What is the Average GMAT Score in 2025-26?

Short Answer

The global average GMAT score is about 555, around 48th percentile and not competitive. Focus instead on the class average of your target program, aiming to exceed it if you are from an overrepresented pool or have weaker areas in your application.

 

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What Does the Average GMAT Score Mean in MBA Admissions?

An average GMAT score, around 555 and the 48th percentile, simply reflects the middle of all test takers and does not indicate true competitiveness in MBA admissions. A good score starts near 605 (75th percentile), while elite schools average above 645 (90th percentile), and overrepresented applicants may need about 50 points more to stand out. Your GMAT score is more than a number; it is a signal of your readiness, discipline, and ability to thrive in a demanding academic environment. Aim higher than average to open doors to your dream business school.

All GMAT Scores and Percentiles

Mean Score : 554.67

Why the Average GMAT Score is Not Truly “Average” | Why It Is Not a Reliable Yardstick

Since most GMAT takers do not enter top programs, the average GMAT score, roughly 555 at about the 50th percentile, is not a reliable benchmark for competitiveness. The real fight begins around 605 (70th percentile), with 645 (90th percentile) considered strong, 705 (99th percentile) exceptional, and 735+ (100th percentile) extraordinary. Overrepresented candidates, such as Indian engineers or Chinese finance professionals, face even stiffer competition and should aim roughly 50 points higher than the class average to maximize their admission chances.

 

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Why the Class Average GMAT Score of Your Target Program Matters More Than the Overall Average

The overall GMAT average reflects all test takers, most of whom will never apply to your chosen programs, making it a poor benchmark. The class average GMAT score of your target program represents the actual competition you will face. Moreover, if you have weaker elements, such as limited work experience, modest grades, or fewer extracurriculars, compensating with a higher GMAT score can help. Likewise, candidates from overrepresented backgrounds should aim to exceed this class average to improve their standing in the admissions pool.

Must Candidates from Overrepresented Backgrounds Aim Higher on the GMAT?

Yes. Those from highly represented pools, such as Indian engineers or Chinese finance professionals, encounter intensified competition. To stand out, they should target a GMAT score about 50 points above the average score of their intended business schools.

What Does a “Good” GMAT Score Look Like?

A GMAT score of 645, at the 90th percentile, is regarded as strong. A 705, in the 99th percentile, is exceptional, while 735 or higher, in the 100th percentile, is truly outstanding. Around 605 (70th percentile) is respectable, but anything lower is weak. The global average is about 555, and your score target should align with the expectations of your chosen business schools; hence, what qualifies as a good GMAT score also depends on where an applicant wants to apply.

What GMAT Scores do Top Business Schools Expect?

Top-ranked MBA programs tend to admit students with GMAT scores well above the average. These schools often publish average or median GMAT scores for their incoming classes. These averages typically fall in the upper 600s or low 700s, which maps to the 90th percentile and above. That means most admitted students at these schools scored better than at least 90 percent of all GMAT takers. However, even within these competitive programs, there is a wide range. Business schools often publish a middle 80 percent range of GMAT scores, which shows the range between the 10th and 90th percentiles of their admitted class. Many successful applicants score below the class average. Many score above it. What matters more than the average is how far an applicant’s score stands from it and how well the rest of the application makes up for it.

How to Achieve a Top GMAT Score

Since 2008, Experts’ Global has guided thousands of students to exceptional GMAT results through its structured Understand–Practice–Master approach. Here is how to apply it effectively.

Stage One: Understand

Lay the groundwork by learning the exam’s structure, question formats, and all concepts tested across Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights. Your focus here is on accuracy and conceptual clarity rather than speed. Take full-length mock tests regularly to get a sense of the exam’s demands and to monitor your progress without overemphasizing timing.

Stage Two: Practice

Translate your knowledge into performance by solving a large volume of high-quality questions. Start working with timed conditions to improve both efficiency and precision. Seek a balance between speed and accuracy, and increase your mock test frequency to measure improvement and adjust pacing strategies.

Stage Three: Master

Bring your preparation to its peak by consolidating every concept and strengthening any lingering weak areas. Reattempt past errors, refine your strategies, and raise mock test frequency further to build endurance and consistency. By the time you reach test day, your skills should be sharp, your strategies proven, and your mindset steady for maximum performance.

A Note on the Basics: Mean, Median, and Percentiles

There are three main ways to look at GMAT performance data: mean, median, and percentile. Each tells a different story.

• The mean is the average of all test scores, calculated by dividing the total of all scores by the number of test-takers. This gives a sense of central tendency, but it can be distorted by a few unusually high or low scores.
• The median is the middle score. It divides the test-taker population into two equal halves. One half with scores above the median, and one half with scores below it. The median is often more accurate for understanding what is typical.
• Percentile rankings show how a test score compares to the rest of the test-taking population. If a person scores in the 88th percentile, it means they performed better than 88 percent of all test-takers.

While people often focus on the raw score, business schools care more about the percentile. It shows how competitive an applicant is relative to others and provides a clearer picture of where that candidate stands.

Parting Thought

GMAT is a valuable tool for both applicants and admissions committees, but the average score, whether global or program specific, should never be mistaken for your target or your finish line. Averages offer only a baseline. Percentiles give a clearer picture, yet even they need context. Your GMAT score is more than a number; it reflects the preparation, persistence, and purpose you bring to your MBA journey. A strong score can open doors, but a smart understanding of what that score means, paired with the right preparation strategy, can push those doors all the way open. Look beyond the averages, measure yourself against the competition you truly face, and aim for a score that earns you a seat in the room where you want to be.