GRE vs SAT 2025: Is GRE harder than SAT for Indian Students?

When planning your study abroad journey, deciding between the GRE vs SAT is a common challenge for students like you.

You might also wonder, “Is GRE harder than SAT?” With nearly 2 million students taking the SAT and  319,101 candidates attempting the GRE in 2024, both exams play a crucial role in shaping academic futures.

This guide will break down the difference between GRE and SAT, including fees, formats, and difficulty levels, to help you make an informed choice. Read on to discover which exam aligns with your goals!

Key Highlights

Here is a quick overview of everything you will learn in this blog on the GRE vs SAT.

To choose between the GRE vs SAT, it’s essential to understand what each exam is about and how they’re used.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is primarily for students applying to graduate or business school programs when aiming for a master’s or MBA abroad. It assesses analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills. 

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), on the other hand, is for undergraduate admissions. It evaluates your Math, Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing skills. It’s one of the most popular exams for students like you planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree abroad.

While the GRE and SAT are designed for different academic levels, they share several similarities.

• Global Recognition: Both tests are accepted worldwide by top universities.
• Computer-Based Format: Both exams offer computer-based testing options.
• Standardised Approach: They evaluate quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills.
• Multiple-Choice Format: Both exams rely heavily on multiple-choice questions, making it easier for the scoring system to evaluate test-takers. 
• No Penalty for Wrong Answers: You can attempt all questions without fear of losing marks for incorrect answers.

Did you know that India recently overtook the USA in GRE test-takers for the first time in 80 years, with over 113,000 students attempting the exam compared to 97,676 in the US? This reflects how Indian students like you are increasingly aiming for advanced degrees abroad. 

If you’re curious about the difference between GRE and SAT, here’s a closer look at how these two exams differ.

Also Read: ACT vs SAT 2025: Which is Easier?

Did you know that 10% of SAT test-takers come from the lowest income group, while 25% are from the highest? This shows how the SAT is designed for a wide range of students aiming for undergraduate programs. 

On the other hand, the GRE focuses on graduate-level skills with a different structure and question types. 

Here’s a detailed comparison of GRE vs SAT formats.

Read More: What is a good GRE score out of 340? Top 5 tips to improve your score!

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If you’re wondering whether your SAT performance can predict your GRE score, here’s the truth. While there’s no official GRE vs SAT score conversion, you can use percentiles to draw a rough comparison. 

Here’s an estimated comparison of SAT Math scores and GRE Quantitative scores based on percentiles.

Here’s an estimated comparison of SAT EBRW scores and GRE Verbal scores based on percentiles.

Also Read: GRE Exam 2024-2025

When selecting between the GRE vs SAT, it’s helpful to know the average score requirements for top universities globally. For competitive programs, SAT scores typically range between 1450–1550, and GRE scores average 310–330.

Both exams are widely accepted around the world. Here’s a list of top universities and their average GRE vs SAT scores.

Read Next: Colleges Accepting 1200 SAT Scores in USA for Indian Students in 2025

For many students, the cost of taking exams like the GRE vs SAT can be a deciding factor. Interestingly, 16% of SAT test-takers use fee waivers, with an average score of 1022, showing how these programs support students managing tight budgets. 

Understanding the fees and additional charges for both exams can help you plan better for your study abroad journey.

Both the GRE vs SAT require a straightforward online registration process. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each exam.

1. Create an Account: Visit the College Board website and sign up for an account.

2. Provide Personal Information: Enter details such as name, date of birth, and address.

3. Choose Test Date & Centre: Select a suitable test date and location near you.

4. Upload a Photo: A passport-style photo is required for identification.

5. Review and Confirm: Double-check your details before proceeding.

6. Pay the Fee: Complete payment and save your admission ticket.

1. Sign Up for an ETS Account: Visit the ETS website and create an account.

2. Provide Information: Add personal and educational details.

3. Select Test Date & Centre: Choose from available dates and test centres.

4. Upload a Photo: Upload a recent photo for verification.

5. Payment: Complete the registration by paying the exam fee and saving your confirmation.

For both exams, you’ll need the following documents.

• Valid Photo ID: Passport or Aadhaar card for Indian students.
• Passport-Style Photograph: A recent and clear photo.
• Payment Method: Credit card, debit card, or fee waiver (if eligible).

Read More: SAT Registration 

The difficulty of the SAT vs GRE is subjective—it depends on where you are in your academic journey. The SAT is designed for high school students and tests foundational skills, while the GRE is aimed at college graduates and assesses more advanced problem-solving.

Although the GRE includes complex questions, your college education prepares you with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle them.

Here’s a detailed breakdown.

1. Who Should Take Which Exam?

Here are points to consider when deciding between GRE vs SAT.

a. Take the SAT, if

• You’re a High School Student: If you’re currently in Class 11 or 12 and planning to pursue an undergraduate degree abroad, the SAT is tailored for you.
• You’re Seeking Scholarships: High SAT scores can open doors to scholarships that significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad.
• You Prefer Predictability: The SAT’s structure is fixed and straightforward, making it easier to prepare for with practice.

b. Take the GRE, if

• You’re a Graduate Student: If you’ve already completed your bachelor’s degree and are aiming for a master’s or Ph.D. program, the GRE is your exam.
• You’re Comfortable with Advanced Topics: The GRE tests more complex vocabulary, analytical writing, and advanced quantitative reasoning skills.

2. How Difficult Are the Exams?

For most Indian students, SAT math feels easier because it’s based on concepts you’re already familiar with.

• SAT: Focuses on basic algebra, geometry, and data analysis. 
• GRE: Includes more advanced topics like statistics and tricky data interpretation questions. You’ll also need to understand complex problem-wording.

If English isn’t your strongest subject, the SAT verbal section will feel more manageable.

• SAT: Tests basic grammar, sentence structure, and critical reading. Vocabulary requirements are moderate.
• GRE: Requires mastering advanced English vocabulary and handling more complex reading comprehension questions.

Also Read: Is SAT Easy for Indian Students

If you are in high school, the SAT will be a better option. Here’s why.

• Aligned with Your Current Studies: The SAT tests the skills you’re already learning in school in your CBSE/ICSE curricula, so preparing for it doesn’t require a huge leap.
• Easier Vocabulary Requirements: You won’t need to memorise hundreds of complex words like you would for the GRE.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Many colleges abroad offer scholarships for high SAT scores, which can make studying abroad more affordable.

With only 39% of SAT test-takers meeting both ERW and Math benchmarks, preparation becomes the key to standing out. Whether you’re preparing for the SAT to secure an undergraduate seat or the GRE for graduate admissions, the right strategy can make all the difference.

Here are some top tips.

1. Understand the Test Format

• For SAT: Familiarise yourself with its sections – EBRW and Math. Each section follows a fixed structure, so practice accordingly.
• For GRE: Focus on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Keep in mind the GRE’s adaptive nature, where question difficulty adjusts based on your performance.

2. Take Mock Tests: Practice full-length tests under timed conditions to build endurance and identify weak areas.

3. Analyse Your Mistakes: Review errors to understand where you went wrong and focus on improving weak areas. For instance.

• SAT: If math feels tricky, focus on algebra and geometry. For EBRW, practise reading comprehension and grammar rules.
• GRE: Struggle with vocabulary? Build a strong word list and practise contextual usage. If quantitative reasoning is tough, strengthen your data interpretation and algebra skills.

4. Seek Expert Guidance

Sometimes, you just need the right guidance to achieve your target score. Leap Scholar SAT Coaching offers

• 1:1 tutoring tailored to your needs.
• Over 100 mock tests to build confidence.
• Personalised feedback to help you crack a competitive score.

Both the SAT and GRE require strategic preparation and focused effort. Start early, practice smart, and use the best resources available to maximise your chances of success. 

No matter which exam you take, the right approach will help you achieve your academic goals. Join Leap Scholar’s SAT Prep Course and start your journey today! Book your free SAT masterclass now.