GRE vs IELTS: Difference between GRE and IELTS

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Swathi Krishnan

Author

27-05-2025

GRE vs IELTS: Difference between GRE and IELTS

GRE and IELTS are written by international students for different purposes but many students don’t have clarity on the terms GRE vs IELTS. These are the common tests given by the students who are non-native English speakers to get admission abroad. The major difference between GRE and IELTS is IELTS focuses on English language ability skills whereas GRE focuses on analytical, verbal, and reasoning skills.

The GRE is a widely recognized graduate exam that assesses students' verbal and quantitative abilities and is accepted by numerous international institutions for graduate programs. On the other hand, the IELTS is a globally recognized language test that evaluates students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to measure their proficiency in the English language. After reading this article you will know the exact difference between GRE vs IELTS, which test suits you better, their preparation guide, and upcoming exam dates.

Difference Between GRE and IELTS

The GRE exam focuses on checking student's analytical, verbal, and quantitative reasoning skills. In contrast, the IELTS is a language test that can check your language ability skills.

Check the below table for a better understanding.

Differential aspects GRE IELTS
Acronym General Records Examinations International English Language Testing System
Skills Tested Analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning Listening, reading, writing, and speaking of the English language
Intended for Bachelor's degree graduates and undergraduate students who are about to graduate. Fluency in English is needed. Non-native English speakers.
Purpose Admissions to master's and doctoral degree programs in various universities outside of India. To assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers which is a prerequisite for getting a job or education outside of India in some countries.
Eligibility Criteria Graduate students, Applicants who are about to graduate 12th completed applicants
Administered by Educational Testing Service British Council, IDP Education, Cambridge Assessment English
Score / Grade Validity 5 years 2 years
Registration Fees for Indians USD 213 (Approx INR 17420.96) 200 USD (INR 16357.71)
Score Accepted by Many graduate schools (mainly ones from the USA) Over 10,000 colleges, institutes, and organizations
Total Students Appeared in 2024 Around 3.5 lakhs 3.5 million
Frequency for applying test 5 times 48 times
Scoring Range Quantitative Reasoning – 130-170
Verbal Reasoning - 130-170
Analytical Writing – 0-6
Overall GRE Score – 260-340
Listening- 23-40
Reading- 26-40
Writing- 0-9
Speaking-0-9
Overall IELTS Score- 32-36
Total no. of questions MCQs: 80;

Unscored research section: 20
85 questions
Computer-adaptive No Yes
Total Time Analytical Writing – 60 minutes
Verbal Reasoning – 60-70 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning – 70-80 minutes
Overall - 3 hours & 45 minutes
Reading – 60 minutes
Listening- 30 minutes
Speaking- 11-14 minutes
Writing - 60 minutes
Overall - 2 hours and 55 minutes

Which one is easier IELTS or GRE?

From the above table you get to know that GRE is for pursuing a Master’s Degree, whereas IELTS is an English proficiency test giving validation to one’s proficiency in the English language. Thus, the two exams have different motives. 

A student who is good in numbers and analysis but struggles with languages may face more difficulty with the IELTS. It's important to note that even the GRE requires proficiency in English, the topics such as issue tasks and opinion questions that can be challenging. However, some of these topics are more difficult in the GRE, making it a potentially daunting task for students who struggle with language skills.

Which one to choose GRE or IELTS?

which-one-to-choose-gre-or-ielts

GRE or IELTS? Applicants often have no idea what test they need to choose and which is better among the two. Students will have clarity on this if they are able to know what suits them and their requirements.

Graduate students pursuing further studies may choose the GRE, while working professionals seeking employment or students looking to study overseas may opt for the IELTS. However, it's worth noting that the IELTS is taken by all groups of people, whether you are passing out of school, a graduate, a post-graduate, or a working professional.

To determine which exam to prepare for, students must consider their target college admission requirements. If their desired institution requires a specific qualifying score range for the GRE, then that is the exam to focus on. Alternatively, if the institution sets a minimum band threshold for the IELTS, then that should be the exam to prepare for and attempt. In some cases, the college may require both exams. Ultimately, it's important to understand which exam, GRE vs IELTS, is better suited for the candidate's individual requirements.

Also Read: Toughest Exams in the World

GRE and IELTS Exam Pattern

Exam Patterns

There are three sections in the GRE exam that are Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The tests are conducted in two modes Computer-based and Paper-based. On the other hand, IELTS tests your English speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. This test is primarily used to assess a student's language ability and diverse skills.

Also read: IELTS Exam pattern

Exam Duration

The GRE general test has a duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, while the subject test may take up to 2 hours and 50 minutes. In contrast, the IELTS test allows a total time of 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Number of Attempts

You are allowed to take the GRE General test once every 21 days, for up to a maximum of five times in a rolling 12-month period. This is applicable even if you have canceled your previously attempted GRE scores. You can check the GRE exam dates /slots availability at your selected test centers and proceed further with the registration Process.

In contrast, there are no restrictions on the number of attempts for the IELTS exam. You can take the IELTS test up to four times per month or a total of 48 times per year. Book the IELTS exam date and timing at least one month prior, because the IELTS test centres in India follow a first-come-first-serve basis.

Preparation for GRE and IELTS

Preparing for GRE and IELTS simultaneously can be a daunting task but with some tips and tricks, you can ace it like a pro.

The common tests that overlap between the GRE and IELTS are given below. You can prepare for the two tests at the same time if you study with these three categories in mind. The overlap can basically be divided into these three groups.

  1. IELTS Writing and Speaking - GRE Analytical Writing
  2. IELTS Reading and Listening - GRE Verbal
  3. IELTS Writing and Reading - GRE Quantitative

Let us understand how this overlap will work.

When it comes to the writing sections of the IELTS and GRE tests, candidates can take one of two approaches. The first approach involves preparing for the more challenging GRE Analytical Writing section, which covers writing on social issues in a similar format to the IELTS Writing Task 2. By thoroughly preparing for GRE Analytical Writing, candidates can ace the IELTS Writing Task 2 and improve their chances of success.

Alternatively, candidates can begin by preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2, which is less challenging and can help familiarize them with the concept of writing on social issues. Once they become comfortable with this, they can then transition to preparing for the GRE Analytical Writing section, which will require less time and effort. To further enhance their skills, candidates can practice their speaking abilities through the IELTS Speaking section, which requires them to quickly formulate their opinions on various topics. This skill can be useful for the writing test, as candidates need to state their opinions on social issues in their written responses.

The second combo we have is IELTS Reading and Listening, and GRE Verbal. The reading comprehensions in both tests are similar in difficulty, but the GRE questions are more focused on inference and can be more challenging to answer. IELTS Listening has easier sentence completion questions than GRE, but the underlying principle remains the same - understanding the relationship between vocabulary and context. Therefore, the two approaches mentioned earlier can be used for this as well - start with the harder level with GRE or begin with IELTS for a smoother transition.

The third overlap consists of IELTS Writing and Reading and GRE Quantitative. Even though they appear to be unrelated, they are considered to overlap because the IELTS Writing Task 1 involves describing graphs, and the IELTS Reading has questions that require reading graphs, charts, and diagrams. The visuals in IELTS are often more challenging than those in GRE. So, doing well in IELTS' graphical questions can be beneficial in GRE Mathematics.

 You should keep the following in mind as you study for the 2 exams:

  • To prepare for the exams, plan your study routine and decide on the dates of the exams according to your needs and the affordability of more attempts.
  • Stay calm and avoid being nervous, stressed, or hasty during both the preparation and the exams, as they can decrease your efficiency.
  • Prioritize which exam is more important to you and make sure you are not neglecting the preparation for it while focusing on the other one.
  • To get a better understanding of the practical application, practice the concepts and use the language in your daily life.
  • Regularly taking mock tests is a great way to track your progress and identify any weaknesses in your current approach to the exams.

FAQs

1. Is IELTS required with GRE?

Yes, Candidates who are appearing for GRE need to give IELTS test to prove their English language proficiency.

2. Is GRE harder than IELTS?

Yes. The GRE is rated as being significantly harder than the IELTS test since it contains more difficult vocabulary, reading passages, and challenging essays.

3. Can I prepare for IELTS and GRE together?

Yes, you can prepare for both IELTS and GRE at the same time since they have some common tests.

4. What is the acceptance level for GRE and IELTS?

  • The GRE is an internationally accepted exam for graduates and postgraduate courses across the world. These scores are accepted by almost all study-abroad countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, for their graduate programs.
  • IELTS is an English Proficiency Test that is mandatory in every study abroad institution. More than 9,000 institutions in around 150 different countries accept IELTS scores for their admission process.

 5. What are the eligibility criteria for GRE and IELTS?

There are no specific eligibility criteria for GRE and IELTS test. Anyone can apply irrespective of age and qualification. Since GRE is an admission exam for post-graduate programmes it is mostly taken by applicants who are graduates or who are about to graduate.

For IELTS, if you have completed the 12th level of education you can apply for them. IELTS exams are mostly taken by students who are from a non-English speaking country and want to continue their studies in study abroad institutions.

6. What is the marking scheme for GRE and IELTS?

The GRE exam comprises of Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning sections, with scores for the latter two ranging from 130 to 170. The mean Verbal Reasoning score is 151, while the mean Quantitative Reasoning score is 153. Analytical Writing scores range from 0 to 6 in half-point increments, with a mean score of 4.0.

On the other hand, the IELTS test consists of four sections - listening, writing, reading, and speaking - with scores measured on a band scale of 1 to 9.0. Generally, achieving a band score of 6.5 or 7.0 is considered favourable for admission to universities abroad.

7. How many times can I apply for GRE and IELTS in a year?

You can apply for GRE 5 times a year whereas you can apply for the IELTS test 48 times in a year.

About Author Swathi Krishnan

Swathi Krishnan, an MBA graduate with an unwavering passion for writing and reading, is a distinguished expert in Study Abroad Services. With extensive experience in the overseas education industry, Swathi has become a trusted authority in the field, specializing in the preparation of test materials for exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, SAT, PTE, and more. Her comprehensive knowledge is evident through her numerous articles, covering a spectrum of topics, from drafting Statements of Purpose (SOPs) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs) to decoding study abroad exams, destinations, university requirements, admission procedures, and the entire process of obtaining an international education. Swathi's dedication to helping study abroad aspirants make informed decisions is reflected in her informative articles, making her a valuable resource for those embarking on their educational journeys.

Kanan International is a study abroad consultancy that offers reliable services, products, and solutions for students and education institutions. We support students throughout their study abroad journey, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Our expertise and commitment to excellence make us the go-to partner for expanding global horizons. The company provides coaching for IELTS, GRE, TOEFL, and SAT exams and services like visa consultation, accommodation, scholarship assistance, and education loans.

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