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Every year, thousands of aspiring graduate students worldwide take the GMAT and GRE as critical steps in their academic journeys.
In 2023, approximately 74,810 unique candidates registered for the GMAT, resulting in 108,851 exams administered—a slight decline from previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of test-optional admissions policies.
While the GRE generally attracts a larger pool of test-takers, recent data on exact numbers is limited.
The competitive nature of these exams is evident, with nearly 20% of GMAT candidates scoring 700 or higher aiming for top business schools.
Choosing between the GMAT vs. GRE depends on various factors like programme requirements, test format, and personal strengths, making it essential to understand the differences to make an informed decision.
Overview Of GMAT Vs. GRE
| Parameters | GRE | GMAT |
| Total Duration | 1 hour and 58 minutes | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Sections | Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights |
| Score Range | Analytical Writing: 0-6; Verbal & Quantitative: 130-170 | 205 to 805 |
| Test Format | Section-level adaptive | Question-level adaptive |
| Focus Areas | Broad academic skills across disciplines | Business-related skills and reasoning |
| Typical Test Takers | Accepted by various graduate programmes, including business schools | Primarily used for business school admissions, but increasingly accepted by other programs |
| Percentile Scores | Varies by section; generally easier for medium IQ test-takers | More precise measurement of variations in scores across the spectrum |
What Is GMAT & GRE?
Choosing the proper entrance exam is essential when planning for graduate studies.
The GMAT and GRE are among the most recognized tests, designed to assess critical thinking, analytical skills, and subject knowledge.
While both exams serve as gateways to top institutions, understanding what each test entails can help students choose based on their academic and career aspirations.
What is GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardised exam for business school applicants. It evaluates a candidate’s analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal skills, and integrated reasoning, making it a preferred choice for MBA and business-related programmes worldwide.
What is GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a widely accepted standardized test for admission to various graduate programmes, including business, law, and engineering. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, offering flexibility for students exploring diverse academic fields.
GMAT Vs. GRE Eligibility Requirements
Before choosing between the GMAT and GRE, it’s essential to understand their eligibility criteria to determine which exam aligns best with your qualifications and goals.
| Criteria | GMAT | GRE |
| Age Limit | Minimum 18 years (13-17 with parental consent) | No minimum age, but typically 18+ |
| Educational Qualifications | There are no specific educational requirements; candidates from any academic background can apply | There are no specific educational requirements; they are open to all academic backgrounds |
| Nationality | Open to applicants worldwide | Open to applicants worldwide |
| Work Experience | Not required, but preferred by top business schools | It is not required, though some programmes may consider it beneficial |
| Attempts Allowed | Up to 5 times in 12 months (16-day gap between attempts); max 8 attempts in a lifetime | Multiple attempts allowed, subject to individual programme requirements |
| Language Proficiency | There is no formal requirement, but English proficiency is essential (exam conducted in English) | There is no formal requirement, but English proficiency is necessary (exam conducted in English) |
GMAT Vs. GRE Test Format
Understanding the format of the GMAT and GRE is essential for adequate preparation, as both exams have distinct structures designed to assess different skill sets.
GMAT Format:
- Analytical Writing: 1 essay (30 minutes) – Analysis of an argument.
- Integrated Reasoning: 12 questions (30 minutes) – Multi-source reasoning, data interpretation.
- Quantitative Reasoning: 31 questions (62 minutes) – Problem-solving, data sufficiency.
- Verbal Reasoning: 36 questions (65 minutes) – Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, sentence correction.
- Scoring: 200-800 (in increments of 10).
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours 7 minutes.
GRE Format:
- Analytical Writing: 1 essay (30 minutes) – Analyze an issue.
- Verbal Reasoning: 40 questions (60 minutes) – Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence.
- Quantitative Reasoning: 40 questions (70 minutes) – Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis.
- Experimental Section: Unscored verbal or quantitative section.
- Scoring: 260-340 (in increments of 1).
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes.
Exam Fees and Costs
GMAT Fees:
- Registration Fee: $275 (approx.)
- Rescheduling Fee: $50-$150 depending on the time frame.
- Additional Score Reports: $35 per report.
GRE Fees:
- Registration Fee: $220 (approx.)
- Rescheduling Fee: $50.
- Additional Score Reports: $30 per report.
How To Register For GMAT & GRE?
Registering for the GMAT and GRE is straightforward, but understanding the steps involved ensures a hassle-free experience and helps you secure your preferred test date and location.
Registration Process
Registering for the GMAT and GRE is straightforward, but understanding the steps involved ensures a hassle-free experience and helps you secure your preferred test date and location.
GMAT Registration Steps:
- Visit the official GMAT website (mba.com).
- Create an account, fill in personal details, and select a test centre or online format.
- Choose a date and pay the exam fee.
GRE Registration Steps:
- Visit the official GRE website (ets.org/gre).
- Create an ETS account, select your test type (General or Subject), and choose a test centre or online format.
- Pick a date and complete the payment process.
Universities/Programmes Accepting GMAT & GRE
Both the GMAT and GRE are widely accepted by prestigious universities across the globe for various graduate programmes.
While the GMAT is traditionally preferred for MBA and business-related courses, the GRE offers broader flexibility, being accepted for various disciplines, including engineering, law, social sciences, and more.
Below is a list of top universities and programmes that recognise GMAT and GRE scores, helping you choose the proper test based on your academic aspirations.
| University | Programmes Accepting GMAT | Programmes Accepting GRE |
| Harvard University | MBA (Harvard Business School) | MBA, Master’s in Public Policy, Law, PhD programmes |
| Stanford University | MBA (Stanford Graduate School of Business) | MBA, Engineering, Education, Humanities |
| MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) | MBA (Sloan School of Management) | MBA, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics |
| University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | MBA, Executive MBA | MBA, Master’s in Finance, Public Policy |
| London Business School | MBA, Executive MBA | MBA, Finance, Economics, Management |
| INSEAD | MBA, Executive MBA | MBA, Business Foundations |
| University of Chicago (Booth) | MBA, Executive MBA | MBA, Master’s in Economics, Law |
| Columbia University | MBA, Executive MBA | MBA, Engineering, Social Sciences, Law |
| Yale University | MBA (Yale School of Management) | MBA, Public Health, Law, Environmental Studies |
| University of Oxford (Said) | MBA, Finance, Business Analytics | MBA, Master’s in Public Policy, Humanities |
Choosing between the GMAT and the GRE depends on your career aspirations and target programmes.
The GMAT might give you an edge if you’re focused solely on business school.
However, the GRE is a better fit if you’re exploring various graduate fields or want flexibility. Evaluate your strengths, consider programme preferences, and select the test that aligns with your goals.
FAQs
1. Which test is more accepted for MBA programmes, the GMAT or the GRE?
Business schools traditionally prefer the GMAT, but an increasing number of top MBA programmes now accept GRE scores as well.
2. Is the GMAT harder than the GRE?
The GMAT is often considered more challenging due to its complex quantitative section and data sufficiency questions, while the GRE places greater emphasis on vocabulary.
3. Can I submit both GMAT and GRE scores for my application?
Yes, some universities allow you to submit both scores, but it’s usually recommended to focus on one exam that aligns with your strengths.
4. How long does it take to prepare for the GMAT or GRE?
On average, candidates spend 2-4 months preparing for either exam, depending on their starting point and target score.
5. What is the main difference between the GMAT and GRE?
The GMAT is tailored for business and management programmes, focusing more on analytical and problem-solving skills, while the GRE is a general test accepted by a wide range of graduate programmes.
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