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GRE vs GATE - Know The Differences and Details

gre vs gate

Exams have become a major part of every student’s life, whether it be in high school or in university. Competitive exams are an integral part of a student’s preparation, and especially for Indians, it has been GRE and GATE. These exams have gained so much momentum in the past decade. They are attempting either to get into a well-established university in India (in the case of GATE) or to get into an International university. Both of these exams (GRE vs GATE) have their own advantages, and they are discussed below.

Brief About GRE Exam

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In GRE vs GATE, GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a competitive exam written by students to get into a university abroad. These types of exams have become mandatory to get admission to an international university. GRE exam tests your analytical and quantitative skills and also your English proficiency. It also tests one’s ability to understand and apply basic thoughts. Preparing for GRE is not an easy task due to its computer-adaptive nature.

ETS, the abbreviation of Educational Testing Services, conduct this exam worldwide at different examination centres. GRE has become the most written exam as more and more students are aiming to pursue their higher studies abroad, and cracking this paper would help them achieve their goals.

Now comes the question, what are the topics in GRE? Below are Details about what the GRE comprises of

Analytical Writing:

This section includes and considers how you analyze and react to a particular situation or issue. The analytical writing section has both an “issue” and an “argument” where we need to analyze both of them to score good grades. Issue tasks are usually based on general statements and should be analyzed. These have separate times each - 30 minutes to analyze and write about it.

Verbal Reasoning:

This section tests your English proficiency and includes sections like reading comprehension, text completion and sentence equivalence. The total time for this whole section is 60 minutes, and the marks range from 130-170. Text completion is all about filling in the blanks in a given paragraph with a suitable option. Sentence equivalence is where you choose a sentence closest to the meaning of the previous sentence. Reading comprehension is where a paragraph or a set of paragraphs is given, and questions related to them should be answered. These questions might not be directly from the paragraph and test your understanding of the author.

Quantitative Reasoning:

This section includes problems from algebra, statistics, data analysis, geometry, etc. Quantitative Reasoning has a time limit of 35 minutes. A quantitative comparison is where you compare two quantities based on the relationship given in the question. Problem-solving questions mostly include mathematics and have sections like “more than one correct answer”, “numeric entry”, etc.

Here is a detailed YouTube video on GRE or GATE – Which one Should I Choose?

https://youtu.be/TUZoOUgvFI4

Brief About GATE Exam

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In GRE vs GATE, GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is an exam written by Indians to get into universities like IIT, IISC, etc., for studies after their UG. This exam is conducted separately for separate courses by the Indian Institutes of Technology. This exam tests the grip of the candidate on the basics and also the analysis of the questions.

The exam comprises general aptitude, technical and engineering mathematics questions. A total time of 3 hours is given for attempting the paper. This is a CBT-Computer Based Exam and has both multiple-choice questions and numeric entry questions. The qualifying mark varies based on the caste of the student.

What Choose: GRE vs GATE?

GRE vs GATE. Choosing GRE would give you more exposure to foreign universities and the cut-throat competition in the world outside India.

Opting for GRE will enable you to study at any university with any course, which would ensure a bright future. You can attempt either a PBT or IBT test. This score is also valid for 5 years and is a great study abroad opportunity for students who are willing to have work experience as well. English can be a major scoring point in GRE, and most admissions abroad are taken through this portal.

Choosing GATE would help you to get into your dream academy. This is cost-efficient when compared to GRE. Also, PSU or Public Sector Undertakings are also done through GATE, i.e. companies like NHPC Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited hire candidates based on these scores. Students who have written GATE can also apply for scholarships for their financial aid. The teaching profession can also be pursued through GATE and is a highly-paid job in India. GATE can also fetch you a student visa based on the score obtained.

How to Prepare for GRE vs GATE?

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Till now, you might have understood what the GRE and GATE exams are. So, when you choose to appear for any of these exams, you must ensure to prepare an effective plan to study for the examination. Cramming doesn’t work for exams like GRE vs GATE, as achieving an impressive score is possible only through significant preparation.

Preparing for GRE

Being a computer-adaptive competitive exam, GRE is often considered an extremely challenging task. However, if you prepare well in advance, it becomes likely that you will score good marks.

We’ve listed the following ways you can use to prepare effectively for your GRE exam:

1. Read non-fiction:
Reading a good number of non-fiction books regularly can help you improve your vocabulary skills, helping you ace the verbal reasoning section. In addition, try to read new topics instead of just reading your favourite genre repetitively. This will help you develop an understanding of different areas to perform well in the comprehension section, which includes diverse texts.

2. Divide the time:
This is an important step as you must devote appropriate time to each section and focus on scoring an overall score. Start with the section that you find more difficult. Practice enough questions, understand the concepts and then take mock tests.

3. Collect online or offline resources:
In today’s era, it’s easier for students to find plenty of study material online, which is both an advantage and disadvantage to some extent. You must use resources that are valuable and add value to your knowledge instead of just repeating what you already know. Try to use different types of resources like video content, audio content and written content, etc.

Preparing for GATE

As GATE is a national-level exam, you should focus on making yourself aware of all the rules and regulations before taking the exam. For instance, exam patterns, syllabi, required study materials, guidance from experts, etc., can help you prepare efficiently.

Let’s look at some of the steps you can take to prepare well for your GATE exam:

1. Know the syllabus:
Before you start the preparation, know the syllabus and understand the fundamental concepts that will help you solve more questions easily. In addition, you can make notes for formulas, important concepts, questions, etc. To make the process interesting in the long run, you can try to use sticky notes, charts, etc., which will look good and keep you motivated to study.

2. Start Early:
Early bird advantage applies to the candidates preparing for GATE as well. If you start preparing early, you’ll have plenty of time to cover all the topics and do proper revision. Usually, people prepare a timetable which is very hard to follow due to the strict routines. This happens because they start preparing late and have less time in hand.

3. Proper Revision:
Students tend to focus so much on learning new topics that they forget to revise previous topics. Revision is as important as learning new concepts. It helps you polish your skills and knowledge and attempt your exam well.

Differences Between GRE vs GATE

  • GATE is usually written for admission to Indian institutions, and GRE for foreign universities.
  • The GATE score is valid for 3 years, whereas GRE is valid for 5 years.
  • GATE has a maximum score of 100, whereas GRE has a maximum score of 340.
  • GATE has negative markings, so the questions should be attempted carefully, whereas GRE does not.

GRE vs GATE Advantages & Disadvantages

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GRE vs GATE. Coming to GATE has advantages the GATE score can be a basis for hiring in the PSU or Public Sector Undertakings like Oil and Natural Gas Company Limited, Bharat Heavy Electronics, etc. GATE can also be scope for research fellowships as R & D is a booming sector now. MNCs do look for the GATE scores during the placement drive and the university the student has graduated from. So chances are you might get into your dream company with the right motivation.

GATE also makes you eligible for graduation abroad through a student visa. It does not have any specific disadvantages, but the high fee for GATE coaching and the exam being highly competitive might be a tiring and stressful task for students.

GRE, on the other hand, also has its advantages, such as broad exposure to industries, the culture outside India, diverse courses, etc. Also, during the preparation, English fluency would drastically increase and would be helpful in communication later on. You have the freedom to choose a university in any country of your choice, like MBA degree abroad. Of course depending on your scores. It also has higher competition for students aiming for higher studies abroad.

The high tuition fee and GRE exam might be reasons for students not to choose GRE.

 

Conclusion

GATE vs GRE both need an ample amount of time for preparation, and both can be cracked if you are persistent enough. They are considered to be the most written exams by Indians. Both exams are worth a try and would be a life-changing opportunity for students. So, to all students out there, remember to follow your dream and choose what’s right for you.

Is GRE harder than GATE?

Since GRE is a global competitive exam, it is designed to provide a fair examination pattern to students from different countries. If we talk about the difficulty level, it mainly depends on your goals. For instance, if you aim to be admitted to India’s top engineering college and you are confident about it, then the GATE exam will be good for you. However, if you wish to take admissions to universities abroad, then taking the GRE exam would be the best option for you. In fact, 10+ institutes in India also accept the GRE exam.

Is GRE and GATE syllabus the same?

No, GRE and GATe have different syllabuses. In addition, the purpose of both exams is also different. GATE is only acceptable in India for admission to M.E. and M.Tech courses. On the other hand, GRE is conducted for admissions to foreign universities in post-graduate programs.

  1. GRE syllabus: The exam has four main sections that include Analytical Skills, Quantitative Skills, Verbal Reasoning, and Critical Thinking.
  2. GATE syllabus: The exam has a total of 65 questions for a total of 100 marks. The first 55 questions are based on the syllabus of your engineering degree. The last 10 questions are based on General Aptitude.
Is GRE tough for Indian students?

Whether it’s GRE vs GATE, if you prepare in an appropriate way, then you can definitely score well. As mentioned above GRE has four sections to assess your Analytical Skills, Quantitative Skills, Verbal Reasoning, and Critical Thinking Skills. Therefore, you must prepare for each section well in advance. However, several students tend to focus on one or two sections more than others, which reduces your score.

To prepare for GRE well, you can refer to the following points:

  • Know the right pattern and marking for each section
  • Devote enough practice time to each section, especially the ones you are weak in
  • Take practice tests and previous
  • Use qualitative online resources
  • Connect to a guide or professor
What is the GRE fee?

The GRE fee is between $150-$200 worldwide. This is the basic application fee for you to pay while applying for the exam. In addition to paying the registration fee, you also need to have several documents like the identification card. Also, if you wish to reschedule or cancel your GRE exam, then you might have to pay an extra $50 to do that.

Can I take the GRE anytime?

As you might already know, ETS is the administrator of the GRE. They allow candidates to take the test once every 21 days and only upto 5 times within 12 months. It’ll be better if you could prepare for the exam well in advance and follow the guidelines provided by the test centres. Each test centre has its own operating ways and scheduling. Therefore, you must verify the dates beforehand as the time slots fill up quickly, especially the weekend ones.

Is GRE easy for engineering students?

Since GRE is based on both quantitative and qualitative reasoning, having a technical background can make things easier for you. Your engineering syllabus and concepts can help you score better in the Analytical and Quantitative sections. So, you will need to pay more attention to the remaining two sections: Verbal and Critical Thinking. Still, you may practice all the sections well so that you can get a good overall score.

Can I prepare for both GRE and GATE?

Both GRE and GATE have different purposes. GRE assesses your quantitative and verbal skills, while the GATE assessment is based on your field of study. Choosing between GRE and GATE is not difficult when you’re aware of your aim. There are students who appear for both GRE vs GATE; however, it’s better if you prepare for one of these exams based on your future goals. This way, you will learn more and score better.

Is there any negative marking on GRE?

No, there is no negative marking in the GRE exam. Therefore, you can mark all the questions, even the ones you’re not sure about. There’s a possibility that you marked the right option between the two you were confused about. This way, both wrong and unanswered questions will have the same ‘zero’ score.

Can I waive off GRE and GATE?

Yes, GRE vs GATE can be waived off in some cases. However, this majorly depends upon the guidelines and regulations as shared by the university you’re applying to. For instance, you can request a GRE waiver if you graduated from a top school where you learned technical concepts. In addition, if your prior participation in extracurricular activities depicts your analytical and critical thinking ability, then getting a GRE waiver would be easier for you. Basically, you just need to show through your application that you already possess the skills that are assessed through the GRE exam otherwise.

Is GRE required in Canada?

Yes, like in other countries GRE is required for admission to master-level programs. Some universities need a higher GRE score as the fundamental requirement. Many programs like MIM, engineering, data science etc asks GRE test score. However, some universities also waive the GRE or might not even require it. Hence, you can pursue MBA or any master’s program with or without a GRE.

Know Your Author
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Abhyank Srinet
Study Abroad Expert
Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay.com, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting.His passion lies in helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Having earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, Abhyank's expertise in data-driven marketing strategies has driven growth for some of the most competitive industries. As the founder of MiM-Essay.com, he has helped thousands of students get into top business schools with a strong emphasis on research, shortlisting, and applying to schools from a single platform. His dedication to education has also led him to create MentR-Me, a free-to-use social platform that simplifies the study abroad process for students, while providing universities with a powerful recruitment tool. As a leader in the field of admission consulting, he is constantly researching and implementing the latest strategies to ensure that his clients receive the best possible guidance. He leads the Business Development and Digital Marketing side of both companies, and has grown both ventures to 7 figure revenue.His unique insights, experience, and dedication to his clients make him a valuable resource for anyone seeking to advance their education or career.
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