GMAT vs. GRE: Which one do you need?

While planning to study abroad and searching for graduate-level programs, students often come across two names that frequently appear on university websites– GMAT and GRE. 

Both are standardised entrance exams used by universities to evaluate international applicants on a common scale. They allow admissions teams to fairly compare students from diverse academic backgrounds, countries, and education systems. 

Although both tests serve a similar purpose, i.e., to measure your readiness for graduate study, there are key differences between them, and choosing the right one is not always straightforward. The right choice often depends less on the exam itself and more on your strengths, academic goals and career aspirations. 

To make that decision easier, let’s focus on which one actually gives you an advantage, rather than overthinking which sounds more impressive.

GMAT– the business school specialist

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is designed specifically for students planning to apply to business and management programs. If you are planning to pursue an MBA or a Master’s in Management, finance, marketing, or business analytics, the GMAT is a widely accepted assessment across business schools globally.

The GMAT consists of three main sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. What sets the GMAT apart is the Data Insights section. It evaluates your ability to interpret data from charts, tables, and graphs to solve complex problems, which is an essential skill for business students. 

The test takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Moreover, being computer-adaptive, the difficulty level of each question changes dynamically based on your performance throughout the test. As you answer correctly, you'll encounter more challenging questions, while incorrect answers may lead to easier ones. This adaptive approach aims to gauge your abilities accurately. The scoring for the GMAT ranges from a low of 205 to a high of 805, reflecting your skills and knowledge. 

The official score report of the GMAT is available within 5 days and is valid up to 5 years from the date of your exam. The cost of taking the GMAT typically ranges from ₹29,280 to ₹32,000. This fee includes a base registration fee between $275 and $300, plus an 18% GST. This pricing applies to both test centre and online formats, depending on the option chosen.

GRE– the all-rounder

The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is more of a flexible and general-purpose exam, widely accepted across programs in engineering, IT, law, social sciences, and even business. 

The GRE consists of three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The writing section challenges students to craft essays, making it particularly language-focused. Unlike the GMAT, the GRE is section-adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the second section adjusts based on your performance in the first one. Plus, there's the added benefit of using a calculator for mathematical questions. 

With the latest updates, the exam now takes around 1 hour and 58 minutes. Speaking of scoring requirements, you'll need to aim for a range of 130-170 in both the verbal and quantitative sections, while the analytical writing section is scored from 0 to 6. This gives you a total score range between 260 and 340. 

The official scores will be available within 8-10 days after you take the test, and they remain valid for five years from your exam date. The GRE costs approximately $220 in the US and most countries, converting to around ₹22,000–₹22,550 in India.

GMAT vs. GRE– what’s the difference?

Now that we have understood both tests in detail, let's compare how they differ from each other with a quick overview of GMAT vs. GRE

	GMAT	GRE
Purpose	Business and Management programs	A wide range of programs, including engineering, law, IT, and business.
Duration	~2 hours 15 minutes	~1 hour 58 minutes
Sections	Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights	Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing
Adaptive style	Question-by-question	Section-by-section
Score range	205-805	260-340
Results	Within 5 days	Within 8-10 days
Validity	5 years	5 years
Cost	~₹29,280 to ₹32,000	~₹22,000–₹22,550

How to Pick the Right One?

The answer lies in what you wish to pursue and where you decide to apply. 

Choose GMAT if– 

• You’re applying to a business school.

• You’re strong in data analysis and logical reasoning

• Your preferred universities accept the GMAT.

• You prefer not to write essays.

Choose GRE if–

• You’re applying for various types of graduate programs.

• Math is not your strongest area (use of a calculator helps).

• You’re considering non-business schools.

Lastly, let’s consider a few more important factors before choosing your test:

1. Always verify which tests are accepted by your target universities, especially if you’re applying in Europe or Asia, as some programs tend to prefer the GMAT.

2. The GRE’s verbal section emphasises vocabulary, which can be challenging for non-native English speakers.

3. While both exams can be taken online, ensure to check the availability of test centres in your city if you prefer to take the test in person.

4. The cost of both tests varies by region, so make sure to compare the overall registration fees and preparation materials before making your decision.

Need more guidance on which test suits you the best?

The GMAT and the GRE are both globally reputed exams. Neither exam is inherently harder or better, as both are designed for different purposes. If you are still confused between the two, consider taking a mock test for both options. This will help you understand the structure better and determine which exam suits you best. 

But choosing the right test is only a small part of your journey. Identifying the universities that fit your aspirations and figuring out the admissions process involves much more than just your test scores. 

That's where TFM Overseas Education Consultants comes in. We’re here to help you navigate through every step– from selecting the right courses and universities to crafting SOPs and guiding you through scholarships, loans, visa preparations, and accommodation, we ensure nothing is overlooked.

Still working out what your study abroad plan looks like? Book a free consultation session today, and begin your journey with clarity. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply to MBA programs with the GRE?

Ans. Yes, many top business schools now accept GRE scores for their MBA programs, alongside the GMAT. However, you should check the requirements of the schools you are interested in, as they may vary slightly between programs.

2. Which is harder, GMAT or GRE?

Ans. Neither test is harder than the other; it depends on your strengths. The GMAT usually demands more logical reasoning and data skills, especially in its math and data sections. The GRE focuses more on vocabulary and reading skills.

3. Can I switch from the GRE to the GMAT or vice versa?

Ans. You can switch between the GRE and GMAT without any restrictions. If you take one test and your goals change, you can decide to prepare for the other test later. However, switching requires you to change your study plan because the tests differ in structure and focus on different skills. It is usually better to choose the right test early to save time and money.

4. How many times can I retake these exams?

Ans. For the GMAT, you can take the test up to 5 times within 12 months and up to 8 times in your lifetime. In comparison, the GRE can be taken once every 21 days, with a limit of 5 times in any rolling 12-month timeframe.