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Which is better, GRE or GMAT in 2025?

Which is better, GRE or GMAT in 2025? are discussed here. Depending on your academic objectives, you might choose between the GRE or GMAT. The GRE is appropriate for many graduate programs, whereas the GMAT is only used for applications to business colleges.
authorImageShivani Kumari15 Sept, 2025
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Which is better, GRE or GMAT in 2024?

GRE or GMAT: Choosing between the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a big decision for many students who want to pursue graduate-level education, especially in business and management programs. Both tests are widely accepted by universities and business schools, but they have differences in what they focus on, how they're structured, and who they're meant for.

The GRE is a more general test that looks at a student's critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills. It's made for a wide range of graduate programs, including business, but it also covers other areas like arts, humanities, and sciences. The GMAT or GRE are outstanding choices for candidates.

On the other hand, the GMAT is specifically designed for business and management programs. It puts more emphasis on quantitative and analytical skills. Many MBA programs prefer the GMAT because it tests skills that are directly related to business and management studies.

Which is better, GRE or GMAT?

When considering graduate school admissions, one of the critical decisions for prospective students is choosing between the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). Both tests play a significant role in determining admission to various graduate programs, but they cater to different academic paths and have distinct structures and scoring systems. Candidates can check out the GRE or GMAT, which is better.

Purpose and acceptance

  • GMAT : The GMAT is specifically designed for business school admissions, focusing on evaluating skills relevant to the business field, such as quantitative and analytical abilities.
  • GRE : On the other hand, the GRE is accepted for a wide range of graduate programs beyond business schools, assessing reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills across various disciplines.

Test Structure and Sections

  • GMAT : The GMAT consists of sections like analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal, with a total testing time of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
  • GRE : In contrast, the GRE includes sections such as analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning, with a total testing time of 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Scoring System

  • GMAT : Scores for the GMAT range from 200 to 800, with separate scores for each section, including analytical writing and integrated reasoning.
  • GRE : GRE scores range from 130 to 170 for both verbal and quantitative sections, along with a separate score for analytical writing.

Difficulty and Focus

The following table compares the GRE vs GMAT in terms of difficulty and focus.

  • GMAT : Known for its challenging quantitative section that tests problem-solving skills and data sufficiency, the GMAT is considered more focused on business-specific skills.
  • GRE : The GRE emphasizes reasoning and critical thinking skills, with a verbal section that includes more challenging vocabulary and a quantitative section that allows the use of a calculator.

Acceptance by Programs

Here is the GRE vs GMAT acceptance by program.

  • GMAT : Primarily required for MBA programs, the GMAT is favored by business schools for its focus on quantitative and analytical skills relevant to the business field.
  • GRE : Widely accepted across various graduate programs, the GRE is suitable for a broader range of disciplines beyond business, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
However, the choice between the GRE and GMAT depends on your academic strengths, career aspirations, and the specific requirements of the programs you are applying to. If you are aiming for an MBA or have strong quantitative and analytical skills, the GMAT might be a better option. Conversely, if you have a broader academic profile or are pursuing a Master's program outside of business, the GRE could be more suitable. Remember to research the programs you are interested in to ensure you meet their specific test requirements for admission.
Candidates aiming to attempt the GMAT online exam must streamline their preparation according to the requirements of the exam. To help candidates in this regard, PW GMAT Online Coaching offers regular classes, offers expert guidance for doubt resolution, conducts practice sessions, and GMAT Adaptive Mock Tests.

Which is better, GRE or GMAT FAQs

What is the difference between the GRE and GMAT?

The GRE is more general and suitable for various graduate programs, while the GMAT is specifically for business school admissions.

How do the test structures of GRE and GMAT differ?

The GRE has sections for analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning, while the GMAT includes sections for analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal.

What skills does the GMAT focus on?

The GMAT emphasizes quantitative and analytical skills relevant to the business field.

What disciplines accept GRE scores?

The GRE is accepted across various graduate programs, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

How should I choose between the GRE and GMAT?

Consider your academic strengths, career goals, and the specific requirements of the programs you're applying to. If aiming for business school or strong in quantitative skills, GMAT might be better; otherwise, GRE may be more suitable.
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