The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardised admissions test administered by ETS, accepted by over 1,300 institutions worldwide for MS, MBA, MPA, and PhD programmes. It tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Scores range from 260 to 340 and are valid for five years from the test date.
The GRE exam is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and is one of the most widely accepted graduate admissions tests in the world. According to ETS, more than 1,000 business schools and over 1,300 institutions globally accept GRE scores, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and the University of Toronto. India is consistently among the top three countries by GRE test volume, according to ETS annual data.
The GRE exam tests three core areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. It does not test subject-specific knowledge, so an engineering student and a literature graduate sit the same exam. There are no formal eligibility criteria set by ETS — any undergraduate or graduate student can register, regardless of age or field of study.
The current GRE General Test (the shorter version introduced in 2023) runs for approximately 1 hour 58 minutes. ETS reduced the test from about 3 hours 45 minutes to under 2 hours, removing the second Analytical Writing task and one scored section each from Verbal and Quant.
| Section | Number of Questions | Score Range | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 27 questions (2 sections) | 130-170 | 41 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 27 questions (2 sections) | 130-170 | 47 minutes |
| Analytical Writing | 1 task | 0-6 (half-point increments) | 30 minutes |
Scores are reported as percentiles, so a Quant score of 165 puts you in roughly the 89th percentile according to ETS 2023-24 score data. For Indian students targeting MS programmes in the US, a Quant score above 160 is typically expected by competitive programmes in engineering and computer science.
The GRE exam fee in India is USD 220 (approximately ₹18,300) as of 2025, payable through the official ETS website. At-home testing is available, which is a practical option for students in cities without a nearby test centre. Centres are available in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Kolkata.
The GRE suits students aiming at MS, MEM, MPA, MPH, or PhD programmes, and those who want flexibility to apply to both business and non-business graduate schools with a single test. If you are still deciding between an MBA and an MS in Data Science, sitting the GRE exam keeps all doors open.
Students who are stronger in vocabulary and reading comprehension often find the GRE Verbal section more manageable than the GMAT Verbal. The Quant section is considered slightly easier than GMAT Quant, so if your mathematics is very strong, the GMAT might showcase that better.
The GMAT is owned and administered by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council). The current version is the GMAT Focus Edition, launched in 2023. It is shorter, more focused, and redesigned specifically for business school admissions.
According to GMAC, over 7,700 programmes at more than 2,400 schools accept the GMAT. That includes every school in the FT Global MBA Ranking top 100, from IIM Ahmedabad’s Post Graduate Programme to INSEAD, Wharton, and London Business School.
| Section | Number of Questions | Score Range | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 questions | 60-90 | 45 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 questions | 60-90 | 45 minutes |
| Data Insights | 20 questions | 60-90 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 64 questions | 205-805 | 2 hours 15 minutes |
The GMAT Focus Edition dropped the Analytical Writing section entirely. The new Data Insights section combines data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, and table analysis, testing the kind of analytical thinking business schools prioritise. A total score of 645 sits at approximately the 85th percentile, according to GMAC’s 2024 score guide. Top MBA programmes like ISB Hyderabad report median GMAT scores around 710, while IIM Calcutta’s PGPEX programme typically sees competitive applicants scoring above 680.
The GMAT is the right choice if your primary goal is an MBA or a specialised master’s in management, finance, or business analytics. Some programmes, particularly in Europe and at elite US schools, still view a strong GMAT score as a more credible signal of business readiness than a GRE score.
If you are strong in data interpretation and logical reasoning but find dense reading passages challenging, the GMAT Focus Edition suits you well. The removal of Sentence Correction questions has made the Verbal section more accessible to non-native English speakers.
Here is the practical comparison Indian students ask for most often, covering cost, validity, attempts, and acceptance.
| Factor | GRE General Test | GMAT Focus Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Administered by | ETS | GMAC |
| Cost in India | USD 220 (~₹18,300) | USD 275 (~₹22,900) |
| Test duration | ~1 hour 58 minutes | ~2 hours 15 minutes |
| Score validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Attempts per year | Up to 5 (21-day gap) | Up to 5 (16-day gap), 8 lifetime |
| Score range | 260-340 (combined V+Q) | 205-805 |
| Writing section | Yes (1 task, scored 0-6) | No |
| Accepted for MBA | Yes, at most schools | Yes, at virtually all business schools |
| Accepted for MS/PhD | Yes, widely | Limited acceptance |
| Eligibility | No formal criteria set by ETS | No formal criteria set by GMAC |
| Score Select option | Yes (send best scores) | Yes (send best scores) |
Start with your target programme list. If every school on your list is an MBA programme, take the GMAT. If even one programme is a non-business graduate degree, the GRE gives you more flexibility. Most top MBA programmes accept both, so this is rarely a binary decision forced on you by admissions offices.
Think about your strengths. The GRE rewards strong vocabulary and reading speed. The GMAT rewards structured logical reasoning and comfort with data. Take a free official practice test for each — ETS and GMAC both offer them at no cost — and compare your raw scores before committing.
Budget matters too. At roughly ₹4,600 less per attempt, the GRE exam is cheaper, which adds up if you plan to retake. And if you are also weighing a career in tech or AI alongside an MBA, your GRE score could open doors to AI-related graduate programmes that do not accept the GMAT at all.
For students still figuring out which career direction to pursue, reading a broader career planning guide before locking in a test date is a smart first step. Choosing the wrong exam because you picked the wrong programme is an expensive mistake.
Indian students targeting IIMs through the PGPX or PGPEM routes should know that IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta all accept GMAT scores for their executive and post-graduate programmes. Some also accept GRE. Always check the admissions page of each institution directly, since policies update annually. You can also explore IIT, IISER, and IIM programme options to understand which institutions suit your profile before choosing a test.
If your goal is a high-paying career after your degree, understanding where each qualification leads is critical. The highest-paid professions in India increasingly include roles in data science, AI, and management consulting, all of which are accessible through both GRE and GMAT pathways depending on your chosen programme.
Students who have completed their 12th grade and are mapping out next steps can also look at career paths after 12th grade to understand whether a graduate entrance exam fits their timeline, or whether a professional certification might be a smarter first move.
The GRE exam (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardised test administered by ETS that assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. It is accepted by thousands of graduate and business programmes worldwide, including MS, MBA, MPA, and PhD programmes. It is the most widely accepted graduate admissions test for both business and non-business schools.
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardised test run by GMAC, specifically designed for business school admissions. The current version, the GMAT Focus Edition, tests quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. It is accepted by over 7,700 programmes globally and is the preferred test for MBA applicants at top-ranked business schools.
There are no formal eligibility criteria for the GRE exam set by ETS. Any student, regardless of age, nationality, or academic background, can register and sit the test. Most applicants are undergraduate students or graduates planning to apply to postgraduate programmes. You simply need a valid passport and the ability to pay the registration fee online at ets.org.
As of 2025, the GRE General Test costs USD 220 (approximately ₹18,300) in India. The GMAT Focus Edition costs USD 275 (approximately ₹22,900). Both fees are payable online through the respective official websites — ets.org for GRE and mba.com for GMAT. Rescheduling fees apply if you change your test date close to the appointment.
Both GRE and GMAT scores are valid for 5 years from the date of your test. If you are in your final year of undergraduate study and plan to apply for a graduate programme two or three years later, your score will still be within the validity window when you apply.
You can take the GRE up to 5 times per year, with a mandatory 21-day gap between attempts. The GMAT allows up to 5 attempts per year with a 16-day gap between sittings, and a lifetime maximum of 8 attempts. Both exams allow you to select which scores to send to schools, so a lower attempt does not have to hurt your application.
For MBA programmes at IIMs, ISB, and top international schools, the GMAT is generally the stronger signal of business readiness and is preferred by most admissions committees. However, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta all accept GRE scores for select programmes. If you are applying to a mix of MBA and non-business graduate programmes, the GRE exam gives you more flexibility with a single test.
Whether you are planning to study abroad or building skills for a high-growth career in India, the right qualifications open the right doors. At 3.0 University, we offer practical, industry-ready online certification courses in Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, AI, Blockchain, and Web3. These are built for students, working professionals, and career switchers who want real skills. If you are thinking about pairing a graduate degree with technical expertise, explore what an Azure cloud certification can add to your profile while you prep for your GRE or GMAT. The students who stand out in MBA and MS applications are not just test-takers; they are practitioners.
Last updated: June 2025. Reviewed by the 3University editorial team.
We create, review, and maintain educational content covering Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Web3, and emerging technologies.
The Government of India has launched YUVA AI for ALL a 100% free AI certificate course under the IndiaAI Mission (MeitY). This 4.5-hour, self-paced online
Quick answer: The highest paid profession in India is medicine senior surgeons and anaesthesiologists can earn ₹1–3 crore a year. CEOs, investment bankers, AI/ML engineers
Quick answer: There is no rigid eligibility for cyber security course admission in most online programs. If you have completed 10+2 (any stream) or hold
Cybersecurity has become one of the fastest-growing career fields in India and across the world. As cyber threats continue to increase, organizations are actively hiring
Choosing between the OSCP and the CEH is one of the biggest decisions in any ethical hacker career. Both are respected, both open doors but
A penetration test is only as valuable as the report that follows it. While identifying vulnerabilities is a critical part of the assessment process, the
Not a member yet? Register now
Are you a member? Login now
Not a member yet? Register now
Are you a member? Login now
