Table of Contents
- GMAT vs GRE: An overview
- Key differences between GMAT and GRE
- GMAT vs. GRE: Syllabus and exam pattern
- Top universities accepting GMAT or GRE
- GMAT vs. GRE scores
- GMAT vs. GRE: Difficulty level
- GMAT vs. GRE: Which is better for you?
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you are aspiring to be admitted abroad for business courses, submitting entrance test scores might be required. There you have two prominent options – GMAT or GRE. But which one is better for you?
As the GMAT and GRE are accepted globally for admission to business and graduate programs, you can choose any option based on your preferences. Here’s a look into both tests to help you decide your option better, by comparing GMAT vs. GRE for MBA and other similar courses abroad.
What is GMAT?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized entrance test for business courses in India and abroad. GMAT evaluates one’s reasoning and critical thinking abilities, aiming to showcase the capacity to excel in esteemed graduate business programs. You can take GMAT up to 5 times a year and a total 8 times in a lifetime.
GMAT is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty level of questions changes after you answer a question.
What is GRE?
Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) serves as a factor in admissions decisions at numerous graduate schools, encompassing programs in business and law. GRE assesses your verbal and quantitative reasoning abilities, critical thinking skills, and proficiency in analytical writing.
Numerous graduate programs in fields such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, social work, and education utilize GRE scores for admissions. You can take the GRE up to five times a year, allowing for a retest once every 21 days. GRE is computer-adaptive and changes the test difficulty after you complete each section.
GMAT vs GRE: An overview
GRE and GMAT are prominent entrance tests with international acceptance. GRE vs GMAT for MBA can be confusing to choose, as both are closely similar in syllabus and test pattern. Here is an overview of both the tests to help you understand better.
| Parameters | GMAT | GRE |
| Mode of Conduction | Online | Online |
| Conducted by | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Acceptance | Graduate business programs | Graduate programs in business, science, law, politics, economics, etc. |
| Application Fee | 300 USD (INR 25,000) | 220 USD (INR 18,300) |
| Duration | 3 hours 7 minutes | 3 hours 45 minutes |
| Sections | Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal | Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning |
| Total Scores | 800 | 340 |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Total Attempts | 8 in a lifetime | 5 times a year |
| Exam Frequency per year | 5 times a year | Once every 3 weeks |
Key differences between GMAT and GRE
The main difference between the GMAT and GRE is the test focus, or where they are required. While GMAT is required for admissions into business schools, GRE is needed for various graduate programs admission, such as business and law.
- Testing style: Both tests are computer-adaptive, meaning that your answers are recorded, and you get questions based on that. In GMAT, you can’t skip questions, while GRE allows to mark and revisit questions.
- Score reporting: Your scores in GMAT or GRE can be directly sent to schools abroad. GMAT allows up to 5 schools for score reporting and sends GMAT scores of past 5 years. GRE allows only 4 score reporting and sends the last test scores only.
- Cost of test taking: GMAT has an application fee of 300 USD and GRE charges 220 USD.
- Exam duration: Compared to GMAT, GRE has a longer test duration, that is 3 hours 45 minutes with 10 minutes break. GMAT is 3 hours 7 minutes long with 8 minutes interval.
The sections below detail on other major differences between the GMAT and the GRE.
GMAT vs. GRE: Syllabus and exam pattern
The major difference in the exam structure is that the GMAT has analytical, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning sections, but GRE lacks integrated reasoning section. Despite that, GMAT and GRE follow a similar syllabus and exam pattern.
| Section | GMAT | GRE |
| Analytical Writing | 1 essay question | 2 essay questions |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 MCQs | 2 sections of 20 questions |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 MCQs | 2 sections of 20 questions |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 MCQs | Not Applicable |
Top universities accepting GMAT or GRE
| University | World Rankings 2024 | GMAT or GRE Acceptance |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | GMAT |
| University of Cambridge | 2 | GRE |
| University of Oxford | 3 | GRE and GMAT |
| Harvard University | 4 | GRE and GMAT |
| Stanford University | 5 | GRE and GMAT |
| Imperial College London | 6 | GRE and GMAT |
| ETH Zurich | 7 | GRE |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | 8 | GRE and GMAT |
| University College London | 9 | GRE and GMAT |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 10 | GRE and GMAT |
| University of Chicago | 11 | GRE and GMAT |
| University of Pennsylvania | 12 | GRE and GMAT |
GMAT vs. GRE scores
GMAT scores range from 200 – 800 and GRE scores are from 260 – 340. There is no negative marking in both tests. The scores are unevenly distributed among sections, as shown below:
| Section | GMAT Score Distribution | GRE Score Distribution |
| Analytical Writing | 0 – 6, half-point increment | 0 – 6, half-point increment |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 6 – 51, 1 point increment | 130 – 170, 1 point increment |
| Verbal Reasoning | 6 – 51, 1 point increment | 130 – 170, 1 point increment |
| Integrated Reasoning | 1 – 8, 1 point increment | Not Applicable |
GMAT vs. GRE: Difficulty level
Generally, the verbal section of GRE is considered more challenging compared to GMAT verbal section. It is because of the vocabulary followed and situations presented in the GRE. On the contrary, GMAT quantitative and analytical sections are regarded tougher than GRE quantitative sections.
People across the world with strong mathematical skills prefer GMAT over GRE, and those who have mathematical skills and a very good command of English opt for GRE. However, it is ultimately up to your skills to determine which is more difficult. You can identify that once you go through questions asked in GMAT and GRE. Also, GMAT v/s GRE choice is also dependent on the program/university you are targeting.
GMAT vs. GRE: Which is better for you?
The confusion between GMAT and GRE arises when you apply for business courses abroad. This confusion is usual when the picture is GRE vs GMAT for MBA. Consider the following to arrive at the right decision:
- Check which test is accepted by your university. Many universities accept both test scores and some specify either GMAT or GRE.
- Refer to the authenticate practice materials for respective tests. It will help you have a general picture of both tests and identify which is better for you, according to your skills.
- Research and learn more about the changing nature of these tests every year. Better you go for the options with more predictable questions among GMAT or GRE.
Deciding your test option is easy once you are familiar with GMAT and GRE. Remember, you need to prepare with focus and dedication to pass the entrance test for studying business courses abroad. Once you clear the entrance test, there is more to do for a successful admission abroad.
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Frequently Asked Questions
GMAT vs. GRE – what’s the main difference?
GMAT is required for admissions into business schools, and GRE is asked for various graduate programs, such as business and engineering.
Is GMAT harder than GRE?
GMAT is considered easier than GRE by many due to its focus on logical reasoning. GRE, on the other hand, focuses more on mathematical skills. Ultimately, it’s your preference that decides which is easier, as only you can decide based on your skills.
What if I have poor mathematical skills and good command over English. Which test should I opt for, GRE or GMAT?
Generally, GRE is considered asking easier questions in math section compared to GMAT. However, you may choose between GRE vs. GMAT after practicing authenticate model questions of both tests.
Should I take GMAT or GRE for MBA?
You can take GMAT or GRE for MBA admission abroad, whichever is accepted by your university. Many people prefer GMAT over GRE because GMAT is entirely focused on business courses.
Which is more expensive among GMAT and GRE?
GMAT is more expensive as the application cost is around 300 USD. The application fee for GRE is 220 USD.
Which is more accepted – GMAT or GRE?
GMAT and GRE are globally accepted. Institutions across different countries accept GMAT and GRE scores for admission to business and other courses.
What if I flunk even after 5 attempts in GMAT?
You can’t take the GMAT more than 5 times a year and 8 times in a lifetime. If you fail in your first 5 attempts, carefully attend the 6th time or consider alternatives like GRE.
Can I take GRE after 5 failed attempts?
You can’t take the GRE more than 5 times a year. If you fail in the first 5 attempts, you may wait for next year to take it again.
