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GRE vs GMAT 2026-27: Which Test Should Indian Students Take?

Pratik Jain8 min readLast updated

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GRE vs GMAT 2026-27: Which Test Should Indian Students Take?

Last Updated: October 25, 2026

QUICK ANSWER: Should I take the GRE or the GMAT? Take the GRE if you are applying to MS or PhD programmes, or to a mix of MS and MBA programmes: almost all of them accept it. Consider the GMAT if you are applying only to MBA and business master's programmes. Most business schools accept both. Take a free official practice test of each, compare your percentiles, and pick the one where you rank higher.

Choosing the wrong test can cost you months of preparation. This guide compares the current GRE and GMAT side by side, gives you a short decision process, and explains how to compare your scores fairly.

How do the GRE and GMAT compare?

GRE General TestGMAT
Used forMS, PhD, MBA and many other graduate programmesMBA and business master's programmes
Length1 hour 58 minutes2 hours 15 minutes
SectionsAnalytical Writing, Verbal (2 sections), Quant (2 sections)Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights
Questions54 plus 1 essay64
EssayYes, 1 Issue task (30 minutes)No
AdaptiveBy sectionBy question
Score scaleVerbal 130 to 170, Quant 130 to 170, Writing 0 to 6205 to 805 total
CalculatorOn-screen calculator in QuantOnly in Data Insights
Fee$249 from 1 August 2026 (about ₹25,522)Check mba.com for the current India fee
RetakesEvery 21 days, up to 5 times in 12 monthsEvery 16 days, up to 5 times in 12 months
Score validity5 years5 years

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Which one should I take?

Answer these in order and stop at the first clear answer.

QuestionIf yes
1. Are you applying only to MS, PhD or other non-MBA programmes?GRE. Few MS or PhD programmes ask for the GMAT
2. Are you applying to both MS and MBA programmes?GRE. One score covers both
3. Are you applying only to MBA or business master's programmes?Either. Take a practice test of each and choose the one where your percentile is higher
4. Is a specific school on your list GMAT-only, or does it state a preference?GMAT for that school. Check its admission page

Tip

For MBA-only applicants, the test where you score in a higher percentile is usually the better choice. Schools compare you with other applicants, not the two tests with each other.

How do the sections differ?

Quant

GRE QuantGMAT Quantitative Reasoning
Questions and time27 questions in 47 minutes (2 sections)21 questions in 45 minutes
TopicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysisArithmetic and algebra. No geometry
Question typesQuantitative Comparison, multiple choice, multiple answers, numeric entryProblem Solving
CalculatorYesNo

Verbal

GRE VerbalGMAT Verbal Reasoning
Questions and time27 questions in 41 minutes (2 sections)23 questions in 45 minutes
Question typesText Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Reading ComprehensionCritical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension
VocabularyImportant: Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence test words in contextLess vocabulary, more argument logic

Sentence Correction is no longer part of the GMAT. Ignore old prep material that covers it.

GMAT Data Insights

The GMAT's third section has 20 questions in 45 minutes. It tests reading charts, tables and multiple sources, and includes Data Sufficiency questions, which ask whether you have enough information to answer, not what the answer is. The GRE has no separate section like this, though some GRE Quant questions use tables and graphs.

Who tends to do better on which test?

Your strengthsOften a better fit
Strong vocabulary and reading, comfortable with an essayGRE
Comfortable with geometry and calculationGRE
Strong at logical arguments and data interpretationGMAT
Weak vocabulary, strong logicGMAT

These are tendencies, not rules. A practice test of each is the only reliable way to know.

Not sure which test suits you?

RES offers GRE and GMAT coaching in Bangalore, each ₹25,000. Take a diagnostic first and choose the right test before you start.

View GRE Coaching

How do I compare a GRE score with a GMAT score?

Not with old conversion tables. The GMAT changed its format and score scale (now 205 to 805), so tables based on the old 200 to 800 scale are wrong.

Compare percentiles instead:

  1. Take the free official GRE POWERPREP practice test and the free official GMAT practice exam.
  2. Look up the percentile for each score on ETS's and GMAC's own percentile tables.
  3. Compare where you rank on each.

ETS also offers a GRE comparison tool for business schools. Use the official tools, not third-party tables.

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How do score reporting and retakes work?

GREGMAT
Choosing which scores to sendYes, with ScoreSelectYes, you choose which scores schools see
Retake wait21 days16 days
Maximum attempts5 in any 12 months5 in any 12 months, with a lifetime limit. Check mba.com

What about the Executive Assessment?

The Executive Assessment (EA) from GMAC is a shorter test designed for experienced professionals, mainly for executive MBA programmes. Some other MBA programmes accept it too. Check your programme's page before choosing it.

A 2-week way to decide

StepWhat to do
Day 1 to 3Look at the basics of both tests so the format is not a surprise
Day 4Take a free official GRE practice test, timed
Day 7Take a free official GMAT practice test, timed
Day 8 to 10Compare percentiles and check every programme's test policy
Day 14Choose one test and start structured preparation

Do not prepare for both at once. It splits your time and usually lowers both scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GRE easier than the GMAT?

Neither is easier for everyone. GRE Quant includes geometry and allows a calculator. GRE Verbal needs more vocabulary. GMAT focuses more on argument logic and data interpretation. A practice test of each tells you which suits you.

Do top MBA programmes accept the GRE?

Most do. Many leading business schools in the USA, Europe and India accept both the GRE and the GMAT. Always check each school's admission page.

Which test is better for an MS in the USA or Germany?

The GRE, where a test is required. Many programmes in Germany do not ask for either test, but some do ask for the GRE. Check each programme.

How do I convert a GRE score into a GMAT score?

Do not rely on conversion tables, especially those based on the old GMAT scale. Compare your percentiles on each test using the official ETS and GMAC tables.

How much does the GRE cost?

$249 from 1 August 2026, about ₹25,522. For the GMAT, check the current India fee on mba.com.

Can I retake the GRE or GMAT?

Yes. The GRE every 21 days, up to 5 times in 12 months. The GMAT every 16 days, up to 5 times in 12 months.

Pratik Jain

Pratik Jain

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