What is GMAT and GRE? Which One to Take in 2024?
GMAT and GRE are standardised tests required for pursuing PG courses overseas. Explore the meaning, differences, similarities and important factors in choosing between GMAT and GRE.
Shivani Kumari13 May, 2024
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GMAT and GRE: To study overseas, it's essential to qualify for GMAT or GRE with a good score. Both these exams have different exam patterns and scoring systems. The GMAT is a standardised exam designed to evaluate the skills of candidates aspiring to enrol in MBA and other business-related courses. On the other hand, the GRE serves as a comparable assessment utilised by international universities for admission to various programs, including business, law, and engineering.
Also Read: GMAT Syllabus 2024
To choose between the GMAT and the GRE, candidates must understand the objective of these exams, their differences, and their significance in college application.Understanding GMAT and GRE
The GMAT is a standardised entrance exam commonly required for admission to business schools and MBA programs worldwide. GMAT aims to assess candidates' reasoning and critical thinking abilities, which are relevant to pursue and excel in advanced graduate business studies. Candidates have the opportunity to retake the GMAT at a testing centre up to five times within a rolling 12-month period while maintaining a 16-day gap between each attempt. Additionally, they can attempt GMAT for a maximum of eight times in a lifetime.
GMAT and GRE Crucial Differences
The GRE is a broad assessment widely accepted across various graduate programs. In contrast, the GMAT is tailored specifically for business school programs. Here's a breakdown of the major differences between the GMAT and the GRE:| Factors | GRE | GMAT |
| Admission | Required for graduate programs | Required for business schools |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours, 45 minutes | 2 hours, 15 minutes |
| Acceptance to business schools | Few business schools | More than 2300 business schools |
| Sections | Analytical Writing Verbal Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning Data Insights |
| Test score range | 260 – 340 (in 1-point increments) | 205 – 805 (in 10-point increments) |
| Fees | $227 (INR 18,863) | $275 (Centre based test) $300 (Remote proctored) |
Similarities in GMAT and GRE
The following points explain the notable similarities between GMAT and GRE:- Both exams evaluate candidates' understanding of fundamental maths concepts covered in early high school. This includes topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- GMAT and GRE follow computer adaptive mode.
- Both exams include verbal and quantitative reasoning sections.
- Candidates are allowed to attempt GMAT and GRE five times in 1 year.
Importance of GMAT and GRE for College Application
During the college application process, candidates are recommended to send their best scores on the GMAT and GRE. Most colleges give high weightage to GMAT and GRE scores for the admission process.
| Application Factors | College Application with GMAT | College Application with GRE |
| Standardised test | 50% | 41% |
| GPA | 32% | 27% |
| Work Experience | 9% | 18% |
| LOR | 6% | 8% |
| Essay | 3% | 6% |
Important Factors to Choose Between GMAT and GRE
Take the following points into account when deciding which exam to pursue:- Candidates who are uncertain about their career path should opt for the GRE. As a GRE is recognised for admission to various programs, selecting the GRE opens the gate to multiple streams for pursuing a graduate degree.
- While numerous business schools accept both GRE and GMAT scores, some prefer applicants with a good GMAT score. Therefore, candidates must conduct thorough research and seek advice from experts to make an optimum decision.
- Candidates with a solid grasp of the quantitative section and a weak verbal reasoning section must opt for GMAT, as the verbal section of GMAT is comparatively easier than the quantitative section. In contrast, candidates with weak quantitative and strong verbal sections should go for the GRE because the quantitative section of the GRE is easier than the GMAT exam.
- Candidates who want to enter renowned B-schools like Harvard Business School, ISB, Stanford Business School, etc., must attempt the GMAT exam and qualify with a high sectional and overall score.
GMAT and GRE Scores Comparison
The GMAT scores range from 205 to 805, whereas each GRE section score falls between 130 and 170. It's not possible to directly compare GRE and GMAT scores due to the difference in their sections and scoring methods. However, candidates can determine their chances of selection in various programs by comparing their performance on the GMAT and GRE. The table below compares GMAT, GRE Verbal, and GRE Quantitative scores for different percentiles:| Percentile | GRE Quant Score | GRE Verbal Score | GMAT Score |
| 99% | — | 169 | 800 |
| 96-98% | 170 | 165-168 | 750 |
| 88-89% | 166 | 161 | 700 |
| 73% | 160 | 156 | 650 |
| 54-56% | 155 | 152 | 600 |
| 37-38% | 150 | 148 | 550 |
| 26% | 147 | 145 | 500 |
| 16% | 144 | 142 | 450 |
| 9-10% | 141 | 139 | 400 |
| 4-5% | 138 | 136 | 350 |
| 3% | 137 | 135 | 300 |
| 1% | 130 | 130 | 250 |
| 0% | — | — | 200 |
GMAT and GRE FAQs<span style=
What is GMAT and GRE used for?
GMAT is a standardised test used for admission to MBA programs at different B-schools. In contrast, the GRE exam scores are accepted throughout the world for admission to various graduation programs like law, management, MS, MCA, etc.
Which is harder, GRE or GMAT?
GMAT and GRE are equally challenging exams. While the quant section of the GMAT is challenging, the GRE features a difficult verbal reasoning section. To qualify for both exams, candidates have to follow a strategic and comprehensive preparation.
Is the GRE or GMAT better for MBA admission?
Both the GMAT and GRE are crucial for admission to specific courses. A GMAT score is imperative for entering MBA courses offered by various international universities. On the other hand, the GRE is more suitable for programs like MS, MCA, law, etc.
Is GMAT only for MBA?
Yes, GMAT scores are primarily used for admission to MBA programs at many esteemed institutes.
Which is more expensive GMAT or GRE?
GMAT requires relatively higher fees than the GRE. However, GMAC, the exam conducting authority, offers a GMAT fee reduction program to help economically weak students get access to the GMAT exam.
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