If you are planning to take the GMAT this year, one of the first questions you may ask is, What is a good GMAT score in 2025? The answer depends on several factors, from how business schools view the GMAT Focus Edition to how your score compares with global averages. In this article, we will explore what counts as a good GMAT score this year, look at average GMAT scores in 2025: global trends, explain what is a good score in the GMAT Focus Edition, and break down competitive GMAT scores for top MBA colleges in 2025 so you can set the right target for your MBA journey.
Also Read, IMT Ghaziabad GMAT Cutoff 2025, Program-wise Cutoff for PGDM
What Counts as a Good GMAT Score This Year?
A good GMAT score in 2025 depends on the school you are applying to and your overall profile. The GMAT Focus Edition, introduced in 2023, has a total score range of 205 to 805. It includes three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
Generally, a score of 655 in GMAT FE or above is considered good. This score makes you eligible to apply for most of the B Schools present in India as well as abroad. Scores between 675 and 705 are very strong and make you competitive for many top business schools. For top-tier programs, a score of 700 or higher is usually expected. Scores above 725 are excellent and place you in the top 1% of test takers.
Percentiles are important because they show how your score compares with other test takers. While a high GMAT score is valuable, schools also consider work experience, essays, leadership, and recommendations.
A good GMAT score is one that is equal to or higher than the average score of students admitted to your target schools. For mid-tier programs, scores in the mid-600s are competitive, while for top-tier programs, scores closer to 700 or above are ideal.
Also Take, GMAT Mock Test
GMAT Focus Edition Score Vs Percentile
Generally the percentile above 80 makes you eligible for most of the good B schools in India. Take a look at the score vs percentile for the GMAT focus edition in the table below:
Score Range | Percentile | Score Range | Percentile |
735 - 805 | 100% | 635 | 82% |
715 - 725 | 99% | 625 | 79% |
705 | 98% | 615 | 76% |
695 | 97% | 605 | 70% |
685 | 96% | 595 | 67% |
675 | 95% | 585 | 61% |
665 | 92% | 575 | 57% |
655 | 91% | 565 | 51% |
645 | 87% |
Average GMAT Scores in 2025: Global Trends
As of 2025, the global average GMAT total score is approximately 554.67, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). This average encompasses candidates from all regions and includes both the traditional GMAT and the GMAT Focus Edition.
For the GMAT Focus Edition, the average section scores are:
- Quantitative Reasoning: 78.06
- Verbal Reasoning: 79.34
- Data Insights: 75.03
Top MBA programs require significantly higher scores. For instance, Stanford’s average GMAT (Classic) score is 738, Harvard’s is 740, Wharton’s is 732, and MIT Sloan’s is 730. Other leading schools, including Columbia, Kellogg, Haas, Booth, Tuck, Yale, and Darden, have averages between 718 and 733.
Regional trends show that candidates in the United States generally achieve higher scores than the global average. Leading schools in Europe and Canada report similar strong averages. In Asia, particularly India and China, the number of GMAT candidates is rising as more students pursue both local and international MBA programs.
While the global average GMAT score is 554.67, applicants aiming for top-tier programs should target scores above 650 in GMAT FE to remain competitive. Understanding these trends can help candidates benchmark their preparation and set realistic goals for their MBA applications.
Also Read, Executive MBA Seats In IIMs, Admissions, Programs, Fees
What is a Good Score in the GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition is a newer version of the GMAT exam used by business schools to evaluate candidates. It measures skills in areas such as Quantitative Reasoning (math skills), Verbal Reasoning (English and comprehension skills), and Data Insights (data interpretation and analytical skills). The total score ranges from 205 to 805, just like the traditional GMAT.
A good GMAT Focus Edition score depends on the business schools you are targeting:
- 650 - 700: Excellent. Places you in the top 10-15% of test takers and gives a strong chance of admission to top schools like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and INSEAD.
- 630-650: Very good and competitive for many strong business schools.
- 600 - 630: Average to above average; may still be considered for mid-tier schools, especially with strong essays, work experience, or other application strengths.
- Below 600: Usually below the average for most top programs; retaking the exam may be recommended.
Each section is scored from 0 to 60:
- Quantitative Reasoning: 50+ is considered strong.
- Verbal Reasoning: 40+ is considered strong.
- Data Insights: 45+ is considered competitive.
While aiming for a high total score is important, strong section scores, especially in Quantitative Reasoning, are also essential for competitive programs.
Also Read, GMAT Syllabus 2025, Exam Pattern, Section-Wise Syllabus PDF
Competitive GMAT Scores for Top MBA Colleges in 2025
When applying to top MBA programs in 2025, a GMAT score of 700 or higher is generally considered competitive. The most selective schools, like Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton, often admit students with average scores in the 720+range, so aiming for 720+ gives you a strong chance. For other top programs, a score in the 690-710 range can still be competitive, especially if the rest of your application (work experience, leadership, essays, recommendations) is strong.
Business School | Location | Reported / Target / Average GMAT |
IMT Ghaziabad | Ghaziabad, NCR | 650 |
SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) | Mumbai | 650 |
IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX / 1-Year MBA) | Ahmedabad | ~ 697 |
IIM Bangalore (EPGP / one-year MBA) | Bangalore | ~ 689 |
IIM Calcutta (MBAEX / PGPEX) | Kolkata | ~ 682 |
IIMs / other Indian B-schools (general list) | Various | 650+ to 710+ |
(Mentioned in forum) IMT Ghaziabad (PGDM-ExP) | Ghaziabad | 675 |
Good GMAT Score for top B-schools in USA is given in the table below:
Business School | Location | Average GMAT Score | Competitive GMAT Score Range |
Stanford Graduate School of Business | Stanford, California, USA | 738 | 720-760 |
Harvard Business School | Boston, Massachusetts, USA | 730 | 720-760 |
Wharton (University of Pennsylvania) | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 733 | 710-750 |
Northwestern Kellogg | Evanston, Illinois, USA | 733 | 710-750 |
University of Chicago Booth | Chicago, Illinois, USA | 729 | 710-750 |
Columbia Business School | New York City, New York, USA | 732 | 710-750 |
MIT Sloan | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA | 730 | 710-750 |
What is a Good GMAT Score in 2025: Conclusion
In 2025, a good GMAT score aligns with the expectations of your target schools. For top programs, a score of 675 or higher is generally competitive, while mid-600s can work well for many other strong programs. A high score strengthens your chances, but MBA admissions also heavily consider work experience, essays, recommendations, and leadership qualities.
Remember, the GMAT is just one part of your overall application story.
