GRE vs GMAT 2025: Which Exam Should You Take?
GRE
Which exam is best for you to study abroad; GRE or GMAT? Both standardized tests are commonly used for admission to graduate programs offered by universities worldwide. GRE is generally preferred for MS programs while GMAT is preferred for MBA programs only. Ultimately, understanding your requirements is the best way to decide between GRE and GMAT.
Management universities across the world ask for scores of the GMAT or GRE to offer MBA admission. Every applicant faces the daunting task of selecting the appropriate exam, GMAT or GRE. Before you appear in any of these exams, you need to understand your objective and check the specific admissions requirements of the programs you're interested in.
What is the difference between the GMAT and GRE? Understanding the answer to this question can make the picture clear for you. Universities in the world require GRE Scores to offer MS and MBA admission while GMAT exam scores help you to get admission MBA abroad only. In this article, you will come to know about the difference between GRE and GMAT exams. At the end of this blog, you will have enough information to decide which exam you should take.
GMAT vs GRE Difference
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The basic difference between the GRE and GMAT is that the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is accepted or suitable for admission in various graduate programs. On the other hand, GMAT is required to get admission to B-schools. Both tests evaluate various skills of candidates such as quantitative and analytical skills.
You can evaluate which exam caters best to your requirements. Apart from evaluating these two exams, we suggest you conduct thorough research about the eligibility criteria of the universities and programmes you are targeting.
Key Highlights for GMAT vs GRE
Below, we have mentioned a table to compare the GRE vs GMAT in easy words.
| Factors | GMAT |
GRE |
|---|---|---|
| Full form |
GMAT full-form is Graduate Management Admission Test |
GRE full form is Graduate Record Examinations |
| Conducted by |
Graduate Management Aptitude Test conducted by GMAC. |
Graduates Record Examination, conducted by Educational Testing Service |
| Accepted by/ for |
All reputed MBA colleges in the world for admission to its postgraduate programs in management |
All reputed universities worldwide for a variety of postgraduate degree programs including management |
| Test Structure |
|
|
| Test Format |
Computerized Adaptive Test |
Both paper and computerized adaptive formats are available |
| Score Range |
205 - 805 in 10-point increment |
340 |
| Score Validity |
5 years |
5 years |
| Cost |
$275 (GMAT taken at a test centre) $300 (Online GMAT exam at home) |
|
| Retakes |
After every 16 days to a maximum of 5 attempts in a 12-month period and 8 attempts in one's lifetime |
After every 21 days to a maximum of 5 attempts in a year (continuous rolling 12-month period from the beginning of the first test) |
Having learnt about a broad comparative analysis of GMAT and GRE exams, students may also want to read the following links:
GRE Exam
GRE exam is attempted by students who want to get admission to graduate schools. More than 90 countries in the world accept GRE scores including USA, UK, Canada, and more. Students applying to graduate schools in order to pursue a Masters of Science (MS), MBA or PhD courses appear for this exam. The Graduate Record Examinations is a computer-based test.
GRE Accepting Universities
Earlier, potential MBA students did not have any choice other than GMAT, but now, even the top-graded schools accept GRE scores. Below, we have mentioned the list of top GRE accepting universities in the world.
- Stanford University
- Duke University
- New York University (NYU)
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Related Reads:
| Canadian Universities Accepting GRE Scores for MBA | Top MBA Universities accepting GRE Scores in the UK | |
GMAT Exam
GMAT is a standardized test that is attempted by those looking to join any business school. As the name suggests, students who wish to pursue an MBA, Master of Finance or Master of Accountancy, or any management-related programme are advised to take the Graduate Management Admission Test.
GMAT is acceptable for pursuing more than 6,000 programs in over 2,100 universities across the globe. Notably, this is a computer-adaptive test and not computer-based. Here, the student gets one question at a time and the difficulty of the next question is decided as per the accuracy of the previous answer.
If you talk about India, more than 90 Management Schools accept GMAT scores. One advantage of taking the GMAT is that the aspirant can appear or reappear for the exam after every 16 days. However, one can appear for the exam up to five times a year (12-month period) and 8 times in a lifetime.
Key Difference Between GRE and GMAT
In this section, we are going to be looking at the difference between GRE and GMAT exams for students looking to study abroad.
GMAT vs GRE: Eligibility
| GRE Eligibility | GMAT Eligibility |
|---|---|
Check GRE Eligibility in detail. |
Check GMAT Eligibility in detail. |
Keep in mind that the GRE and GMAT are not the sole criteria for getting admission to your desired university. Candidates need to check the complete eligibility criteria mentioned by their choice of universities. One thing students should keep in mind before they register for GRE is to have a valid passport. Your passport is considered proof of identity at the GRE test centres. So, applicants should obtain a valid passport before registering for this exam.
GMAT vs GRE Difficulty Level
The GMAT is suitable for those who possess strong quantitative and analytical skills. Those struggling with quants will definitely find the mathematics section in the GMAT syllabus challenging. GMAT is preferable for those who are efficient in solving complex problems with the help of data present in charts, tables, and texts.
Whereas, the GRE is considered a better option for those who possess strong vocabulary skills. Non-native English speakers will find the verbal section of the GRE syllabus harder, as GRE grills the aspirants on the basis of tough vocabulary.
GMAT vs GRE Test Structure
The GRE exam pattern evaluates the candidates on the basis of their Analytical, Mathematical and Verbal skills. On the other hand, the GMAT exam pattern comprises four sections Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment, and Quantitative and Verbal skills.
GMAT vs GRE Cost
The GRE exam fee is INR 22,500 for Indian students. While, GMAT Exam Fee is $275 (INR 22,784) for the exam taken at a test centre and $300 (24,855) for the online GMAT exam. Candidates should note that added services such as rescheduling the exam and changing test dates/centres would include an additional cost added to the exam fee for both exams.
GMAT vs GRE Scores Validity
Scores for both exams remain valid for a period of five years.
GMAT vs GRE: Which is Easier?
Which is easy, GMAT or GRE? The answer to this question is subjective. The difficulty of GMAT vs GRE depends on a test-taker’s skillsets, pre-existing knowledge, and preferences. For some students, GMAT's quantitative part is more difficult than the GRE's, although it may be simpler for individuals who enjoy it. For some students, the GRE’s verbal part might be more difficult. However, for a student who has prepared well, no section can be difficult or easy. Hence, it is advised that the students focus more on their preparation after deciding which exam they wish to appear for.
Now that students are aware of the key differences between GMAT and GRE, they must decide which test they must take according to their course and university requirements. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Q: What is the difference between GMAT and GRE?
Q: Does Harvard University prefer GRE or GMAT?
Harvard Business School is one of the top business schools in the world that accepts GRE and GMAT scores. The major focus of this institution to push students is to take the test that shows the abilities of students in best manner.
Q: Is passport required for GRE exam registration?
Yes! As a primary ID proof, ETS ask valid passport of student at the time of GRE test registration. Make sure all the detailes mentioned on passport should be same on your GRE registeration page. Earlier, the ETS was accepting Aadhar Card as primary ID proof but after Arpil 15, 2023, Passport is the only valid and primary ID proof to complete the GRE exam registration.
Q: What is the relevance of the GMAT exam?
For the purpose of admission to graduate management studies, such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees or MIM programmes, the GMAT exam is offered to evaluate specific analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. For entry into a variety of graduate management programmes, including MBA, Master of Accountancy, Master of Finance, and others, business schools employ the test as a requirement.
Q: What is the fee structure of GMAT and GRE?
The fee for the GMAT exam taken at a test centre is $275 and the fee for the online GMAT exam taken at home is $300. In the case of the GRE exam, the fee is INR 22,500. Moreover, in the case of GMAT, students can retake the GMAT after every 16 days to a maximum of 5 attempts in a 12-month period and 8 attempts in one's lifetime.
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: Is Hertfordshire University hard to get into?
With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of Hertfordshire is not hard to get into and follows easy selection criteria during admissions. This does not mean the university accepts all the students applying for different programs. The selection is based on academic performance, English language requirements, references, and many more. Some of the programs at Hertfordshire even demand an experience of 4-5 years. Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria to enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio
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Here is the difference between GRE vs GMAT:
Full form
Graduate Management Admission Test
Graduate Record Examinations
Conducted by
GMAC.
Educational Testing Service
Accepted by/ for
MBA colleges and universities in the world for its postgraduate programs in management
All reputed universities for a variety of PG degree programs including management
Test Structure
Test Format
Computerized Adaptive Test
Both paper and computerized adaptive formats are available
Score Range
200 - 800 in 10-point increment
340
Score Validity
5 years
5 years
Cost
$275 (GMAT taken at a test centre)
$300 (Online GMAT exam at home)
Retakes
After every 16 days to a maximum of 5 attempts in a 12-month period and 8 attempts in one's lifetime
After every 21 days to a maximum of 5 attempts in a year (continuous rolling 12-month period from the beginning of the first test)