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GRE vs TOEFL: Which One to Choose in 2025?

The GRE and TOEFL appear as primary exam requirements for students who wish to study abroad at English-speaking institutions. The two standardized test standards serve international students who plan to study at English-speaking institutions in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and other countries. Learning the appropriate qualification test presents students with a challenging selection process. The tests have distinct functions, which results in students struggling to determine their suitable exam according to their study goals.

We will provide guidance on how to differentiate between GRE and TOEFL alongside their grading methodologies and entry criteria, and additional decisive elements that will enable you to select between them. AaoSeekhe offers students valuable resources along with practice materials through its platform to help students excel in their exams while improving their success potential.

All About GRE and TOEFL Exam: 

Students willfully seeking admission into graduate or business schools, including Master's degree programs and doctoral or master's level degrees, should prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The process of GRE evaluation primarily measures students through critical thinking ability, and it also includes reasoning and general knowledge as essential factors. All sections in the evaluation comprise equal value, including verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning with analytical writing.

English language proficiency receives evaluation through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Academic admissions at English-speaking universities require students to take the test because it determines their ability to communicate in English through speaking and writing. English language learners must complete the test before studying programs that require instruction in English.

Similarities Between the GRE and TOEFL

Both the GRE and TOEFL deliver different types of assessments but include certain identical aspects.

  1. The purposes of these examinations match because universities use them to evaluate students for admission into their academic programs. These exams enable higher education institutions to validate that new students possess the necessary language competence (TOEFL) or mental acuity (GRE) needed to succeed academically.
  2. These assessment programs have received international recognition that makes them acceptable to academic institutions across nations such as the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.
  3. The Educational Testing Service manages both GRE and TOEFL tests due to its status as a global non-profit organization dedicated to standardized test development.
  4. On their official ETS website, students can perform both exam registration procedures. Through the official website, candidates need to establish their account to access the registration steps for every test they take.
  5. Test durations of the GRE extend to 3 hours and 45 minutes yet the TOEFL examination runs for approximately 3 hours. The time requirements for both tests differ, but each exam demands the same degree of concentration throughout their duration. 

Test Format: GRE vs TOEFL

The two exams have distinct formats, which are explained below in a comparison of their structures:

GRE Test Pattern

  • The analytical writing portion provides one question to evaluate a specific issue. Time allotted: 30 minutes.
  • The verbal reasoning section consists of two parts that measure your strength in written material analysis along with evaluation tasks. The examination time spans 35 minutes, where students must complete 18 minutes for the first section and 23 minutes for the second one.
  • The complete testing time is 47 minutes, of which the first part is 21 minutes long and the second part is 26 minutes long. 

TOEFL Test Pattern

  • Time Limit for the TOEFL Test: 35 Minutes Reading with 20 Items requiring the Interpretation of Academic Texts. 
  • Listening includes academic lectures and conversations, divided into 36 minutes with 28 questions to listen.
  • You will need 16 minutes to complete 4 speaking activities that demand opinion-sharing alongside a material summary.
  • The writing section consists of 29 minutes for the two required writing assignments pulled from listening and reading content.

Differences in Scoring System: GRE vs TOEFL

The scoring mechanisms for these tests differ so applicants need to know the specific approaches used for evaluation.

GRE Scoring System

The GRE evaluation system uses a quantitative rating system running from 130 to 170 for the verbal and quantitative sections together. The analytical writing section receives scores from 0 to 6. The GRE score provides an indicator to identify students with superior academic status and better placement ranks.

  • Verbal Reasoning: Scored between 130–170
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Scored between 130–170
  • Analytical Writing: Scored between 0–6

TOEFL Scoring System

Each TOEFL section comes with a score range from zero to thirty and these scores add up to the total score between zero and one hundred twenty. The English language proficiency level increases as the score becomes higher.

  • Reading: Scored from 0 to 30
  • Listening: Scored from 0 to 30
  • Speaking: Scored from 0 to 30
  • Writing: Scored from 0 to 30

Different Levels of Difficulties of the GRE and the TOEFL 

Each test installs a different level of difficulty because every person performs more comfortably in some areas than others. Several elements become important when evaluating these tests:

  1. GRE Exam Difficulty: Students find the GRE tougher to manage because it includes challenging word selection, deductive writing and quantitative reasoning assessment tasks. A complete exam measures your ability to qualify for both graduate education and business school admission.
  2. TOEFL Exam Difficulty: Students who already demonstrate excellent command of English tend to find TOEFL tests easier compared to other candidates. The TOEFL evaluates academic English proficiency through assessment of your abilities to comprehend as well as write, speak and listen to the language in academic settings.

The Decision Between Test-Taking GRE or Taking TOEFL Should Be Considered by Students: 

The selection process between GRE and TOEFL depends on your university application targets, along with the exact requirements set by your target educational institutions.

You should select the GRE test for graduate school applications because it fits the requirements of MS and MBA programs. The GRE becomes necessary for university entry because the exam checks your potential for succeeding in advanced college studies.

Non-native English speakers should take the TOEFL because it verifies their English language skills. Most universities need the TOEFL to confirm your ability to take part in classes conducted in English.

Key Factors to Consider: GRE vs TOEFL

Considerations

GRE

TOEFL

Exam Fees

₹22,550 (INR)

₹16,900 (INR)

Score Validity

5 years

2 years

Format

Computer-based and paper-based

Computer-based and paper-based

Purpose

Testing graduate school readiness stands as one of the key purposes behind Graduate Record Examinations administration.

To test English language proficiency

Required For

Graduate programs (MS, MBA)

Non-native English speakers

Alternatives to GRE and TOEFL

The majority of universities today allow students to present alternative exams while also maintaining voluntary test requirements.

Students seeking admission to business schools can take the GMAT as an alternate test to the GRE. GMAT is accepted as an alternative for GRE by many universities around the globe. Most institutions recognize the International English Language Testing System or IELTS, as an alternate qualification to TOEFL to test English-language proficiency.

Students can use alternative exams consisting of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and Cambridge English exams because educational institutions accept them extensively.

Conclusion

International students need to understand that GRE and TOEFL play essential roles in the admission procedure even though they remain distinct assessment methods. Your GRE performance represents general graduate-level readiness and the TOEFL tests your English proficiency skills precisely. The appropriate exam selection depends on which program you apply to, and which subjects you are strong in, together with your capability to understand the language. Check university application requirements before you start preparation, since you need to follow their unique specifications.

AaoSeekhe serves as an excellent online platform for students who need expert guidance and practice material to prepare for the GRE and TOEFL exams on their way to academic success.