Over the past few years, many business schools have started gladly accepting GRE scores in place of GMAT scores for programs, such as MBA and MiM. This additional option has become a major source of confusion for many applicants, and we receive multiple queries from students asking for clarifications about the same. Their situation becomes worse when aspirants don’t know much about the tests, and/or don’t have enough time.

In order to clear up the confusion, we have compared both tests in detail below. The major differences between the GRE and the GMAT are: 

 

Format and Question Types

	GRE	GMAT
Test owner	ETS	GMAC
Analytical Writing Assessment
Analyze an issue	1 task	Not tested
Analyze an argument	1 task	1 task
Verbal Reasoning
Reading Comprehension	~ 40% of the verbal section	~ 30 – 35% of the verbal section
Critical Reasoning	~ 10% of the verbal section	~ 30 – 35% of the verbal section
Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence	~ 50% of the verbal section	Not tested
Sentence Correction	Not tested	~ 30 – 35% of the verbal section
Total Questions	40 – 60 (2 – 3 sections, 20 questions per section)	36 (1 section)
Total Time	60 – 90 (30 minutes for each section)	65 minutes
Experimental Questions	One section – either VR or QR	A few questions in VR (not disclosed by GMAC)
Quantitative Reasoning
Word Problems	Problem Solving (MCQs) Numeric Entry  Quantitative Comparisons	Problem Solving (MCQs) Data Sufficiency
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Data Interpretation
Total Questions	40 – 60 (2- 3 sections, 20 questions per section)	31 (1 section)
Total Time	70 – 105 (35 min for each section)	62 min
Experimental Questions	One section – either VR or QR	A few questions in QR (not disclosed by GMAC)
Integrated Reasoning
Total Questions	Not tested	12 questions
Total Time	NA	30 min

 

Also read: These 7 tips will help you ace GMAT and GRE in one go

Test Design Features 

GRE	GMAT
Section-level adaptive	Question adaptive
Preview and review within a section	Cannot go back
Can move forward and backward freely in a section	Cannot go back
Can skip a question and attempt later	Cannot go further without answering a question
Answers can be edited/changed in a section	Cannot go further without answering a question
Section order, except AWA, is not fixed	Section order can be selected from 3 options
On-screen calculator is available	On-screen calculator is not available
Can be taken at home	Can be taken at home

 

Total Duration and Breaks 

GRE	GMAT
3 hours and 45 minutes (QR section is experimental) excluding breaks	3 hours and 7 minutes  excluding breaks
Break – one ten minute optional break	Breaks – two optional eight-minute breaks

 

Before finalizing the test, you should read the following two steps and implement them:  

1. Make a list of B-schools and your future goals:

While most B-schools accept either test now, you should still verify the test requirements of your target B-schools before you finalize on any tests. To know the application requirements, you should check the website of these schools or consult admissions experts. These tests, GMAT and GRE, are promoted by two competing organizations that want to get the maximum market share. Always remember, a B-school evaluates the profile of an applicant holistically and considers these tests a part of the overall profile. You can refer to the ETS list of MBA programs that accept GRE scores. 

 

A word of caution here is that some firms consider applicants favorably when they apply with their GMAT scores. In addition to that, GMAT is sometimes a requirement in Internal Job Postings in some organizations. 

2. Get acquainted with the tests and know your strengths and weaknesses. 

You should take one or two mocks of these exams – GRE and GMAT. The scores from one mock can be an anomaly, so it is advised to take 2-3 mock tests before making any conclusion. A student must take the official tests of GMAT and GRE. A word of advice here is – you may spend more time reading the instructions and questions types of tests when you take these tests for the first time. So it is highly recommended that you go through some sample questions of GMAT and sample questions of GRE before you take these mock tests. The tests must be taken into simulated conditions to know your real strengths and weaknesses. The above tables will help you understand the tests, but you will know more about the tests after going through a few sample questions and taking a few mocks.  

 

Our conclusion:

Once you know your goals and you know you are good at the XYZ test, go ahead and exploit your strengths. Don’t deliberate much and waste your valuable time thinking which test is good for you. Instead of deliberating and wasting time, work on the rest of your application package. There are minor differences, such as scores, fee, free score reporting fee, exam policies, etc. but they should not be given so much weightage in such a crucial decision. GMAT or GRE test scores are just a means to an end but not the other way. 

 

Most teachers and test-takers consider GMAT QR more difficult than GRE QR, but GMAT VR easier than GRE VR. The test design features of GMAT makes it a challenging test. 

 

Other minor differences between GRE and GMAT are listed below: 

 

Scores

	GRE	GMAT
Analytical Writing Assessment	0 to 6 points  (average of both tasks)	0 to 6 points
Verbal Reasoning	130-170 points	200 – 800 points (combined score of VR and QR)
Quantitative Reasoning	130-170 points
Integrated Reasoning	Not tested	1 to 8 points
Validity of Scores	5 years	5 years

If you have taken GRE and wish to see your corresponding GMAT score, refer to ETS GRE Comparison Tool. 

Fee 

	GRE	GMAT
Test Fee	USD 213	USD 250
Additional Score Reporting	USD 27 per recipient	USD 35 per recipient

Free Score Reporting

GRE	GMAT
4 Recipients	5 Recipients
Recipients are to be added AFTER the test ends	Recipients are to be added BEFORE the test begins

 

Test Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Retaking; Scores Cancellation, Reporting, and Reinstatement 

	GRE	GMAT
Test Registration Cancellation	No later than 4 days prior to appointment.  50% of the test fee is refunded.	Test Registration Cancellation Refund Tiers: 1 to 14 days prior to appointment: USD 50 refund 15 to 60 days prior to appointment: USD 75 refund More than 60 days prior to appointment: USD 100 refund
Test Rescheduling	No later than 4 days prior to your test date USD 50 is to be paid to reschedule the test	Test Rescheduling Fee Tiers: 1 to 14 days prior to appointment: USD 150 15 to 60 days prior to appointment: USD 100 More than 60 days prior to appointment: USD 50
Test Retaking	Once every 21 days, 5 times a year	After 16 calendar days, 5 times a year
Scores Cancellation	Scores can be canceled for FREE at the test center BEFORE viewing them.	Scores can be canceled for FREE at the center AFTER viewing them. Scores can also be canceled WITHIN 72 hours of the scheduled start time by paying USD 25.
Score Reporting	ScoreSelect option to report the scores of your choice in case of multiple attempts.	All accepted scores will be reported to schools in case of multiple attempts. Canceled scores are not reported.
Scores reinstatement	Can reinstate scores in 60 days by paying USD 50	Can reinstate scores up to 4 years and 11 months by paying USD 50

 

Therefore, guys don’t ponder much on the test part of your application. Look at the bigger picture i.e. your goal of pursuing an MBA or MiM.