| Updated On - Jul 3, 2026
The GRE and TOEFL are 2 important exams for students planning to study abroad, but they serve different purposes. Both exams are conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and may be required depending on your chosen university and program.
- GRE exam measures reasoning, quantitative and analytical writing skills for graduate, business and law school admissions.
- TOEFL exam measures English language proficiency through Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing sections.
The 2 exams differ in score validity, fees and acceptance. The GRE scores are valid for 5 years, whereas TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. The exam pattern of GRE consists of 3 sections and takes about 1 hour 58 minutes, while TOEFL has 4 sections and takes about 2 hours.
- GRE vs TOEFL: Key Differences at a Glance 2026
- What is the Purpose of GRE and TOEFL?
- GRE vs TOEFL Exam Pattern 2026
- GRE vs TOEFL Scores: Which Universities Accept Them in 2026?
- GRE vs TOEFL Fees and Score Validity in 2026
- GRE vs TOEFL Difficulty: Which Exam is Easier in 2026?
- Do You Need Both GRE and TOEFL to Study Abroad in 2026?
- Tips and Suggestions for Indian Students 2026
- FAQs
GRE vs TOEFL: Key Differences at a Glance 2026
The key differences between the GRE & TOEFL exams are their purpose and test-taking syllabus. GRE is primarily focused on reasoning and analytical skills. The TOEFL focuses mainly on examining English proficiency.
Here’s the key difference between the GRE & TOEFL exams:
| Feature | GRE General Test | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Measures readiness for graduate, business, and law school admissions | Measures English-language proficiency for academic purposes |
| Who Should Take It? | Students applying to graduate, MBA, or law programs that require or accept GRE scores | Students who need to prove English proficiency for university admissions, visas, or professional purposes |
| Skills Tested | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
| Number of Sections | 3 | 4 |
| Test Duration | About 1 hour 58 minutes | About 2 hours |
| Score Range | Verbal: 130-170Quant: 130-170Writing: 0-6 | All the skills are scored on a 0-6 scale (new score scale) |
| Accepted By | Thousands of graduate, business, and law schools worldwide | More than 13,000 institutions across 160+ countries |
What is the Purpose of GRE and TOEFL?
The GRE and TOEFL are conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), but both exams serve different purposes. TOEFL is an exam to test English language proficiency, and GRE is to test analytical skills.
The core difference between GRE and TOEFL is:
| Feature | GRE | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | GRE is an entrance test for students seeking admission to graduate programs, business and law schools. | TOEFL is an English fluency test that evaluates the English language proficiency of an applicant for admission and visa purposes. |
| Testing section | The GRE has 3 testing sections, which are: | The TOEFL has 4 testing sections, which are: |
GRE vs TOEFL Exam Pattern 2026
The GRE and TOEFL exams differ in their structure, as the GRE is administered in 3 main sections within 2 hours. TOEFL takes approximately 2 hours to test the applicant’s English fluency in 4 sections.
Here’s the key difference between the GRE and TOEFL exam pattern:
| Domain | GRE | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Exam duration | 1 hour 58 minutes | 2 hours |
| Sections | 3 sections (Analytical Writing, 2 Verbal and 2 Quant) | 4 sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) |
| Adaptivity | Section-level adaptive (Verbal & Quant) | Multistage adaptive (Reading & Listening) |
| Order | Analytical Writing first, then Verbal or Quant mixed | First is the Reading test, followed by Listening, Writing, and Speaking tests |
| Question types | Multiple choice, numeric entry, text completion, and 1 essay | Integrated tasks such as reading, speaking, and writing with focused tasks |
| Calculator | On-screen for quantitative | Not required as it is a language test |
| Scoring |
|
It is marked on a scale of 0-6 (This is a new marking scale introduced recently. The old marking scale was 0-120) |
| Scores validity | 5 years | 2 years |
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GRE vs TOEFL Scores: Which Universities Accept Them in 2026?
GRE scores are accepted for admission to competitive law and business programs in the USA, UK, and Netherlands. TOEFL scores are accepted by 1300+ universities abroad as proof of English proficiency.
Applicants can visit the official ETS website and check if their desired university accepts the GRE scores. Visit the following websites:
| For MBA | https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/admissions-resources/business-school/program-list.html |
|---|---|
| For Law | https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/admissions-resources/law-school/program-list.html |
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GRE vs TOEFL Fees and Score Validity in 2026
The score validity for GRE & TOEFL is different from each other. The GRE score validity is for 5 years, whereas TOEFL score validity is for 2 years. Check the following table for a complete breakdown of fees and score validity for different types of GRE & TOEFL exams.
GRE Exam Fees 2026
| Exam | Fees | Scores Validity |
|---|---|---|
| GRE General Test | INR 22,550 | 5 years |
| GRE Subject Tests | INR 17,818 | 5 years |
TOEFL Exam Fees 2026
| Exam | Fees | Scores Validity |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | INR 17,999.72 | 2 years |
| TOEFL Home Edition | INR 17,999.72 | 2 years |
| TOEFL Essential | INR 20,296 | 2 years |
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GRE vs TOEFL Difficulty: Which Exam is Easier in 2026?
GRE and TOEFL, neither of them is easy. But as TOEFL doesn’t involve any analytical questions to test mathematical skills, it is a bit easier compared to GRE.
The GRE's main focus is reasoning, critical thinking, math, and writing. It doesn’t focus on English proficiency primarily. The GRE Math questions are of high-school level but are tricky.
The applicants find TOEFL a bit easier as it has no reasoning or critical thinking math questions. It focuses on testing the speaking, listening, and writing skills of the applicant in the English language.
Do You Need Both GRE and TOEFL to Study Abroad in 2026?
Applicants need to appear for both exams if the specific university or programs, such as MBA or PhD, ask for both scores. The GRE & TOEFL serve different purposes, and both are different exams.
If the applicant is looking for admission into courses which need analytical skills along with English proficiency, then they need to appear for both exams.
Tips and Suggestions for Indian Students 2026
Applicants willing to appear for GRE and TOEFL this year before winter intake, they should follow these tips and suggestions before registering for any of the exams. Following are some tips for the applicants:
- Check the university requirements first. Before booking the GRE or TOEFL, confirm whether your chosen university or program requires one exam or both.
- Start your preparation early. Give yourself at least 2-3 months to prepare so you have enough time to practice all sections.
- Use official ETS study materials. Practice with GRE and TOEFL resources to understand the latest exam pattern and question types.
- Take full-length mock tests. Regular practice tests help improve your speed, accuracy, and time management before the actual exam.
- Improve your English every day. Read English newspapers, watch educational videos, and practice speaking and writing in English to perform better in both exams.
- Book your test date in advance. Register early to get your preferred test centre and ensure your scores are available before university application deadlines.
- Plan your exam schedule carefully. Take the GRE and TOEFL well before admission deadlines so you have enough time to send scores or retake the test if needed.
Also Read
The GRE and TOEFL are conducted by ETS but serve different purposes in the study abroad admission process. The GRE measures reasoning and analytical skills through 3 sections in about 1 hour 58 minutes, while the TOEFL assesses English language proficiency through 4 sections in about 2 hours. The GRE scores remain valid for 5 years, whereas TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years.
FAQs
Ques. What is the main difference between the GRE and TOEFL?
Ans. The GRE is an entrance exam used for admission to graduate, business, and some law programs. The TOEFL is an English language proficiency test that measures a student's Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing skills for academic purposes.
Ques. Can I send my GRE and TOEFL scores to universities for free?
Ans. Yes. Both GRE and TOEFL allow you to send your scores to up to four institutions at no extra cost if you select the score recipients during registration or before the deadline specified by ETS.
Ques. Which exam has a longer score validity: GRE or TOEFL?
Ans. The GRE has a longer score validity. GRE scores are valid for 5 years, while TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date
Ques. Can I take the GRE and TOEFL at home?
Ans. Yes. ETS offers the GRE General Test Home Edition and the TOEFL iBT Home Edition in locations where these options are available. Both tests follow the same content, format, and scoring as the test center versions.
Ques. Are GRE and TOEFL available throughout the year?
Ans. Yes. ETS offers both GRE and TOEFL tests on multiple dates throughout the year. Test availability depends on your preferred test center or the availability of the Home Edition in your location.
Ques. How many free score reports are included with the GRE and TOEFL?
Ans. ETS allows candidates to send up to 4 free score reports for both the GRE General Test and the TOEFL iBT if the score recipients are selected within the timelines specified by ETS.
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