GRE vs IELTS: Difference Between GRE and IELTS
GRE
Talk to ExpertThe Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a popular test among students looking to pursue MS and MBA studies. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a popular English language proficiency test for candidates looking to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries abroad. While both standardized exams are part of a candidate’s study abroad journey but purpose of them is different. Let us examine the differences between GRE and IELTS.
Is GRE exam easier than IELTS Exam? GRE and IELTS are two popular standardized tests for study abroad. GRE exam is for getting admission in PG programs while the purpose of IELTS exam is to assess English language proficiency. It is important to understand the differences between the IELTS Test and GRE Exam if you are planning to study abroad.
Close to 14 lakh students are studying abroad as per data shared by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India (Year 2024). Since universities abroad use the English language as their medium of communication, Indian students must prove their efficiency in the English language at the time of admission. Here the IELTS scores come in the picture. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE exam) is a postgraduate requirement for candidates looking to study MS and MBA courses across universities abroad. Let's compare GRE vs IELTS, so you get a clear understanding between both exams.
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What is GRE exam?
Conducted by ETS, the GRE exam is one of the most sought-after exams for candidates looking to pursue MS and MBA postgraduate studies abroad. The exam is available in two formats, the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. The GRE General Test is for candidates who want to apply for MBA abroad and MS studies abroad. The GRE Subject Test is available in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology and is for candidates who are looking to pursue advanced studies in the GRE Subject areas at the postgraduate level.
The GRE exam is available to candidates in the paper-delivered as well as the computer-delivered format. Candidates looking to register for the GRE General Test are required to pay a GRE exam fee of INR 22,550 and the GRE Subject exam fee of 14,500. The total duration of the GRE test is 1 hour 58 minutes. The Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning skills of the candidates would be assessed in the GRE exam.
Candidates can get GRE scores in 8 to 10 days after completing the exam. While the total GRE score is 340. However, GRE scores for each component are reported separately - Your GRE Analytical score is reported on a scale of 0 - 6, your GRE Verbal Reasoning score is reported on a scale of 130-170 and your GRE Quantitative Reasoning is reported on a scale of 130-170. Your GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the day of your GRE exam.
What is IELTS Exam?
Conducted by IDP IELTS India, the IELTS exam is one of the most sought-after English language proficiency tests for candidates looking to study abroad. The exam is available in two formats, the IELTS Academic Test and the IELTS General Training. The IELTS Academic is for candidates who are looking to study abroad (education purposes) and the IELTS General Training is for candidates who are planning to migrate or work in English-speaking countries. The IELTS exam is available to candidates in the paper-delivered and computer-delivered modes. Candidates are required to register for the IELTS exam and pay the IELTS exam fee of INR 17,000.
The total duration of the IELTS exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills of the candidates would be tested through multiple related tasks and questions. The candidate's skills would be assessed on a band score of 0 to 9 and their IELTS scores would be available to them in 3 - 5 days if they have opted for the IELTS Computer-delivered test or 13 calendar days if they have opted for the IELTS paper-based test. The candidate's IELTS scores would be valid for 2 years from the date of the announcement of their IELTS band scores.
GRE vs IELTS: Which is Better?
IELTS or GRE: In this section, we are going to be looking at the difference between GRE and IELTS exams for candidates who are planning to study abroad.
| Parameters | GRE | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Full form | The full form of GRE is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). | The full form of IELTS is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). |
| Conducting Body | ETS (Educational Testing Service) | IELTS IDP India |
| GRE vs IELTS: Exam Type | GRE General Test GRE Subject Test |
IELTS Academic Test IELTS General Training |
| GRE vs IELTS: Purpose | The GRE General Test is for candidates looking to study MS and MBA postgraduate studies abroad. GRE Subject Test is for candidates looking to pursue advanced studies in the following subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. |
The IELTS Academic Test is for candidates who are planning to pursue higher studies (educational) abroad. The IELTS General Training test is for candidates who are looking to migrate or for employment in English-speaking countries abroad. |
| Accepted | GRE scores are accepted in over 90 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, and Sweden. |
USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand are popular countries that accept IELTS scores. |
| GRE vs IELTS: Eligibility Criteria | ETS the conducting body of the GRE exam has not mentioned any GRE eligibility criteria to register for the GRE exam However, candidates looking to pursue graduate studies abroad mostly benefit from taking the GRE exam. |
IELTS IDP India the conducting body of the IELTS exam requires candidates to be at least 16 years of age to register for the test. while this is not a rule, it is preferred IELTS eligibility criteria that candidates be above the 16-year threshold. |
| GRE vs IELTS: Test Format | The GRE is primarily available in the Computer-delivered method. With the exception of locations that do not have the required resources such as the Internet or computers. Here the GRE test can be conducted via the paper-delivered method. ETS has also launched the GRE Home Edition test that allows candidates to take the GRE General Test from the comfort of their homes. | The IELTS exam was primarily available to candidates in the paper-delivered method. However, candidates can also opt for the IELTS computer-delivered method going forward. Both options are available to candidates in India and come with their pros and cons. Candidates can also opt for the IELTS Online which is the IELTS Academic test taken from the comfort of your home. However, the IELTS Online does not enjoy a vast acceptance network. |
| GRE vs IELTS: Exam Pattern | The current GRE exam pattern requires candidates to attempt a total of 80 questions and 2 tasks spread across 5 sections. September 22, 2023, onwards, the new GRE exam pattern would require candidates to answer 54 questions and 1 task spread across 5 sections. | In the IELTS Exam Pattern candidates are required to listen to four recorded audios in the IELTS Listening section, attempt three reading passages in the Reading Section, undertake two writing tasks in the writing section and end with a three-part face-to-face interview with an IELTS interviewer. |
| GRE vs IELTS: Exam Sections | Analytical writing, quantitive reasoning, verbal reasoning | Reading Section, Writing Section, Listening Section and Speaking Section |
| GRE vs IELTS: Skills Tested | In the GRE syllabus, the test takers' analytical, verbal and quantitative reasoning skills are tested through multiple different question types. | In the IELTS syllabus the candidate's reading, listening, speaking and writing skills are tested through a series of questions and tasks. |
| Difficulty Level | The GRE exam is a graduate-level exam and tests the candidates on analytical and verbal skills along with basic math in the quantitive reasoning section. The GRE is considered to be the toughest of the two exams. | The IELTS exam is for undergraduate as well as post-graduate studies. And since the IELTS exam only assesses the candidate's English-speaking skills. The IELTS exam is comparatively easier when compared to the GRE test. |
| GRE vs IELTS: Exam Duration | The current duration of the GRE exam is 1 hour 58 minutes |
The duration of the computer-delivered IELTS exam is 2 hours and 44 minutes while the total duration of the IELTS paper-delivered test is 2 hours and 54 minutes - the additional 10 minutes is provided to transfer your answers to the answer sheet in the Listening Section only. |
| Scoring | Total GRE score - 340. In the GRE exam, each component is scored separately. The GRE Analytical Writing is scored on a scale of 0 - 6, the GRE Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130 - 170. | In the IELTS exam, your Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking skills are graded separately on a scale of 0 - 9 and then you also receive a total band score which is the average score of all four sections of the exam which is on a scale of 0 - 9. |
| Result Availability | GRE Scores are available to test takers 10 - 15 days from the date of appearing for the GRE exam. | IELTS Scores are available to candidates in 3 - 5 days if you have opted for the IELTS Computer Delivered test and in 13 calendar days if you have opted for the IELTS paper-based test. |
| GRE vs IELTS: Score Validity | Your GRE Scores are valid for a total of five years from the day of the GRE exam. | Your IELTS Band Scores are valid for a total of two years from the day of the results. |
| Registration | Candidates can register for their GRE exam by visiting the official ETS GRE website and creating a test-taker account. Candidates can also register for the exam over the phone, by mail or by fax. | Candidates can register for the IELTS exam online by visiting the official website of IELTS IDP India and creating a test taker profile. Or by simply visiting one of the authorised IELTS Test Centers and registering in person. |
| GRE vs IELTS: Exam fee | The GRE exam Fee is INR 22,550. | The IELTS exam fee is INR 17,000. |
| Number of Attempts | Candidates can appear for the GRE exam up to 5 times in a given year. | Candidates can register for the GRE exam up to 4 times a month or 48 times a year when opting for the IELTS paper-based test. |
| Retake Frequency | Candidates can take the test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. This applies even if you have cancelled your scores on a test taken previously. | The IELTS exam does not have a limit on the number of attempts you can take on appearing for the exam. However, candidates would be required to pay the IELTS exam fee on every IDP IELTS Slot Booking. |
| Centres | Multiple GRE test centres across the length and breadth of the country | IELTS IDP India has multiple authorised IELTS centers for candidates looking to take the IELTS exam. |
| Sending College Report | Candidates can send their GRE scores to up to 4 universities for free as this would have been covered in the GRE registration fee. Additional report sending would come at a fee of INR 2009.69 per university. | Candidates can send their IELTS scores to 5 universities free of charge as this was included with the registration fee. Additional score reporting would come at a fee of INR 250 per university. |
| Additional Feature | GRE has launched the ScoreSelect option that allows test takers to decide which test scores should be sent to the designated universities from a series of GRE tests. | IELTS has introduced 'One Skill Retake' provision where test takers will be allowed to appear only for the module in which they scored less. |
| Contact | Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days per week, India Standard Time except for local holidays Email: GRESupport4India@ets.org Toll-free Phone: +18001200371 |
Hours: Mon to Sat - 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Email: ielts.india@idp.com Phone:1800-102-4544 |
GRE vs IELTS: The Right Test For You?
A lot of times candidates are confused about whether they are required to appear for the GRE General Test or the GRE Subject Test. Candidates should note that most universities would be accepting GRE General Test scores as part of the admission process. Candidates who are looking to pursue advanced studies in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology would be required to go ahead with the GRE Subject Test. If candidates are still confused, they can go ahead and check the admission requirements of their preferred university and go ahead with the GRE registration process.
Similarly, the difference between the IELTS Academic Exam and IELTS General Training is clearly defined. While the IELTS Academic exam is for candidates who are looking to pursue higher education abroad, the IELTS General Training is for candidates who are looking to work or migrate to English-speaking countries. However, there is very little confusion between the GRE and IELTS exams (GRE vs IELTS) as while both exams are part of a student's study abroad journey, the GRE is a standard graduate exam for candidates looking to study MS and MBA studies abroad. The IELTS is an English language proficiency test for candidates looking to apply to universities abroad. The IELTS score is also an important component of the Student Visa Application Process. Candidates can get in touch with our Shiksha study abroad counsellors for assistance with university admissions on our website.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
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: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: What are the main differences between GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test?
GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test are both standardized tests used for graduate school admissions, but there are significant differences between these two exams:
| GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills | Assesses knowledge and understanding of a subject. |
| Content | Variety of topics to test different skills | Questions will be relavant to one subject only. |
| Duration | 1 Hour 58 Minutes | 2-2.5 hours (Depending on the subject) |
Q: What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: How good is the University of Chester (UK)?
University of Chester is surely a good option for international students mainly beacuse of a diverse range of excellent academic programs.Below are some reasons why University of Chester is good:
Academics: The University of Chester offers over 200 undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programs to international students. The University of Chester University offers undergraduate major and minor courses. Students can also pursue master’s or doctoral programs at the University of Chester University.
Location of the university - The University of is in a location where arts & culture, technology industry and entertainment industry providing endless internship. International Students have access to beaches, outdoor activities, live music/performances and attractions which makes their make campus life more enjoyable. The location gives University of Chester students an additional mark to study at University of Chester.
Ranking: Many global ranking sources like THE (Times Higher Education), etc., have ranked University of Chester among the top universities in the world since 2021. These bodies consistently rank it among the top universities in UK.
Fees: : The cost of attending University of Chester for Indian students can vary depending on several factors. Tuition fees for international students at University of Chester are typically higher than for Uk citizens. However, it is important that the tuition fee can change over time, and it is recommended to visit the official website to recheck the fees and accommodation. Indian students should also consider other costs such as housing, health insurance, meals and transportation attending University of Chester.
Q: How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?
Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024.
- Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
- Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
- A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
- Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024
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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