GRE vs GMAT: Which One is Best For Admission in 2025?

In 2025, prospective graduate school candidates face a crucial decision: Should they take the GRE or GMAT? The GRE, accepted by over 1,300 business schools globally, offers flexibility, being accepted by both business and non-business graduate programs. 

On the other hand, the GMAT is the preferred choice for over 7,700 programs at more than 2,400 business schools worldwide. According to GMAC, approximately 2 lakh students take the GMAT annually, while the GRE has gained popularity among MBA applicants, with over 40% opting for it. 

If you're planning for business school, selecting the right test can impact your admissions chances and scholarship opportunities. This blog thoroughly compares the GRE vs GMAT exams to guide you in choosing the right test for your career goals.

GRE vs GMAT: An Overview

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are two of the most commonly required standardized tests for admission to graduate and business schools.

While both exams assess mostly similar academic abilities like critical & analytical thinking and problem-solving, their purposes and test formats vary significantly. 

Choosing one test over the other depends on your career goals. If you're aiming for a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the GRE is often the preferred choice due to its focus on general academic skills. 

On the other hand, if you're pursuing a business-focused role, particularly an MBA or other management programs, the GMAT is designed to evaluate skills relevant to business and management tasks, making it a better fit for such career paths.

Understanding these differences is crucial in deciding which test to take, especially for students pursuing graduate degrees in business or STEM fields. 

To understand these differences, let’s dive into the detailed overview and compare the GRE vs GMAT!

What is GRE and Why is it Relevant for STEM Admissions?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test widely accepted for admissions to graduate programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. 

While many universities like Stanford and NYU require or recommend the GRE for certain programs, some have made it optional in recent years.

The GRE evaluates skills crucial for STEM disciplines, such as quantitative reasoning, analytical thinking, and structured writing, making it useful for students applying to engineering, physical sciences, and related fields.

Let’s explore the key details and criterias for GRE exam:

Test Format and Skills Tested:

• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses the ability to analyze and evaluate written material, synthesize information, and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Tests mathematical concepts, data interpretation, and problem-solving ability involving arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
• Analytical Writing: Measures the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively in writing.

For instance, a student applying for a graduate program in Electrical Engineering at MIT may take the GRE to demonstrate their ability to perform complex quantitative reasoning tasks, such as analyzing data or solving mathematical problems related to the field.

Duration, Availability, and Cost:

• Duration: Overall time is about 1 hour and 58 minutes (reduced from nearly 4 hours.
• Availability: The GRE is available year-round at designated test centers globally. You can take the test at any of the more than 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries or take it from the comfort of your own home.
• Cost: The exam fee for the GRE General test is typically around INR 22K, and the GRE subject test is 14.5K (subject to change by ETS).

Location of Test Centers:

• Over 1,000 test centers are located worldwide, ensuring widespread availability.
• Major test centers include locations in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and other continents, allowing candidates from various regions to easily access the test.

Also Read: GRE Exam Benefits: Importance of GRE Scores for Study Abroad

What is GMAT, and Why is it Important for Management Studies Admissions?

The GMAT Focus Edition is a globally recognized exam for students applying to MBA and business management programs. It assesses quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data analysis skills, which are critical for business success. 

Business schools typically prefer the GMAT because it tests a candidate's ability to think critically, solve complex business-related problems, and communicate effectively in high-pressure environments.

The GMAT's focus on Integrated Reasoning is crucial for prospective business students, particularly those pursuing analytics-heavy roles, as it tests their ability to analyze and synthesize complex data from multiple sources.

Let’s explore the key details and criterias for GMAT exam:

Test Format and Skills Tested:

• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning skills, important for business communication and case analysis.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Evaluates problem-solving ability, data interpretation, and mathematical reasoning, crucial for financial analysis and business decision-making.
• Data Insights: Tests the ability to analyze and interpret data, making it highly relevant for business intelligence and analytics-driven roles.

For example, a student applying for an MBA at Harvard Business School will likely take the GMAT to demonstrate their ability to analyze complex business case studies and manage data in a dynamic business environment.

Duration, Availability, and Cost:

• Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes, including one optional 10-minute break.
• Availability: The GMAT is offered year-round at over 500 test centers in 100+ countries. There are specific dates for online testing available for those who prefer to take the test from home.
• Cost: The GMAT exam fee is approximately INR 23.5K for in-person tests and INR 25.7K for online tests (subject to change by GMAC).

Location of Test Centers:

• There are about 40 GMAT Focus test centres located in India. Applicants can choose their test centers for the GMAT exam based on location.
• Online testing options are available for some regions, offering greater flexibility for test-takers.

Also Read: What is a Good GMAT Score? Average GMAT Scores & Percentiles for Top MBA Programs

Both GRE and GMAT serve distinct purposes in graduate school admissions. Now that we've covered the essentials of both exams, let’s compare their key differences to help you make an informed choice.

With this foundation, let’s explore the key differences between the two exams.

Difference Between GRE and GMAT: Key Distinctions

The GRE and GMAT differ significantly in eligibility, examination structure, and scoring. While both exams assess essential skills needed for graduate-level education, each test has a specific focus designed to cater to different academic disciplines. 

Here’s a detailed comparison of the GRE and GMAT to help you choose the right test based on your academic and career goals.

Parameter	GRE	GMAT
Eligibility Criteria	Open to all students pursuing graduate programs, including both business and STEM degrees. Candidates do not need to have prior work experience to take the GRE.	Primarily for individuals pursuing graduate business programs, particularly MBA and related management degrees. Generally, no strict requirement for experience. However, some MBA programs may prefer GMAT and work experience.
Examination Structure	The overall test time is about 1 hour and 58 minutes. There are five sections. Analytical Writing (One section): 'Analyze an Issue’ task of 30 min. Verbal Reasoning (Two sections): Total 27 questions, 41 min. Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections): Total 27 questions, 47 min.	The overall exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes (one optional 10-minute break) and consists of 64 questions in total: Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions, 45 minutes Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, 45 minutes Data Insights: 20 questions, 45 minutes
Scoring and Evaluation	Verbal & Quantitative are section-level adaptive; the difficulty of the second section depends on your performance in the first. The score is based on the no. of correct answers in both. Analytical Writing essay responses are evaluated on a 6-point holistic scale.	The GMAT Focus Edition indeed scores between 205 and 805, but the classic GMAT (now phased out) had a 200-800 range.  Each section's scores are weighted equally: Quantitative Score range: 60-90 Verbal Score range: 60-90 Data Insights Score range: 60-90

Understanding the key differences between the GRE vs GMAT is essential for choosing the proper test based on your academic goals. 

Also Read: GRE to GMAT Score Conversion

Next, let’s understand what you can expect from each test regarding content syllabus and preparation!

What Can You Expect From the GRE and GMAT? A Detailed Comparison

When preparing for the GRE or GMAT, it's essential to understand the structure, syllabus, and strategies required to perform well. Both exams have unique formats and content to assess specific skills that graduate schools value. 

So, let’s dive into what you can expect in these tests, focusing on the syllabus as well as tips for tackling the verbal and quantitative sections.

What Does the Test Syllabus Include?

The GRE and GMAT syllabus cover core areas that test logical reasoning, data interpretation, and communication skills. 

However, each exam places a slightly different emphasis, with the GRE being broader in scope and the GMAT being more focused on business-related skills. Here’s a quick overview of GRE vs GMAT syllabus:

GRE Syllabus

Section	Content
Verbal Reasoning	The Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to: Analyze and identify the author's assumptions and/or perspective  Distinguish major from minor or irrelevant points; summarize and structure the text. Understand the meaning and relationships among words and concepts.
Quantitative Reasoning	The Quantitative Reasoning section measures your ability to: Understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information. Solve problems using mathematical models. Apply basic skills and elementary concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
Analytical Writing	The Analytical Writing section measures your ability to: Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. Support ideas with relevant reasons and examples. Sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion. Evaluates argument analysis

GMAT Syllabus

Section	Content
Verbal Reasoning	Measures your ability to read and comprehend written material and evaluate arguments. You will need to: Understand logical relationships between significant points and inferences. Make arguments, evaluate arguments, and formulate an action plan.  Doesn’t need specialized knowledge of the subject matter to answer the questions.
Quantitative Reasoning	Measures your algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge. Require some knowledge of arithmetic and elementary algebra.  Answering these relies on logic and analytical skills, not the underlying math skills.
Data Insights	Measures the ability to analyze and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios. It also measures digital and data literacy. The question types you'll find in this section are: Data Sufficiency Multi-Source Reasoning Table Analysis Graphics Interpretation Two-Part Analysis

Now, let’s understand the right way to tackle the verbal section of both the exams.

How to Tackle the Verbal Section?

Both the GRE vs GMAT test verbal skills but significantly differ in focus. GMAT focuses more on reasoning and assesses critical thinking and grammar. In contrast, the GRE demands a more extensive vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Here’s how you can tackle the verbal parts for both exams:

GRE Verbal Section Tips:

• Focus on Vocabulary: Understanding a wide range of vocabulary words is crucial for the GRE, particularly for text completion and sentence equivalence questions.

Tip: Prepare by learning high-frequency GRE vocabulary words using tools like flashcards and vocabulary lists.

• Practice Reading Comprehension: GRE reading comprehension questions assess your ability to draw inferences, identify the author's tone, and understand the main ideas.

Tip: Read articles from The Economist, scientific journals, and classic literature to get comfortable with GRE-style passages.

• Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion: Sentence Equivalence questions require you to choose two words that create the same meaning, while Text Completion tests your ability to fill in missing words based on context.

Tip: Read the entire sentence carefully before choosing answers to ensure context alignment.

GMAT Verbal Section Tips:

• Critical Reasoning: Focus on understanding the logic behind the argument, not just surface details.

Tip: Practice identifying assumptions and conclusions, as GMAT critical reasoning questions often ask you to strengthen or weaken arguments.

• Sentence Correction: Ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity in sentence structure.

Tip: Study grammar rules, especially regarding subject-verb agreement, modifiers, and parallelism, as these are common focus areas.

• Reading Comprehension: Focus on identifying the structure and tone of passages. Quickly identify the main idea and be able to summarize it concisely.

Now let’s see how to rightly approach the quantitative section.

How to Approach the Quantitative Section?

The quantitative sections of the GRE and GMAT assess mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Still, the GRE requires strong fundamentals in pure mathematics, while GMAT's quantitative section emphasizes logical problem-solving in business-related contexts.

The GRE includes word problems and data interpretation, while the GMAT focuses on business scenarios and data sufficiency.

Here are some quick tips to approach this section for both tests:

GRE Quantitative Section Tips:

• Review Basic Math: The GRE tests elementary arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. A solid understanding of these concepts is key.

Tip: Practice solving word problems involving ratios, percentages, and data interpretation.

• Data Interpretation: The GRE includes data interpretation questions requiring graph and table analysis. Familiarize yourself with reading various forms of data and interpreting trends, percentages, and averages.
• Time Management: As the GRE’s quantitative section is section-level adaptive, the difficulty increases based on your performance in the first section.

Tip: If you encounter difficult questions, don't dwell too long; move on to ensure you have time for all questions.

GMAT Quantitative Section Tips:

• Master Data Sufficiency: This question type is unique to the GMAT and asks you to decide whether the provided data is enough to answer the question.

Tip: Practice recognizing patterns in data sufficiency questions and quickly identifying whether additional information is needed.

• Problem Solving: The GMAT places a heavier emphasis on solving complex business-related math problems.

Tip: Solve practice questions related to business scenarios such as profit and loss, interest rates, and investments.

• Integrated Reasoning: Although it’s a separate section and does not contribute to the GMAT quantitative score, many of the skills tested in Integrated Reasoning are related to data interpretation.

Focus on interpreting data from multiple sources, such as graphs, charts, and tables.

These strategies should help you understand what to expect in both the GRE vs GMAT tests and prepare effectively for each section. Focusing on the key areas outlined can enhance your chances of performing well in each exam.

GRE vs GMAT: Factors to Consider When Choosing

Choosing between the GRE and GMAT is a decision that depends on multiple factors. While both exams assess essential skills, they cater to different academic paths, with the GRE being versatile for many graduate programs and the GMAT specifically designed for business-oriented education. 

Making the right choice requires a careful analysis of your academic and career goals, budget, and the program requirements of the institutions you're applying to.

This decision should be based on factors like field of study, acceptance, and institutional preferences. Here's a  detailed look at the factors to weigh in your decision:

Factor	GRE	GMAT
Preferred for STEM	GRE is widely accepted in engineering, sciences, and technology programs.	GMAT is not typically required for STEM programs.
Preferred for Business Schools	Some business schools like Harward and Wharton prefer the GMAT for MBA admissions, while schools like MIT Sloan accept both GRE and GMAT scores.	GMAT is preferred by most business schools for MBA admissions, such as Harvard, Columbia and University of Chicago all prefer GMAT scores.
Test Structure	More general, with emphasis on verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and writing.	More specialized, with a business-focused focus, especially with integrated reasoning.
Global Acceptance	Accepted by over 1,300 business schools.	Accepted by over 2,400 business schools.

Ultimately, choosing between the GRE vs GMAT depends on your academic goals, the program you are applying to, and your long-term career aspirations.

If you're considering studying abroad but want to avoid standardized tests like GRE and GMAT, many universities offer alternative admissions pathways. Let's explore your options.

Is it Possible to Study Abroad Without Taking the GRE or GMAT?

While the GRE and GMAT are standard requirements for graduate school admissions, particularly for business or STEM programs, many institutions worldwide offer graduate programs that do not require these standardized tests. 

Many universities worldwide, especially Europe, Canada, and Australia, have shifted to test-optional or test-free admissions. 

Schools like the University of Melbourne, the National University of Singapore (NUS), and several German universities now focus more on work experience, academic achievements, and portfolios rather than GRE or GMAT scores.

If you're looking for graduate programs that waive standardized test requirements, here are some top options to consider:

Course/Program	Details
Master's in Data Science	Many universities like the University of California Berkeley, Harvard University, and NYU do not require GRE scores for their data science programs, instead emphasizing relevant professional experience and technical aptitude.
Master's in Public Health (MPH)	Many public health programs of universities like Johns Hopkins do not require GRE scores, focusing more on applicants' practical experience and academic background.
Master’s in Social Work (MSW)	Numerous universities, including Columbia University and the University of Southern California, do not require GRE scores for their social work programs.
Master's in Fine Arts (MFA)	Creative programs like MFA in Fine Arts, Music, and Design typically do not require GRE or GMAT scores, prioritizing portfolios or auditions.
Master's in Education (M.Ed.)	Many universities in the U.S. and abroad, like the University of Southern California, do not require GRE scores for Master's in Education programs, with a greater focus on teaching experience and academics.
MBA Programs (Work Experience-based)	Some Executive MBA programs, such as those at INSEAD and the University of Chicago, accept applicants with significant work experience instead of GRE/GMAT scores.

By exploring these non-test-required programs and focusing on personal strengths like work experience or a strong academic background, you can find a pathway to study abroad that suits your goals and preferences.

Recommended Read: Universities in the USA Without GRE for Masters (2025): Complete Guide & Application Process

How Can upGrad Counselors Help You Prepare for the GRE and GMAT?

upGrad offers personalized GRE and GMAT preparation, along with expert guidance on study-abroad opportunities. With tailored  study-abroad programs and strategic support, upGrad helps students enhance their test scores and successfully navigate the admissions process.

Whether you’re aiming for an MBA or a graduate degree in a STEM field, upGrad’s experienced counselors and resources provide the guidance needed for success.

• GRE/GMAT Exam Preparation: Access well-organized study plans, expert resources, and personalized strategies to help you excel in the exams.
• Courses: Enroll in upGrad’s specialized GRE and GMAT preparation courses, which offer expert-led sessions, practice tests, and performance analytics.
• Study-Abroad Guidance: Receive guidance on choosing the best universities and programs abroad, with personalized recommendations based on your career goals and preferences.
• Application Assistance: Benefit from expert advice on your application process, including help with essays, CV building, and interview preparation.

If you're feeling uncertain about which test to take or how to approach your graduate school journey, booking a career counseling session with upGrad can provide clarity. Experts can help you define your goals, choose the right path, and create a personalized plan for GRE or GMAT preparation!