GRE Exam Overview

New in GRE

The following are the latest updates released by testing authority ETS.
 

• ETS has announced several new updates in GRE, including a shorter duration, removal of tasks, and reduced number of questions. 
• Registration for shorter GRE is open. Test takers can book dates starting in September. 
   

GRE, or Graduate Record Exam, is one of the most common exams required for post-graduate studies. GRE is conducted by the Educational Testing Services (ETS), which also owns the popular TOEFL exam.

What is GRE?

GRE tests your readiness for university-level education. There are two types of GRE: 

• GRE General test
• GRE Subject test

The GRE General exam tests your Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical skills. The GRE subject exam checks your abilities in subject-specific areas such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Psychology. 
 

GRE General is conducted throughout the year on multiple dates. However, GRE Subject Tests are conducted only in September, October and April. You can take GRE at your home or the designated test centre. 
 

Currently, GRE General Test is priced at ₹ 22,550 in India, while the subject test is priced at ₹14,500. 

At a glance

GRE Score

GRE General test has three sections, Verbal, Quantitive and Analytical Skills. The total score for GRE is 340. 

Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning are scored on a scale of 130 to 170.

The Analytical Skills get scored on a scale of 0-6 with half-point increments. For every correct answer, you get one point. 

What is a good GRE score?

Any score over 300 is considered a good GRE score and can help you get into good universities worldwide. However, you must remember that most universities have their own prerequisites. Confirming the minimum requirements for your courses and university before you apply is best. 

When are GRE Score released?

GRE scores are released within 10-15 days of your test. GRE at-home scores are also available in this time frame. Once your scores are released, you will get an email notification from ETS. 

GRE Subject Test Scores 

Latest Update: If you plan to take the Physics and Biology GRE tests beginning September 2023, your subscores will be on a scale of 0-100, with one point increment. Physics and Biology tests before September 2023 equated subscores to 20-99 with one point increment. 

The GRE subject tests are scored on a scale of 200-290. You get 10 points for each correct answer. The scores are valid for five years from your test date. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a good GRE score?

A. GRE requirements change as per your course and university. The average minimum requirements are as follows. 

These scores can give you a good start. However, you may need to score more if you apply to a more competitive program.

Q. How long are GRE scores valid?

A. GRE scores are valid for five years from your test date. You can send your scores to universities and organisations during these five years. Post the validity period, GRE scores will hold no value and won’t be accessible to universities. If you wish to report your scores after the 5-year validity period, you must retake GRE and get new scores. The intention behind this validity period is to help the exam stay relevant.

Q. How is GRE scored?

A. The GRE general test has three sections: Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical. Verbal and Quantitative sections have one point increment, whereas the Analytical section has a 0.5-point increment for every correct answer. There is no negative marking in GRE. Below is the score range for the GRE sections. 

GRE Fee

The GRE General test fee for 2023 is ₹22,550, whereas the GRE subject test fee is ₹14,500. You can pay your fee at the end of your registration process. 

You can use the following modes to complete your payment: 

• Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Rupay) 
• UPI (Google Pay, Phonepe, Amazon Pay, Paytm, BHIM UPI) 
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) for Visa and MasterCard cards

Below is an overview. 

GRE Special Handling Fee: Cancellation/Rescheduling

Additional charges are involved if you must Cancel or Reschedule your GRE. The fee depends on when you cancel or reschedule your exam. 

You will receive a half refund if you cancel your GRE test at least four days before your scheduled date. If you cancel four days before your scheduled test date, you will not be eligible for any refund. 
 

To reschedule your GRE, you must pay an additional cost of 5,000.

There are additional charges for services such as test location change, scores reinstatement and more. 

Here’s an overview of GRE's special handling fees. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the GRE fee in India? 

A.  GRE test fee 2023 has been updated to ₹22,550 in India. The GRE subject test fee is ₹14,500. 

Q. Is there any fee for rescheduling the GRE test? 

A. Yes. To reschedule your GRE test, you must pay an additional fee of ₹5,000. Ensure you don’t reschedule too close to the test date, as you may not get your desired date and location. You can also cancel your GRE test, but you must ensure you do it at least four days before your scheduled test date to receive a partial refund. 

Q. Do I need to pay additional fees for sending GRE scores to universities? 

A. You can send your GRE scores to 4 universities free of charge. If you wish to send your GRE scores to more than four universities, you must pay an additional fee of USD 27, or INR ~2,229. You can change or modify the universities you wish to send the scores to at any time by logging into your ETS account. 

GRE Syllabus

Latest Update: ETS announced a shorter GRE test starting September 2023, which has reduced questions. 

• Verbal and Quantitative sections will have 46 fewer questions
• Analytical Writing will have just one task instead of two 

More details are to be released soon. 

GRE general test assesses your university readiness based on three primary skills: Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical. The duration of each section varies. Below is an overview. 

GRE Syllabus for Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning is designed to understand your ability to interpret written material, draw conclusions and comprehend the author’s intent and perspective. 
 

There are three main areas of focus in Verbal Reasoning: 

• Reading Comprehension
• Text Completion
• Sentence Equivalence 

The test consists of 10 passages. The question types include: 

• selecting a single answer
• selecting multiple correct answers
• selecting a sentence from a passage

GRE Syllabus for Quantitative Reasoning 

Quantitative Reasoning measures your knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, most of which are high school level.
 

The topics for GRE Quantitative Reasoning include 

• Arithmetic: Properties of integers, fractions, percentages, and ratios.
• Algebra: Equations, inequalities, exponents, and factoring.
• Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, and circles.
• Data Analysis: Interpretation of graphs, charts, and statistical measures.
   

The following are the question types.

• Quantitative Comparison Questions
• Multiple-choice Questions — Select One Answer Choice
• Multiple-choice Questions — Select One or More Answer Choices
• Numeric Entry Questions

GRE Syllabus for Analytical Writing

Analytical Reasoning in GRE helps you understand your complex information, form arguments and support it with evidence. 
 

GRE Analytical Writing has two tasks: 

• Analyse an Issue Task
• Analyse an Argument Task 

The tasks for your Analytical Reasoning section will be selected from a pool of topics given by ETS. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. Is the GRE difficult?

A. GRE is typically considered a bit more complex than the other entrance exams. However, note that getting a good score on GRE is not impossible. The Quantitative Reasoning section covers topics that are mostly covered in high school. Preparing with the right strategy and taking many practice tests should help you score well. 

Q. Does GRE and the Gate exam have the same syllabus?

A. No, the GRE and Gate exam have different syllabi and intent. GRE is mainly required if you plan to study abroad and want to enrol in programs like MBA. The gate exam is best for students pursuing M.tech, M.E, and M.Sc. GRE scores are required for Business programs abroad in countries such as USA, UK and Canada. The Gate exam is mainly accepted in India. 

Q. Does the GRE Syllabus include calculus and higher-level math? 

A. No. GRE’s Quantitative section features basic mathematical concepts, including Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry, with some questions on data analysis. Though the Quantitative section seems difficult for most students, it can be easily managed with the right preparation strategies. Several sample papers and practice tests are available online that can boost your confidence. 

GRE Dates 2023

GRE general test is available throughout the year. The dates will vary depending on your test centre.

You can take the GRE General test once every 21 days and five times a year.  GRE test from home is available in multiple time slots on all days of the month. 
 

Below are the GRE dates for 2023. We recommend confirming the dates based on your test location here, as they may vary.

GRE Dates: Mumbai 2023

GRE Dates: Bangalore 2023 

GRE Dates: Hyderabad 2023

GRE Dates: Kolkata 2023

GRE Subject Test Dates 2023-2024 

The GRE subject tests are available only thrice a year, in September, October and April. 

As per ETS, GRE subject tests will be conducted worldwide on the following dates. 

• September 25, 2023, through October 8, 2023
• October 24, 2023, through November 6, 2023
• April 7, 2024, through April 20, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many times is GRE conducted in a year? 

A. GRE is conducted throughout the year on multiple dates in various test centres across India. The GRE General Test at home is administered all seven days of the week with multiple time slots around the clock. On the other hand, the GRE Subject test is available only three times a year, in September, October and April. 

Q. Can I reschedule my GRE test date if needed?

A. Yes, you may reschedule your GRE test date if necessary. However, ensure that you do it at the earliest and at least four days before the test date. You must also note that ETS charges an additional fee for rescheduling your exam. The GRE rescheduling fee is ₹5,000. You may not get your desired date and location if you try rescheduling too close to the desired date. 

Q. How far in advance should I register for the GRE test?

A. register at least 2-3 months before your university application deadline. If you receive an unsatisfactory score, this gap will allow you to retake the exam. Registering early gives you the benefit of securing your desired test date and location. Registering too close to your desired date may only sometimes be possible. Besides, ETS charges a late registration fee of 25 USD. 

GRE Books

GRE preparation has to be right to achieve the grades you desire. GRE books are some of the best materials to perfect your GRE preparation. You can get a variety of GRE prep books. Most of these books contain sample papers or practice tests. 

Here are our top 5 GRE books: 

• The Official Guide to the GRE General Test by ETS
• Official GRE Super Power Pack - ETS
• Official Gre Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions - ETS
• Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep, 2023 - Princeton Review
• GRE Test Prep - Barron

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. Which book is the best for GRE Quantitative Reasoning? 

A. Many good books cover this section. One of the books solely dedicated to the Quantitative Reasoning section is the Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, Second Edition, Volume 1 by ETS. You can also refer to other books and materials by ETS on their website. 

Q. Which are the best books for GRE preparation? 

A. With so many GRE books in the market, it’s difficult to determine which is the best for your preparation. ETS has released many books for GRE preparation which are highly reliable as it comes from the creators themselves. These books are also beginner friendly. To start with, you can refer: 

• The Official Guide to the GRE General Test by ETS
• Official GRE Super Power Pack - ETS
• Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions - ETS

Q. Are there any free GRE books available online?

A. Yes, many GRE books are available online and for free, but not all of them are reliable. We highly recommend referring to the ETS website for free materials. If you’re referring to third-party websites, ensure they’re trustworthy and never rely solely on the free materials you get online. 

GRE Registration

GRE registration must be completed within at least a 2-month before your university application deadline. GRE registration for both General and Subject tests can be completed in multiple ways, including 

• Online 
• Via Phone
• Mail 
• Fax

The easiest and most popular way to do it is online via the official website of ETS. 

GRE Online Registration

Follow these steps to register for the GRE General test online. 

• Log in/create an ETS account 
• Ensure your details match your ID
• Click on the “Find test centres” button on the home page and select the General test.
• Confirm your email address and fill in your details (timezone and country/city) 
• Select your desired date and centre and register for the test
• Complete your payment

Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirmation from ETS. 

Documents Required for GRE Registration

To register for GRE, you must attach your ID. You can use a valid Indian passport for Identification. 

Here are some things to keep in mind: 

• ID must be an original copy, not a photocopy
• It has to be a physical copy 
• Your passport must display your name, photograph and signature
• The name on your ID must match the name on the registration form 

GRE At Home Test 

The GRE at-home test is conducted all seven days a week, and you can register as late as 24 hours before the exam. 

You can follow the same instructions as the GRE General test (at the test centre) to register for the GRE at-home version. You must check the “Test at home” box to book the date during the registration. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I register for the GRE test?

A. To register for the GRE test, follow these steps: 

• Visit the ETS website and log in 
• Select the test
• Verify your email address
• Select the test centre and choose a test date 
• Complete your payment 

Q. How far in advance should I register for the GRE test?

A. Register at least two months to get your desired date and test location. It’s good to have a 2-month gap as it allows you enough time to retest if necessary. For at-home registration, you can register as late as 24 hours before the exam, but for testing at the centre, you should register at least four days before. You can register by visiting the official ETS India website. ETS also charges a late registration fee of 25 USD. 

Q. Can I change the GRE test centre after registration?

A. Yes, you may change your GRE test centre after registration. You will need to pay an additional fee of ₹5,000. There is no guarantee that you will get your desired test centre on the same date, so you might need to reschedule altogether. You must reschedule or change your test centre at least four days before the original test date. 

GRE Eligibility

ETS has not placed any eligibility restrictions on GRE. Typically, students applying for a master's abroad require GRE scores. But anyone of any age and qualifications may take the test. 

Note that you will be required to produce a passport during registration, so make sure you have a valid passport. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is the maximum age for GRE? 

A. There is no age limit for GRE. You can take the exam at any age. Although the exam is usually taken for higher education purposes, you are expected to be at least 16 years of age, but ETS does not officially declare it. Most of the content in the test is of advanced level, so taking the exam when you’re at the age to understand, comprehend and prepare for the exam would be ideal. 

Q. Do I need to have a degree to take the GRE test?

A. No, there is no restriction on the qualifications. You may take the GRE even if you don’t have a degree. If you are taking GRE to apply for colleges, you may want to check with them if a degree is necessary. Post-graduation programs that require GRE mandatorily also require you to have a relevant undergraduate degree.

Q. Can I take the GRE test for practice even if I don't plan to apply to graduate programs immediately?

A. Yes, you may. GRE test can be taken by anyone at any age. GRE scores are valid for five years, giving you enough time to use the scores or, if you want, retake the test. Note that you need not take the real GRE test to practice, as several sample papers and mock tests are available. We also recommend taking the test when it’s most relevant to you and not too many years ahead of time. 

GRE Results

Latest Update: GRE results will be delivered to you and the universities much faster starting September 2023. 

GRE General test results are released 10-15 days from your test date. The same applies to at-home testing. ETS sends an email notification that your results are announced. You can check your results on the ETS website by logging in to your ETS account. 

ETS also sends your scores to universities in the given time of 10- 15 days. Your GRE results are valid for five years from the test date. 

Your raw scores are available soon after you complete the test but are not your official scores. However, they are very identical. Certified human evaluators score the Analytical Writing section, so it is only available in your official score report.

How to send GRE Scores to Universities?

ETS allows you to send your scores to four universities free of cost. If you’re taking the paper-delivered test, you can select the universities during registration.

If you opt for the computer-delivered test, you must select the universities at the test centre.

If you wish to send your scores to more than four universities, you must pay an additional charge of ₹2,900 per university. 

It takes five days to send your scores to universities. You can cancel the request before it is processed, but the GRE results cannot be withdrawn once sent.

GRE Score Report

The GRE Score report consists of the following details. 

• Contact information (name, phone number and email)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Intended graduate major
• Test date(s)
• GRE test score(s) and the associated percentile ranks
• Authorised score recipients 
• A cumulative record of scores reported within the last five years

You can refer to the sample here: Sample GRE report card by ETS.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. When are the GRE results released? 

A. For the computer-based GRE General Test, the raw Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning score is available soon after completing the test. The official scores, including the Analytical Writing section, are typically available about 10 to 15 days after the test date. ETS will inform you via mail when the results are available. 

Q. Can I cancel my GRE scores if I am unsatisfied with my performance?

A. Yes, you can. If you’re unhappy with your GRE scores, you can cancel them. If you cancel your scores, they will not be sent to the universities. You will have to pay an additional fee of ₹5,000 for scores reinstatement. Further, you can retake the GRE test to achieve a good GRE score to send to universities. Remember that once the scores are sent, they cannot be withdrawn.

Q. Can I send my best GRE score to universities only if I take the test multiple times?

A. Yes. You can send your highest score to universities if you take the test multiple times. You can retake the test once in 21 days and up to five times a year. However, note that your report card contains your cumulative score record. 

GRE Sample Papers

GRE sample papers are crucial for self-assessment and tracking your progress. Sample papers are a great way to get the feel of the exam and help you anticipate what you can expect in the real test. 

GRE sample papers are available on many platforms and can usually be accessed online. We recommend using sample papers from reliable sources such as ETS. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where can you find the best GRE practice papers?

A. The most reliable source for GRE practice papers is ETS. The founders of GRE have released helpful materials for GRE preparation on their website. You can also find sample papers on other websites, but it’s best to check their trustworthiness before relying on them. 

Q. How many GRE sample papers should I practice before the test?

A. You should take at least one or two practice tests every week before the test. The number of GRE sample papers you should practice depends on your individual preparation needs. As a beginner, you must take mock tests consistently to track your progress. Complete at least a few papers before you sit for the exam. 

Q. Will questions in GRE practice tests appear in the exam? 

A. Probably not. Sample papers are only created to give you the feel of the exam, but it’s not an actual representation of the exam itself. You can learn what questions will be asked, but no exact questions are added to the sample paper. This is why relying solely on the GRE practice tests alone is not the best idea. 
 

GRE Test Centres

There are over 1000 GRE test centres spread across 160 countries worldwide. In India, every major city has a GRE test centre in multiple locations. You can complete your slot booking by selecting the ideal test location and date. 

The GRE test centre you choose should ideally be close to your residence, but you can pick whatever location you wish. 

Here are a few cities on the list with GRE General Test centres. 

GRE Subject Test Centres

Test centres for GRE Subject Tests are located in the following cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I find GRE test centres near me?

A. You can find GRE test centres near you on the ETS website. Click the “Find test centre” button on the homepage, and enter your city/country. You can then see a drop box with available test centres. Choose the centre closest to you and select a date. If you cannot find a test centre in your city, you must travel to the nearest GRE test centre and take the exam. 

Q. Can I take the GRE test at home?

A. Yes, you can. ETS has made the GRE test available to be taken from home. The test pattern, syllabus and results remain the same as a computer-delivered test at the designated test centre. GRE tests at home are available all seven days of the week and around the clock. You can register as late as 24 hours before the test. 

Q. Can I take my phone to the GRE test centre? 

A. You cannot bring your phone inside the exam hall, but you can get it to the centre and store it in the locker. You must only take something else to the test centre. You can carry your ID to the test centre. Make sure to be on time.