Deciding whether it is better to take the GRE or IELTS depends entirely on your academic and professional goals. GRE or IELTS serve fundamentally different purposes and are not interchangeable.
The question arises because both are standardized tests often required for international education—but they measure different abilities. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing for admission to graduate programs, primarily in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries. In contrast, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) evaluates English language proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking for non-native speakers.
If you are applying to master’s or doctoral programs—especially in fields like engineering, social sciences, or business—you will likely need the GRE. Many universities require it regardless of your native language. On the other hand, if your first language is not English, you will almost certainly need IELTS (or a similar test like TOEFL) to prove language competency, even if you also submit a GRE score.
Choosing Based on Program Requirements
It is not a matter of which test is “better,” but which is required. Most U.S. graduate schools ask for both them from international applicants. For example, an Indian student applying to a U.S. PhD program typically submits a GRE score for academic readiness and an IELTS score for English fluency.
However, if you are applying only to programs in the UK, Australia, or Canada that do not require a graduate admissions test, IELTS alone may suffice. Conversely, native English speakers applying to U.S. graduate schools usually need only the GRE, not IELTS.
Therefore, the choice between GRE or IELTS should be guided by your target institutions’ admission criteria—not personal preference. Review each program’s website carefully. When in doubt, contact the admissions office directly.
In summary, GRE or IELTS are complementary, not competitive. For most international graduate applicants, both are necessary. Determine your destination and degree first—then register for the correct exam(s) accordingly.