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1 min read11 June 2026

GMAT or GRE for MBA: Know Which Exam GMAT or GRE is Suitable for MBA Abroad

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GMAT or GRE for MBA: Know Which Exam GMAT or GRE is Suitable for MBA Abroad

If your goal is to study for an MBA overseas, you have undoubtedly encountered the GMAT and GRE examinations. Because both assessments are widely recognized and accepted internationally, candidates frequently debate whether to choose the GMAT or the GRE for an MBA. While the GMAT is tailored specifically for business school candidates, the GRE is accepted for a broad range of master's programs, including the MBA.

If you find yourself undecided about which one to select, there is no need to worry, as this article explores every detail of the GMAT and GRE tests, emphasizing their primary differences, scoring systems, and expenses. Understanding the distinction between the GMAT and GRE, and determining whether to take the GRE or GMAT for an MBA, is critically important and will certainly help streamline your preparatory phase.

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Overview of GMAT and GRE Exam

The primary objective of taking the GMAT or GRE for an MBA is to improve your prospects of gaining admission to international MBA programs in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and elsewhere. These test scores assist admissions panels in assessing your knowledge and the insights acquired during your prior academic education. Examining authorities also take GRE and GMAT results into account when granting financial assistance or merit-based scholarships at leading universities globally. Most academic institutions do not favor one test over the other, meaning both the GMAT and GRE hold equal weight.

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Should You Take the GMAT or GRE for MBA Admission?

The answer to this question is definitely GMAT. Although GRE is also used as a competent examination, the GMAT is preferred more. According to the official statistics from GMAT, more than 80% of applicants to top MBA schools in the US rely on GMAT as an entrance exam. Moreover, 9 in 10 students rely on GMAT to get into top European MBA universities.

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GMAT vs GRE for MBA: Quick Glance

As we know that a large number of aspirants appear for GMAT or GRE for MBA programs. It is a matter of choice for every student to pick which one of the two is better as it differs from student to student. It completely depends upon your personal preference. Some of the aspirants can score better in GMAT while a few of them have a good score in GRE. Both the tests cover some important sections including writing ability, quantitative section and verbal.

The following GRE vs GMAT for MBA comparison chart will give you an overview of some crucial aspects related to both the exam along with highlighting the key differences between GMAT vs GRE for MBA.

Particulars

GRE

GMAT

Total Students Appeared in 2021

Around 2 lakhs

About 5 Lakhs

Frequency

5 times

5 times

Scoring Range

260-340

200-800

Computer-adaptive

No

Yes

Total Time

3 hours & 45 minutes

3 hours & 7 minutes

Total no. of questions

  • MCQs: 80; 
  • Unscored research section: 20
  • Questions: 90

Exam Fee

205 USD

250 USD

Validity

GRE scores valid upto 5 years

GMAT score valid upto 5 years

Suggested: Detailed comparison of GRE and GMAT exam

What is the Difference between GMAT and GRE?

Although the debate between GRE vs GMAT for MBA is never ending, both of the exams almost serve the same purpose, they vary in some aspects. So if you are confused by the question like should you take the GMAT or GRE for MBA, here we have discussed the key differences between the two.

  • The major differences between GMAT and GRE exams lies in their syllabus. GRE tests will ask the aspirants questions from analytics reasoning, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning. Whereas GMAT syllabus covers the same aspects but with an additional section of your Integrated Learning.
  • The GRE exam syllabus has two sections each for Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning which are present along with an unscored section. On the other hand, the GMAT is somewhat straightforward with one section each of verbal reasoning, quantitative, integrated reasoning and writing.

However, if you still didn't get the proper answer of the questions, what should you take the GMAT or GRE for MBA. Let's take a brief insight on the difference between each of the sections of GMAT and GRE exam.

  • Verbal Reasoning Section
  • Quantitative Reasoning Section
  • Analytical Writing Section
  • Integrated Reasoning Section

Let's discuss about each section one by one:

Verbal Reasoning Section

The GRE test scores can test your vocabulary part whereas the GMAT focuses on your Grammatical correctness. The total number of questions that have been framed in verbal reasoning sections includes.

Particulars

GRE Verbal Reasoning

GMAT Verbal Reasoning

Total Questions

40 questions

30 questions

Duration

60 minutes

65 

Scoring Range

130-170

6-51

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Quantitative Reasoning Section

The quantitative section of GMAT is more challenging than the GRE exam. The GRE quantitative reasoning questions can check your basic fundamentals of mathematics whereas the GMAT likes to check your application in the same questions.

Particulars

GRE Quantitative Reasoning

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning

Total Questions

40 questions

31 questions

Duration

60 minutes

62 minutes

Scoring Range

130-170

6-51

Analytical Writing Section

You have to write two essays in the analytical section of GRE exam whereas the GMAT will ask you to write only one essay to check English comprehension skills. Therefore it is required to be mindful in your writing skills.

Particulars

GRE Quantitative Reasoning

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning

Total Questions

2 essay

1 essay

Duration

60 minutes

30 minutes

Scoring Range

0-6 score range with 0.5 intervals

0-6 score range with 0.5 intervals

Integrated Reasoning Section

The Integrated Reasoning questions have been asked in GMAT exam only. This one is a combination of both verbal and quantitative sections. This section can check your data analysis skills and consists of 12 questions. The scoring range of GMAT integrated reasoning section is between 1 to 8 marks.

Each of the exams has its own way of testing student's skills. They can check whether the student is ready for industry or not. Let's take a brief insight of some colleges that accept the GMAT or GRE for MBA programs.

Know More About GMAT 

GMAT 1-Month Study Plan 

Colleges Accepting 650 to 700 GMAT Score 

GMAT Accepting Colleges in UK 

GMAT and GRE Score Requirement of Top B Schools

A large number of Top MBA Universities across the world, along with reputed colleges and institutions accept both the GRE and GMAT exam. Here we have given a list of B-Schools that accepts between GRE or GMAT for MBA program

B-Schools

Average GRE Score

Average GMAT Score

INSEAD

Above 80%

710

London Business School, London

—

708

Fuqua School of Business

317

670-750

NYU Stern

324

729

Warwick Business School

—

650

Copenhagen Business School

320

655

Tepper School of Business

318

691

HEC Paris

65th Percentile in both sections

690

Babson College

307

610

UWA Business School

305

636

Besides the previously listed management institutions, several other premier business schools also accept scores from both the GMAT and the GRE for their MBA courses. Let us now briefly examine how you should select the most suitable exam for your MBA application journey.

How to Pick Up the Right Test for Yourself?

How to Select the Ideal Test for You?

To determine whether the GRE or the GMAT is better suited for your MBA goals, you should begin by taking diagnostic practice exams. It is very likely that one of these two formats will naturally align better with your strengths.

Nevertheless, applicants with a commerce or business background frequently prefer the GMAT, whereas those who excel in writing-intensive tasks often choose the GRE. Consequently, evaluating your practice test results is crucial so you can select the exam where you feel most confident.

Suggested: Tips on choosing the right MBA program

It is important to remember that deciding between the GMAT and the GRE for your MBA is a personal choice that depends entirely on the individual student. The exam syllabus, format, time limits, pricing, and other key features are largely comparable, and both are administered annually. Regardless of which option fits you best or which exam you decide to take, always prioritize your preparation and organize your schedule well in advance. If you still have questions concerning the GRE versus the GMAT for an MBA, you can reach out to our Ashiraj Professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GMAT or GRE better for MBA?

<p>The verbal questions on the GMAT place greater emphasis on grammar, analytical thinking, and logic. The quantitative portion of the GMAT may appear more challenging if mathematics is not your strong suit. Conversely, the GRE places a heavier focus on vocabulary, presenting a distinct dynamic for native versus non-native English speakers. If mathematics is not your favorite subject, the GRE might be a better fit for you.</p>

Is GRE valid for MBA?

<p>Based on research conducted by Kaplan Test Prep, the majority of business schools permit candidates to provide GRE results as a substitute for the GMAT.</p>

Is 300 a good GRE score for MBA?

<p>Achieving a cumulative score of 325 or higher should assist you in securing admission to some of the finest management institutions globally.</p>

Should I take the GMAT or GRE for MBA?

<p>Providing a GMAT or GRE score is not strictly compulsory; nevertheless, doing so can significantly enhance your applicant profile and help you distinguish yourself from other candidates.</p>

What is the cost difference between GRE and GMAT?

<p>The registration fee for the GRE test is 205 USD, while taking the GMAT will require an investment of 250 USD.</p>

Are GMAT and GRE the same?

<p>The GMAT and the GRE are both standardized aptitude evaluations utilized for gaining entry into international academic institutions. Even so, the two exams differ significantly regarding their question formats, structural sections, scoring systems, and pricing.</p>

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GMAT or GRE for MBA: Know Which Exam GMAT or GRE is Suitable for MBA Abroad