The GRE, or the Graduate Record Examination, is considered a tough nut to crack. When I researched why it is so and why it is treated as an important exam, I found over 1.1 lakh Indians took the GRE in 2023. Isn’t it an astonishing fact?
Being accepted by 1500+ institutions worldwide, the GRE is constantly gaining acceptance as a standardized higher education abroad test taken by aspirants looking forward to pursuing a master’s program abroad.
In this article, I have tried to list all important aspects of the GRE – exam types, syllabus, fees, registrations, preparation tips, and much more. So, read on to comprehensively understand this exam.
General Test: Verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning
Subject Test: Mathematics, Physics, Psychology
No. of Questions
General Test- 55 questions
Subject Test- 280 multiple-choice questions
Score
Verbal reasoning- 130-170
Analytical reasoning- 0-6
Quantitative reasoning- 130-170
Subject Test - 200 to 990 score scale, in 10-point increments
Duration of test
General Test- 1 hour and 58 minutes
Subject Test- 2 hours and 50 minutes for Mathematics and 2 hours for Physics and Psychology test)
Exam purpose
Admission in colleges offering MS, MBA and Law, etc
GRE Full Form
The full form of the GRE is the Graduate Record Examinations, and is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
There are two types of GRE tests – General and Subject tests. The former is taken by students seeking admission to graduate and business schools.
On the other hand, the GRE Subject Test can be used to supplement your undergraduate records, other qualifications, and recommendation letters.
What is GRE Exam?
The GRE exam is a standardized test for students seeking admission to graduate, business, and law schools.
This aptitude test helps colleges and universities assess your ability to think critically and help them understand your skill sets.
These skills are not necessarily related to a specific field of study but are essential to understanding your aptitude comprehensively.
Latest Updates on GRE Exam 2024
GRE Fees Revised
From July 1, 2023, the GRE exam fees for Indian students taking the General Test is ₹22,550 and ₹14,500 for the Subject Test.
Shortened GRE Exam Duration
Earlier, the GRE General Test used to be of 3 hours and 45 minutes, which has now been reduced to 1 hour and 58 minutes. Not just that, for the Physics and Psychology section of the Subject Test, the duration has been shortened to 2 hours, instead of 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Why Take GRE Test
Taking the GRE can help you secure admission to a grad school to pursue a master’s degree or a PhD or get a merit-based fellowship.
Moreover, since the scores are valid for five years, you get enough time to assess which program best suits your needs.
Your GRE test scores help grad schools easily compare your readiness to undertake the program with other applicants. While it might be difficult to compare applicants based on letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, or GPAs, your GRE percentile makes it easier to assess what percentage of candidates you scored higher than.
When Should You Take GRE Test
One thought that would now cross your mind is when you should take the test to meet the application deadlines for your chosen programs on time.
Below are some factors you should consider while choosing your GRE test date.
Keep a preparation time of at least four months, know your application deadline, and take the test one-to-two months prior to the deadline.
Make sure there is enough time to retake the test if you are unhappy with your score.
Ensure you have enough time, energy, and resources for the exam. Consider all work or family obligations, examine your circumstances, and reflect on whether you have enough time to dedicate for the test preparation.
If you have a preferred date in mind, book it accordingly, or else the slots can get filled up at any time. Hence, assuming that you will be able to take the test on your preferred date is wrong if timely booking is not done.
Know the window of applying to grad schools, and if there is flexibility to apply for the program a few months later, consider skipping one deadline and taking some time to prepare for the GRE.
What is GRE Score Validity
The GRE score is valid for a duration of five years from the day the test was taken. You cannot send your scores to graduate schools after they expire, and you will have to take the test again by registering.
No upper age limit fixed by organizers to appear for the examination
The candidate must have a valid passport
Parents/guardians/candidates must possess a debit/credit card to pay for the fee
Must take the test at least thirty to 45 days before applying.
GRE General Test Registration Process
The GRE general and subject test registration can be done from anywhere, anytime. A candidate can use any of the following modes to register for GRE online test:
You can give the GRE from the comfort of your home as well. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ETS came up with the option of a GRE home test facility. The GRE exam from home registration fee is the same as that of taking the exam from the test center.
GRE Exam Center
The GRE exam centers in India are under the purview of ETS. You can now attempt the GRE either from the test center or their home. The test centers are available in almost every city in the country. You can book slots at the center of your choice at your convenience. However, you should check the IETS official website before opting for a test center if it is functional or not.
GRE Important Dates in India
The GRE exam is offered both online and offline all over the country. You can choose the nearest Prometric test center and date to start your registration for the test.
You can retake the GRE test in a gap of 21 days but can only attempt it five times a year within a span of 12 months or 365 days. This is also applicable if you apply for the cancellation of scores of the last attempt. You can opt for GRE exam dates for 2024 at your convenience.
Download these useful guides to ace your GRE preparation
GRE Exam Pattern and Syllabus
GRE Exam Section
Total Questions
Sub-Sections
Question Type
Task
Analytical Reasoning
1
One section only
One question on "Analyze an Issue"
Think and represent your idea meticulously
Quantitative Reasoning
Section 1: 12 questions
Section 2: 15 questions
Arithmetic topics
Multiple-choice Questions — Select One Answer Choice
Multiple-choice Questions — Select One or More Answer Choices
Quantitative Comparison Questions
Numeric Entry Questions
Data interpretation sets
Assesses your basic mathematical skills, understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, and ability to reason and solve problems with quantitative methods.
Algebra topics
Geometry topics
Data analysis topics
Verbal Reasoning
Section 1: 12 questions
Section 2: 15 questions
Read passages and answer questions on those passages
Read, interpret and complete existing sentences, groups of sentences or paragraphs
Comprehension, completing text and sentence equivalency
Analyze the provided content and present the information obtained from it
Establish relationships among component parts of sentences, words and concepts
Test Duration Breakup (Section-Wise)
Section
Time Limit
Verbal
Section 1: 18 minutes
Section 2: 23 minutes
Quantitative
Section 1: 21 minutes
Section 2: 26 minutes
Analytical
30 minutes
GRE Subject Test
The GRE subject is conducted online in September, October and April on multiple dates. The subject areas in GRE subject syllabus includes:
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology
Differences Between GRE Subject and GRE General Test
GRE Subject and General have certain differences based on varied parameters. The table below shows the major differences between the GRE tests.
Area
GRE Subject Test
GRE General Test
Subject/Sections
Single-subject test:
Mathematics
Psychology
Physics
Three sections- Verbal, Quant, and Analytical
Mode
Computer-delivered mode
Online and offline mode
Dates
Exams are held thrice a year- Oct, Sept, and April
Conducted throughout the year
Fees
Fee: ₹14,500
Fees: ₹22,550
No. of Questions
280 multiple-choice questions
55 questions
Duration
2 hours 50 minutes (for Mathematics) and 2 hours for Psychology and Physics
1 hour and 58 minutes
Score Range
200-990
260-340
GRE Test Scores
The quality of the attempt affects the GRE scores. The score calculation for both GRE General and Subject tests vary. Knowing all about GRE scores will help you effectively prepare your preparation strategy.
GRE Score Calculation for Quant and Verbal Section
The total GRE is marked in the verbal and quant areas. The scores are calculated based on the number of right responses to the questions asked.
Each verbal and quant section comprises measures. Computer-based tests are adaptive and also determine the test’s difficulty level.
The first measure has simple questions, whereas the second measure is quite complex. Please note that the second section depends on how you perform in the first one.
GRE Score Calculation for Analytical Writing
ETS does not show any clear scoring process; however, it mentions answering all the questions correctly to increase high scoring points.
Let’s discuss how the analytical writing section of GRE is calculated-
Trained rater reads the essay and marks on a scale of 0-6.
The ETS made software e-rater analyzes the essay and gives a score based on multiple areas
If the e-rater and human reader’s score matches, then the final score is shared based on those two scores
If there’s a vast difference or any discretion; then a second human reader is allotted to review the document.
Subject Test Score Calculation
As mentioned, the GRE Subject Test comprises different subjects you can choose from according to your preference. The score here is also calculated using the equating method.
In the biology section, the accurate answers for every content are added to the subscore.
In the psychology and physics part, the subscore consists of correct answers in each content and the correct answer of the whole sheet.
The GRE exam result will reflect in the ETS account within 8-10 days after the test. You will receive a notification once the results are out. The official GRE exam in India scorecard consists of the following information:
Date of birth
Contact info
Gender
Your intended graduate major
GRE test score
Associated rank
Fellowship score
Cumulative scores reported from the last five years.
Who can take GRE test?
Anyone with a bachelor’s degree is eligible to take the GRE in India. There’s no age limit to sit for the GRE. English fluency is necessary to ace the exam as there are writing and reasoning sections. However, if a candidate is not an expert in English, they still are eligible to appear for the exam.
How to register for the GRE Exam?
GRE online test is conducted all around the year and at various locations worldwide. The appointment for the GRE entrance exam is scheduled on the availability of first-come, first-served basis. The registration can be done either online, via website, or phone. You can choose the mode that suits you the best.
How many times GRE Exam is conducted in a yearly
You can take the GRE exam as many times as you want. However, you must ensure there is a 21 days gap between the two tests. Moreover, in one calendar year, the test can be taken only five times.
GRE Preparation Tips
Lock the date before so you can plan your preparation accordingly to score high marks.
Take online assessments to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Work on your weakness to avoid losing scores.
Solve as many mock tests as possible. It will help you understand the exam pattern and increase your speed.
Start working on your vocabulary as the GRE has a rich vocabulary that you might not understand if you don’t prepare.
If you’ve opted for any subject, focus on it. If you opt for engineering or any other stream, focus on strengthening the topic related to your domain.
Adhere to a realistic daily schedule and designate appropriate time for each section.
Chart your progress to get an overview of how effective your study techniques are. This would help you identify and work on any wrong patterns to prepare for the test.
Try to find a dedicated study space where you can focus without any distractions.
Many universities in the US have temporarily waived the requirement of the GRE test after COVID-19. Some universities have made it optional to submit the GRE scores. As it is only a temporary move, the students are advised to appear for the GRE exam as it will only add weightage to their application.
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Disclaimer: Information has been taken from ETS official website, but is subject to change at any time.
FAQs
What is the GRE exam?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test students take to get admission into postgraduate courses at top universities worldwide.
What is the full form of GRE?
GRE stands for the Graduate Record Examination.
What is the GRE exam used for?
The GRE exam is used for taking admissions in postgraduate courses in around 1500+ universities worldwide. Generally, GRE is required for all postgraduate courses to study abroad. The test comprises three sections- quantitative reasoning, analytical writing and verbal reasoning.
Is the GRE exam tough?
The GRE test focuses on critical thinking, hence making it difficult for average students. But the exam is easily manageable for those who have a knowledge of vocabulary and critical thinking.
How much is the fee for the GRE exam?
The fee for the GRE General Test is INR 22,550 while for the Subject Test is INR 14,500. However, there are additional charges for alterations in the test bookings and attempts such as rescheduling fee, subject change fee, test center change, etc.
How to write the GRE exam?
The GRE exam has three different sections- analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The GRE measures the candidate's critical thinking and analytical writing skills. It also assesses the test taker's ability to base complex ideas and evaluate arguments.
What types of grad programs accept GRE test scores?
Generally, most international universities accept GRE scores for admissions in courses such as MBA, MS, law, MIM, and others. MBA and MIM programs accept GRE General Test scores in almost all specializations.
What is the computer-adaptive GRE General Test?
In the GRE computer-adaptive test, the difficulty level of the next section is based on the success rate of the candidate in the previous section. This implies that as the candidate proceeds further in the next step of the question, the difficulty level increases.
How to crack the GRE exam?
Cracking GRE may be tough, but not an impossible task. With few tips and tricks, you can clear the GRE exam with flying colors.
Practice more
Work on your speed
Clear your concepts
Target your dream school and focus on achieving their minimum accepted GRE scores.
How long are GRE scores valid?
The GRE score is valid for five years following the date of the test. For instance, a score received in July 2022 are valid only till July 2027. The GRE scores gained before July 2022 are not valid. To process the request for generating the GRE scores, it needs five business days.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience.
She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.
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