GRE & GMAT — The Complete Guide
Introduction to the GRE & GMAT
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are standardised, computer-adaptive entrance tests used by universities worldwide to evaluate applicants for graduate-level programs. Both measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical/data-driven thinking — skills considered essential for success in demanding academic environments.
GRE — Graduate Record Examination
Conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE is the most widely accepted test for Master's, MS, PhD, and increasingly MBA programs across the US, Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia. Since September 2023, it runs in a shortened format of about 1 hour 58 minutes.
GMAT — Graduate Management Admission Test
Conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), the GMAT is purpose-built for business school admissions — MBA, Master's in Finance, Management, and related programs. The current version, the GMAT Focus Edition, has been the only active format since February 2024 and runs for 2 hours 15 minutes.
Purpose of Each Exam & Who Should Take Them
| Exam | Primary Purpose | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| GRE | Assesses general verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing ability for graduate school readiness — not tied to any one discipline. | MS / MEng / PhD applicants (engineering, sciences, social sciences, humanities), joint MS-MBA applicants, and law/graduate programs that accept it in place of a subject-specific test. |
| GMAT | Assesses business-relevant reasoning: quantitative problem-solving, verbal argument analysis, and data interpretation for management contexts. | MBA applicants, Executive MBA candidates, and Master's in Management / Finance / Business Analytics applicants. |
Most top business schools now accept either GRE or GMAT scores for MBA admissions — see Section 27 for how admissions committees weigh the two.
MBA vs MS Admissions: Which Exam is Preferred?
| Program Type | Traditionally Preferred | Current Trend |
|---|---|---|
| MBA / Executive MBA | GMAT | Most top business schools (including many Ivy League and M7 programs) now accept GRE too, but a strong GMAT is still often seen as the stronger signal for quant-heavy finance/consulting recruiting. |
| MS (Engineering, Sciences, Data) | GRE | GRE remains standard; GMAT is rarely accepted for pure technical MS programs. |
| Master's in Management/Finance/Analytics | Either | Business schools increasingly accept both, with GMAT slightly favoured for finance-heavy tracks. |
| PhD (any discipline) | GRE | GRE is standard; a growing number of PhD programs have made it optional or test-blind — check individual department policy. |
Eligibility Criteria
| GRE | GMAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | No official minimum | 13 years (13–17 requires parental/guardian consent) |
| Maximum age | None | None |
| Academic qualification | None specified by ETS — open to anyone | Typically final-year undergraduates or graduates; no formal degree requirement enforced by GMAC |
| Nationality restriction | None | None |
| Number of attempts allowed | Up to 5 times per rolling 12-month period | Up to 5 times per rolling 12-month period (lifetime cap removed in Oct 2024) |
Exam Structure & Sections
GRE General Test — Structure
| Section | Content | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | One "Analyze an Issue" essay task | 1 task | 30 min |
| Verbal Reasoning (×2) | Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Reading Comprehension | 27 questions total | ~41 min total |
| Quantitative Reasoning (×2) | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis | 27 questions total | ~47 min total |
| Total | 54 scored questions + 1 essay | ≈ 1 hr 58 min | |
Analytical Writing always comes first; Verbal and Quant sections can appear in either order after that. The test is section-level adaptive — your performance on the first Verbal (or Quant) section determines the difficulty of the second. There are no unscored/experimental sections in the current format.
GMAT Focus Edition — Structure
| Section | Content | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Problem Solving (arithmetic, algebra, word problems — no geometry, no calculator) | 21 questions | 45 min |
| Verbal Reasoning | Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning (no Sentence Correction) | 23 questions | 45 min |
| Data Insights | Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis (on-screen calculator allowed) | 20 questions | 45 min |
| Total | 64 questions | 2 hr 15 min (+ optional 10-min break) | |
The GMAT Focus Edition has no essay and no separate Integrated Reasoning section — both were retired. Candidates choose their own section order at the start of the test, and the exam is question-level adaptive within each section.
Detailed Syllabus
GRE Syllabus
Analytical Writing
- Analyze an Issue essay
- Building a logical argument
- Using relevant examples
- Clear structure & grammar
Verbal Reasoning
- Text Completion
- Sentence Equivalence
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary-in-context
- Critical reading & inference
Quantitative Reasoning
- Arithmetic & number properties
- Algebra & equations
- Geometry (school-level)
- Data analysis & interpretation
- Word problems
GMAT Syllabus
Quantitative Reasoning
- Percentages & ratios
- Linear equations & inequalities
- Number properties
- Word problems
- Basic statistics & probability
Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension (business, science, social science passages)
- Critical Reasoning — strengthen/weaken arguments, assumptions, conclusions
Data Insights
- Data Sufficiency
- Multi-Source Reasoning
- Table Analysis
- Graphics Interpretation
- Two-Part Analysis
Question Types & Marking / Scoring System
| GRE | GMAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Negative marking | None | None |
| Question formats | Multiple choice (single/multiple answer), numeric entry, quantitative comparison, essay | Multiple choice, Data Sufficiency, Two-Part Analysis, table/graphics-based questions |
| Adaptivity | Section-level (difficulty of Section 2 depends on Section 1 performance) | Question-level within each section |
| Review/edit options | Can move within the current section only | Can bookmark and change up to 3 answers per section at the end of that section |
| Calculator | On-screen calculator available for Quant | Available only in Data Insights; not available in Quant or Verbal |
At-Home vs Test-Centre Options
| Test Centre | At-Home | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Prometric / designated centres | Any private, quiet room with a stable internet connection |
| Proctoring | In-person | Remote, via webcam (GRE now requires a second camera/device) |
| Equipment on-site | Provided (scratch paper/whiteboard, workstation) | Test-taker provides a compliant setup; digital whiteboard provided on-screen for GMAT |
| Scores accepted equally? | Yes | Yes, by nearly all universities — a small number of programs prefer centre-based scores, so it's worth checking with your target schools |
Exam Duration
| Exam | Total Testing Time | Breaks |
|---|---|---|
| GRE General Test | ≈ 1 hour 58 minutes | No scheduled break |
| GRE Subject Test | 2 hours (Physics, Psychology) to 2 hours 50 minutes (Mathematics) | None |
| GMAT Focus Edition | 2 hours 15 minutes | One optional 10-minute break between sections |
Score Ranges & Interpretation
| Exam | Section | Score Range | Increment |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRE | Verbal Reasoning | 130 – 170 | 1 point |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130 – 170 | 1 point | |
| Analytical Writing | 0 – 6 | 0.5 point | |
| GMAT | Total Score | 205 – 805 | 10 points |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60 – 90 | 1 point | |
| Verbal Reasoning | 60 – 90 | 1 point | |
| Data Insights | 60 – 90 | 1 point |
Reading a GRE Score
A combined Verbal + Quant score of 320+ is generally considered strong for competitive MS programs; 325+ is competitive for top-15 programs. Weightage between Verbal and Quant varies by field — engineering programs lean on Quant, humanities lean on Verbal.
Reading a GMAT Score
A total score of 645+ (≈ 88th percentile) is considered good; 695+ (≈ 98th percentile) is competitive for top-tier MBA programs. All three sections are weighted equally in the total, so a lopsided profile (e.g., very high Quant, weak Verbal) can hold the total back.
Score Validity
Both GRE and GMAT scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. Most universities only consider scores that remain valid through their application deadline, so plan your test date with that window in mind. Reporting scores older than 5 years generally requires special approval from the testing body and is rarely accepted by universities.
Exam Fees
| Exam | Standard Fee | Extra Score Reports | Rescheduling |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRE General Test | $220 (global) | Fee applies per additional university beyond the free selections | Fee applies if rescheduled close to the test date |
| GMAT Focus Edition | $275 (test centre) / $300 (online) | 5 free reports within 48 hrs of receiving your score; fee applies afterward | Fee applies within 14 days of the exam; partial refund on cancellation within 14 days |
Test Dates & Availability
Neither exam has fixed annual test dates. Both are on-demand, computer-based tests offered year-round — typically seven days a week, subject to centre or online slot availability. Booking 2–3 months in advance is recommended to secure a preferred date, especially close to application deadlines (September–December for most Fall-intake programs).
Retake Policy
| GRE | GMAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Max attempts | 5 per rolling 12 months | 5 per rolling 12 months (no lifetime cap) |
| Minimum gap between attempts | 21 days | 16 days |
| Score preview before sending | No — official score is fixed once the test is complete | Yes — you can preview and choose not to send a low score |
| Superscore support | Not officially combined — schools may consider your best sitting | Yes — GMAC automatically calculates a Superscore from your best section scores across attempts |
Registration Process
GRE Registration (ets.org/gre)
- 1Create an ETS account
Sign up with your name exactly as it appears on your passport.
- 2Choose test type
General Test, a Subject Test, or GRE at Home.
- 3Pick a date & centre
Browse Prometric centre availability or select the at-home option.
- 4Pay the fee
$220 globally, payable online by card.
- 5Get confirmation
Admit ticket and appointment details are emailed immediately.
GMAT Registration (mba.com)
- 1Create an mba.com account
Name, date of birth, email, and password.
- 2Choose exam mode
Online (at home) or test centre.
- 3Select location & slot
Country, city, date, and time.
- 4Upload ID
Passport is mandatory for Indian candidates.
- 5Pay & confirm
$275 (centre) or $300 (online); confirmation email follows instantly.
Accepted Identification Requirements
- For Indian test-takers, a valid passport is mandatory for both GRE and GMAT — no other ID is accepted.
- The name on your ID must match your test registration exactly.
- ID must be original, valid (not expired), and carry a recent photograph and signature.
- For at-home testing, the same ID rules apply, verified via webcam before the test begins.
Preparation Strategy & Study Timeline
A realistic prep window is 8–12 weeks for most test-takers studying consistently. Below is a sample structure you can adapt:
| Phase | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Diagnose | Week 1 | Take a full-length diagnostic test to establish your baseline and identify weak areas. |
| 2. Build fundamentals | Weeks 2–5 | Concept-by-concept study — vocabulary/grammar or Quant fundamentals depending on gaps. |
| 3. Targeted practice | Weeks 6–8 | Timed, topic-wise question sets; track accuracy by question type. |
| 4. Full-length simulation | Weeks 9–10 | 2–3 full-length mocks under real test conditions; review every mistake. |
| 5. Final polish | Weeks 11–12 | Light review, error-log revision, rest before test day. |
Recommended Books & Official Resources
GRE
- The Official Guide to the GRE General Test (ETS)
- Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions (ETS)
- Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions (ETS)
- Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems
- ETS PowerPrep (free official practice software)
GMAT
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review (GMAC)
- GMAC Official Practice Exams 1 & 2 (free)
- Manhattan Prep GMAT All-the-Verbal / All-the-Quant guides
- Target Test Prep (TTP) Quant question bank
- GMAT Club forums for error logs & strategy threads
Best Online Preparation Platforms
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| ETS PowerPrep / GMAC Official Prep | The most realistic simulation of actual test-day interface and adaptivity — always start here. |
| Manhattan Prep | Structured, concept-heavy courses for both exams; strong for Verbal/grammar-heavy learners. |
| Magoosh | Budget-friendly video lessons with large question banks, self-paced. |
| Target Test Prep (TTP) | Deep, methodical GMAT Quant instruction — good for rebuilding fundamentals. |
| e-GMAT | Especially strong for non-native English speakers on GMAT Verbal. |
| Kaplan | Balanced live/self-paced courses with strategy-first teaching. |
University Requirements & Score Expectations
| Program Tier (indicative) | Competitive GRE (V+Q) | Competitive GMAT Total |
|---|---|---|
| Top-15 global programs | 325+ | 695+ |
| Top 16–50 programs | 315 – 324 | 645 – 694 |
| Solid mid-tier programs | 300 – 314 | 585 – 644 |
Scholarship Considerations
- Neither exam awards scholarships directly — but many universities use GRE/GMAT scores as one input for merit-based scholarship decisions, alongside GPA, essays, and interviews.
- A score comfortably above a program's average admitted range can meaningfully strengthen a scholarship application.
- ETS and GMAC both offer fee-reduction vouchers for eligible candidates (financial need, partner-institution programs, diversity initiatives) — these reduce the cost of taking the test itself, separate from university scholarships.
- Some test-prep companies and partner organisations offer discounted or free official prep material through outreach and fee-waiver programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take both the GRE and GMAT for the same application cycle?
Yes. Some applicants take both if they're applying to a mix of MBA and MS/technical programs, or want to submit whichever score is stronger where a program accepts either.
Is the GRE easier than the GMAT?
Neither is objectively "easier" — they test different skills. The GRE leans more on vocabulary and broad academic reasoning; the GMAT leans more on data interpretation and business-style logical reasoning. The right choice depends on your strengths and target programs.
How soon will I get my official score?
GRE: unofficial Verbal/Quant scores appear immediately; official scores (including AWA) are available in 8–10 days. GMAT: unofficial score appears immediately after the test; the official report with Enhanced Score Report is available in about 7 business days.
Can I cancel my score if I do badly?
On the GMAT, you preview your score before deciding to send it, so cancellation is rarely necessary. On the GRE, once the test is complete, the score is recorded — though ScoreSelect lets you choose which test date's results to actually send to schools.
Do all universities accept at-home test scores?
The vast majority do, and both ETS and GMAC state at-home scores are held to the same standard as centre-based scores. A small number of programs express a preference for centre-based testing — confirm with your target schools if in doubt.
What happens if I run out of time on a section?
Unanswered questions are simply left blank at the end of the section — there's no penalty beyond not earning credit for those questions, since neither exam has negative marking.
Is the GRE Subject Test still relevant?
It's only required by a small number of specialised programs (mainly in Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology) — check your target department's requirements directly, since most programs only require the General Test.
Key Takeaways & Summary
Choose GRE if
You're applying to MS, PhD, or a mix of MS + MBA programs, and want broader acceptance across program types with a shorter test.
Choose GMAT if
You're focused specifically on MBA, Executive MBA, or Master's in Management/Finance, especially at programs that weight quant/data-driven reasoning heavily.
Either way
Start with official practice material, build a realistic 8–12 week timeline, take full-length timed mocks, and leave room in your schedule for at least one retake before your earliest deadline.
GRE vs GMAT — Full Comparison
| Parameter | GRE | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting body | ETS | GMAC |
| Best suited for | MS, PhD, some MBA programs | MBA, Master's in Management/Finance |
| Duration | 1 hr 58 min | 2 hr 15 min |
| Sections | Verbal, Quant, Analytical Writing | Verbal, Quant, Data Insights |
| Total questions | 54 + 1 essay | 64 |
| Score range | 260 – 340 (combined V+Q) | 205 – 805 |
| Essay section | Yes (1 task) | No |
| Calculator access | Full Quant section | Data Insights only |
| Adaptivity | Section-level | Question-level |
| Fee (approx.) | $220 | $275 (centre) / $300 (online) |
| Score validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Retakes allowed | 5 per rolling 12 months | 5 per rolling 12 months |
| Gap between retakes | 21 days | 16 days |
| At-home option | Yes | Yes |
| Score preview before sending | No | Yes |
Latest Exam Pattern & Important Updates
GRE — What changed
- Shortened from 3 hr 45 min to 1 hr 58 min (Sept 2023)
- The "Analyze an Argument" essay task was removed — only one Issue essay remains
- All unscored/experimental sections eliminated
- At-home testing now requires a second camera/device for proctoring
GMAT — What changed
- Classic GMAT fully retired; GMAT Focus Edition is the only version since Feb 2024
- Analytical Writing Assessment removed entirely
- New Data Insights section replaces old Integrated Reasoning
- Sentence Correction removed from Verbal
- Lifetime 8-attempt cap removed (Oct 2024)
- Superscoring introduced — best section scores combined across attempts