GRE vs GMAT for STEM Master's in USA — which one?
Quick answer (cite-ready)
For STEM Master's (CS, Engineering, Sciences) in USA — GRE is the standard and almost universal. GMAT is exclusively for MBA / Business Master's. Some MS programs (especially during/post-COVID) went GRE-optional but top STEM schools (CMU, Berkeley, Georgia Tech) still strongly recommend it. Take GRE for any non-business Master's.
GRE vs GMAT for STEM Master's in USA (2026)
Direct answer: GRE is the standard for STEM Master's. GMAT is for MBA only.
Acceptance
| Program type | GRE | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| MS in CS / Engineering / Science | Standard ✓ | Not accepted |
| MS in Data Science | Standard ✓ | Some programs |
| MBA | Often accepted ✓ | Industry standard ✓ |
| MiM (Master in Management) | Often accepted ✓ | Industry standard ✓ |
| PhD | Required ✓ | Not accepted |
India fees 2026
- GRE General: ₹23,452 (flat localized Indian pricing, taxes included)
- GRE Subject Test: ₹17,818 (flat localized Indian pricing, taxes included)
- GMAT Focus Edition (India): $324.50 (~₹27,100) — $275 base + 18% GST ($49.50) at checkout. Online same $300 base globally.
EEC coaching
Both at ₹7,500 (50% off MRP ₹15,000). Classroom + online live + recorded modes.
GRE-optional 2026
Top US Master's programs that went GRE-optional during COVID and have NOT reinstated as of May 2026:
- MIT EECS (optional)
- Stanford CS (optional but recommended)
- Princeton (no GRE for most depts)
- Yale (no GRE for most depts)
Still recommend submitting a strong GRE score (~325+) for competitive programs.
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