GRE vs IELTS: Know Differences and Which Exam is Better

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Mar 12, 2025 03:13 PM IST

When deciding to study abroad, one of the biggest dilemmas that international students face is selecting the right standardized tests. They often find it challenging to decide whether they should go for GRE or IELTS. The GRE and IELTS full form is Graduate Record Examination and International English Language Testing System. While both of these examinations gauge different skills in them and serve numerous purposes, one should be clear about his/her academic goals, university requirements, and job aspirations.

This Story also Contains

What is GRE?
What is IELTS?
Difference Between GRE and IELTS
GRE vs IELTS Exam Structure 2025
GRE Vs IELTS Score Comparison
Cost and Acceptance of GRE and IELTS
GRE VS IELTS: Which should you choose?

GRE vs IELTS: Know Differences and Which Exam is Better

If you are also facing the same dilemma, then we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will be talking about both of these examinations and help you choose the right one for your bright study abroad experience.

What is GRE?

Conducted by EDP, the Graduate Record Examination is popular among students who decide to pursue MS and MBA abroad. There are two formats in this examination: GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test. Candidates can take this test in two formats- pen-paper delivered, and computer-delivered formats.

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What is IELTS?

Conducted by IDP IELTS India, the International English Language Testing System is a popular English language proficiency test for students going abroad. There are two formats in this examination: IELTS Academic Test (for students) and IELTS General Test (for people who want to migrate or work abroad). Candidates can take this test in two formats- pen-paper delivered, and computer-delivered formats.

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Difference Between GRE and IELTS

Feature	GRE	IELTS
Purpose	Assesses analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills for graduate and business school admissions.	Measures English language proficiency for non-native English speakers in academic and professional settings.
Who Needs It?	Students applying for graduate and business programs, mainly in the U.S. and Canada.	Students applying for study, work, or migration to English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Test Format	Computer-based (adaptive) or paper-based	Computer-based or paper-based
Duration	~3 hours 45 minutes	~2 hours 45 minutes
Scoring Scale	260-340 (Total Score), Sections: Verbal (130-170), Quant (130-170), AWA (0-6)	Band score from 1.0 to 9.0
Validity	5 years	2 years
Fee	~$220	~$250
Sections	Analytical Writing, Verbal, Quantitative	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Retake Policy	Every 21 days, up to 5 times a year	No limit on retakes

It is difficult to answer GRE vs IELTS which is better. It depends on the purpose of taking the examination.

GRE vs IELTS Exam Structure 2025

GRE or IELTS which is easy? Here is a section-wise breakdown of both GRE and IELTS for your understanding:

GRE Exam Structure 2025

The GRE Exam Pattern has three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. There are 54 questions: 27 each in GRE Verbal Reasoning and GRE Quantitative Reasoning. In addition, there will also be an ‘Analyze the Issue' task in the GRE Analytical Writing section.

IELTS Exam Structure 2025

The IELTS exam pattern has four sections: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. The duration of the listening section is 30 minutes and includes four recordings. The Reading section consists of 40 questions based on three texts. The Writing section requires you to complete two tasks in 60 minutes, and the Speaking section involves a face-to-face interview lasting 11-14 minutes.

Section	GRE	IELTS
Writing	2 essays: "Analyze an Issue" & "Analyze an Argument" (30 minutes each)	Task 1: Describe a chart/graph (Academic) or write a letter (General); Task 2: Write an essay
Reading	Passages with multiple-choice questions	3 passages with varied question types
Listening	Not tested directly	4 sections with different types of recorded conversations
Speaking	Not tested directly	1-on-1 interview with an examiner
Mathematics	Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis	Not tested

GRE Vs IELTS Score Comparison

The below table shows the score comparison of GRE and IELTS

Section	GRE Score Range	IELTS Band Score
Verbal Reasoning	130-170	Included in overall IELTS score
Quantitative Reasoning	130-170	Not applicable
Analytical Writing	0-6	0-9
Listening	Not applicable	0-9
Reading	Not applicable	0-9
Speaking	Not applicable	0-9
Overall Score	260-340	1.0-9.0 average of all sections

Cost and Acceptance of GRE and IELTS

The GRE is more widely accepted by universities globally, especially in the U.S. and Canada.
The IELTS is mandatory for visa applications and is a requirement for non-native English speakers in many English-speaking countries.
Both exams require registration in advance, and retaking the test incurs additional costs.

GRE VS IELTS: Which should you choose?

Choosing between GRE or IELTS has always been a tough decision for international students. However, both of the examinations serve a unique purpose. Below table shows some situations where these tests are required:

Situation	GRE	IELTS
Applying for a Master’s/PhD in the U.S.	Required	Not needed (unless proof of English proficiency is required)
Applying to universities in Canada, Australia, or the UK	Some programs may require it	Essential for non-native speakers
Applying for work or migration	Not applicable	Required for visa applications
Strength in Mathematics & Logical Reasoning	Strongly recommended	Not relevant
Strong command of English language	Helpful but not mandatory	Essential for scoring high

Choosing between GRE and IELTS depends on your study, work, or migration goals. If you aim for a graduate degree (Master’s/PhD) in STEM or business fields, the GRE is essential. However, if you need to prove English proficiency for studies, work, or permanent residency, the IELTS is mandatory.

If your program requires both tests, prepare strategically to excel in quantitative and analytical reasoning for GRE and fluency and articulation for IELTS. Check with your target institutions and visa requirements before making a decision!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it better to take the GRE or IELTS?

The GRE is crucial for determining a candidate's preparedness for graduate-level study in various subjects, whereas the IELTS is vital for proving English language competency.

2. Which exam to give first, GRE or IELTS?

Give the GRE first: GRE is typically a harder exam than TOEFL/IELTS, hence you will need to focus on it completely. Therefore try getting done with it before you start working on your application materials like the SOP etc.

3. Is GRE tough for Indian students?

The GRE can be challenging for Indian students, but the difficulty depends on their preparation. The GRE is designed to assess critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving skills.

4. Which countries accept the GRE?

The main countries accepting these GRE exam results are the US, Canada, the UK, China, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, the Czech Republic, Ireland, France, India, Hong Kong, and Sweden.

5. Is the GRE fully multiple choice?

While many of the questions on the GRE are multiple choice, the test is not entirely multiple choice. The test begins with two free-response essays.