If you're applying for a Masters abroad — especially in Business, Engineering, or Data Science — you've probably asked: should I take the GRE or GMAT? The answer depends on which programs you're targeting. Here's a complete breakdown.
GRE vs GMAT — Quick Overview
| Feature | GRE General Test | GMAT Focus Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Graduate Record Examination | Graduate Management Admission Test |
| Managed By | ETS | GMAC |
| Test Sections | Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing | Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights |
| Duration | ~3 hours 45 min | 2 hours 15 min |
| Score Range | 130–170 (each section) | 205–805 |
| Cost (India) | $213 USD (~₹17,700) | $275 USD (~₹22,800) |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Accepted For | Most Masters; some MBA programs | Primarily MBA; some Masters |
When to Choose GRE
Choose GRE if you're applying to:
- Engineering Masters (MS in CS, Electrical, Mechanical) — GRE is the standard
- Science Masters (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths)
- Social Sciences (Psychology, Economics, Political Science)
- Both MBA and non-MBA programs — GRE is accepted by virtually all US MBA programs now
- UK, Canada, Australia Masters — Many programs accept or prefer GRE over GMAT
Target GRE Scores (USA Top Programs):
- MIT, Stanford, Caltech: 165+ Quant, 160+ Verbal
- Top 25 Programs: 160+ Quant, 155+ Verbal
- Good Programs: 155+ Quant, 150+ Verbal
When to Choose GMAT
Choose GMAT if you're applying to:
- MBA programs — GMAT is traditionally the MBA test; Harvard, Wharton, Kellogg prefer it
- Finance Masters (MSF, MFin) — Many top finance programs prefer GMAT
- Business Analytics Masters — GMAT has a Data Insights section that's relevant
Target GMAT Scores:
- Top 10 MBA Programs (Harvard, Wharton): 720+
- Top 25 MBA Programs: 680+
- Good MBA Programs: 620+
The Key Insight: Most Programs Now Accept Both
Since 2020, approximately 90% of MBA programs worldwide now accept GRE as an alternative to GMAT. If you're unsure, GRE gives you more flexibility — you can apply to both traditional Masters programs AND MBA programs.
Which is Easier — GRE or GMAT?
For Indian students with a technical background (Engineering, Science, IT): GRE Quantitative is generally easier than GMAT because GRE Quant uses simple formulas, while GMAT requires more logical problem-solving.
For verbal: GRE Verbal has more vocabulary-based questions (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence), which can be challenging. GMAT Verbal is more reading comprehension and argument-based.
Preparation Timeline
| Starting Score | Time Needed | Target Score |
|---|---|---|
| 280-300 (GRE) | 4-6 months | 320+ |
| 300-310 (GRE) | 2-3 months | 325+ |
| 310+ (GRE) | 4-6 weeks | 330+ |
Top Resources for Preparation
GRE: ETS Official Guide, Manhattan 5-lb Book, Magoosh GRE, Gregmat GMAT: Official GMAT Guide, Manhattan GMAT Prep, Target Test Prep, GMAT Club forums
Aavanto's Recommendation for Indian Students
- Targeting US MS programs in Tech/Engineering? → Take GRE, aim for 320+
- Targeting US/UK MBA? → Take GMAT, aim for 700+
- Targeting UK/Canada Masters in Business or Analytics? → Check specific program requirements; many accept GRE or have waived it entirely
- Unsure about field? → Take GRE for maximum flexibility
Contact Aavanto for personalised guidance on which test suits your specific target universities and programs.
Aavanto Admissions Team
Expert education consultant with years of experience helping students achieve their study abroad goals. Specialised in test preparation and international education guidance.
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