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

GRE vs GMAT Exam - Key Differences

GRE and GMAT Comparison

Many international postgraduate programmes including MBA programmes require GRE and GMAT 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. GMAT is a computer-adaptive, in which the questions adjust based on the performance of the candidates. GMAT Exam Pattern is designed to test the skills of potential management students. There are two types of GMAT exams: GMAT online (at home) and test centre-based GMAT. It tests the candidate’s skills in the areas of data sufficiency, logic, critical reasoning skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Both the GMAT and GRE are standardised tests used for graduate school admissions, but they have some key differences. While there are some similarities between the two, the major difference between GRE and GMAT is the program types which accept them. The GMAT scores are majorly required for admission in B-schools for MBA and other business-related graduate programs, while GRE scores are required to get admission in general graduate programs, including those in fields like science, humanities and social sciences in addition to business programs. Other than this, they also have different formats, question types, and testing policies.

Study abroad aspirants must know the GRE GMAT difference between choosing the right exam that enables hassle-free entry to universities abroad.

What is GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test is a standardized test used to get admission to business schools and MBA programs. It assess the verbal, quantitative, and data analysis skills in a candidate. It is a computer-adaptive test, which means that the difficulty of the questions adjusts depending on the performance of the candidate.

What is GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination is a standardized test used to get admission to general graduate programs and business schools worldwide, specifically in Canada and US. It assess the analytical reasoning, Quantitative and Verbal reasoning skills in a candidate.

GRE vs GMAT Exam Pattern

Similarities between GRE and GMAT

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 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.

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. A new data insight section has been added to the new GMAT format consisting of 20 questions.

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 21 problem-solving questions in an MCQ format.

Verbal Reasoning

• GRE

This section evaluates candidates’ proficiency level with English text and grammar. The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE exam Pattern 2025 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?” There is not a single "better test". The choice between the two exams depends on the specific strengths of the candidate and the requirements of the programs they are applying to. Generally, GMAT is preferred for MBA programs, while GRE is accepted for a wide range of graduate programs, including some business schools.

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 GMAT. 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 has more logic-based questions and data insights.

GMAT and GRE Score Comparison

How long are GMAT and GRE scores valid?

Scores of both exams are valid for up to 5 years from the test date. This applies to both GMAT exam and GRE General Test.

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 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

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.

Free GRE 2025 PDF with Answers

GMAT Preparation Tips

A few GMAT preparation tips for the candidates appearing in 2025 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 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.

Free GMAT 2025 PDF with Answers

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