Quick Summary
Purpose & Acceptance: The GMAT is designed for business school admissions, while the GRE is accepted for both business and non-business graduate programs.
Exam Structure: The GMAT focuses more on quantitative & analytical skills, whereas the GRE has a balanced mix of verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing.
Best Choice: Choose GMAT for MBA programs and GRE for broader study options beyond business schools.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are two of the most popular exams for MBA and graduate school admissions. While both tests are accepted by business schools worldwide, they serve slightly different purposes.
Choosing between the GRE vs GMAT is a decision every MBA aspirant faces. For example, Rohit, an engineering graduate from Delhi, aimed for top business schools in the US. Initially, he considered the GRE because of its flexibility for multiple graduate programs. However, after consulting with his target B-schools, he realized that the GMAT was more valued for MBA admissions and aligned better with his strengths in quantitative reasoning. His story highlights why understanding the difference between GRE and GMAT is so important before deciding.
Here are some of the key differences between the GRE vs GMAT:
| Factor | GRE | GMAT |
| Section | Analytical Writing Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Unscored or Research Section | Analytical Writing Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Integrated Reasoning |
| Mode Of Exam | It is done on a computer, with paper forms given up to three times a year. | Only available on a computer |
| program Relevance | Widely accepted for a variety of graduate-level programs | Emphasizes MBA admissions |
| Time for the Test | 3 hours and 45 minutes, plus short breaks | 3 hours and 7 minutes, plus short breaks |
When comparing the GRE vs GMAT, understanding the exam format is essential for making an informed decision. The GMAT consists of four main sections:
When comparing the GRE vs GMAT, understanding the exam format is essential for making an informed decision.
The GMAT consists of four main sections:
The total testing time for the GMAT is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
In contrast, the GRE is structured with three main sections:
The total testing time for the GRE is about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including a short break.
When considering the (GRE vs GMAT) exam format, think about which structure aligns better with your strengths and test-taking preferences. This understanding will help you choose the exam that best suits your academic and career goals.
GMAT is made to test the skills of people who want to go to school for management. It tests the candidate’s data sufficiency, logic, critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving skills.
GMAT has four sections, and applicants must be able to do simple math and English. The test will see how well you can solve problems, analyze and draw conclusions from knowledge, and think critically. The GMAT curriculum covers areas like Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning, as well as complex judgments, critical thought, and analytical skills.
Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing are the parts of the GMAT test. The total GMAT score is from 200 to 800 in 10-point levels. You’ll get different Verbal and Quantitative scores, each on a scale from 6 to 51, a Writing score out of six, and an Integrated Reasoning score out of eight.
| GMAT Section | Number Of Question | Question Type | Duration |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | One topic | Analysis of argument | 30 minutes |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 question | Multi-Source Reasoning Graphics Interpretation Two-Two Part Analysis Table Analysis | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative | 31 questions | Data Sufficiency Problem Solving | 62 minutes |
| Verbal | 36 questions | Reading Comprehension Critical Reasoning Sentence Correction | 65 minutes |
| Total Exam Time | 80 questions | 3 hours seven minutes |
The GMAT uses computer adaptive testing, which changes the difficulty level of the questions based on how well the test taker does. The GMAT’s computer-adaptive structure ensures that each candidate has a unique testing experience that fits their skills. This dynamic method allows test takers’ skills and abilities to be judged more accurately.
The total testing time for the GMAT is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. In contrast, the GRE is structured with three main sections:
GRE is a requirement for admission to many foreign postgraduate programs, including MBA programs.
There are two kinds of GRE. GRE Subject Test and GRE General Test. The GRE tests a person’s verbal, numerical, critical thought, and analytical writing skills. These are covered in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Students may also have to take the GRE Subject Test at some places. The GRE topic test will check how much a candidate knows about Chemistry, Math, Physics, and Psychology. GRE duration is 3 hours and 10 Minutes total.
| Section | Total Question | Type Of Question | Score Range | Duration |
| Verbal Reasoning | 20+20= 40 | Reading Comprehension Text Completion Sentence Equivalence | 130-170 | 60 minutes (30 minutes per section) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 20+20= 40 | Quantitative Comparison Questions Numeric Entry Questions | 130-170 | 70 (35 minutes per section) |
| Analytical Reasoning Questions | 1+1= 2 | Analyzing an Issue Analyzing an Argument | 0-6 | 30 minutes for each task |
| Total | 80 MCQs 2 Descriptive | 260-340 | 3 hours and 10 minutes |
Not every graduate school requires a Subject Test, so candidates must ensure that the program they’ve chosen requires the Subject Test they want to take. The only way to take the GRE Subject Test is with paper and pencil. The GRE Subjects Test is for people who know much about one of the four fields listed above.
Topic Tests on the GRE are meant to see how much you know and how good you are at a topic.
The GRE score is based on how many questions were answered properly and how hard those questions were. If you respond to more difficult inquiries properly, you get a greater result, while if you react to simpler queries correctly, you could receive a lower score.
Because the GRE CAT is adaptable, each test-taker gets the right questions for their skill level. With this method, the test can more accurately measure a person’s skills by asking questions that are just hard enough.
Understanding the GRE vs GMAT differences is essential before deciding which exam to take. Both tests measure the skills needed for graduate management programs like an MBA, but their structure and focus areas vary. To choose wisely, you must evaluate your strengths, check where each exam is accepted, and understand the difference between GRE and GMAT syllabus clearly.
In the verbal section of the GMAT, the main question types are Sentence Correction and Critical Reasoning. In contrast, the GRE includes Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion. Many students find the GRE vs GMAT verbal section different in difficulty—the GRE is often considered harder due to its advanced vocabulary and complex reading passages, especially for non-native English speakers.
The math concepts tested in the GRE vs GMAT quantitative section are broadly similar, as both focus on high school-level mathematics. However, one major difference is that the GRE allows the use of a calculator, while the GMAT does not. This distinction makes the GRE vs GMAT quant comparison an important factor when choosing the right exam.
Both exams test English writing and critical thinking skills, but the structure differs. The GMAT requires one essay analyzing an argument, while the GRE has two tasks: analyzing an issue and analyzing an argument. When comparing the GRE vs GMAT writing section, the GRE demands more written responses, whereas the GMAT focuses on concise logical analysis.
Even though most business school candidates would rather take the GMAT vs GRE for MBAs, many universities also accept GRE scores as part of their admissions criteria. This means you can choose the test that best highlights your academic skills. When deciding between GRE vs GMAT, consider the following factors:
Your school goals will help you decide which test to take. If you plan a career in finance or consulting, the GMAT vs GRE comparison leans toward the GMAT, since it relies more on mathematical reasoning than verbal analysis. However, if you want flexibility to apply to both MBA and other graduate programs, the GRE may be more suitable.
Some employers, like investment banks and business consulting groups, specifically ask for GMAT scores during job applications. In the GRE vs GMAT debate, the GMAT may give you an edge if you’re targeting these industries.However, if your career path is broader and not limited to business roles, the GRE can still keep multiple graduate options open.
The GMAT may be the better choice if you’re stronger in mathematics, while the GRE is often better suited for candidates with strong writing and verbal skills. Non-native English speakers may find the GRE vs GMAT difficulty level challenging in different ways—the GRE for its vocabulary, and the GMAT for its logic-heavy Quant section.
Taking practice tests for both the GRE and GMAT is the best way to determine which one suits you better. Simulate real test conditions, then evaluate your performance to see whether the GRE vs GMAT format aligns better with your strengths.
Many graduate and business schools take both the GMAT and the GRE. The GMAT is for getting into graduate schools in management, while the GRE is a general test for graduate and business schools. Both tests have pros and cons, and which one you choose will rely on your academic goals.
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive in to our guide on Career Advice.
In 2025, the choice between GRE vs GMAT is more than just test format—it’s about aligning with your career goals. The GMAT is best for students focused on an MBA or management career, while the GRE offers flexibility for multiple graduate programs.
Ultimately, your decision between the GRE vs GMAT should reflect your strengths, target schools, and long-term plans. Choosing the right exam will maximize your chances of admission and future success.
Both exams test critical reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical writing skills, but in different ways. If you’re confident in quantitative aptitude and aiming for top business schools, the GMAT may be your best bet. On the other hand, if you prefer a test with more diverse question types and want the option to apply to a variety of graduate programs, the GRE could be more suitable. In short, your choice between the GRE vs GMAT should align with where you see your academic and professional journey heading.
Most people think the Quant section of the GMAT is harder than the Quant section of the GRE. The Quantitative section of the GMAT tests your ability to solve problems. It often has data sufficiency questions, which can be especially hard. In general, the quantitative part of the GRE is easier, but you can use a calculator on it, which you can’t do on the GMAT.
Don’t forget that the test is only one part of your application. If you are good at math, logic, and grammar, you should take the GMAT. Go for the GRE if you’re not very confident in math, good with words, and like writing essays. You should check with the college first to see if the marks are acceptable.
The main goal of the GMAT and GRE for an MBA is to improve your chances of getting into an MBA program abroad, such as in the USA. The group that decides who gets financial help or merit-based scholarships at the best universities worldwide also looks at GRE vs GMAT scores. Most colleges and universities don’t prefer one test over another, so the GMAT and the GRE are important.
It focuses on reasoning and thinking critically. A bad thing about the GRE verbal part is that it puts a lot of weight on words that are hard to understand. Most students, even those who already know English, must learn between 1500 and 2000 words to relax. Because of this, the GRE can be more difficult than the GMAT.
Authored by, Mansi Rawat
Career Guidance Expert
Mansi crafts content that makes learning engaging and accessible. For her, writing is more than just a profession—it’s a way to transform complex ideas into meaningful, relatable stories. She has written extensively on topics such as education, online teaching tools, and productivity. Whether she’s reading, observing, or striking up a conversation while waiting in line, she’s constantly discovering new narratives hidden in everyday moments.
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