[Published: 28 October 2026 | Last updated: 28 October 2026]
TL;DR
- Take the GMAT if you are applying only to MBA and business master's programmes, because it is built for business schools and accepted by more than 7,000 programmes (Great Lakes Institute of Management, 2026).
- Take the GRE if you want to keep both MBA and non-business master's programmes open, since most graduate schools accept it.
- The GMAT Focus Edition takes 2 hours 15 minutes and is scored from 205 to 805 (GMAC, 2026); the GRE takes about 1 hour 58 minutes and scores Verbal and Quant from 130 to 170 each (MBA Universe, 2026).
- The GMAT costs US$275 at a test centre and US$300 online (College Council, 2026), while the GRE costs US$249 from 1 August 2026 (Open Exam Prep, 2026).
- Scores from both tests stay valid for 5 years.
GMAT vs GRE for MBA: The Short Answer
For an MBA, the GMAT is the safer choice if you are sure about business school, and the GRE is the more flexible choice if you are not. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is designed only for business schools. The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is used for most graduate programmes, including many MBAs.
Think of the GMAT as a specialist and the GRE as a generalist. If every school on your list is a business school, the specialist test sends the clearest signal. If your list mixes an MBA with a master's in economics or public policy, one GRE score can cover all of them.
How the GMAT and GRE Formats Compare
The two tests are similar in length but test different skills. The GMAT Focus Edition has three 45-minute sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights (GMAC, 2026). The GRE has Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning (MBA Universe, 2026).
| Feature | GMAT Focus Edition | GRE General Test |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 2 hours 15 minutes | About 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Sections | Quant, Verbal, Data Insights | Analytical Writing, Verbal, Quant |
| Score range | 205 to 805 | 130 to 170 each for Verbal and Quant |
| Essay | No | Yes, one essay scored 0 to 6 |
| Fee | US$275 (centre) or US$300 (online) | US$249 from 1 August 2026 |
| Score validity | 5 years | 5 years |
Sources: GMAC (2026), MBA Universe (2026), College Council (2026), Open Exam Prep (2026), Great Lakes Institute of Management (2026), Prepp (2026).
The GMAT Focus Edition launched in November 2023 and removed the essay and the Sentence Correction questions (Great Lakes Institute of Management, 2026). On the GMAT, you can choose your section order, review questions, and change up to three answers per section (GMAC, 2026).
Which Test Is Easier for Bangladeshi Students?
Neither test is easier overall, but each favours different strengths. The GRE Verbal section depends heavily on advanced vocabulary, while the GMAT focuses more on logic, data interpretation and critical reasoning.
Many Bangladeshi students are strong in maths and logic from their HSC and university studies. If difficult English vocabulary is your weak point, the GMAT may suit you better. If you are comfortable with advanced reading and vocabulary, the GRE can be a good fit.
Our GRE vocabulary with Bangla meaning guide shows the kind of words the GRE expects, which is a quick way to judge your level.
Which Business Schools Accept the GMAT and GRE?
Almost all major business schools accept both tests today. The GMAT is accepted by more than 7,000 programmes worldwide (Great Lakes Institute of Management, 2026), and the GRE is accepted by more than 1,300 business schools and universities for business programmes (CATKing, 2026).
Some schools and some scholarships still state a preference for the GMAT, especially for MBA programmes. Check each school's admissions page for wording such as "GMAT preferred" before you decide.
How Much Do the GMAT and GRE Cost from Bangladesh?
The GRE is cheaper than the GMAT. The GRE General Test costs US$249 from 1 August 2026 in all countries except mainland China (Open Exam Prep, 2026). The GMAT Focus Edition has a base fee of US$275 at a test centre and US$300 online (College Council, 2026), and some countries add local taxes.
Both tests are paid in US dollars, so you need a card that supports international payments. Check the exact GMAT fee for Bangladesh on the official mba.com site when you register, since prices and taxes can differ by country.
How to Choose Between the GMAT and GRE
Use these questions to decide:
- Are you applying only to MBA or business master's programmes? Choose the GMAT.
- Are you also considering non-business master's degrees? Choose the GRE.
- Does any school or scholarship on your list prefer the GMAT? Choose the GMAT.
- Is advanced English vocabulary your weakest area? The GMAT may suit you better.
- Is the test fee a concern? The GRE costs less.
The best way to decide is to take one free official practice test of each. Compare your results with the average scores of your target schools, then commit to one test.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Between the GMAT and GRE
The most common mistake is choosing a test because a friend took it. Your target schools and your strengths should decide.
Other mistakes to avoid:
- Using old GMAT materials. Books published before November 2023 cover the old format with the essay and Sentence Correction.
- Comparing scores on different scales. A GMAT Focus score is on a 205 to 805 scale, so old 200 to 800 targets do not match directly.
- Ignoring English tests. Most MBA programmes still need IELTS, TOEFL or another English test on top of the GMAT or GRE. See our IELTS vs TOEFL guide for Bangladeshi students.
Frequently Asked Questions About GMAT vs GRE for MBA
Is the GMAT or GRE better for an MBA?
The GMAT is better if you are applying only to business schools, because it is designed for them. The GRE is better if you also want to apply to non-business master's programmes.
Do business schools prefer the GMAT over the GRE?
Most business schools accept both equally. Some MBA programmes and scholarships still state a preference for the GMAT, so check each school's admissions page.
How long is the GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition takes 2 hours 15 minutes, with three 45-minute sections (GMAC, 2026).
What is the GMAT fee?
The GMAT Focus Edition has a base fee of US$275 at a test centre and US$300 online (College Council, 2026). Some countries add local taxes, so check the price for Bangladesh on mba.com.
How long are GMAT and GRE scores valid?
Both GMAT and GRE scores are valid for 5 years (Great Lakes Institute of Management, 2026; Prepp, 2026).
Does the GMAT have an essay?
No. The GMAT Focus Edition removed the Analytical Writing essay in November 2023 (Great Lakes Institute of Management, 2026). The GRE still has one essay.
What to Remember Before You Choose
- Choose the GMAT for business-only applications and the GRE for a mix of programmes.
- The GRE costs less, at US$249, while the GMAT starts at US$275.
- Take one free official practice test of each before you decide.
- Most MBA programmes also need an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL.