How is negative marking calculated?

I wanted to understand:

In quants or verbal, suppose I complete the test a few minutes early, can I select the last answer and simply wait for the test to end automatically when time is up...or do I actually have to click 'submit' to end the test to avoid penalty marking?

In one of the official mock tests I took, I completed the test 30-40 seconds early. Rather than click submit, I decided to use the spare time to double check if the selected answer is correct and waited till the test automatically ended. The results showed that the test was complete and that no answers were unanswered. But when the same story repeated in the second official mock I took, the results showed that the last question was unanswered. And this happened for both verbal and quants. I am very sure I selected an option for both the last questions, yet the results showed one question unanswered in each section.

I wanted to know, in the real GMAT exam, do we actually need to hit 'submit' after selecting the last answer option, before the time is up to avoid penalty? Or will my last answer still be considered if I only select the choice and wait for the test to automatically end without actually clicking on 'submit'?

Hi PDK18.

GMAC has said on multiple occasions when asked by test-takers that your answer will be counted even if you don't hit Submit.
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Thank you

Marty is spot on. For some more general information about GMAT scoring here is a helpful article:

How Is the GMAT Exam Scored?
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Probably safer to click "next" when you have about 10-15 seconds left in that scenario.
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Marty is correct but only partially.
This is indeed how the GMAT test has worked in the past and we had numerous confirmations until about 2019… but all the confirmations we have are from pre-2019

In the last few years, the GMAT prep tests have been modified not to count the final answer if you did not submit it. Except in AWA where it will submit your essay. This makes me think that the test also does not count the last question. It’s a little bit challenging to verify on your own of course.

Therefore, because GMAT prep does not count, I would not trust the official system to count your answer. It would be better and safer to submit it 10 seconds before the time runs out.

Posted from my mobile device
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Oh! Ok. I agree. Better to be safe than sorry. Thank you so much. I hope this thread helps other GMAT Test takers too. There is absolutely no information out there on hitting the submit button before the test ends.