GRE and TOEFL: Major Differences Between GRE & TOEFL

When planning to study abroad, exams like the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) play an important role in securing admissions to prestigious universities. Both tests serve different purposes — while the GRE measures your readiness for graduate programs, the TOEFL validates your English proficiency. Understanding their differences, content, and preparation strategies can help you ace these exams effectively. This blog provides comprehensive comparison and preparation tips to guide you through the process for GRE and TOEFL exams.

GRE vs TOEFL Exam

While both the GRE and TOEFL exams are often prerequisites for international studies, their objectives and content differ significantly. We have mentioned the major differences between the GRE and TOEFL exams below:

i. Purpose: The purpose of both exams varies significantly. You can refer to the details mentioned in the list below:

• GRE: Focuses on assessing analytical and critical thinking skills required for graduate-level courses across disciplines.
• TOEFL: Evaluates your ability to understand, speak, and write English fluently in an academic environment.

ii. Content Focus: The content included in both exams has a lot of major differences which have been mentioned below:

• GRE: GRE includes sections like quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.
• TOEFL: The TOEFL examination focuses on language skills — reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

iii. Test Format: The test format for GRE and TOEFL also has a few major differences. These differences include:

• GRE: The GRE exam is adaptive by section; the difficulty level adjusts based on your performance in each section.
• TOEFL: The TOEFL exam does not adapt to your responses; tasks are fixed for all candidates.

iv. Score Usage: The scores attained in the GRE and TOEFL exams have different use cases. These use cases have been given below:

• GRE: GRE scores are used to evaluate academic readiness for graduate programs.
• TOEFL: TOEFL cores are used to determine English proficiency for international students.

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GRE vs TOEFL: Comparison Table

Here’s a quick comparison to highlight the differences of the GRE and TOEFL examinations:

Feature	GRE (General)	TOEFL (iBT)
Purpose	Graduate program admission	English language proficiency
Sections	Verbal, Quantitative, Writing	Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Duration	~1 hour 58 minutes	~3 hours
Total Score Range	260–  340	0–120
Target Audience	Graduate school applicants	Non-native English speakers
Fees	₹22,550	₹16,900
Validity	5 years	2 years
Format	Adaptive	Fixed Format

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What is the GRE Exam?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a globally recognized standardized test required for admissions to graduate programs in various disciplines, including science, engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE assesses skills essential for academic success at the graduate level. It evaluates critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving skills. It is widely used to measure and validate your skills in basic math, data analysis, and college-level vocabulary.

i. Key Features of the GRE Exam

The key features of the GRE examination have been discussed below:

Purpose: The GRE assesses skills necessary for success in graduate-level academic programs. It is commonly required for engineering, business, science, and humanities degrees.

Types of GRE Exams: There are two types of GRE exams that you can appear for:

• GRE General Test: This test measures your analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills.
• GRE Subject Test: The GRE subject test focuses on specific fields, such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology.

Duration: The duration for the GRE exam has been discussed in brief below:

• General Test: Lasts approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.
• Subject Tests: Vary in length, typically lasting 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the subject.

Fees for Indian Test-Takers: The GRE exam fees for both exam types vary and it has been mentioned below:

• General Test: ₹22,550 
• Subject Test: ₹14,500 

Eligibility Criteria: The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is open to a wide range of candidates, as ETS (Educational Testing Service) has not set rigid eligibility criteria. This flexibility makes it accessible for students and professionals aspiring to pursue graduate or doctoral programs worldwide. A valid passport is the only valid requirement to appear for the GRE examination.

Validity: The GRE score is applicable for 5 years from the day of the examination.

Marking Scheme: The GRE is scored on a scale of 260 to 340, with separate scores for each section. 

Also Read: GRE Exam Pattern

What is the TOEFL Exam?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) evaluates the English language skills of non-native speakers. It is primarily used for university admissions in some of the best countries to study abroad like the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. The test ensures students can understand, communicate, and excel in English-based academic environments. The TOEFL exam’s flexibility in scheduling and test formats makes it an excellent choice for international students aiming to demonstrate their English language proficiency for academic purposes.

i. Key Features of the TOEFL Exam

The key features of the TOEFL examination have been discussed below:

Purpose of TOEFL: The exam evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in academic English across four key areas: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. 

Types of TOEFL Exams: Candidates can choose between two formats based on their convenience:

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)

• Conducted at test centers and is the most widely accepted format.
• Assesses English skills required for academic and professional settings.

TOEFL Home Edition

• A secure, at-home version of the TOEFL iBT.
• Provides greater flexibility for test-takers who cannot access a test center.

Duration: The TOEFL iBT takes about 3 hours to complete. 

Fees for Indian Test-Takers: ₹16,900

Eligibility Criteria: The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a widely recognized test for students planning to study abroad. Fortunately, the eligibility criteria for the TOEFL are minimal, making it accessible to a wide range of candidates. However, candidates planning to study abroad are generally required to have completed their 10+2 (high school education) from a recognized board. This serves as a prerequisite for university admissions and indirectly becomes a qualification to take the TOEFL.

Validity: TOEFL scores remain valid for 2 years from the test date.

Marking Scheme:: Each section is scored on a scale of 0–30, with a total score range of 0–120. Most universities require a minimum score of 80–100 for admission.

Pro Tip: If you are considering studying abroad, you can refer to our blog on the advantages of studying abroad to learn about the advantages of that decision. 

GRE and TOEFL Exam Preparation Tips

Preparing for the GRE and TOEFL requires a strategic approach, as both tests evaluate different skill sets. To excel in these exams, it’s essential to have a well-structured study plan, make use of reliable resources, and practice consistently to strengthen your skills.

Here are a few preparation tips to ace these examinations:

• Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure and question types of both exams. Use official practice materials to get accustomed to the test environment.
• Develop Analytical Skills: Develop your analytical skills to score good marks in both the GRE and TOEFL examinations. 
• Focus on Quantitative and Verbal Sections: Strengthen your math fundamentals for quantitative sections of the GRE. Additionally, build a strong vocabulary for verbal reasoning by reading academic journals and using flashcards.
• Take Mock Tests: Regular mock tests for both GRE and TOEFL will help you improve speed and accuracy. By appearing for mock tests, you can analyze your mistakes and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Enhance English Proficiency: For TOEFL, engage in activities like reading English books, watching movies, and listening to podcasts to improve fluency.
• Seek Feedback: Record your responses to TOEFL speaking tasks and get feedback from proficient English speakers or instructors.
• Time Management: Practice completing sections of both exams within the allocated time to ensure you can handle the pressure on test day.

Conclusion

Both the GRE and TOEFL serve different yet essential purposes for international students. The GRE measures academic readiness and critical thinking skills, while the TOEFL evaluates your command of the English language. Understanding their formats, preparing effectively, and choosing the right resources can increase your chances of success in acing both these exams. Whether you need one or both exams depends on your chosen university and program requirements.

IELTS is another widely taken English proficiency test. You can check out our blog on TOEFL vs IELTS to learn more about the key differences between these two examinations. 

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