Which exam is tougher: GMAT or GRE?

Question

Jayant M · Accepted Answer

Both the GMAT and GRE have their own challenges, but the tougher one really depends on what you&rsquo;re more comfortable with. The GMAT is often seen as more tricky in Quant because it tests logic in a very structured way. The questions aren&rsquo;t always long, but they can be quite tricky and time-sensitive.
On the other hand, the GRE gives you a calculator and includes more vocabulary in the Verbal section. That can be tough for someone who hasn&rsquo;t done much reading or isn&rsquo;t used to academic English. So while the math might feel a bit easier, the language part can take some time to master.
Most students say GMAT feels more intense, especially for business school applicants. But what matters more is how well the exam fits your strengths. Some people do better on the GRE just because they&rsquo;re more comfortable with the style, and that&rsquo;s okay too. Choose the one that plays to your strengths, that&rsquo;s the smarter way to look at it.

Supriya J · Answer

Toughness depends on strengths,  but if comparing overall, GMAT Focus is harder for most people aiming for business school.

GMAT Focus Quant is more logic-based. The questions need quick thinking and deep understanding &mdash; not just calculation.
GRE Verbal is harder for many students because of tough reading passages and unfamiliar vocabulary.
GRE allows a calculator for Quant, GMAT Focus doesn&rsquo;t &mdash; so silly mistakes hurt more.
GMAT Focus has a Data Insights section that tests multi-step reasoning with charts, tables, and logic-heavy problems.
Scoring is more competitive at the top end on GMAT Focus &mdash; hitting 665+ requires near-perfect accuracy.

For someone with strong verbal skills, GRE might feel more manageable. But for most MBA applicants, GMAT Focus is the more fitting and typically more demanding  choice.
For more details you can read this blog on "GMAT vs GRE"

V Ritik · Answer

The GMAT is generally more challenging if you're not confident in Quant. Its data sufficiency questions are unique and need a different way of thinking. The verbal section is also grammar-heavy, especially critical reasoning and sentence correction.
On the other hand, the GRE might feel harder if vocab isn&rsquo;t your strength. Its verbal section tests advanced English words and long reading passages. But the GRE&rsquo;s Quant section is usually a bit easier than GMAT&rsquo;s &mdash; it&rsquo;s more straightforward.
So, it really depends on your strengths. If you're applying to business schools only, GMAT might be a better fit. If you&rsquo;re considering other grad programs too, GRE gives you more flexibility.
Take a diagnostic test of both. See which one feels more natural &mdash; and go with that. That way, you won&rsquo;t just survive the prep &mdash; you&rsquo;ll score well too.
Want to know which exam suits you the best? Read this blog to know find out now

D. Aarav · Answer

GMAT Focus is generally harder for most students, especially because of how the Quant section is structured. It&rsquo;s not just about knowing math,  it&rsquo;s about thinking quickly and handling tricky data questions that require logic more than formulas. The time pressure is real.
GRE Quant is simpler in comparison and uses more direct questions. But GRE Verbal can be tough, especially for non-native speakers. The reading passages are long, and the vocabulary questions include uncommon or less familiar words.
If the plan is to apply to a business school, GMAT Focus is still seen as more aligned with MBA expectations. It&rsquo;s more compact now with just three sections, but still tests decision-making and reasoning at a higher level. GRE might feel easier for those stronger in language skills, but GMAT Focus is the tougher,  and more targeted, test for business school.