Deciding between the GRE vs IELTS is like choosing between two equally tempting desserts at your favourite café. Each has its unique flavour.
In 2023, a whopping 1,13,304 students from India took the GRE, marking a record high. On the other hand, IELTS has gained the trust of more than 10,000 organisations worldwide. But it’s not just about the numbers but which tests align best with your chosen university.
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So, GRE or IELTS, which is better, you ask? It’s time to find out. Get ready to explore the right test in this comprehensive blog post on the GRE vs IELTS.
Dive in!
Key Highlights
Here are the key highlights you need to know about the GRE vs IELTS to help you make the best choice for your study abroad plans.
| Highlight | GRE | IELTS |
| Exam Full form | Graduate Record Examination | International English Language Testing System |
| GRE vs IELTS: Purpose | Assesses writing and reasoning for graduate studies | Tests language proficiency |
| Frequency | Five times a year | 48 times a year |
| Scoring Range | 260 to 340 | 0-9 band score |
| Total Time | 1 hour 58 minutes | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| GRE vs IELTS: Exam Fee | General: INR 18.5K (USD 220) Subject Specific: 12.6K INR (USD 150) | Academic and General: INR 17K (USD 202.5) |
| Validity | 5 years | 2 years |
GRE and IELTS Difference
With over 1,00,009 Indians opting to study in Australia, 10,003 in France, and 34,864 in Germany, understanding the GRE vs IELTS comparison becomes essential to prepare well and stand out.
These two tests serve different purposes, and selecting the one that aligns with your goals can significantly impact your admission process.
Explore the key differences between the GRE and IELTS to help you make an informed decision.
| Aspect | GRE | IELTS |
| Purpose | Graduate admissions | English proficiency |
| Frequency | Five times a year | 48 times a year |
| Duration | 1 hour 58 minutes | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Sections | Verbal, Quantitative, Writing | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Scoring | 130-170 (Verbal/Quant), 0-6 (Writing) | 0-9 band score |
| Validity | Five years | Two years |
| Cost | General: INR 18.5K (USD 220) | INR 17K (USD 202.5) |
| Subject Specific: 12.6K INR (USD 150) |
GRE vs IELTS: Which is Easier?
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet,” as Bobby Unser, a legendary American race car driver, wisely said. This quote rings especially true when deciding between the GRE vs IELTS.
Both exams open doors to prestigious universities worldwide, but the key to success lies in choosing the one that also aligns with your strengths and preparation style.
If you’re wondering which is easier, here’s a breakdown of the structure of GRE vs IELTS to help you make an informed choice.
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GRE vs IELTS: Sections
The GRE consists of three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section is designed to evaluate specific skills essential for graduate-level academic work.
Here is a breakdown.
| GRE Section | What It Tests? |
| Verbal Reasoning | Ability to understand and analyse written material. |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Mathematical skills and problem-solving ability. |
| Analytical Writing | Ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and coherently. |
On the other hand, the IELTS is divided into four sections. Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Here is a breakdown.
| IELTS Section | What It Tests? |
| Listening | Ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. |
| Reading | Comprehension of written English through various text types. |
| Writing | Ability to articulate ideas clearly in written English. |
| Speaking | Proficiency in spoken English through a face-to-face interview. |
Also Read: IELTS Academic or General: Which is the Easiest Test?
GRE vs IELTS: Questions and Time Per Section
The GRE allocates specific time limits for each section.
| GRE Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Verbal Reasoning (Two sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes |
| Analytical Writing (One section) | One “Analyse an Issue” task | 30 minutes |
In the IELTS, each section is timed to evaluate your ability to perform under time constraints, a crucial factor in real-world English communication.
Here they are.
| IELTS Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Listening | 40 questions | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 40 questions | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 parts | 11-14 minutes |
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GRE or IELTS: Which is Better?
Did you now that more than 85% of Erasmus students study abroad to enhance their employability? And 64% of employers say graduates with international experience are more often given greater professional responsibility.
This makes the decision between GRE vs IELTS crucial. Both exams will help you study abroad, but which is better suited for your goals?
Find out below with these key GRE vs IELTS parameters.
| Parameters | GRE | IELTS |
| Conducting Body | ETS (Educational Testing Service) | IELTS IDP India |
| Accepted In | 90+ countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia etc.) | UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA |
| Eligibility Criteria | No age limit | 16+ years of age |
| Test Format | Computer-delivered, paper-delivered, GRE home edition | Paper-delivered, computer-delivered, IELTS online |
| Difficulty Level | More challenging | Comparatively easier |
| Result Availability | 10-15 days after the exam | 1-5 days |
| Registration | Via ETS website, phone, mail, fax | Online via the IELTS IDP website or at authorised test centres |
| Retake Frequency | Once every 21 days (up to 5 times per year) | Within 60 days |
| Test Centers in India | Over 1000 centres | 78 certified centres |
Also Read: Check Your IELTS Eligibility: IELTS Age Limit, Qualification & Score.
GRE Exam Pattern
With 25,266 students at Harvard and 90% of participants at the London School of Business coming from 60-70 different countries, the global demand for top-tier education is undeniable.
Understanding the GRE exam pattern is essential for securing a place in these prestigious institutions. Read on to learn more.
- Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE assesses your ability to analyse and evaluate written material, understand relationships among parts of sentences, and recognise relationships among words and concepts.
The types of questions include reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Success in this section relies heavily on your vocabulary and ability to grasp complex ideas presented in the passages quickly.
- Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates your mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities. It focuses on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
The questions are a mix of multiple-choice, numeric entry, and quantitative comparison. This section tests not only your maths knowledge but also your ability to apply it logically and methodically under time constraints.
- Analytical Writing
The Analytical Writing section measures your ability to think critically and communicate complex ideas effectively in writing. It consists of two tasks. “Analyse an Issue” and “Analyse an Argument.”
For the “Analyse an Issue” task, you are given a general topic and must construct an argument with reasons and examples to support your position. The “Analyse an Argument” task requires you to critique an argument, assessing its logical soundness and the evidence provided.
This part of the GRE is crucial for demonstrating your ability to construct coherent arguments and present your ideas clearly and persuasively.
- Experimental/Unscored Section
The GRE also includes an Experimental or Unscored Section that is not counted toward your final score. This section can appear as either an additional Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning section.
Its purpose is for ETS to test new questions for future exams. You won’t know which section is the unscored one, so it’s important to treat every section with the same level of attention and effort. The Experimental Section does not affect your overall score, but it is mandatory to complete it as part of the test.
- Research Section
In some cases, instead of the Experimental Section, the GRE may include a Research Section. This section is also unscored and appears at the end of the test. It is marked as research and is optional.
The Research Section allows ETS to collect data on new question types and formats. Completing this section can provide helpful feedback to test developers, but it does not impact your score in any way.
IELTS Exam Pattern
Student life at institutions like Barnard College and Carleton College highlights the importance of balance and tradition, which you will want to be a part of.
Whether indulging in a 750-foot-long sandwich or joining a silent dance party during finals week, you can also participate in these fun activities! Just as these traditions boost morale, knowing the IELTS exam pattern can boost your confidence and performance.
Read on to understand better.
- Listening Section
The Listening Section of the IELTS is designed to assess your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts, such as conversations, monologues, and discussions.
You will answer questions based on recordings, which include multiple-choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form completion, and short-answer questions.
The recordings become more difficult as you progress through the section, testing your ability to follow complex ideas and details.
- Reading Section
The Reading Section of the IELTS evaluates your ability to comprehend written English across various texts. The texts vary in style and length, covering multiple topics from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical.
Question types include multiple-choice, identifying information, matching headings, and sentence completion.
The ‘Academic’ version of the IELTS uses more complex texts, while the ‘General Training’ version includes passages from everyday sources like advertisements and workplace documents.
- Writing Section
The Writing Section of the IELTS is designed to measure your ability to express ideas clearly in written English.
- Task 1 requires you to describe, summarise, or explain information presented in a graph, chart, table, or diagram (for Academic) or write a letter (for General Training).
- Task 2 is an essay in which you must respond to a point of view, argument, or problem. It carries more weight in scoring.
Both tasks are assessed on coherence, grammar, vocabulary, and the relevance of your response.
- Speaking Section
The Speaking Section of the IELTS tests your spoken English proficiency through a face-to-face interview with an examiner. This section is divided into three parts.
- Part 1 involves answering general questions about yourself, your home, family, work, studies, and interests.
- Part 2 is a long turn. After 1 minute of preparation, you speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic.
- Part 3 consists of a discussion where you answer more abstract questions related to the topic from Part 2.
This section assesses your fluency, coherence, pronunciation, and communication ability.
Check Out IELTS Exam Dates 2024: Find City-wise Test Dates in India.
Top Universities Accepting GRE and IELTS
When considering the GRE vs IELTS debate, it’s essential to think beyond just the test itself.
Your choice could influence where you study and, ultimately, your career prospects.
With an average annual salary of INR 50L (USD 59.4K) in the U.S. and INR 38.4L (GBP 35K) in the UK, gaining admission to a top university can set the stage for future success.
Here’s a look at some of the world’s leading universities that accept both GRE and IELTS scores.
| University | QS Rankings 2025 | Minimum GRE vs IELTS Score Requirements |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | GRE: 310 | IELTS: 7.5 |
| Imperial College London | 2 | GRE: 314 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| University of Oxford | 3 | GRE: No minimum | IELTS: 7.5 |
| Harvard University | 4 | GRE: No minimum | IELTS: 7.5 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | GRE: No minimum | IELTS: 7.5 |
| Stanford University | 6 | GRE: No minimum | IELTS: 7.5 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 | GRE: No minimum | IELTS: 7.0 |
| University of Chicago | 21 | GRE: No minimum | IELTS: 7.0 |
Ready to ace the IELTS and secure that 7+ band score? Join Leap Scholar’s FREE IELTS Masterclasses! Get expert strategies, personalised guidance, and insider tips to elevate your preparation.
Also Read: Countries Accepting 5.5 IELTS Band Scores: Where You Can Study Abroad.
Preparation Tips for GRE vs IELTS
As you near the finish line in your decision between GRE vs IELTS, it’s time to shift gears and focus on preparation. Whether you’re solving complex maths problems or mastering your English skills, prepping for these exams doesn’t have to be a dull grind.
Think of it as levelling up in a game where each practice session gets you closer to victory!
Ready to tackle your test prep with confidence? Here are some effective tips to help you ace whichever exam you choose.
How to Ace Your GRE Preparations?
Preparing for the GRE can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, it can be a rewarding challenge.
To help you get started on the right foot, here are 10 tips to enhance your GRE preparation and boost your confidence on test day.
| Tip | Description |
| Know Your Baseline | Start with a diagnostic test to find your strengths and weaknesses. |
| Set Clear Goals | Set target scores for each section. |
| Mix-Up Study Resources | Use books, apps, and online courses. |
| Practise with Purpose | Focus on challenging your weak areas. |
| Simulate Test Conditions | Take full-length, timed practice tests. |
| Review Your Mistakes | Analyse errors to understand them. |
| Build Vocabulary Daily | Learn new words daily using flashcards or apps. |
| Sharpen Maths Skills | Practise mental maths and quick problem-solving. |
| Stay Organised | Keep a study schedule and stick to it. |
| Take Care of Yourself | Balance study with breaks and proper sleep. |
How to Ace Your IELTS Preparations?
Getting ready for the IELTS doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach, you can turn your preparation into a smooth and successful experience.
Whether you aim to improve your English skills or simply want to maximise your score, here are 10 unique tips to help you ace the IELTS.
| Tip | Description |
| Understand the Test Format | Familiarise yourself with the test structure and types of questions. |
| Practise Listening Skills | Listen to English podcasts, news, and shows daily. |
| Read Widely | Read English newspapers, articles, and books. |
| Write Every Day | Practise writing essays and letters regularly. |
| Speak English Often | Engage in conversations with native speakers. |
| Time Your Practise | Practise under timed conditions to improve speed. |
| Use Official Materials | Study with official IELTS preparation books and resources. |
| Focus on Weak Areas | Identify and work on your weakest skills. |
| Take Mock Tests | Regularly take full-length practice tests. |
| Stay Calm and Confident | Practise relaxation techniques to stay calm during the test. |
Also Read: IELTS Connectors and Linking Words for 2024.
To Conclude
The GRE vs IELTS debate is evergreen! When it comes to choosing between GRE and IELTS, your decision should be guided by your academic and professional goals. The GRE is ideal for graduate studies, while the IELTS focuses on language proficiency for study, work, or migration.
Both exams open doors to global opportunities. Select the one that best aligns with your strengths, and you’re set for success. In some cases, you might even need to take both!
As you prepare for these exams, remember that you’re not alone in this journey. If you need support with your application process, from choosing the right university to visa assistance and SOP review, Leap Scholar is here!
Reach out to ensure your study abroad experience is seamless and successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Can I take both the GRE and IELTS if I’m unsure which one is required?
A. Yes, many students take both exams to keep their options open for a broader range of universities. Understanding the GRE and IELTS difference can help you decide which aligns more with your goals and long-term plans. For instance, some universities require both the GRE for academic evaluation and the IELTS for language proficiency.
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Q. GRE vs IELTS: which is easier for non-native English speakers?
A. The IELTS might be easier for non-native English speakers because it focuses solely on English proficiency, while the GRE also includes sections on maths and analytical writing. The IELTS is often seen as more accessible since it assesses real-world language skills used in everyday situations.
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Q. GRE or IELTS: which is better for applying to business schools?
A. The GRE is generally preferred by business schools, though some may accept IELTS for language proficiency. Consider your target schools’ requirements when thinking “GRE or IELTS: which is better?” Many top programs, like those at MIT and Harvard, might require a strong GRE score but expect proof of English proficiency through IELTS.
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Q. What is the main GRE and IELTS difference in terms of purpose?
A. The GRE is used for graduate admissions, focusing on evaluating analytical writing, verbal, and quantitative skills. The IELTS assesses your English language proficiency for study, work, or migration purposes. This distinction is critical as the GRE tests academic readiness, while IELTS evaluates language fluency.
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Q. GRE vs IELTS: which is easier to prepare for?
A. It depends on your strengths. If you are strong in English, the IELTS might be more accessible. However, you might find the GRE more manageable if you excel in maths and analytical reasoning. Remember that the GRE includes a mix of verbal and quantitative sections that require a broader range of skills
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Q. Can I use my GRE scores to meet English proficiency requirements?
A. Generally, no. Universities often require IELTS or TOEFL scores to prove English proficiency, even if you submit GRE scores. This is because the GRE needs to comprehensively assess listening and speaking skills, crucial for academic success in English-speaking environments.
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Q. What is the validity period of GRE and IELTS scores?
A. GRE scores are valid for five years, while IELTS scores are valid for two years. This is a crucial difference between the GRE and IELTS to remember when planning your study abroad timeline, especially if you are considering reapplying or taking a gap year.
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Q. GRE vs IELTS: which is better for migration purposes?
A. The IELTS is better suited for migration, as it’s widely accepted by immigration authorities in English-speaking countries. In contrast, the GRE is designed for academic purposes and does not fulfil the language requirement for visas or residency applications.
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Q. Can I register for both GRE and IELTS on the same day?
A. It’s possible to register for both, but taking them on the same day is not recommended due to the intensity of each exam. Both tests require significant mental energy and focus, so spacing them out will allow you to perform at your best in each.
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Q. GRE or IELTS: which is better for students to study in Europe?
A. Many European universities accept both, but the IELTS is often required to prove English proficiency. You’ll need to consider the GRE vs IELTS based on specific program requirements. For example, the GRE might be necessary for technical or science programs, while IELTS could be needed for language-based courses.
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Q. GRE vs IELTS: which is easier for getting into top universities?
A. Both exams are challenging in their way, but neither is inherently easier for top universities. Your choice should depend on your strengths and the specific requirements of your target schools. Depending on the program, elite institutions like Oxford and Cambridge may have particular expectations for both exams.
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