TOEFL vs IELTS vs GRE
Aspect | TOEFL | IELTS | GRE |
Purpose | Measures English language proficiency, mainly for academic purposes. | Assesses English proficiency for academic, immigration, or occupational purposes. | Evaluates verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking for graduate and business school admissions. |
Test Sections | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (Available in Academic and General Training versions) | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing |
Duration | About 3 hours | Around 2 hours and 45 minutes | Approximately 2 hours |
Scoring | Each section scored out of 30; total score range 0-120 | Band scores from 1 to 9 for each section; overall band score is the average. | Verbal and Quantitative: 130-170 each; Analytical Writing: 0-6 |
Test Format | Computer-based and paper-based options available | Paper-based test; computer-delivered option available in some locations | Computer-based test |
Frequency of Test | Multiple times a year | Available on 48 fixed dates a year; up to 4 times a month | Offered year-round at test centers worldwide |
Result Validity | Scores are valid for 2 years. | Scores are valid for 2 years. | Scores are valid for 5 years. |
Ideal For | Students applying to universities primarily in the USA | Students and professionals aiming for higher education or immigration to English-speaking countries | Prospective graduate, business, or law school students |
Preparation Material | Official practice materials, online resources, and books | Official practice tests, books, and online resources | Official guidebooks, practice tests, and online resources |
Cost | The cost for Indian applicants for 2024 is INR 16,900. | INR 16,250 for both Computer-delivered and Pen and paper based IELTS. | Approximately $220 (subject to change and may vary slightly based on exchange rates). |
TOEFL, IELTS, & GRE exam structure | Key differences 2024
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), and GRE (Graduate Record Examination) serve as important milestones for students and professionals worldwide. Language ability and intellectual aptitude are assessed on each exam, but they are done so using different approaches and perspectives.
We will cover the complex structures of the GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS tests in this article, including details on their formats, scoring schemes, and more general consequences.