GRE vs TOEFL: Which One to Choose in 2025?

Candidates aspiring to study abroad in some popular destinations like US, UK, Australia, Canada, etc, take exams like the GRE and TOEFL to get admission to their graduate programs in the best universities. Scores in these tests help the admission committee evaluate your level of English proficiency for your academic success. Scores on these tests also help students to seek financial aid or funding for their studies abroad. GRE test scores assess your ability to manage graduate-level coursework, whereas TOEFL scores ensure you are well-prepared for success in an English-speaking academic environment.

There are few similarities between the GRE vs TOEFL even though they are different tests. Understanding similarities can help clarify why some test-takers mistakenly believe the two tests are the same or interchangeable, even though they are not always comparable.

1. Collective Aim: GRE and TOEFL serve as tools for institutions to evaluate your preparedness for your studies abroad. Universities in countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia use these scores, along with other application materials, to assess your academic potential. 

2. Test Administrator: GRE and TOEFL tests are conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This non-profit organization develops, and aids standardized tests across the globe and is well known for its strict testing standards and safety measures for fair test results.

3. Test Registration: GRE and TOEFL are conducted by the same administrative body ETS which is why the registration process is almost similar for both of the tests. Candidates have to open an account and use the same to register for both exams.

4. Test Duration: The GRE test lasts for 1 hour and 58 minutes which is slightly under 2 hours. Similarly, the TOEFL test lasts 1 hour and 56 minutes long which is just 2 minutes shorter than the GRE. Hence both tests require the same focus to perform better.

Even though both exams serve the same purpose, exam patterns for the GRE and TOEFL have many differences. Here is the exam pattern for both exams.

Test Pattern for GRE

Test Pattern for TOEFL

GRE percentiles help students understand how they rank compared to other test-takers. Achieving a high percentile is important, as some universities prioritize percentile cutoffs over raw scores. Additionally, universities use percentiles to compare candidates' academic profiles and select the most qualified applicants. To get a better understanding of the section-wise GRE percentiles preferred by institutions over time, refer to the statistics provided below.

TOEFL Scoring Scheme

The GRE is generally considered more challenging than the TOEFL, as it includes more complex vocabulary and reading comprehension questions. While the GRE also features basic math questions similar to those on other tests, strong math skills are necessary to perform well.

In contrast, the TOEFL is simpler for those with strong English proficiency. It focuses primarily on evaluating your English language skills rather than testing your knowledge of math or advanced writing concepts.

General confusion among candidates is to choose the right exam for themselves. However, it is advised to check for specific requirements of universities before appearing for any exam, as some institutions require both scores, or one, or others. Practice tests can help you choose the right exam by assessing your performance.

GRE: The GRE is typically taken by students applying to graduate programs in various fields, including business (for MBA programs), engineering, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. Anyone applying to a graduate school or business school (that requires GRE scores) should take the GRE.

‍TOEFL: The TOEFL is specifically for students who are non-native English speakers and need to demonstrate their English proficiency for admission to an English-language university or program. If you are applying to an English-speaking university and English is not your first language, you will likely need to take the TOEFL.

GRE Alternatives: Some universities offer alternatives to the GRE, such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for business programs or other field-specific assessments. Additionally, some schools have moved to a test-optional model, meaning applicants can choose whether to submit GRE scores.

‍TOEFL Alternatives: Some universities accept other English proficiency tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Cambridge English exams as alternatives to TOEFL.

In conclusion, GRE and TOEFL are tests people take to seek admission in grad schools. While the GRE determines the preparedness of a candidate for graduate-level coursework, TOEFL measures their proficiency in the English language. Understanding the differences between GRE vs TOEFL is important to choose the right test for your abilities. Universities consider test scores as a key factor in the admission process. It is advised to thoroughly research each university’s score requirements and submit your test scores and the documents they need.

1. Compare the difficulty level between GRE vs TOEFL.

Candidates feel the GRE is more challenging than TOEFL as it involves complex exercises of reading comprehension with challenging vocabulary.

2. What is the cost of the GRE Exam?

The exam cost associated with the GRE in India is around ₹22550(INR).

3. What is the cost of the TOEFL Exam in India?

TOEFL iBT exam typically costs around ₹16,900(INR).

4. Is the GRE Test Challenging for Indian Students?

The difficulty level of the GRE is based on the candidate’s preparedness for the exam. However first-timers often feel GRE is challenging.

5. How many times can I appear for the GRE?

The GRE test is conducted 5 times a year and a candidate should wait at least 21 days before appearing for the exam the second time.