GMAT vs GRE: All You Need to Know in 2024
GMAT vs GRE provides detailed information by comparing various factors of these exams. Explore highlights, exam structure, scoring system and eligibility through GMAT vs GRE analysis.
Shivani Kumari20 Apr, 2024
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GMAT vs GRE: Candidates aiming to study abroad must qualify for either GMAT or GRE exams. Universities overseas require international applicants' GMAT and GRE scores for offering admission. The GMAT is a standardized test that specifically evaluates candidates' problem-solving and analytical skills. These abilities are essential for admission to management programs.
On the other hand, GRE pays more emphasis on vocabulary. Additionally, GRE scores are required for admission to multiple graduate programs in international universities.What is GMAT?
The GMAT is organized by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) multiple times a year. GMAT serves as an entrance examination widely accepted for admission into business schools across the world. GMAT aims to evaluate candidates' reasoning and critical thinking abilities, which is crucial for admission to esteemed MBA programs. Candidates have the option to take the GMAT exam up to five times in a year by maintaining a minimum 15 days gap between each attempt. Additionally, GMAC allows each candidate to take GMAT for a maximum of 8 times in their lifetime.What is GRE?
The GRE is organized by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It acts as an admissions criterion for numerous graduate schools, including business and law colleges. This test is structured to assess candidates' critical thinking, analytical writing proficiencies, and verbal and quantitative reasoning. Candidates are permitted to retake the GRE up to five times in a year with a minimum interval of 21 days between each attempt. In cases of multiple test takings, candidates have the liberty to select which scores they can send to their preferred institution for admission.
GMAT vs GRE Major Highlights
The GRE serves as a general examination widely accepted across various graduate programs, whereas the GMAT is specifically for business school programs. The table below presents the notable highlights of GMAT vs GRE:| Differences | GRE | GMAT |
| Conducting Body | Educational Testing Service (ETS) | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Admission to Program | Graduate programs | Business schools |
| Acceptance | 1300+ business schools and 80+ law schools | More than 2300 business schools |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Sections |
|
|
| Test score range | 260 – 340 (in 1-point increments) | 205-805 (in 10-point increments) |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Cost | $227 | $275 (GMAT at exam center) $300 (Online GMAT exam at home) |
| Retakes | Candidates can attempt GRE, with a maximum of 5 attempts in a year with a 21-day gap between attempts. | Candidates can attempt GMAT, with a maximum of 5 attempts in a year with a 15-day gap between attempts. |
GMAT vs GRE Exam Structure and Timing
The structures of the GMAT compared to the GRE exhibit notable distinctions. It's important to note that the GMAT provides one optional 10-minute break, whereas the GRE includes one-minute intervals between sections and a single extended 10-minute break. The following tables present the notable sections, durations, and number of questions for both assessments.GRE Exam Pattern
The revised structure of the GRE exam consists of five sections. These sections focus on evaluating candidates' analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills. The following g table presents a detailed overview of the updated GRE exam pattern:| Sections | GRE Exam Pattern | Test Duration |
| GRE Analytical Writing | One "Analyse an Issue" task | 30 minutes |
| GRE Verbal Reasoning | Section 1: 12 questions | Section 2: 15 questions |
| Section 1: 21 minutes | Section 2: 26 minutes | |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning | Section 1: 12 questions | Section 2: 15 questions |
| Section 1: 18 minutes | Section 2: 23 minutes | |
| Total Exam Duration | - | 1 hour 58 minutes |
GMAT 2024 Exam Pattern
The latest GMAT Focus Edition exam pattern consists of three sections with a different number of questions. The detailed GMAT exam pattern is presented below:| Section | No. of Questions | Duration |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 minutes |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 64 | 2 hours 15 minutes |
GMAT vs GRE Scoring System
The scoring system of GMAT and GRE have significant differences. The latest scoring system for both these assessments is provided below.GRE Scoring System
GRE scores are categorised by section, with candidates receiving separate scores for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE are evaluated on a scale ranging from 130 to 170, with scores increment of 1-point. On the other hand, the Analytical Writing section is assessed on a scale from 0 to 6, with 0.5-point increments. The table below presents the scoring system of the GRE:| Section | Score Range | Score Increment |
| Verbal Reasoning | 130 to 170 | 1 point increment |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130 to 170 | 1 point increment |
| Analytical Writing | 0 to 6 | 0.5 point increment |
GMAT Scoring System
GMAT Focus Edition overall score ranges from 205 to 805 with 10 points interval. Additionally, the sectional score ranges from 60 to 90 with 1 point interval. If candidates can not complete any of the sections, they get negative marking for the same. Therefore, to receive a high score on the GMAT, candidates must attempt all the questions in the exam.The table below presents details of the GMAT scoring system:
| Section | Score Range | Score Interval |
| Verbal Reasoning | 60-90 | 1 point |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60-90 | 1 point |
| Data Insights | 60-90 | 1 point |
| Total | 205-805 | 10 point |
GMAT vs GRE Eligibility Requirements
There are no specific educational qualifications required for taking the GMAT test. However, candidates must meet the following criteria concerning their age:- Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
- Candidates falling under 13-17 years of age must provide written consent from their parents or guardians to attempt the GMAT.
GMAT vs GRE Difficulty Level
The GMAT is well-suited for individuals with a solid grasp of quantitative and analytical skills. Those facing difficulties with mathematical concepts will likely encounter challenges in the GMAT quantitative section. The GMAT is more favourable for individuals skilled at tackling tricky problems using data presented in charts, tables, and passages. On the other hand, the GRE includes questions that are highly challenging in terms of vocabulary. Non-native English speakers may find the verbal section of the GRE more difficult. However, with effective preparation, candidates can excel in the GRE with a high scoreGMAT vs GRE, Which One to Choose
Before starting GMAT or GRE preparation, candidates should consider these four aspects to select the most suitable exam:- Gain knowledge about the exam and score selected at candidates' preferred university or college.
- Decide on the type of graduate program candidates aim to pursue.
- Take evaluation tests for both the GMAT and GRE to know one's proficiency in different sections.
- Evaluate the importance of GMAT and GRE scores post-graduation.
| Also Read | |
| GMAT Exam 2024 | |
| GMAT Syllabus | GMAT Exam Date |
| GMAT Admit Card | GMAT Full Form |
GMAT vs GRE FAQs
How should I decide between the GRE and GMAT?
To decide between the GMAT and the GRE, candidates should take an assessment for both. This is helpful to know their knowledge and proficiency in both the exams. Additionally, candidates should seek information about which exam scores are selected at their preferred institute for the admission process.
Is the GRE harder than the GMAT?
The Verbal Reasoning section in the GRE includes challenging questions on Vocabulary that GMAT. On the other hand, the Quant section of the GMAT is more challenging than the GRE.
Do B schools prefer GMAT or GRE?
Typically, most B-schools prefer GMAT scores for admitting candidates to their MBA programs. However, MBA programs are test-neutral. Many institutes consider either GRE or GMAT scores for their admission process.
How do I prepare for GRE or GMAT?
To prepare for GMAT and GRE, candidates must take an evaluation test initially. Based on the test scores and section-wise performance analysis, candidates should segregate their strong and weak areas. Further, they can create a study plan that aligns with their proficiency and helps them strengthen their grasp of challenging sections.
Is GRE and GMAT syllabus same?
No, the GRE and GMAT have different syllabi. GMAC has prescribed a fixed syllabus for GMAT, which includes several topics for sections like Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. In contrast, the GRE syllabus includes five sections, constituting two sections of Quantitative Reasoning, two sections of Verbal Reasoning, and one section of Analytical Writing.
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