GRE vs GMAT 2024: Which Exam Should You Take?

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	Quantitative Reasoning (45 minutes) Verbal Reasoning (45 minutes) Data Insights (45 minutes)	Analytical Writing Section with 1 essay (30 Minutes) 2 Sections in Verbal Reasoning (47 Minutes) 2 Sections in Quantitative Reasoning (41 Minutes)
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)	GRE General Test Fee: INR 22,500 GRE Subject Test Fee: INR 14,500
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:

GMAT or GRE, which is a better choice for MBA colleges abroad?	When to start preparing for GMAT/GRE?
GRE to GMAT Score Conversion	GMAT to GRE Score Conversion

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.

1. Stanford University
2. Duke University
3. New York University (NYU)
4. Harvard University
5. Yale University
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

Related Reads:

Canadian universities accepting GRE scores for MBA	Top MBA Universities accepting GRE Scores in the UK	Top MBA Universities accepting GRE Scores in the USA
Top GRE accepting Universities in Germany 2023	GRE accepting Universities in Europe	GRE accepting Universities in the USA
GRE accepting Universities in the UK	GRE accepting Universities in Canada for MS	GRE Colleges 2023 - List of Colleges Accepting GRE Scores across USA, UK & Canada

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
No Age Limit: Candidates of any age can appear for the GRE Test 2024. Valid Passport: A valid passport is an important document to appear in GRE exam 2024. Educational Qualification: No specific academic or professional requirements. Check GRE Eligibility in detail.	Age: Minimum 18 years old. Under 18: Written consent or NOC from parents/legal guardians required. Educational Qualification: No specific academic or professional requirements.  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.

Quick Links:

GMAT 2024 Exam Registration	GMAT 2024 Preparation Tips	GMAT 2024 Score/Results
GRE 2024 Slot Booking	GRE Preparation Tips	GRE Score/Results 2024