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If you’re planning to pursue postgraduate education, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are two key standardized tests to consider. Both play a crucial role in admissions, but they serve slightly different purposes. Understanding their differences is essential for choosing the test that aligns with your academic and career goals.  

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)  
The GRE is a globally recognized standardized test designed for applicants seeking admission to postgraduate programs across diverse disciplines, including MS, PhD, and even some MBA programs. Here's a detailed overview to help you understand its structure and key features:  

Purpose 
The GRE is used to evaluate candidates applying for postgraduate programs in various fields worldwide, offering flexibility for those considering interdisciplinary studies.  
Administered By
Educational Testing Service (ETS).  

Exam Structure 
1.Analytical Writing  
   - Focus: Evaluates the ability to critically analyze issues and arguments.  
   - Duration: 1 hour (2 tasks – 30 minutes each).  
2. Verbal Reasoning  
   - Focus: Tests skills like analyzing sentence structures, drawing logical conclusions, and understanding word relationships and syntax.  
   - Duration: Two sections, 30 minutes each.  
3. Quantitative Reasoning  
   - Focus: Assesses fundamental math skills, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.  
   - Duration: Two sections, 35 minutes each.  
Scoring 
- Verbal Reasoning: Scores range from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments.  
- Quantitative Reasoning: Scores range from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments.  
Validity  
GRE scores are valid for 5 years, offering flexibility in planning your applications.  
Key Features 
-Flexibility: Allows you to move forward or backward within a section.  
-On-Screen Calculator: Simplifies calculations for the quantitative section.  
-Mark and Review: Enables you to flag questions and revisit them later.  
The GRE is ideal for individuals looking for versatility in their postgraduate options, with user-friendly features that make the test manageable and efficient.  

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT is a widely used standardized test for admissions into MBA programs and other business-related postgraduate courses. Here's a simplified breakdown of the GMAT:  
Purpose 
Primarily designed for applicants aiming to join MBA programs or other postgraduate business degrees.  
Administered By
Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).  
Exam Structure  
1.Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) 
   - Tests your ability to analyze and evaluate the logic of an argument.  
   - Duration: 30 minutes.  
2.Integrated Reasoning (IR) 
   - Measures your ability to analyze and interpret various types of data.  
   - Duration: 30 minutes.  
3.Quantitative Reasoning
   - Assesses mathematical skills through problem-solving and data efficiency questions.  
   - Duration: 62 minutes.  
4.Verbal Reasoning  
   - Evaluates language skills, including reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning.  
   - Duration: 65 minutes.  

Scoring  
-Total Score: Ranges from 200 to 800, in 10-point increments.  
-AWA: Scored from 0 to 6, in 0.5-point increments.  
-IR: Scored from 1 to 8, in 1-point increments.  
- Separate scores are also given for the Verbal and Quantitative sections.  
Validity
GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.  
Key Features  
-Computer-Adaptive Test: The difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance in each section.  
- No Going Back: Once a question is answered, you cannot return to it.  
Which Test Should You Take? 
-For MBA Programs: The GMAT is the better choice, as many top business schools prioritize GMAT scores.  
-For Other Postgraduate Programs: The GRE is more versatile, though some business schools now accept GRE scores as well.  
-Business Schools and GRE: An increasing number of business schools accept GRE scores, but the GMAT remains the preferred test for MBA admissions.  
Choose the test based on your specific academic and career goals, as well as the program requirements of the institutions you're applying to.  

Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team