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GRE vs GATE: Know the Difference Between GRE And GATE

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Competitive exams are essential to a student’s preparation, particularly for Indians; it has been GRE and GATE. Many international & Indian students who want to pursue higher education abroad have this thought which is better GRE or GATE. Both the exams are popular examinations, which help students in booming their careers.

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GATE is an entrance test for Indian Universities in masters programs. GRE is an admission test for masters programs in universities abroad. If we look over the difference between GRE and GATE, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is based on subjects that are educated in graduation (B. E or B. tech). It is an opportunity to get admission into top universities in India for master’s programs. In addition, it also permits you to pursue a master’s program in some abroad countries too. In comparison, GRE is an international competitive exam that is not just restricted to engineering. You can apply to numerous business and management courses with your GRE scores. If you’re a bit confused about which exam, i.e., GRE vs GATE to apply for, the following article will brief you on understanding the difference between GRE and GATE.

Table of Contents

What is GATE and GRE Exams?

Applying for GRE vs GATE has various benefits as GATE opens your door to pursue MTech from prestigious colleges in India such as IIT, NIT, IISc along with some abroad universities or colleges.  And GRE is a standardised test that needs to be taken in order to get admission into graduate schools in the US and Canada.

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test of Engineering)

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

Graduate Aptitude Test of Engineering or GATE is an entrance exam that is required for admission to the MTech Programs in India. The Indian Institute of Technology Colleges conducts the GATE exam.

 

The GATE scores are a mandatory requirement for getting into the Top IITs and the affiliated engineering universities in India. The exam is conducted on a computer-based mode.

The Graduate Record Examinations or GRE is a graduate-level general test accepted by thousands of graduates and engineering colleges worldwide. The examination is structured in a way that can effectively assess the student's quantitative and verbal skills.

 

This entrance test was first developed and administered by the Educational Testing Agency (ETS), a US private non-profit organisation. The GRE scores are also accepted by the Top Engineering Universities worldwide.

Now that you know about the two exams, let's have a quick look over the GRE vs GATE top universities abroad.

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Top Universities for GRE vs GATE

The rankings measure an institution’s commitments to building a sustainable world with emphasis on their impact beyond campus grounds. The major locations represented include the United States, with 134 institutions ranked, China, Mainland (39) Germany (36), the United Kingdom (67), Australia (34) and Italy (32).

If you’re strongly strongminded to do your Master’s from abroad or India, then these universities will accept your GRE or GATE scores to achieve your post-graduate degree.

Top Universities for GATE

Top Universities for GRE

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Pennsylvania State University

Technical University of Munich

Ohio State University

National University of Singapore (NUS)

New York University

RWTH Aachen University

Indiana University

 

Boston University

Focusing over to the traditional era, the GATE scores are mainly accepted in Indian institutes only. But now GATE students can also have access to the above-mentioned foreign institutes. All they need to fulfil the score criteria required by the specific universities.

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What are the Key Differences between GRE vs GATE?

The key difference between GRE and GATE is that the latter is a graduate admissions exam that helps you to get into master's degree programs across the world. Whereas GATE is an engineering test that the engineering colleges in India & abroad also accept.

The following GRE and GATE difference chart will give you a quick look at some crucial aspects related to both the exam along with highlighting their key differences between GRE and GATE:

Particulars

GRE

GATE 

Total Students Appeared in 2021

Around 2 lakhs

8.5 Lakhs

Frequency

5 times

1 times

Scoring Range

260-340

0-100

Computer-adaptive

Yes

Yes

Total Time

3 hours & 45 minutes

3 hours

Total no. of questions

  • MCQs: 80; 
  • Unscored research section: 20

Total: 65 questions

Exam Fee

213 USD

1,500 INR

Validity

GRE scores valid upto 5 years

3 years

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GRE vs GATE: Differences in Sections, Numbers and Types of Questions 

Is GRE vs GATE syllabus same? Below we have discussed the GRE and GATE in terms of their sections i.e., questions types, time limit etc. Let's discuss it now.

GRE

  • Each section of the GRE test has a time limit and it varies based on its sections.
  • The GRE paper is divided into three sections i.e. analytical writing, verbal and quantitative reasoning section. 
  • The test is conducted in two different modes which are paper-based and computer-based. The paper pattern of two modes differs from each other.

Let us see the exam pattern of the GRE test.:

GRE Sections

Paper-based GRE Pattern

Computer-based GRE Pattern

 

No. of Section

Duration

No. of Section

Duration

Analytical Writing

2 sections- 2 tasks

60 minutes

1 section- two tasks

60 minutes

Verbal Reasoning

2 sections- 50 questions

70 minutes

2 section- 40 questions

60 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning

2 sections- 50 questions

80 minutes

2 section- 40 questions

70 minutes

Unscored

NA

NA

Varies

Varies

Research

NA

NA

Varies

Varies

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GATE

  • The GATE paper is divided into two sections General Aptitude and Numerical Questions.
  • The students have to select one subject out of 27 for the numerical aptitude test.
  • The General Aptitude is the same in every paper and it contains 15% marks out of 100. 

The exam pattern for GATE is given below:

Section

Total Marks

Time Allotted

General Aptitude

15

3 hours

Numerical Answer Type Questions

85

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GRE vs GATE: Eligibility Criteria  

A common difference between GRE vs GATE is their eligibility criteria. Let's discuss the eligibility criteria of each of these exams given below.

GRE

To be eligible for the GRE application form, you are required to meet the following criteria:

  • You must have completed your 18 years of age for the GRE exam without anyone's consent. 
  • There are no specific upper age limit criteria.
  • Since it is a graduate entrance, you are required to have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
  • You can appear in the GRE test a maximum of five times in a year, but with a 21 days gap between each one of the reattempts.

GATE

The eligibility criteria for the application of GATE exam is given below.

  • You must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering/architecture/technology discipline from a recognised university.
  • Marks relaxation is given to students based on their category.
  • Final year students are also eligible for the exam.
  • There are no minimum age limit criteria for the exam.

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GRE vs GATE: Syllabus and Marking Scheme 

The next aspect we are going to explore is the difference between GRE and GATE syllabus. Let us now understand GRE vs GATE which is tough and differs from each other:

GRE Section Wise Exam Pattern 

Section

Questions

Score Range

Analytical Writing

Analyses an Issue task and an argument task

0-6 with 0.5 point increment

Verbal Reasoning

Text Completion, Reading Comprehension, and Sentence Equivalence

130-170 with 1 point increment

Quantitative Reasoning

Quantitative Comparison Questions, Multiple Choice Questions, and a Numeric Entry Questions

130-170 with 1 point increment

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GATE Question Wise Exam Pattern 

After discussing the GRE and GATE syllabus, let's have a look at the costs of both tests:

Section

Questions

Marks

General Aptitude

Verbal Ability and Numerical Ability questions

15

Numerical Answer Type Questions

Subjective Questions based on the course you are taken in the exam

85

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GRE vs GATE: Fee Structure 

Coming to the fees structure of both the GRE and GATE tests. The application fees for GATE is 1,500 INR for General or OBC students and 750 for SC, ST and PWD students. No extra costs are required for changing or rescheduling in the GATE exam.

GRE fees on the other hand, differ from one country to another. This may include:

  • 230 USD for Australia
  • 213 USD for India 
  • 231 USD for China
  • 205 USD for other parts of the world.

Apart from the application fees, you have to pay an extra charge for rescheduling, time change, slot, venue, and cancellation of exam.

GRE vs GATE: Competition and Level of Difficulty 

When we discuss GRE vs GATE difficulty? The GATE is a more popular exam as compared to the GRE. This is due to its less expensive and more readily available for multiple engineering universities. It can also depict that getting top rank score in the exam is somewhat more competitive that makes it the most difficult to achieve.

Whereas, the number of students appearing in the GRE exam is 3 lakhs out of which 20% are Indian applicants. However, the total number of students who take the GATE exam is around 8.5 lakhs every year from across the world.

Hence, we can say that the GATE is more competitive in the GRE and GATE comparison, difficulty level.

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GATE vs GRE: Which One to Consider?

Moving ahead, let's answer the question - Which one to consider between GATE vs GRE?

Choosing the GRE test will enable you to study at any university in any graduate program that would ensure you a great future. A GRE score will get you exposure in various top institutions and a cut-throat competition across the world. 

GATE on the other hand, gets you into a dream university. This one is both cost efficient compared to the GRE. A GATE score also offers an opportunity to apply for various scholarships for financial aid. You may also have an option to do a teaching profession through GATE.

Coming to the GRE and GATE syllabus, the quantitative part of GRE is highly difficult for  students who are non-native English students. Whereas the general aptitude of GATE is somewhat on an easier side.

Overall to choose the best among the two, it will surely be up to you. If you're looking to study an MEng program at study abroad institutions then submitting the GRE scores is preferred more than your GATE. Whereas if you are preparing for MTech at top IITs in India you can get it by doing a strong preparation in the GATE test.

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GRE and GATE, they both require you an ample amount of time for the preparation and can be qualified with a good diligent preparation. Both of them give you a great opportunity to study at top engineering colleges. However, the major question is whether you want to get enrolled in an Indian institute or study abroad. And if you want to get good scores in GRE you will be required to practise as much mock test as possible, you can avail our premium package of GRE Prep Plus for 6 months in just 99/- INR and have a lot of benefits while preparing for GRE exam.

Also Read:

Best Free GRE Resources in 2022

GRE Score Chart

GRE Syllabus 2022

GRE Exam Eligibility 2022

GRE Self Study Plan

GRE 1 Month Study Plan

Frequently Asked Questions About GATE vs GRE

Ques. Which is better GRE or GATE?

Ans. Apart from a few of the German technical colleges and some odd universities of Singapore, the GATE scores are only accepted by IIS and the IITs of India. GRE on the other hand has a global reach and has a much better global reach as its scores are accepted by various study abroad institutions.

Ques. Is GRE and GATE syllabus same?

Ans. No, they both have different syllabus. The GATE paper is more focused on the subjective questions of engineering courses. And the GRE paper contains questions of Analytical, Verbal and Quantitative types.

Ques. Is GATE equivalent to GRE?

Ans. No, they both are not equivalent. The GATE is usually written to get admissions at the Engineering Universities of India whereas the GRE is for foreign universities.

Ques. When can one attempt the GRE and GATE?

Ans. The GRE exam can be attempted 5 times a year, whereas the GATE can be attempted for only 1 time in a year.

Ques. What is the validity of GRE and GATE scores?

Ans. The GRE test scores are valid for 5 years and GATE test scores are available for three year.

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