Which is easier GMAT or GRE: A Comprehensive Comparison!

Which is easier- GMAT or GRE: An Introduction

As of 2025, the GRE and GMAT remain two of the most widely recognised standardised tests for graduate and business school admissions worldwide. Both exams assess your ability to think critically, analyse data, and communicate effectively—core skills required for success in business and grad school.

However, the format of the GMAT changed significantly with the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition in late 2023, which is now the only version available in 2025. The GMAT Focus Edition is shorter and more streamlined, removing the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and emphasising Data Insights (a combination of data interpretation and logic), Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.

In contrast, the GRE still includes Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

Due to these format changes, many candidates often ask:
Which is easier—GMAT or GRE in 2025?

The answer depends on your strengths:

• If you’re more comfortable with logic puzzles, charts, and decision-making, the GMAT Focus Edition might suit you better.
• If you’re stronger in writing essays and prefer a broader math and vocabulary range, the GRE could be more in your comfort zone.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your target schools, your personal strengths, and which format feels more intuitive to you.

GMAT: An Overview

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test designed specifically for admission into business schools and MBA programs around the world. As of 2025, the only version of the GMAT available is the GMAT Focus Edition, launched by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) to better reflect the modern skills needed in business school and beyond.

Purpose

The GMAT Focus Edition is used to assess skills in:

• Critical thinking
  
  
• Data interpretation
  
  
• Quantitative analysis
  
  
• Verbal reasoning
  
  

It helps B-schools evaluate how ready a candidate is for the rigours of a graduate management program like an MBA or MiM.

GMAT Focus Edition: Key Features (2025)

Section	Duration	Number of Questions	Focus Area
Quantitative Reasoning	45 minutes	21 questions	Arithmetic, algebra, problem solving
Verbal Reasoning	45 minutes	23 questions	Reading comprehension, critical reasoning
Data Insights	45 minutes	20 questions	Data interpretation, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, logic puzzles

Total Duration: Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes

No AWA (Essay Section): Removed in the GMAT Focus Edition.

Score Range: 205 to 805 (new scoring scale).

Score Validity: 5 years.

GRE: An Overview

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a widely accepted standardised test used for admissions to graduate programs (like MS, MA, and even some MBA programs) in the USA, Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE measures your readiness for graduate-level academic work.

It is not specific to business schools but is accepted by many MBA programs and even law schools in 2025, making it a flexible choice for students still exploring different postgraduate paths.

GRE General Test: Key Features (As of 2025)

Section	Duration	Number of Questions	Focus Area
Verbal Reasoning	18 minutes x2	27 questions total	Reading comprehension, text completion
Quantitative Reasoning	21 minutes x2	27 questions total	Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis
Analytical Writing	30 minutes	1 essay	Critical writing & argument analysis

Total Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes (reduced as of 2023)

Score Range:
– Verbal Reasoning: 130–170
– Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170
– Analytical Writing: 0–6
– Total GRE Score (combined Verbal + Quant): 260–340

Score Validity: 5 years
Testing Mode: Available online at home and at test centres worldwide

Which is Easier- GMAT or GRE?

Fulfill your dream of studying abroad with GMAT and GRE!

Both exams have pros and cons, but if you’re deciding between them, we recommend that you take the GRE if you’re a native English speaker or if you want to study in the United States. Otherwise, take the GMAT exam.

Choose GMAT Focus Edition if:

• You are strong in logic, data interpretation, and critical reasoning
  
• You’re applying for MBA, MiM, or business analytics programs
  
• You prefer no essay section
  
• You’re good with charts, graphs, and multi-step reasoning
  
• You like the idea of a shorter, more focused business test
• Your target B-school prefers GMAT (some top MBA schools still do)

Choose GRE if:

• You’re better at vocabulary, reading comprehension, and essay writing
  
• You’re applying to a wider range of programs (MS, MA, MBA, PhD, Law)
  
• You prefer simpler math problems (though timed)
  
• You want a test that’s slightly shorter (~1 hr 58 min)
  
• Your dream university accepts both the GRE and GMAT, and you want more flexibility.
  

Still Confused? Quick Decision Matrix

Your Strength	Go With…
Logic + Data + Charts	GMAT Focus
Vocabulary + Writing	GRE
Easier Math Needed	GRE
No Essay Please!	GMAT Focus
Planning for MS/PhD	GRE
Purely MBA Focus	GMAT Focus

Should I Take the GMAT or GRE?

While the GMAT is traditionally the go-to exam for most business school applicants, an increasing number of business schools also accept GRE scores. This gives you the flexibility to pick the exam that best showcases your strengths. Here are a few key factors to help you decide:

Your Academic Goals

• If you’re still exploring different types of graduate programs—not just business—then the GRE might be a smarter choice, as it’s accepted across a wider range of disciplines.
• But if you’re fully committed to pursuing an MBA or a business-related degree, the GMAT shows schools you’re serious about your goal.
  

School Preferences

• Before choosing a test, check the admission requirements of your target schools.
• Some may prefer one test over the other, even if they accept both. When in doubt, reach out to their admissions office for clarity.
  
  

Your Academic Interests

• Strong in quant and logic-based problem-solving? The GMAT Focus Edition might give you an edge.
• A confident writer or better with vocabulary? The GRE could suit you better, especially with its Analytical Writing section.
• Keep in mind: the GRE’s vocabulary can be tough for non-native English speakers, while the GMAT focuses more on logic than language difficulty.
  

Practice Test Results

• One of the best ways to decide is to take a full-length practice test for both exams.
• Simulate real test conditions, compare your scores, and see which format feels more natural and where you perform better.
  
  

Career Considerations

• Some companies, especially in consulting and finance, may ask for GMAT scores during recruitment.
• Taking the GMAT now might save you from having to retake it later in your professional journey.

Summary

In 2025, the GMAT Focus Edition and GRE remain top choices for graduate admissions. GMAT suits MBA aspirants who are strong in logic, data analysis, and problem-solving, while GRE is ideal for those who are better at vocabulary and essay writing. The GMAT is shorter and business-focused; GRE offers flexibility across disciplines. Choosing between them depends on your academic strengths, target programs, and career goals. Taking practice tests helps determine which feels more intuitive and aligns with your study abroad plans.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any queries, reach out to us or drop a comment below!

Like this blog? Read: GRE to GMAT Conversion | What You Need to Know

FAQs

Question 1. Which is easier to crack, GMAT or GRE?

Answer- The GMAT is more difficult to crack than GRE. Both of them are popular graduate school entrance tests, but they have different formats and scoring systems. GMAT has a longer time limit and more questions than GRE.

Question 2. Does Harvard accept GRE for MBA?

Answer- The school does accept GRE scores for applicants to the graduate-level MBA program.

Question 3. How many attempts are allowed in GMAT?

Answer- You can take GMAT Exam up to two times online within 12 months. The lifetime limit is six times.