| Updated On - Jun 17, 2026
Both the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and GRE (Graduate Record Examination) are widely accepted for MBA programs abroad (US, Europe, Canada, Australia, etc.). Most top business schools abroad treat them equally in admissions, with no official preference stated by many programs.
However, Indian students on Reddit debate on which exam is better in terms of difficulty and acceptance. Students say that though both exams are accepted, GMAT makes your application stand out more because, in it, you will be competing with MBA aspirants only. In terms of difficulty, students contend that the quant section of the GRE is easier than that of the GMAT.
If we look at the class profile of some of the top B-schools, we can get a clear picture of which exam students are actually going for. For example, in the profile of the Class of 2027 (those who took admission in Fall 2025) at the Chicago Booth School, 42% of the students have submitted GRE scores, while 53% submitted GMAT scores. Similarly, these numbers are 44% and 62% for GRE and GMAT, respectively, at Harvard Business School.
As per mba.com, the GMAT is accepted by more than 2,400 business schools all over the world, and the GRE by around 1,300. But if a school mentions both, you can take any exam without worry. In this article, we will talk about the key differences between the two exams to help you make an informed decision.
GMAT vs GRE 2026: Key Differences
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the GMAT and the GRE exams:
| Aspect | GMAT Focus | GRE |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Designed specifically for business schools | General graduate test (accepted for MBA, MS, MA programs) |
| Business Schools Accepting | 2,400 worldwide | Nearly 1,300 for MBAs (most top schools accept both) |
| Test Length | 2 hours 15 minutes | 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Sections |
Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Data Insights (business-focused data analysis) |
Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Analytical Writing |
| Key Content Focus | Logic, data interpretation, critical reasoning; quant is adaptive and business-oriented | Vocabulary-heavy verbal, geometry, algebra in quant; more academic |
| Scoring | Total: 205-805 (in 10-point increments); instant unofficial scores, official in 3-5 days | Verbal and Quant: 130-170 each (total 260-340); no combined official total; scores in 8-10 days |
| Percentiles & Targets |
Top programs often want 645+ (87th percentile) Strong emphasis on quant. |
Competitive: 320+ combined (e.g., Quant 165+ for Indians) |
| Fee in India | USD $275 (test center) / USD $300 (online) | INR 22,000 (slightly lesser) |
| Retake Policy | Every 16 days, 5 attempts in 12 months | Every 21 days, 5 attempts in 12 months |
| Score Validity | 5 years | |
| Other Perks |
Choose section order Whiteboard options 5 free score reports |
Can skip or review questions 4 free score reports |
Also Read
Do business schools convert GRE scores to GMAT scores internally?
ETS provides a GRE Comparison Tool to estimate how GRE scores relate to GMAT benchmarks, but there is no official concordance table published. GMAC also advises against relying on such conversions.
Top B-Schools GMAT and GRE Scores 2026
Here are some B-schools with their respective GMAT and GRE scores submitted/required:
| Business School | QS Global MBA Ranking 2026 | Average GMAT Score | Average GRE Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | #=4 | 730-740 | 162 in both |
| The Wharton School, UPenn | #=1 | 730 | Quant: 163Verbal: 162 |
| Harvard Business School | #=2 | 730 | 164 in both |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | #=3 | 720-730 | 159-170 in Quant |
| London Business School | #=6 | 645 | 160+ |
| HEC Paris | #=5 | 645-655 | 320 total score |
| Columbia Business School | #=10 | 732 | 162 in both |
| Kellogg School of Management | #=9 | 687 | 162 in both |
Most B-schools accept both GMAT and GRE scores for admission to their MBA programs. The other business programs, like MS Finance, Accounting, etc. is where only one of them is accepted. Some of these are mentioned below:
| University | Program | Test Policy Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut School of Business | MS Accounting | Only GMAT accepted | Minimum score not mentioned. |
| University of Mississippi | Master of Accountancy (MAcc) | Only GMAT accepted | Minimum score 450. |
Also Read
Is the GRE more accepted for dual-degree or joint programs?
Yes. GRE is officially preferred or required for MBA + MS, MBA + MPP, or other joint-degree programs because it is accepted across graduate departments.
GMAT or GRE: Which Test Should Indian Students Take in 2026?
There is no universal “better” test. It depends on your strengths, target schools, and profile. Top B-schools (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, LBS, etc.) accept both equally and convert scores for fair comparison.
- GMAT is generally recommended for pure MBA goals abroad. It's the "gold standard" for competitive programs, and many Indian applicants score well on it due to strong quant skills. (Reddit)
- If your quant is weaker, GRE might yield a higher relative score (percentiles are compared to a broader pool).
- Target scores: For top-20 programs, aim for GMAT 680+ or GRE 325+ (with high quant) as an Indian applicant. Higher thresholds apply due to competition.
Also Read
Does taking the GMAT help with MBA scholarships?
Some merit-based MBA scholarships specifically mention GMAT scores, but most schools consider both exams equally for scholarships if the GRE is accepted.
Both GMAT and GRE are equally accepted by top MBA programs abroad, and neither test is officially preferred if the school accepts both. The right choice depends on your strengths, comfort with the test format, and long-term academic goals. Pick the exam that helps you score higher and best represents your profile.
GMAT vs GRE FAQs
Ques. Can I submit both GMAT and GRE scores to an MBA program?
Ans. Yes. Most business schools allow you to submit both, but they will usually consider only the higher score for evaluation. This is officially stated in the admissions policies of B-schools.
Ques. Is the online GMAT or GRE accepted for MBA admissions?
Ans. Yes. Both GMAT Online and GRE at Home are officially accepted by most MBA programs, as confirmed by GMAC and ETS.
Ques. Can GMAT or GRE scores be waived for MBA programs?
Ans. Yes. Some schools offer test waivers based on work experience, prior education, or a strong academic background. This policy varies by school and is officially listed on their websites.
Ques. Do MBA admissions committees see all my GMAT or GRE attempts?
Ans. Yes. Both GMAT and GRE score reports include your previous attempts within the score validity period. However, admissions committees usually focus on your highest or most recent score rather than penalizing multiple attempts.
Ques. Can I switch from the GRE to the GMAT after starting my preparation?
Ans. Yes. Many Indian students on Reddit mention switching after taking a mock test. If your performance is significantly better on one exam, changing early in your preparation is a practical decision.
Ques. Is calculator use allowed in the GMAT or GRE exam?
Ans. GMAT provides an on-screen calculator only for the Data Insights section. In the GRE, calculators are available for the Quantitative Reasoning section but not for Verbal or Analytical Writing.
Ques. Which exam has a larger vocabulary requirement?
Ans. GRE generally requires a stronger vocabulary than the GMAT. Many Indian students on Quora recommend spending extra time on word lists and reading practice if choosing the GRE.
Ques. Can I send my scores to universities after seeing my result?
Ans. Yes. Both GMAT and GRE allow you to send additional score reports after the exam by paying the required fee. This is useful if you decide to apply to more universities later.
Ques. Does work experience influence whether I should take the GMAT or GRE?
Ans. Not directly. However, MBA applicants with several years of work experience often choose the GMAT because it is designed specifically for business school admissions.
Ques. Can I prepare for both the GMAT and GRE at the same time?
Ans. Yes, but it is usually not recommended. Since both exams have different question styles and strategies, Indian students on Reddit generally advise choosing one exam after taking diagnostic mocks.
Ques. Which exam is better if I am also considering MS programs?
Ans. The GRE offers more flexibility because it is accepted for MBA as well as MS, MA, and several other graduate programs. It is a better choice if you have not finalized your academic plans.
Ques. Do business schools know which exam I took first?
Ans. Yes, your score report shows the exam you submitted, but schools do not prefer applicants based on whether they attempted the GMAT or GRE first. Your overall profile and score matter much more.
Ques. Is there any advantage to taking the GMAT before applying to Indian business schools?
Ans. Yes. Several leading Indian B-schools, including ISB and many Executive MBA programs, accept GMAT scores. Taking the GMAT can keep both Indian and international MBA options open.
Comments