GRE vs IELTS focuses on the difference and the structure of the tests. GRE focusses on checking the analytical, verbal and reasoning skills of the candidate. The IELTS exam checks the language ability skills of the candidates. GRE and IELTS are the two most widely accepted tests worldwide. There are few parameters determining the difference between GRE and IELTS. They are:
- Eligibility Criteria
- Exam Pattern
- Exam Duration
- Exam Fees
- Marking Scheme
- Difficulty Level
- Number of Attempts
- Acceptance
Since, GRE vs IELTS are two different types of exams, their differences are never-ending. It is hard to find out between GRE vs IELTS which is better. Students must check the GRE vs TOEFL vs IELTS criteria before proceeding.
GRE vs IELTS Overview
Universities require the GRE scores to check if the students are eligible for higher studies. The number of candidates appearing for IELTS are more than GRE. GRE exam focuses only on admissions of students to higher studies and abroad colleges. IELTS exam are used by candidates for multiple purposes including admission to top universities, higher studies and jobs abroad. IELTS is used by students as well as working professionals. This is the main reason for more candidates taking the IELTS exam. The differences between IELTS and GRE will help candidates to understand which is better GRE or IELTS:
| GRE exam vs IELTS Parameters | GRE | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Students appeared in 2022 | Around 7 lakhs | Around 30 lakhs |
| Frequency | 5 times a year | 48 times a year |
| Score range | 260-340 | 0-9 |
| Total Time | 3.45 hours | 2.55 hours |
| No. of questions | MCQs: 80; Unscored research section: 20 | 85 questions |
| Exam/ Registration Fee | 230 USD or INR 18,995 | 190 USD or INR 15,691 |
| Score Validity | GRE Score Validity - Upto 5 years | IELTS Score Validity - Upto 2 years |
Difference between GRE and IELTS
The most important question is what is the difference between GRE and IELTS. Candidates must understand the difference between IELTS and GRE to know which one is easier. Both tests are different in their own perspective. We have done an in-depth analysis of GRE Exam vs IELTS below:
| Examination Aspects | GRE | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
Eligibility Criteria |
Students interested in studying abroad can apply for the exam irrespective of your age or qualifications. | Students must have completed 12th level of education. |
| Students looking to get a masters degree may appear for this examination. | Taken by students who are from a non-English speaking country and want to continue their further education in abroad institutions. | |
Exam Pattern |
GRE Analytical Writing: Computer Based: 1 section: two tasks (60 minutes) Paper Based: 2 section: two tasks (60 minutes) |
IELTS Reading 40 questions (60 minutes) |
| GRE Verbal Reasoning: Computer based: 2 section: 40 questions (60 minutes) Paper Based: 2 section: 50 questions (70 minutes) |
IELTS Listening 40 questions (30 minutes) | |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning: Computer based: 2 section: 40 questions (70 minutes) Paper Based: 2 section: 50 questions (80 minutes) |
IELTS Speaking Question (11-14 minutes) | |
| Writing 2 Question (60 minutes) | ||
| Exam Duration | GRE general test - 3 hours and 45 minutes GRE subject test - 2 hours and 50 minutes |
IELTS - 2 hours and 55 with a break in between |
Marking Procedure |
The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning section is calculated on a scale of 130 to 170. The mean score of Verbal Reasoning is 151 whereas for Quantitative it is 153. The Analytical Writing ranges between 0 to 6 in half-point increments with the mean score of 4.0. |
The IELTS scores are calculated on a band score of 1 to 9.0. Generally, a band score of 6.5 or 7.0 is good for admissions in abroad universities. |
| Number of Attempts | Once in every 21 days Upto five times within rolling of 12 months duration | As many as 4 times a month or 48 times in a year |
| GRE exam vs IELTS Acceptance | Internationally accepted exam for graduates and postgraduate courses | Mandatory in every study abroad institution. IELTS is also Accepted in over 150 countries |
| IELTS vs GRE Difficulty | GRE test is much harder because it focusses on analytical and educational skills of the candidates. Candidate’s level of academic excellence in undergraduate subjects is tested. |
IELTS test is mostly focused on testing the english skills rather than the knowledge. Practicing IELTS practice papers will help the candidates prepare and cope with difficulty. |
GRE vs IELTS Which is Easier
There are many tests which the students can select among GRE vs GMAT vs TOEFL vs IELTS. Students get confused on which test to select for studying abroad. The IELTS vs GRE difficulty level is based on what is required for the candidate. The answer for IELTS vs GRE vs TOEFL is based on two basic questions. That is, ‘where are you?’ and ‘where do you want to be?’. When the students know the answer to both, they will be able to make this choice with clarity if GRE vs IELTS which is easier.
The first one is “Where are you”. This means the candidate’s academic qualification. If the student is a graduate, they can opt for GRE because they will opt for further studies. On the other hand, if some working professional wants to go abroad for work, they need to take up IELTS since it is for all genre of people.
The second question is “Where do you want to be?”. This means that students must have a clarity which college they want to get admitted in. If their dream college demands a qualifying GRE score range, then GRE is the one they should prepare for. If the college requires a certain threshold band from the IELTS exam, then they should prepare and attempt IELTS. Some colleges may even demand both, then they need to attempt both. It depends on what suits the candidate’s requirements. They need to understand among GRE vs IELTS which is better for them.
There are many difference between IELTS and GMAT and GRE. Candidates need to plan, relax, access and then understand their need. GRE vs GMAT vs TOEFl vs IELTS are the ones that candidates might select from for studying or working abroad. Candidates then need to practice GRE practice papers which are available online. Proper training and IELTS preparation will help reduce the IELTS vs GRE difficulty level for the candidates. GRE vs IELTS vs TOEFL might determine the colleges of the students who want to proceed with higher studies in other countries.
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