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GRE vs TOEFL Exam 2025: Two of the common tests that Indian students need to be aware of while preparing to pursue master's studies abroad are GRE and TOEFL. Both exams are integral for getting admission into top universities in the world. Hence, it is crucial to understand GRE vs TOEFL exam for international students. Both exams, GRE and TOEFL serve different purposes and evaluate different candidates’ abilities.
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TOEFL is an English proficiency test, whereas GRE is a graduate level test that evaluates quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing abilities in order to pursue master courses abroad, especially US universities.
Still unsure about the key differences between GRE vs TOEFL? We have mentioned in detail about the GRE vs TOEFL which is better exam for international students as per their requirements. Give this article a thorough read to navigate through GRE and TOEFL full form, eligibility, fees, scoring pattern, preparation, and much more.
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Check the table to have a quick overview of TOEFL and GRE differences. It includes overall contrast in terms of GRE vs TOEFL cost, requirements, pattern, scores, etc. These are some of the crucial differences between GRE and TOEFL for Indian students for better study abroad planning.
Aspect | GRE Exam | TOEFL Exam |
Full Form | Graduate Record Examination | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
Purpose | GRE assesses candidate’s following skills for admission to graduate courses abroad:
| TOEFL measures a candidate’s English proficiency in:
|
Test Duration | 3 hours 45 minutes | 116 minutes |
Test Format | Computer-based (adaptive) or paper-based | Only TOEFL iBT (internet-based tests) are available for Indian test takers. |
Difficulty Level | Slightly higher as it includes math, reasoning, and writing problem | Moderate as the test includes general English language skills. |
Fee | USD 220 | USD 205 |
Who needs it? | Students seeking graduate and business courses abroad, especially in US and Canada, are required to appear for GRE. | Students applying for study, work, or migration abroad such as US, UK, Canada, and Australia are required to appear for TOEFL |
Score Validity | 5 years | 2 years |
It is crucial to understand that both GRE and TOEFL are different exams with different purposes. GRE is solely for checking the academic readiness for graduate courses, whereas TOEFL is for checking the candidate’s English proficiency.
Hence, the GRE vs TOEFL differences are mentioned below. Explore the below headings in depth to get answers to the main question: GRE Vs TOEFL which is better?
Purpose
Eligibility
Pattern
Format
Reattempt Availability
Difficulty Level
Fees
Scoring Method
Let’s discuss in detail some of the crucial differences for clearer understanding.
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. Both GRE and TOEFL full form cannot be compared with each other as these are very different from each other. The main purpose of the GRE is to evaluate your readiness for graduate level courses abroad, especially in US.
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. The main purpose of TOEFL is to assess the English proficiency level. Applicants appear for IELTS whose native language is not English and are seeking studies, work or migration in an English speaking country.
The exam eligibility varies depending on the preferred test among GRE and TOEFL. When we compare both exams: GRE TOEFL exam eligibility, we can consider the following.
There is no such GRE eligibility requirement 2025. Candidates who are seeking higher education abroad in postgraduate courses can appear for the exam. Irrespective of age, candidates can appear for GRE to check their readiness for graduate courses abroad.
In comparison to the GRE vs TOEFL cost, for appearing for the exam, GRE exam fee is typically higher than the TOEFL exam fee. Check the TOEFL and GRE exam fee for Indian students in the table below
Exam Type | Fees (USD) |
GRE Exam Fee (General) | 220 |
TOEFL Exam Fee | 205 |
On comparing the difficulty levels of two exams, GRE and TOEFL, we can consider GRE way more challenging than TOEFL exam. The GRE exam includes a wide range of advanced subject-specific topics such as reasoning, maths, critical thinking, verbal reasoning, etc. These topics might be difficult.
On the contrary, the TOEFL exam is the English proficiency exam that evaluates the English proficiency in reading, listening, writing and speaking. These topics are relatively less complex.
Both GRE scores and TOEFL scores are acceptable in universities abroad for admission purposes. GRE is valid for 5 years whereas TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. This means that candidates can use the scores for visas and study applications until the expiry of GRE or TOEFL scores. Check below the GRE and TOEFL score validity details:
Exam Type | Validity Period |
GRE Validity | 5 years |
TOEFL Validity | 2 years |
The answer typically depends on the candidate’s academic goals and purpose. If you are looking to appear for graduate courses abroad, especially in the fields of engineering, business, or sciences, then GRE is the right exam for you between GRE vs TOEFL.
On the other hand, if you are looking to prove your English proficiency for study, work or migration applications, TOEFL is the right exam for you.
Related Reads:
A 79 score in TOEFL is considered to be below average. Right preparation can easily help candidates to attain at least 79 marks in the exam.
Yes, GRE can be slightly tough for Indian students. GRE exams are primarily for Indian students looking for graduate studies abroad especially courses in engineering and business. It requires thorough knowledge of advanced subject-specific topics such as reasoning, maths, critical thinking, verbal reasoning to crack the exam.
No, a score of 140 is typically not a good score. A GRE score of 140 in either the Verbal or Quantitative section is below average for test takers. A competitive score is recommended.
A TOEFL score of 95 is not a bad score, as it indicates a good proficiency of the English language. However, applicants must check the specific requirements of the university or program you're applying to determine whether it is bad or good.
No, a score of 93 in TOEFL exam is not a bad score for international students.Many abroad universities accept TOEFL score between 80 to 100. However, many top universities abroad often required a ascore above 100.
GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT are standardized tests often required for admission to universities abroad, but they serve different purposes. The **GRE** (Graduate Record Examination) is used for admission to graduate programs and some business schools, focusing on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The **TOEFL** (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and **IELTS** (International English Language Testing System) assess English language proficiency, often required for non-native speakers applying to English-speaking countries; TOEFL is more common in the U.S., while IELTS is popular in the U.K. and other regions. The **GMAT** (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically for business school admissions, testing quantitative, verbal, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills, and is required for MBA programs. I would advise that you get in touch with a prominent abroad education advisor - a great one will really help you through the entire process, end-to-end.
Hello aspirant,
Those who wish to pursue postsecondary education, specifically a Master's degree, specialised Master's programme, MBA, or PhD, are eligible to take the GRE. You must show up for the GRE general exam. Use the following link to get the comprehensive exam details:
https://studyabroad.careers360.com/exams/gre
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Choosing the best GRE coaching center in Hyderabad depends on various factors such as the quality of faculty, study materials, class size, and the success rate of the institute. Look for centers that offer comprehensive courses, personalized attention, flexible timings, and extensive practice tests. Additionally, consider the center's reputation, feedback from former students, and any additional resources like online support or library access. Visiting a few centers to get a feel for their teaching style and environment can also help in making an informed decision.
Yes, pursuing an M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) through the GRE is possible. Many universities, especially in the US, accept GRE scores for admission into their master's programs in CSE. Strong GRE scores, along with a solid academic record, relevant work experience, and a compelling statement of purpose, can enhance your chances of admission. For personalized guidance and to navigate the application process effectively, consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide expert advice and support tailored to your goals, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.
Dear Student,
For admittance to premier universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and CMU, your resume must be exceptionally strong.
Even if you address all of the aforementioned criteria, there is no assurance that you will be admitted to one of the universities you have named. When you make a decision, a combination of all these criteria will be taken into account, but these 10 ideas are a fantastic place to start.
I know someone who received acceptance letters from MIT, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University for their MS and PhD programmes after scoring between 1400 and 1600 on the GRE. He applied with an excellent resume that included a 9+ GPA throughout college, two years of research in Microsoft R&D, and a few patents. Therefore, what matters is your whole profile.
I hope that helps! I wish you the best!
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