Can I appear for GMAT now & apply year later after gathering work exp?

Since you have been studying for the GMAT I would advise you to take the GMAT before starting with your GMAT. However, I would also like you to consider your targeted school's desired score and your score on official mocks and then take a measured decision as to what is best for you. The score is valid for 5 years so that should not be an issue.

All the best.

Thank you everyone for the response. I am targeting for MBA. As I have already prepared i will give the exam in a month or so.

Hi ally510,

Studying for the GMAT now - years before you will actually 'need' your Score - is a smart choice. In this way, you'll have your Score 'locked up' and can focus on building the other aspects of your profile. Your Official GMAT Score is valid for up to 5 years, so as long as you apply before your Score has 'expired', you'll be all set.

Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) Do you have an exact Test Date yet (and if so, then when is it?)?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

If you feel prepared for the GMAT and plan to apply within the next 5 years, then yes, get your GMAT out of the way now. However, if you are not yet prepared to take the exam, then give yourself some more time and take the GMAT once you are truly ready.