically for business and management programs, while the GRE is a more general standardized test accepted across various graduate programs. If you’re aiming for an MBA, many schools still require you to crake the GMAT or at least consider it a stronger indicator of your business acumen. The GMAT’s quantitative reasoning section, verbal reasoning section, and integrated reasoning are designed to assess critical thinking and data analysis skills—key attributes for an MBA student.

However, in the past five years (2019 to 2023), more applicants have opted for the GRE due to its wider acceptance and flexible test structure. Unlike the GMAT, which is a computer-adaptive test focused heavily on quantitative and analytical writing skills, the GRE allows test-takers to jump between questions within a section, making it more appealing to some students.

GMAT vs. CAT: How Do They Compare?

For students in India, another big question is GMAT vs. CAT (Common Admission Test) or GRE vs CAT. While the CAT is required for Indian business schools, the GMAT is preferred for international MBA programs. The CAT is only offered once a year, whereas the GMAT can be taken anytime, providing more flexibility for applicants.

The CAT exam is purely a percentile-based test that does not reveal an actual total GMAT score equivalent, making it harder for international admissions teams to evaluate applicants fairly. On the other hand, the GMAT gives a clear test score (out of 800), with 740+ considered highly competitive. Many students preparing for CAT eventually take the GMAT if they decide to apply to business programs outside India.

Which Exam Should You Take?

If you’re applying only to MBA programs, the GMAT remains the best choice since it’s designed to test skills needed for business school. However, if you’re considering other graduate programs in addition to business school, the GRE might be a better fit.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to your target schools, strengths, and preferences. A strong GMAT max score (700+) can make you stand out, but if you’re more comfortable with the GRE format, that’s a viable option too. Either way, the key is to start your prep early, evaluate your strengths, and choose the exam that aligns best with your goals.

What Factors Affect the Number of GMAT Test Takers?

The number of tests taken for the GMAT exam has fluctuated significantly over the years. While the GMAT club once dominated as the go-to exam for MBA aspirants, the rise of GMAT and GRE competition, changing graduate school admission trends, and alternative pathways have all played a role in shifting preferences.

If you’re wondering why fewer students might want to take the GMAT, let’s break down the key factors influencing this trend.

1. The Rise of GRE for Business Schools

Many school of business programs now accept both GMAT and GRE, making the choice more flexible for applicants. Since the GRE is accepted for a variety of graduate courses, some students might want to opt for it over the GMAT, especially if they are considering non-MBA programs.

2. Changes in GMAT Format and Difficulty

The previous edition of the GMAT had sections of the GMAT that were longer, making it a more demanding test. However, the addition to the GMAT of the data insights section and a shorter two hours test in the GMAT Focus Edition aim to make the exam more user-friendly. Still, students must prepare for verbal and quantitative sections, which require strong problem-solving and real-world application skills.

3. Shift in MBA Admission Trends

Many master of business administration programs no longer list GMAT as a mandatory criterion. Instead, some schools evaluate applicants based on work experience, leadership skills, and analytical abilities rather than just a percentile or an average GMAT score. This has led to a decline in students taking the GMAT.

4. Perceived Difficulty of the GMAT Exam Sections

The GMAT exam sections—especially the quant and verbal and quantitative sections—are considered tough. With 64 questions to answer in just two hours, students must gauge their speed and accuracy effectively. Unlike the GRE Test, the GMAT is computer-adaptive, meaning that once a question is answered correctly, the next one gets harder.

5. Test Flexibility and Costs

Compared to GRE, the GMAT offers fewer retake opportunities, and the cost can be a barrier. With 52% of students reporting cost as a concern, some applicants might want to choose alternative business programs that don’t require the GMAT.

Will GMAT Test-Taker Numbers Increase or Decline in the Future?

The future of GMAT test-takers is uncertain. While the GMAT Focus Edition aims to simplify the test by reducing exam sections and cutting the number of questions required, the rising acceptance of GRE for MBA admissions and schools waiving standardized tests could lead to a continued decline in registrations. Business schools are prioritizing comprehensive applicant profiles over just test scores, making the GMAT less of a necessity for some students.

However, the official study materials for the GMAT Focus Edition suggest that the new format, with only 20 questions per section, a streamlined writing assessment, and a refined arithmetic section, could attract more students. If the changes make the test more approachable while still assessing key skills through passage-based reasoning, GMAT registrations could stabilize or even rise. Ultimately, the decision to take the GMAT will depend on how business schools weigh its importance in the coming years.

Conclusion

The number of GMAT test-takers has fluctuated over the years, with countries like the U.S. and India contributing significantly. While the GMAT Focus Edition aims to make the exam more accessible, competition from the GRE and changing MBA admission trends may impact future registrations. Still, a strong GMAT score remains a key advantage for applicants targeting top business schools.

Want to know if the GMAT is right for you? Get a personalized profile analysis with Ambitio and find the best path for your MBA journey! Book a free session today!

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