What GMAT / GRE Scores Do You Need for admission to INSEAD's MBA?
- Pankaj Sahu
- Aug 11, 2025
- 5 min read
When you dream of an MBA at INSEAD, you are not alone. Internationally recognised as having a one-year intensive programme and a large global alumni network, INSEAD admits some of the most brilliant minds in the world. However, when there is a large number of highly talented candidates, it is not only the professional accomplishments which will make them stand out but also the academic requirements of the school. That is where your INSEAD GMAT score or INSEAD GRE score comes in.
Standardised test scores offer the admissions committee a way to evaluate your preparedness for the academic rigour of the programme. Although your score is just a component of your application, it can be the initial hurdle. A competitive score indicates that you are prepared to come up with a fast-paced INSEAD curriculum and have the analytical and verbal skills to excel. But don't worry; getting a perfect score isn't necessary. The real focus is on balance and context.
At Leadearly, the world's leading INSEAD's admissions expert, Sadaf Raza, will guide you to approach the GMAT or GRE with clarity and purpose. Whether you're an engineer, a non-native English speaker, or someone with a non-traditional background, Leadearly MBA support ensure your test strategy aligns with your unique profile and future goals.
What Are INSEAD's GMAT and GRE Score Expectations?
According to INSEAD's own website, it does not officially set a minimum INSEAD GMAT on INSEAD GRE score, but rather it looks at scores relative to other applicants and specifically applicants within your region. Most top business schools consider both the raw and percentile scores in the evaluation of your performance, though a few exceptional profiles may be accepted outside the average scores. The maximum raw score for the GMAT test is 805, whereas for the GRE test it is 340.
What's most important isn't just a high score; it's balance. INSEAD looks closely at how you perform in both quantitative and verbal sections. To give you an example, a high score on Quant might not suffice alone, particularly when your verbal reasoning or writing capabilities are poor. On the same note, applicants whose background is more verbally orientated will want to have a strong score in Quant to prove that they can manage a data-driven curriculum.
In some cases, a high score is sufficient to counter lower academic credentials (low GPA or attendance at a less competitive undergraduate university). But strong work experience, leadership stories or career vision can also compensate for a slightly lower score. At Leadearly, your full profile is evaluated before guiding your test strategy. This ensures your test efforts are balanced with the rest of your application.
GMAT Benchmarks: Target Your Range
Target Scenario | GMAT Score Range | Notes |
Competitive profile overall | 715–805 | 99th–100th percentile; strong across all sections, significantly boosts admissions and scholarship prospects. |
Balanced but less competitive demographic | 685–705 | 96th–98th percentile; viable for most schools if essays, work experience, and leadership are strong. |
Borderline GMAT, exceptional background | 655–675 | 90th–95th percentile; acceptable when paired with outstanding academics or unique career achievements. |
Consulting Insight: When to Retake GMAT/GRE vs. Strengthening Other Areas
Retaking the GMAT or GRE is a big decision, and it's one Sadaf Raza at Leadearly doesn't recommend lightly. In case the actual score is not within the middle 80 percentile, or one part is very low compared to the other, then there would be sense in retaking the exam. If you have average academics or your ambitions after an MBA are very competitive (such as consulting at MBB or VCs), then it may be worth your time to raise your score.
But sometimes, the smarter move is to focus elsewhere. If you're already in range, it may be more effective to improve your essays, refine your CV, or secure stronger recommendation letters. These aspects show your leadership, values, and growth potential; qualities INSEAD values deeply.
Applicants who struggle with standardised tests can also consider alternative strategies. At Leadearly, test-averse candidates receive personalised guidance on building compelling narratives, showcasing career impact, and demonstrating analytical skills through other parts of the application. Our GRE and GMAT guidance goes beyond scoring; we help you understand what INSEAD's Admission's Committe truly seeks.
GMAT vs GRE for INSEAD: What Most Students Choose and Why?
A frequently asked question is whether to do the INSEAD GMAT vs. GRE for admissions success. The reality is that INSEAD admission requirements accept both. Nevertheless, both of them have advantages and disadvantages based on your background.
For non-native English speakers, the GRE often feels more approachable. Its verbal section tests vocabulary more than reasoning, which some find less intimidating. On the other hand, engineers and quant-heavy profiles frequently prefer the GMAT, as it allows them to showcase their strong analytical capabilities.
At Leadearly, students are guided through a diagnostic process to choose the right test for them. Sadaf Raza brings years of experience advising diverse applicants and helps each one pick the test that best supports their candidacy. Whether it's the GMAT or GRE, the focus is always on playing to your strengths and making your overall application more competitive.
A high test score is a valuable asset, but it's not the full story. INSEAD is looking for candidates who bring a global perspective, leadership qualities, and a clear sense of purpose: your journey, your vision, and your impact matter just as much as your numbers.
With Leadearly's specialised MBA support for INSEAD candidates, applicants are equipped to present their best selves. Whether it's essay strategy or interview coaching, Leadearly ensures you go beyond being "just another high scorer". Under Sadaf Raza's admissions expertise, you'll learn how to showcase the depth of your experiences, align your goals with INSEAD's mission, and highlight the qualities that truly set you apart.
So yes – aim for a strong score. But also remember, with the right guidance, your whole story can become your biggest strength. For a complimentary 1-1 strategy session with INSEAD interviewer, alumni and award winning admissions coach, book time in Sadaf's diary and benefit from Leadearly's expert admissions guidance.