India's GMAT Boom: 20% Growth Despite Dynamic Immigration Regulations.

The latest news revolves around India’s transformation as one of the top three countries, with more than 50,000 GMAT test takers. The increase in the number of candidates for the GMAT exam in India was seen despite changes in Immigration policies by leading countries. 

The GMAT exams in India have seen a steep rise of 20% in the number of GMAT test takers. According to GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), India has seen an increase in GMAT test takers. However, this may not be sufficient to hold onto the second position if China's numbers rebound. Before the pandemic, China used to administer over 60,000 tests. India currently accounts for 30% of the total number of GMAT candidates worldwide. 

According to Gaurav Srivastava, GMAC Regional Director, “Despite India's growth in GMAT test takers, it may not be enough to maintain the second position if China's numbers recover.”

Being one of the most popular international entrance exams, GMAT test takers in India take the opportunity to pursue higher studies abroad. According to an Open Doors report, the USA alone registered 2,68,923 international students in 2022-2023, with Indian students contributing a whopping percentage. The increase in the number of international students in the USA from India stands at 35%. 

According to the latest news, many factors might be leading to the rise in the number of GMAT test takers in India. One of the most significant reasons is the end of the pandemic and the institutional changes in the USA. The slowdown of the tech industry led people to continue with their academic goals, which can be seen in the increase in the number of GMAT test takers in India. Also, the change in the regime in the USA has emphasised more on global education more. The USA made impactful decisions to attract international students post-COVID-19. The steps led to the growth in the number of students aiming to study in the top universities in the USA. 

“The combination of the end of COVID-19 and the new regime in the US led to a substantial increase in applications, positively affecting GMAT numbers in India. The last three years showed varying results, with 2023 being the best,” Srivastava said. According to the latest news, he also went on to say, “The tech sector slowdown in the US has resulted in inverse relationship with inclination towards higher studies.”

One more reason for the rise in GMAT test takers in India is the launch of the focus edition of the GMAT. Most candidates have registered for the focus edition, which is soon going to be the standard norm. The new edition of the GMAT, which started on January 31st, 2024, will be the only version of the GMAT exam. The new edition takes approximately 2 hours to complete and is a boon for students. 

Looking further into the rise in GMAT exam applications in India, the experts noted the swift appeal of the education system and the job opportunities as the reasons. The immigration policy changes in Canada, Australia, and the UK had little or no impact on Indian students aspiring to study in these countries. 

GMAT is accepted in all the leading countries in global education, such as the UK, the US, Germany, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia. In 2024, approximately 200,000 GMAT exams will be conducted globally.

Furthermore, to increase the number of GMAT test takers in India, the GMAC and the AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) are working on ways of building the NMAT (Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test) into a national-level exam. The GMAC conducts NMAT for admissions in top business schools in India and abroad. The number of NMAT takers exceeds the GMAT test takers in India due to the acceptance rate of the NMAT scores in Indian institutes in comparison to GMAT scores. When executed, it will lead to a further rise in the number of GMAT tests in India as students will have just to take one test.

Also, the steady growth in the number of international students from India has resulted in no major changes in the GMAT exam process. Mr Srivastava also mentions, “Our score-sending patterns have remained consistent over the last 2-3 years. It is likely because candidates taking the GMAT for international studies typically aim for well-ranked programmes. Programmes beyond Tier 3 often don't require a standardised admission test”.

Analysing the entire scenario, experts at amber news are saying, “The current pace of global education looks promising and will be booming in the coming years”. The growth in aspirants for higher studies in leading countries leads to better opportunities for PBSA and HMO owners, realtors and investors alike. The student housing real estate market is projected to grow to US$ 127,000 million in 2027 at a CAGR of 4.95%. It is the most ideal time to build your presence in the PBSA market and reap the benefits just by listing with us. Also, if you are an aspirant of higher studies in top universities across the world, follow amber news for regular updates on international entrance tests.