GRE vs GMAT - Exam, Syllabus, Cost, Pattern, Which is Easier for MBA

Both GRE and GMAT are standardised tests used for graduate school admissions by top study abroad universities in the world. Therefore, decoding which test is better between GRE and GMAT Focus Edition is very challenging for international students. Both exams have their advantages and their preference depends on the personal requirements of the students. GMAT is preferred for studying MBA abroad while GRE is taken by students to secure admission to masters (graduate) programs. In this article, we will inform you about GRE vs GMAT: which is right for you.

This Story also Contains

1. GRE vs GMAT Exam - Key Highlights
2. GRE vs GMAT
3. GRE versus GMAT: Exam Pattern
4. GRE vs GMAT: Similarities
5. GRE vs GMAT Syllabus
6. GRE vs GMAT: Score Validity
7. GRE vs GMAT: Which test to take?
8. GRE vs GMAT: What do business schools prefer?
9. GMAT vs GRE Test: Exam Fees
10. GRE vs GMAT: Preparation Tips
11. GRE Preparation Tips
12. GMAT Preparation Tips

Many business schools accept scores from both the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE is accepted in most Graduate schools globally, especially in the United States. Whereas, GMAT Focus Edition is accepted in most business schools all over the globe. Thus, it is advisable to attempt the one which is most convenient for the candidate by analysing the details of GMAT vs GRE test.

GMAT Focus edition and GRE have many similarities but differ in many factors including exam pattern, design, acceptance, cost, and many others. Read the complete article to learn more about the GRE vs GMAT, its differences, similarities, and many more.

GRE vs GMAT Exam - Key Highlights

GRE vs GMAT

Many international postgraduate programmes including MBA programmes require GRE as a requirement for admission. GRE is of two types. GRE General Test and GRE subject test. GRE syllabus measures a candidate’s verbal, quantitative, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. These are covered in three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing, in the GRE Exam Pattern.

GMAT Exam Pattern is designed to test the skills of potential management students. It tests the candidate’s skills in the areas of data sufficiency, logic, critical reasoning skills, and problem-solving abilities.

GRE versus GMAT: Exam Pattern

Both GRE test pattern and GMAT focus edition syllabus consist of only three sections. Analytical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal skills are tested in GRE. Whereas GMAT sections are designed to test the Data Insights, and quantitative, and Verbal skills of the test takers.

GRE vs GMAT Exam Pattern

Difference Between GRE and GMAT

Both the GMAT and GRE are standardised tests used for graduate school admissions, but they have some key differences. Study abroad aspirants must know the GRE GMAT difference between choosing the right exam that enables hassle-free entry to universities abroad.

Format: GRE is available in paper and computer formats, while the GMAT focus edition is solely computer-based. Paper-based GRE is available in locations where the computer test is unavailable. The difficulty level between the two formats also differs for CBT.

Acceptance rate: Both the new focus edition of the GMAT and GRE are highly accepted in the United States and other countries for graduate school admission. However, GRE has a greater rate of acceptance worldwide than GMAT. GMAT focus edition score reports are the more widely accepted test for MBA programmes. However, some MBA programs will also accept GRE scores.

Cost: GRE is generally slightly cheaper than the GMAT focus edition. GMAT focus edition charges USD 275 from the test-takers with an additional USD 35 for each score report. Whereas, GRE exam fee costs USD 205 in most parts of the world, with each additional score report costing USD 27.

Scoring: The score range for GMAT focus edition ranges from 205-805. Whereas, for GRE it is 260-340.

Duration: The duration for GRE is 1 hour 58 minutes, whereas, GMAT focus edition test duration is only 2 hours and 15 minutes.

GRE vs GMAT: Similarities

GRE and GMAT exams have various similarities in multiple aspects. Some of the popular similarities between GRE and GMAT include:

• Both GRE and GMAT exams are accepted by a number of business schools abroad.

• Both tests analyse the verbal and quantitative skills of students.

• The scores of both these tests are valid for five years.

• Candidates can retake both these exams to get a better score.

• Both GRE and GMAT are accredited by the AACSB.

GRE vs GMAT Syllabus

GMAT focus edition is composed of three major sections, namely, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. However, GRE has only three major sections: GRE Analytical Writing, GRE Verbal Reasoning, and GRE Quantitative Reasoning.

GMAT vs GRE Test - Analytical Writing / Data Insights

• GRE

The section of the GRE exam syllabus on analytical writing assesses the critical thinking and analytical writing skills of the candidate. The section will have one analytical writing task of 30 minutes.

• GMAT

The Analytical Writing Assessment section in the GMAT exam syllabus has been removed from the new GMAT focus edition. A new data insight section has been added to the new GMAT format consisting of 20 questions.

GMAT v GRE Test - Quantitative Reasoning

• GRE

The Quantitative Reasoning section examines candidates’ ability to analyse quantitative information and apply mathematical skills and elementary mathematical concepts about Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Interpretation.

• GMAT

The Quantitative Aptitude section in the GMAT syllabus comprises two sections: Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving with 21 questions in an MCQ format.

GRE versus GMAT Syllabus- Verbal Reasoning

• GRE

This section evaluates candidates’ proficiency level with English text and grammar. The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE exam Pattern 2024 covers three areas:

• Analyse and evaluate content information

• Assess the candidates’ ability to analyse relationships between different parts of sentences

• Distinguish between concepts and words and their relationships

• GMAT

The verbal reasoning section of the GMAT verbal syllabus will have 23 questions to be completed in 45 minutes. The questions will be based on three types; reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

Which is Better: GMAT or GRE?

One of the most common questions asked by the candidates is “Which is better between GRE and GMAT?” Both GRE and GMAT exams are accepted by a number of business schools abroad. However, they differ slightly in the following aspects:

• The cost of the GMAT focus edition exam is $275 (INR 23,000) is slightly higher than GRE that costs INR 22,550. Many candidates prefer to take the GRE due to its low exam cost.

• GRE offers both paper-based and computer-based test options for candidates. GMAT exam is solely computer-based.

• Both the GRE and GMAT syllabus are composed of three major sections. However, the edition of the new data insights in the new focus edition of the GMAT exam increases the difficulty level of the exam.

Which is Easier GMAT or GRE?

The difficulty levels of GRE and GMAT depend on a candidate's academic strengths and abilities. Applicants can decide the difficulty levels of both exams by doing a GRE versus GMAT comparison before registration.

The verbal section of the GRE is comparatively more difficult than the new GMAT focus edition. For the quantitative section, the GRE is easier when compared to GMAT and test takers can even use a calculator in the GRE. There are more geometry-based questions in the GRE while the GMAT focus edition has more logic-based questions and data insights.

GRE vs GMAT: Score Validity

Scores of both exams are valid for up to 5 years.

GRE vs GMAT: Which test to take?

Which exam to take between GMAT and GRE completely depends on the candidate’s choice and strength. Candidates who want to move abroad for higher studies other than an MBA can apply for GRE. However, if candidates are wondering about GMAT vs GRE for the MBA, then taking the new GMAT focus edition is a better option. Because it is the most widely accepted exam among business schools.

The best way to decide which test is better would be to take a free official GRE and GMAT test. Compare GMAT scores to the GMAT exam score ranges of MBA programmes. For GRE, compare it with the average GRE test scores.

GRE vs GMAT: What do business schools prefer?

Most business schools do not distinguish between GRE and GMAT scores for admission and will accept either one from applicants. However, not all business schools accept GRE scores.

Candidates considering GRE vs GMAT for business school admissions may find that having a few years of job experience makes the GMAT a better alternative than the GRE. Because it conveys the idea that an applicant has a firm objective of obtaining an MBA, whereas taking the GRE suggests an intention to pursue postgraduate degrees as well.

GMAT vs GRE Test: Exam Fees

The GRE fees in India is Rs. 22,550 (USD 270) including the tax. This fee is the same for the GRE general test at the test centre or home edition. For the GRE Subject test, the fee is Rs. 14,500 (USD 179) including taxes.

The GMAT exam fees in India is USD 275 (Rs. 23,000) for a test centre and USD 300 (Rs. 25,000) for the online exam. Candidates are also required to pay additional fees, service fees, rescheduling fees, and cancellation fees.

GRE vs GMAT: Preparation Tips

To get a promising score on GRE and GMAT, candidates require special study strategies and preparation tips. Some of the preparation tips for GRE and GMAT are given below.

GRE Preparation Tips

Some of the important GRE preparation tips and strategies for all four sections have been given below:

• Build a GRE preparation strategy and set an individualised study plan.

• Analyse the GRE test pattern thoroughly and focus on identifying the weak areas.

• Build vocabulary consistently.

• Learn time management.

• Include physical and mental workouts.

GMAT Preparation Tips

A few GMAT preparation tips for the candidates appearing in 2024 test include:

• Start your preparation with a GMAT diagnostic test: Taking the diagnostic tests help in evaluating your current knowledge and skills in each particular section and help you to know weakness in particular subjects. Based on this you can create a study plan.

• Create or use a study plan: If you are a beginner to GMAT and giving your first attempt, the official GMAC provides the GMAT exam - focus edition study plan, which will be useful for the test takers.

• You can use the existing GMAT study material: As the syllabus has changed only for the data insights section, the candidates can use the available GMAT preparation material for the Qualitative and verbal reasoning sections.

• Create an everyday schedule: Contribute specific hours in a day for your GMAT preparation. Discipline is the one that helps in maintaining the consistency of your efforts throughout the preparation period for your exam.

Conclusion

Whether to go for GMAT or GRE depends on your skills matching closest to the syllabus of both the exams. Getting into a business or a graduate school is competitive and determining which one out of these exams you should go for is a tough choice. Therefore, we offer GMAT mock tests and GRE mock tests which you can take and decide for yourself which test to attempt.

Also read: GRE vs TOEFL