GMAT vs GRE in 2025: Which Test Should You Choose?
GRE
Which exam is best for you to study abroad; GRE or GMAT? Both standardized tests are commonly used for admission to graduate programs offered by universities worldwide. GRE is generally preferred for MS programs while GMAT is preferred for MBA programs only. Ultimately, understanding your requirements is the best way to decide between GRE and GMAT.
Management universities across the world ask for scores of the GMAT or GRE to offer MBA admission. Every applicant faces the daunting task of selecting the appropriate exam, GMAT or GRE. Before you appear in any of these exams, you need to understand your objective and check the specific admissions requirements of the programs you're interested in.
What is the difference between the GMAT and GRE? Understanding the answer to this question can make the picture clear for you. Universities in the world require GRE Scores to offer MS and MBA admission, while GMAT exam scores help you to get admission MBA abroad. Also, these universities ask for a scorecard of English proficiency test. TOEFL is 100% accepted in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia. If you are planning for TOEFL registration, then there is a good news for you. Use code "SHIKTOEFL" to get INR 500 discount of TOEFL fees.
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GMAT vs GRE Difference
The basic difference between the GRE and GMAT is that the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is accepted or suitable for admission in various graduate programs. On the other hand, GMAT is required to get admission to B-schools. Both tests evaluate various skills of candidates such as quantitative and analytical skills.
You can evaluate which exam caters best to your requirements. Apart from evaluating these two exams, we suggest you conduct thorough research about the eligibility criteria of the universities and programmes you are targeting.
Let's understand the differences between GRE and GMAT through this video:
Key Highlights for GMAT vs GRE
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 |
|
|
| Test Format |
Computerised Adaptive Test |
Both paper and computerised adaptive formats are available |
| Score Range |
205 - 805 in 10-point increments |
340 |
| Score Validity |
5 years |
5 years |
| Cost |
$275 (GMAT taken at a test centre) $300 (Online GMAT exam at home) |
|
| Retakes |
After every 16 days to a maximum of 5 attempts in 12 months 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:
GRE Exam 2025
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 the GMAT, but now, even the top-ranked schools accept GRE scores. Below, we have mentioned the list of top GRE accepting universities in the world.
- Stanford University
- Duke University
- New York University (NYU)
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Related Reads:
| Canadian Universities Accepting GRE Scores for MBA | Top MBA Universities accepting GRE Scores in the UK | |
GMAT Exam 2025
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 worldwide. Notably, this is a computer-adaptive test, not computer-based. Here, the student gets one question at a time, and the difficulty of the next question is decided based on 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 |
|---|---|
Check GRE Eligibility in detail. |
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 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 Fee in India
The GRE exam fee in India is INR 22,000 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 incur an additional cost added to the exam fee for both exams.
GMAT vs GRE Scores Validity
Scores for both exams remain valid for five years.
Harvard Business School is one of the top business schools in the world that accepts GRE and GMAT scores. The major focus of this institution to push students is to take the test that shows the abilities of students in best manner.
Yes! As a primary ID proof, ETS ask valid passport of student at the time of GRE test registration. Make sure all the detailes mentioned on passport should be same on your GRE registeration page. Earlier, the ETS was accepting Aadhar Card as primary ID proof but after Arpil 15, 2023, Passport is the only valid and primary ID proof to complete the GRE exam registration.
For the purpose of admission to graduate management studies, such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees or MIM programmes, the GMAT exam is offered to evaluate specific analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. For entry into a variety of graduate management programmes, including MBA, Master of Accountancy, Master of Finance, and others, business schools employ the test as a requirement.
The difficulty level of GRE exam for Indians depends on their academic performance, strong mathematical skill, and dedication for preparation. With a well-structured study plan and 3 to 4 hours of daily preparation for the next 3 months, you can effectively prepare for the GRE from scratch.
The fee for the GMAT exam taken at a test centre is $275 and the fee for the online GMAT exam taken at home is $300. In the case of the GRE exam, the fee is INR 22,500. Moreover, in the case of GMAT, students can retake the GMAT after every 16 days to a maximum of 5 attempts in a 12-month period and 8 attempts in one's lifetime.
The difficulty level of the GRE compared to the CAT depends on the test taker's knowledge. The Quantitative section of the CAT is typically more challenging than that of the GRE exam. However, if a test-taker has a weaker vocabulary, the GRE may be more difficult.
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.
GMAT vs GRE: Which is Easier?
Which is easier, GMAT or GRE? The answer to this question is subjective. The difficulty of GMAT vs GRE depends on a test-taker’s skill set, 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.
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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Here is the difference between GRE vs GMAT:
Full form
Graduate Management Admission Test
Graduate Record Examinations
Conducted by
GMAC.
Educational Testing Service
Accepted by/ for
MBA colleges and universities in the world for its postgraduate programs in management
All reputed universities for a variety of PG degree programs including management
Test Structure
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)
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)