What is the difference between GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT?

So you are someone whose biggest dream is to study abroad. But you don’t know where to begin with. For a non-native English speaker, taking English proficiency tests count as the foremost task. Most of us are aware of the exams IELTS and TOEFL, and how they form an integral part of college admissions. Both IELTS and TOEFL exams are necessary to be taken for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. If you are planning to pursue your graduate studies abroad, then GRE or the Graduate Record Examination is mandatory. If you are someone aspiring to study management abroad then GMAT or Graduate Management Aptitude Test will open the gateway.

The confusion begins when you come across all four exams but are unaware of their content. It is essential to have a proper hold of the exam structure to correctly know which one should you take. For instance, often universities accept the GRE exam for management programs as well. Knowing the difference among all four exams is a significant step towards your studying abroad.

GRE or Graduate Record Examination

This is often the first priority for the major candidates as this one exam allows entry to both management as well as other grad programs. GRE, conducted by ETS tests the quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing skills of undergraduate students. Candidates need to showcase their skills within 3 hours 45 minutes. MS, MBA, MiM, Doctoral degrees, all these degrees accept GRE. across the world, more than 10,000 academic institutions consider this exam. Moreover, there is another option offered by ETS - GRE subject test which is taken to test your knowledge in a specific subject. GRE exam consists of questions that are based on the high-school level.

GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test

GMAT is a go-to exam for those management aspirers conducted by GMAC. It is a mandatory requirement for those abroad B-schools. GMAT syllabus tests verbal, quant, writing, and integrated reasoning skills. Recently, the GMAT online exam has also been launched to ensure the health safety of the candidates. Candidates get 2 hours 45 minutes to answer the questions. Numerous B-schools across the world including IIMs accept the GMAT score.

TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language

The TOEFL exam is a famous English proficiency test conducted by ETS that is accepted throughout the world. Though maximum US colleges and universities prefer TOEFL to IELTS. The TOEFL evaluates the skills through reading, speaking, writing, and listening. If you are a non-native English speaker then proving your English skills to the selected colleges is mandatory. It is accepted by over 9,000 academic institutions across 130 countries. The TOEFL syllabus is more inclined towards academic settings as compared to IELTS.

IELTS or International English Language Test 

The IELTS is another renowned English language test jointly conducted by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment of English. The IELTS exam pattern is similar to that of TOEFL - reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The IELTS exam is more inclined towards a real-time setting. IELTS is also accepted by over 9,000 institutions across the world. If you are looking to migrate or work abroad then you should take IELTS General Training. Otherwise, for academic purposes, IELTS Academic is the option. Recently due to COVID-19, the conducting bodies have produced an IELTS Indicator that enables candidates to take the exam from the safety of their residences. One highlighting fact about this exam is, the IELTS speaking test is a face-to-face test that is not applicable for the TOEFL exam.

Now, after having gained knowledge about the four main exams for studying abroad, the decision will lie to you. If you are someone who is dicey between a management course or any other graduate program then taking the GRE will be the best option. If you are confident about taking admission in one of the top Ivy League B-schools then opt for GMAT. There is no such difference between IELTS and TOEFL exams. Both the exams are equally accepted, therefore, candidates can take anyone. The major difference in GRE and GMAT is - while GRE has 3 sections, GMAT has 4.