GRE vs. GMAT Exams – Which Test to Take to Study Abroad?
GRE vs GMAT: Which One’s Right for You?
Choosing between the GRE and GMAT isn’t just an academic formality—it’s a strategic career move that affects where you study, what you pay, and how future employers see you.
So if you’re here, likely jittery from mock test burnout and clutching a spreadsheet titled “Final Uni Shortlist v9_FINAL_FINAL.xlsx,” worry not. We’ll keep this straightforward, evidence-backed, and practical—because your time is limited and this decision matters.
What Are These Exams?
GRE (Graduate Record Exam)
Used for: Graduate programmes (MS, MA, PhD) across disciplines—engineering, social sciences, humanities, and increasingly, business schools.
Administered by: ETS (Educational Testing Service)
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Used for: Business school admissions, especially MBA programmes.
Administered by: GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Can You Use GRE for MBA Applications?
Yes, most top business schools accept GRE scores. Schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton have publicly confirmed test neutrality. That said, a few employers (e.g., McKinsey or Goldman Sachs) may prefer GMAT scores, so factor your post-MBA goals into the decision.
📊 GRE vs GMAT: Head-to-Head Comparison
Feature | GRE | GMAT Focus Edition |
Target Programmes | General graduate & MBA programmes | MBA and business-specific programmes |
Duration | ~1 hr 58 min | ~2 hr 15 min (+ optional 0 min break) |
Sections | Analytical Writing, Verbal, Quant | Verbal, Quant, Data Insights |
Scoring | 260–340 (V+Q), AWA: 0–6 | 205–805 overall (Each section: 60–90) |
Adaptive? | Section-adaptive | Question-adaptive |
Calculator Allowed? | Yes (Quant section only) | Yes, in Data Insights only |
Retakes | 5 times in 12 months, lifetime limit applies | 5 times in 12 months, no lifetime limit |
Cost (Approx.) | ₹22,550 | ₹23,000–₹25,000 |
Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
Format & Syllabus Breakdown
Section | GRE | GMAT Focus Edition |
Quantitative | Basic maths + geometry, calculator allowed | Logical, multi-step reasoning, no calculator (except in Data Insights) |
Verbal | Heavy on vocabulary & text completion | Logic, grammar, reading comprehension |
Writing | Issue essay (30 min) | No separate writing section |
Special Section | None | Data Insights: visual/data interpretation (20 questions) |
Which One’s Easier? It Depends on You.
There’s no universal answer, only which test plays to your strengths.
If you’re good at… | Take… | Why it helps |
Vocabulary & reading speed | GRE | Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence need deep vocab |
Logic & critical reasoning | GMAT | Critical Reasoning, Data Insights reward structured thinking |
Calculator-based math | GRE | Allows calculator use for Quant |
Mental math & puzzles | GMAT | More abstract reasoning, calculator use only in Data Insights |
Verbal Section:
- GRE is harder if you don’t have a wide vocabulary.
- GMAT is harder if you struggle with logic-based reading and grammar.
Quant Section:
- GRE’s quant is more traditional—good for engineers.
- GMAT quant is trickier—better for those who enjoy puzzles and layered reasoning.
Scoring Nuance: Why GMAT Can Give You an Edge
GMAT Focus has finer score granularity at the top levels. A 705 and 725 look very different.
GRE has a ceiling effect—many candidates hit 170 in a section and can’t differentiate further.
This matters if:
- You’re aiming for a top-tier MBA programme
- You want to maximise scholarship opportunities (many schools tie funding to exact scores)
Scholarship Implications
Score Band (Percentile) | Scholarship Estimate |
99th | $40,000–$60,000 |
96–98th | $20,000–$40,000 |
90–95th | $10,000–$20,000 |
On the GMAT, small score jumps (e.g., 705 → 725) can boost scholarship chances.
GRE’s broader score buckets make that harder to show with precision.
Preparation Strategy & Timeline
Study Time:
- GMAT: 90–120 hours (median for 700+ scores)
- GRE: 50–200 hours (depending on vocab prep needs)
Suggested Timeline:
- Month 1: Build Foundations
GRE: Start vocab. GMAT: Review quant & logic basics.
Take diagnostic tests. - Month 2: Practice Focus
GRE: Ramp up vocab. GMAT: Focus on Data Insights & Verbal logic.
Mid-point mock test. - Month 3: Test Simulation
Take 2+ full-length mocks.
Focus on time management.
Lighten study load in the final week.
How to Decide: A Strategic Chain of Thought
- Are you applying to just business schools? → GMAT leans more specific.
- Do you want to keep other grad school options open? → GRE offers flexibility.
- Do you perform better at logic-heavy sections or vocabulary-heavy ones?
- Do you want to stand out at the very top of the score ladder? → GMAT helps differentiate.
- Are target employers expecting one over the other? → Check hiring trends.
FAQs
Can I take the GRE for an MBA?
Yes. Top business schools accept GRE. Just check if your target employers post-MBA have a GMAT preference.
Is the GMAT harder than the GRE?
Not objectively—depends on your skills. GMAT is trickier in quant and verbal logic. GRE is harder in vocab.
What is a good GMAT/GRE score?
GMAT: 700+ is competitive for top 20 MBA programmes
GRE: 325+ combined is generally strong (V+Q)
Can I submit both?
If you’ve taken both and one score is stronger, submit that. Don’t submit both unless the school requests it.