GRE vs TOEFL 2026: Understand the Difference Between the GRE and TOEFL

✦ Summary

The GRE and TOEFL are not alternatives. The GRE tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing for graduate admission, while the TOEFL tests whether you can read, listen, speak and write English at university level. Many Indian students applying for an MS in the USA need both, depending on the university: GRE where the programme asks for it (many make it optional) and an English test unless you qualify for a waiver. The GRE General Test takes about 1 hour 58 minutes and costs $249 (about ₹24,100) from 1 August 2026. The new TOEFL iBT, since 21 January 2026, takes about two hours and reports scores on a 1 to 6 scale. Rupee figures use about ₹96.8 per US dollar (October 2026).

Aayush Nagpal

4 min read • Oct 14, 2026

GRE vs TOEFL at a Glance

Feature	GRE General Test	TOEFL iBT (new format)
What it measures	Academic skills: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing	English proficiency: reading, listening, writing, speaking
Used for	Admission to graduate programmes (MS, some MBA and PhD)	Proof of English for admission and visa in English-speaking countries
Sections	Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing	Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking
Test length	1 hour 58 minutes	About two hours, 120 items
Score scale	Verbal and Quantitative 130 to 170; Analytical Writing 0 to 6	1 to 6 in half-band steps; a comparable 0 to 120 score is also reported for two years after January 2026
Score validity	5 years	Generally 2 years from the test date
Retake rule	Once every 21 days, up to five times in any 12 months	Check the current ETS rule before rebooking
Fee	$249 from 1 August 2026 (about ₹24,100)	About ₹18,000 in India per one 2026 guide; confirm on ETS India

Source for GRE length, validity and retake rules: ETS India GRE page. Source for TOEFL structure: ETS. Check the official pages before you pay, because fees and policies change.

Also Read: GMAT vs GRE: key differences

What Changed Since the Old Version of This Article

GRE length is now 1 hour 58 minutes, not the older figure of nearly four hours, because ETS shortened the General Test.
GRE fee is $249 from 1 August 2026 for test takers outside China, with $40 per additional score report and $55 to reschedule (ETS fees page). That is roughly ₹24,100, ₹3,900 and ₹5,300 at ₹96.8 per dollar, before any local taxes.
TOEFL scoring moved from 0 to 30 per section and 0 to 120 overall to a 1 to 6 scale from 21 January 2026. The older 0 to 120 score is still reported alongside for two years.
TOEFL length is about two hours, so the older figure of around three and a half hours no longer applies.

Which Is Easier, GRE or TOEFL?

There is no fair single answer, because they test different things. The GRE rewards vocabulary depth and quantitative speed, and it is scored against other graduate applicants. The TOEFL is closer to a skills check of everyday and academic English, and most students who studied in English-medium schools prepare for it in a few weeks. Students from engineering backgrounds often find the GRE Quant section comfortable and the Verbal section harder, while students from other streams often find the opposite.

If you are strong in	You may find easier	Because
Maths and logic	GRE Quant	Questions are mostly school-level maths used in tricky ways
Vocabulary and reading long passages	GRE Verbal	Verbal rewards vocabulary and careful reading
Everyday spoken English	TOEFL Speaking	Responses are recorded and judged on fluency and clarity
Typing and short writing tasks	TOEFL Writing	Tasks include building sentences and writing an email

Should You Take the GRE, the TOEFL or Both?

Step 1: Check each programme: open the admissions page of every university on your list. Many MS programmes now treat the GRE as optional or do not consider it, so confirm before you book. See top US universities without the GRE.
Step 2: Check the English requirement: most universities ask for TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo scores, and some waive the test for students who studied in English. Waivers vary by university, so read the page for your specific programme.
Step 3: Decide the order: if you need both, many students take the GRE first, since the score is valid for five years, and the English test closer to the application deadline because it is valid for about two years.
Step 4: Plan the budget: the GRE and TOEFL fees together come to roughly ₹42,000 before extra score reports, so include them in your application budget.

Also Read: GRE exam pattern

How to Register for the GRE and TOEFL

Both tests are registered through your ETS account. For the GRE, create an account on the ETS GRE site, pick a test centre or the at-home option where available, and pay the fee. For the TOEFL, register through ETS India. Choose your free score recipients during registration, since each additional GRE score report costs $40 (about ₹3,900). If you need disability accommodations, apply well before booking because approval can take weeks.

Preparing for Each Exam

GRE – build vocabulary daily, practise timed quantitative sets and write a few analytical essays. See GRE resources and study material.
TOEFL – practise the new task types and take an official practice test before booking. See how to prepare for the TOEFL exam.

For the English test choice itself, read IELTS vs TOEFL.

Preparing for your exams? Talk to a GradRight counsellor about shortlisting universities, scholarships and an education loan for your MS abroad.

Tags:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GRE harder than the TOEFL?

They measure different things. The GRE tests reasoning and vocabulary at a graduate level, so most students find it harder to prepare for. The TOEFL tests English ability, so students from English-medium schools usually prepare faster.

Do I need both the GRE and TOEFL?

Often yes for an MS in the USA, but it depends on the university. Many programmes make the GRE optional, and some universities waive the English test, so check each programme page.

How long are GRE and TOEFL scores valid?

GRE scores are valid for 5 years. TOEFL scores are generally valid for two years from the test date.

How much does the GRE cost in 2026?

The GRE General Test fee is $249 from 1 August 2026 outside China, which is about ₹24,100 at ₹96.8 per dollar. Additional score reports cost $40 and rescheduling costs $55. Check ETS India for the amount you will actually pay.

How is the new TOEFL scored?

From 21 January 2026 the TOEFL iBT reports a 1 to 6 score in half-band steps. A comparable 0 to 120 score is also reported for two years after January 2026.

How many times can I take the GRE?

You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any 12-month period.

Apply for Education Loan

Apply for Scholarship