GMAT vs IELTS : Which test should you take?

When planning for higher education or advancing your career internationally, standardized tests often play a crucial role in the application process. Two prominent tests that frequently come up are the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

Both serve different purposes and are used by institutions worldwide to assess candidates’ abilities. Understanding the differences between these tests can help you make an informed decision about which one aligns best with your academic and professional goals.

GMAT vs IELTS – What are they? 

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test for admission to business schools and MBA programs, assessing analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning skills. It’s scored on a scale of 200-800.

While IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an English proficiency test for non-native speakers, used for university admissions, employment, and immigration. It evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, and is scored on a band scale of 1-9.

Both tests serve different purposes: the GMAT for business school applications and the IELTS for demonstrating English language proficiency.

What are the key differences between GMAT and IELTS ?

The below-mentioned differences highlight how the GMAT is tailored for business school candidates, while the IELTS is focused on assessing English language proficiency for broader academic and professional contexts.

Aspect	GMAT	IELTS
Purpose	Admission to business schools and MBA programs	English language proficiency for university admissions, employment, and immigration
Scoring	Scored on a scale of 200-800	Scored on a band scale of 1-9
Total Test Time	Approximately 3.5 hours	Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
Exam Fee (USD)	$250	$245-$255
Validity	5 years	2 years
Preparation Time	Typically 2-3 months	Varies depending on English proficiency level
Global Recognition	Widely accepted by business schools	Accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities worldwide
Target Audience	Aspiring MBA and business school students	Non-native English speakers
Administering Body	Administered by GMAC	Jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English
Usage	Business school admissions	University admissions, job applications, and immigration

GMAT vs IELTS : Section , Type of Questions, Score Scale 

The table below outlines the sections, types of questions, and scoring scales for both the GMAT and IELTS, highlighting their differences and how each test assesses various skills.

Aspect	GMAT	IELTS
Sections	1. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)	1. Listening
	2. Integrated Reasoning (IR)	2. Reading
	3. Quantitative	3. Writing
	4. Verbal	4. Speaking
Type of Questions	AWA: Analyse an argument, essay writing	Listening: Multiple-choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence completion
	IR: Multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, two-part analysis	Reading: Multiple-choice, identifying information, identifying writer’s views/claims, matching information/headings/features/sentence endings, sentence completion, summary/note/table/flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, short-answer questions
	Quantitative: Problem-solving, data sufficiency	Writing: Task 1 – Describe visual information; Task 2 – Essay writing
	Verbal: Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, sentence correction	Speaking: Face-to-face interview, short questions, speaking at length about a familiar topic, structured discussion
Score Scale	AWA: 0-6	Listening: Band scale 1-9
	IR: 1-8	Reading: Band scale 1-9
	Quantitative: 0-60 (scaled to total score)	Writing: Band scale 1-9
	Verbal: 0-60 (scaled to total score)	Speaking: Band scale 1-9
	Total Score: 200-800	Overall Band Score: Average of all sections (1-9)

GMAT vs IELTS : Eligibility Criteria

Both the GMAT and IELTS have minimal eligibility criteria, making them accessible to a wide range of candidates. 

Aspect	GMAT	IELTS
Eligibility	No specific eligibility criteria	No specific eligibility criteria
Age Requirement	Must be 18 years or older; candidates 13-17 require parental permission	Generally taken by individuals 16 years and older
Educational Background	No formal education requirements, but typically taken by those with an undergraduate degree	No formal education requirements
Test Frequency	Can be taken up to 5 times in a 12-month period, with a minimum of 16 days between tests	Available up to 4 times a month at test centres worldwide
ID Requirements	Valid, government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, national ID)	Valid, government-issued ID (passport, national ID, etc.)

GMAT vs IELTS: Marking Scheme and Level of Difficulty 

The below table compares the GMAT and IELTS in terms of marking schemes and levels of difficulty, highlighting the unique challenges and preparation needs for each test.

Aspect	GMAT	IELTS
Marking Scheme	Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Scored on a scale of 0-6	Listening: Band scale of 1-9 for each section, averaged to get the overall score
	Integrated Reasoning (IR): Scored on a scale of 1-8	Reading: Band scale of 1-9 for each section, averaged to get the overall score
	Quantitative: Scored on a scale of 0-60 (scaled to total score)	Writing: Band scale of 1-9 for each section, averaged to get the overall score
	Verbal: Scored on a scale of 0-60 (scaled to total score)	Speaking: Band scale of 1-9 for each section, averaged to get the overall score
	Total Score: Combined score of Quantitative and Verbal, ranging from 200-800	Overall Band Score: Average of all four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) on a scale of 1-9
Level of Difficulty	Considered highly challenging due to the complexity and adaptive nature of the test	Difficulty varies depending on the individual’s English proficiency; generally considered moderate to difficult
	Requires strong analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills, and extensive preparation	Tests comprehensive English language skills, with some sections potentially more challenging than others depending on the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses
Preparation Time	Typically requires 2-3 months of intensive study, often involving formal prep courses and practice tests	Varies widely; those with strong English skills may require less preparation, while others may need several months of study and practice

GMAT vs IELTS: Fee Structure & Scholarship

The below table outlines the fee structures for the GMAT and IELTS, as well as popular scholarships available to international students taking these tests. These scholarships can significantly help offset the cost of education for deserving candidates.

Aspect	GMAT	IELTS
Fee Structure	Exam Fee: $250	Exam Fee: $245-$255
	Rescheduling Fee: $50 (more than 7 days in advance) or $150 (within 7 days)	Rescheduling Fee: Varies by test centre
	Cancellation Fee: Partial refund if cancelled more than 7 days in advance; no refund within 7 days	Cancellation Fee: Varies by test centre
	Additional Score Reports: $35 per report	Additional Test Report Forms: $20 per form (beyond the first 5 free forms)
Popular Scholarships	GMAT-Related Scholarships:	IELTS-Related Scholarships:
	– Forte Fellows Program: For women pursuing an MBA	– British Council IELTS Award: Up to £10,000 for study worldwide
	– GMAT Club Scholarships: Varies, for high GMAT scorers	– Australia Awards Scholarships: For study in Australian institutions
	– Prospanica Foundation Scholarships: For Hispanic students	– Chevening Scholarships: For study in the UK
	– Fulbright Foreign Student Program: For study in the USA	– Fulbright Foreign Student Program: For study in the USA
	– Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships: For Indian students applying to Stanford	– Gates Cambridge Scholarship: For study at the University of Cambridge

GMAT vs IELTS : Admission Process

The below table outlines the admission process and requirements for both the GMAT and IELTS, helping candidates understand what is needed for each test and their respective application processes.

Aspect	GMAT	IELTS
Admission Process	1. Register for GMAT: Create an account on the GMAC website and schedule your test date.	1. Register for IELTS: Register online through the British Council, IDP, or local test centres.
	2. Prepare for GMAT: Study using official prep materials, courses, and practice tests.	2. Prepare for IELTS: Study using official IELTS prep materials, courses, and practice tests.
	3. Take the GMAT Test: Attend the test centre on the scheduled date and complete the exam.	3. Take the IELTS Exam: Attend the test centre on the scheduled date and complete the exam.
	4. Receive GMAT Score: Scores are available within 20 days; send scores to chosen schools.	4. Receive IELTS Score: Scores are available within 13 days; send scores to chosen institutions.
	5. Apply to Programs: Submit your GMAT score, application, essays, and other documents.	5. Apply to Programs: Submit your IELTS score, application, and required documents.
Admission Requirements	1. GMAT Score: Most top business schools require a score in the upper 600s to 700s.	1. IELTS Score: Most universities require an IELTS band score between 6.5 and 7.5.
	2. Educational Background: Undergraduate degree from a recognized institution.	2. Educational Background: Varies by institution; generally, a high school diploma or equivalent.
	3. Work Experience: Preferred by many MBA programs, usually 2-5 years.	3. English Proficiency: Demonstrated through the IELTS test; no specific educational background needed.
	4. Application Essays: Personal statements, essays explaining career goals and motivation.	4. Personal Statement: Some programs may require essays or personal statements.
	5. Letters of Recommendation: From employers or professors.	5. Letters of Recommendation: Sometimes required, depending on the program.
	6. Interview: Many programs require an interview as part of the admission process.	6. Interview: Some institutions or visa processes may require an interview.

GMAT vs IELTS : Minimum Score Required for Top Universities 

The table below provides an overview of the minimum GMAT and IELTS scores required for admission to top universities around the world for their MBA programs and general undergraduate or graduate admissions, respectively.

University	MBA Program Minimum GMAT Score	General Minimum IELTS Score (Undergraduate/Graduate)
Harvard Business School	730+	7.5
Stanford Graduate School of Business	730+	7.0
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)	720+	7.5
MIT Sloan School of Management	720+	7.5
University of Chicago (Booth)	720+	7.0
Columbia Business School	720+	7.5
North-western University (Kellogg)	720+	7.0
University of California, Berkeley (Haas)	710+	7.0
University of Cambridge (Judge Business School)	700+	7.5
University of Oxford (Saïd Business School)	700+	7.5
London Business School	700+	7.5
INSEAD	710+	7.5
HEC Paris	700+	7.0
University of Melbourne (Melbourne Business School)	680+	7.0
University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management)	670+	7.0

GMAT or IELTS for MBA 

When applying for an MBA, both the GMAT and IELTS may be required, but they serve different purposes. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is designed to assess your quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing skills, which are essential for business school. A high GMAT score, typically 700 or above, can significantly enhance your application to top MBA programs by demonstrating your academic readiness and analytical capabilities.

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) evaluates your English language proficiency. Non-native English speakers must take the IELTS to show their ability to understand, speak, read, and write in English. Most top business schools require an IELTS band score of 7.0 or higher to ensure candidates can effectively communicate in an English-speaking environment.

For an MBA application, the GMAT is crucial for assessing your suitability for business studies, while the IELTS ensures you meet the English language requirements. Both tests may be necessary to fulfil the comprehensive admissions criteria of top business schools.

Conclusion

The GMAT and IELTS serve distinct yet complementary roles in the MBA admission process. The GMAT assesses your business-related skills, while the IELTS verifies your English proficiency. Both tests may be necessary for a comprehensive application, ensuring you meet the rigorous standards of top business schools.