By GMAT or GRE? Making the Right Choice for Your MBA in 2026
Choosing between GMAT and GRE is a significant hurdle for every aspiring MBA student.
GMAT was once the undisputed king of business school administration. But in 2026, the landscape has changed.
Today, over 1,200 business schools globally accept GRE scores for MBA applications. Some schools view these exams with equal weight, but they test your brain in different ways.
So, determining which exam to take requires an honest self-assessment. Yes, your decision matters.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know for an informed decision.
What is the GMAT Exam?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is the world’s top business school standardized admission test, designed to assess analytical skills, verbal and quantitative reasoning, and data analysis for graduate management programs such as the MBA.
Also, this exam help admission committee to gauge a candidate’s readiness for rigorous business coursework by evaluating critical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation.
For more than 60 years, this exam has been used for MBA programs. If you answer one question correctly, the next will be slightly harder. But if you answer one wrong, the next one will be easier.
| Do you know?
As per MBA experts, it is said that a Graduate Management Admission Test score between 650 and 690 is good, while a score above 700 is great. |
Furthermore, the total GMAT score is based on the accuracy of your answers (both quantitative and verbal), and the difficulty level of the questions you answered.
What is the GRE Exam?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized generalist test, used across a variety of graduate programs (law, business school, etc).
Similar to Graduate Management Admission Test, the GRE is an adaptive test where the difficulty of decreasing question difficulty is based on answers to previous questions.
Along with verbal and quantitative evaluations, the GRE includes a writing section as well.
| Do you know?
According to ETS, the average assessment grade for GRE takers is 150 for Verbal and 152 for Quantitative. |
Since GRE accepts a wide variety of graduate programs, there are different standards for what score you need to enroll in your desired program.
GMAT or GRE: Key Differences Between Both Exams
| GMAT | GRE | |
| Purpose | Specifically designed for business programs to predict first-year performance in the first year of the MBA program. | A general school exam is accepted for a variety of graduate programs. |
| Online time | 2 hours 15 minutes, +1 optional 10-minute break. | 1 hour, 58 minutes. |
| Structure | 3 sections of 64 questions: Quantitative reasoning, Verbal reasoning, Data Insights (No writing section included). | 5 sections of 55 questions: 2 Quantitative reasoning, 2 Verbal reasoning, and 1 Analytical Writing. |
| Scoring | Graduate Management Admission Test Focus Edition Total Score Range from 205-805. However, the previous edition had a range of 200-800. | In GRE, the range of Verbal reasoning and Quantitative reasoning is between 130-170. Analytical writing essay responses are evaluated on a 6-point holistic score. |
| Score Report | The official score report can be accessed online within 3-5 business days. | The official score report is available after 8-10 days of taking the test. |
| Exam Attempts | 5 attempts permitted in a rolling 12-month period and 8 attempts in a lifetime. | 5 attempts permitted in a rolling 12-month period; no lifetime limit. |
6 People Ask Questions about GMAT and GRE
You know the basic differences (structure, scoring, etc) between the GMAT and GRE examinations. But there is more to find out.
Let’s get into people’s most asked questions about these exams.
Which is Easier? GMAT or GRE?
There is no right answer for this question. Both exams require extensive preparation. What makes it easier depends on an individual’s skill set.
If you are a genius at quantitative and analytical problem-solving, along with data interpretation, charts, and tables, then the Graduate Management Admission Test exam is best suited for you.
On the contrary, the GRE rules allow you to use a calculator for all quantitative questions. Moreover, for verbal reasoning, people are more attracted to the GMAT, while the GRE is preferable for those with extensive vocabulary.
Does the GRE or GMAT Cost More to Take?
There is no major difference in the cost for both exams. However, the GRE is a little more affordable, costing $205, while the GMAT exam cost $250.
GMAT or GRE, Which Requires More Preparation?
GMAT and GRE tests similar skills, but in different ways. The GMAT focuses more on business-relevant reasoning and complex, calculator-free quant. On the contrary, the GRE leans into broader vocabulary and uses a calculator. Also, for better preparation, students can connect with a Professional MBA Assignment Helpers to understand the step-by-step process of these exams.
Does Harvard Prefer GMAT or GRE?
Harvard has officially stated that there is no preference and it treats both equally. However, historically, applicants submit more GMAT scores because some feel it aligns with business school skills.
So, MBA Programs Prefer GMAT or GRE?
Generally, MBA programs view Graduate Management Admission Test slightly more credibly because it focuses on business skills and makes it a strong predictor of success in management programs.
Additionally, this program is specifically built for business school admissions. So your target programs know you’re serious about pursuing a degree in this field.
Also, institutions trust the Graduate Management Admission Test score to assess one’s ability to succeed in MBA programs.
Conclusion: Your Next Step
The GMAT exam has been given more preference for MBA programs for decades because it is especially designed for it.
However, both the Graduate Management Admission Test and GRE are powerful tools to take an MBA in 2026. The only difference is in aligned goals, interests, and target schools.
