GMAT vs TOEFL Exam: Know the Key Differences and What to Choose

GMAT is one of the most popular standardised tests for Indian students looking to study MBA abroad, and TOEFL is key in demonstrating English proficiency. Mainly, GMAT vs TOEFL test differences include the purpose, and some foreign business schools may require both standardised exam scores (GMAT) and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL) for admission. In terms of difficulty level, students often search for the answers to the question, GMAT vs TOEFL: Which one is easier? GMAT is generally more difficult than TOEFL, given that it mainly assesses the candidate’s analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning skills, whereas TOEFL focuses on English language proficiency skills.

This Story also Contains

1. GMAT vs TOEFL Exam: Key Highlights
2. What is TOEFL and GMAT?
3. Difference of Purpose Between GMAT and TOEFL Exams
4. GMAT vs TOEFL: Syllabus & Exam Pattern
5. GMAT Vs TOEFL Exam Eligibility
6. GMAT and TOEFL Exam Fee: Which One is More Expensive?
7. GMAT vs TOEFL: Which One Is Easier?
8. Target Audience For GMAT and TOEFL
9. GMAT vs TOEFL: Which Is Required For International Students?

Hence, both the exams, TOEFL and GMAT, are among the important ones for applying to universities abroad in 2025. Some might get confused between the two terms as they are consistently used while preparing for the study abroad application. The basic difference between GMAT and IELTS is that GMAT is a graduate-level exam assessing business skills particularly for MBA degrees, whereas TOEFL is a language proficiency test. We have mentioned in depth GMAT vs TOEFL comparison on the basis of aspects such as the purpose, requirements, difficulty level, pattern fee, and many more. Read this complete article to analyse the GMAT vs TOEFL for MBA and other business courses.

Also Read:

GMAT vs TOEFL Exam: Key Highlights

• Pattern: GMAT exam analyses analytical, quantitative, verbal, and data literacy skills, whereas TOEFL assesses four main English language skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

• Requirements (Who needs it?): GMAT is required for admissions for MBA abroad and other graduate business master's programs, such as Master of Finance and Master in Management, whereas TOEFL is a prerequisite for getting admission into undergraduate or postgraduate courses abroad in English-speaking countries.

• Scores Bandwidth: GMAT exam scores range from 205 to 805, whereas TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120.

• Score Validity: TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years, whereas GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.

• Duration: GMAT exam duration is 3 hours 45 minutes, whereas the TOEFL duration is 1 hour 56 minutes

• Test Fee: GMAT exam fees in India are USD 275 at a centre and USD 300 at home, whereas TOEFL exam fees in India are USD 205.

What is TOEFL and GMAT?

Although both the GMAT and TOEFL are important for studying abroad, it is crucial for international students to thoroughly understand the meaning and purpose of each individually. Let us now check the basic meaning of GMAT vs TOEFL: Which is required for international students through the headings below:

What is GMAT?

The GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test is a standardised test particularly used for admission to postgraduate courses such as MBA, Master's in Finance, and other business courses. It is a completely computer-adaptive exam administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) to evaluate candidates’ skills, especially in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. Moreover, GMAT is impressively accepted in approximately 115 countries (2400+ institutions) that are affiliated with GMAC. If you are looking to study MBA abroad in 2025, the GMAT is a crucial exam for you.

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is an English proficiency test designed to assess the 4 core skills of the English language, including Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and widely accepted in top foreign universities in English-speaking countries for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Impressively, almost every English-speaking country accepts TOEFL as an English proficiency test.

Difference of Purpose Between GMAT and TOEFL Exams

Let us now check the basic differences for GMAT vs TOEFL: which is required for international students. The requirement to appear for the exam differs as per the purpose.

GMAT and TOEFL Purpose

GMAT vs TOEFL: Syllabus & Exam Pattern

As both the exams are quite different from each other, the syllabus for GMAT and TOEFL varies. The GMAT syllabus majorly focuses on business aspects such as Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. On the other hand, the TOEFL syllabus is based on 4 essential language skills, which are Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Let us check below the GMAT vs TOEFL comparison based on their syllabus and patterns.

GMAT Syllabus and Pattern

The GMAT exam is divided into 3 core business components to check the candidate’s abilities in problem-solving, critical thinking, data analysis, and quantitative reasoning, and thereby determine their success in business school. Here is an overview of GMAT Syllabus for Indian students as per the latest changes in 2025:

TOEFL Syllabus and Pattern

GMAT Vs TOEFL Exam Eligibility

The exam eligibility varies for GMAT and TOEFL; however, they are quite simple. Generally, any individual with a valid ID can appear for them. Let us now compare the two exams: GMAT vs TOEFL eligibility in 2025:

GMAT and TOEFL Exam Fee: Which One is More Expensive?

The test fees for both GMAT and TOEFL vary depending on the country. The GMAT fee also varies further based on whether the candidate has appeared for the exam online at home or at the test centre. On comparing the GMAT vs TOEFL fee structure in India, GMAT fees are typically higher than the TOEFL exam fee. Check the latest TOEFL and GMAT exam fee structure for Indian students in the table below for further information:

GMAT and TOEFL Exam Fee in India

Note: Exchange Rate Used Here: (1 USD = 85.40 INR)

GMAT vs TOEFL: Which One Is Easier?

GMAT is generally tougher than TOEFL as the test primarily focuses on a wide range of complex analytical, critical, and quantitative skills. On the other hand, TOEFL is comparatively easier to assess candidates' skills based on simple cores: reading, listening, writing and speaking. Here are the crucial GMAT vs TOEFL test differences based on difficulty level:

Target Audience For GMAT and TOEFL

GMAT is required for students applying to MBA programs and other business-related or finance-related programs. Whereas, TOEFL assesses English language proficiency for non-native speakers looking to secure admission to universities based in

English-speaking countries.

GMAT vs TOEFL: Which Is Required For International Students?

The right test for you depends on the candidate’s academic goals, professional goals and the purpose of searching for the exam. Generally, students looking to get admission to business schools worldwide often require both GMAT and TOEFL. Primarily, they require the GMAT to show their eligibility for MBA courses and TOEFL to demonstrate English proficiency. However, if you are looking to apply to universities abroad for courses in your field of study or for migration purposes, such as work, the TOEFL might be a crucial exam for you.