GRE Test: An essential component of the university or business school application process is the Graduate Record Examination or GRE. The GRE full form is Graduate Record Examination. The GRE test serves as a multiple-choice, computer-based, international exam that is often required for enrollment in MBA and graduate programs. To determine if the candidate is prepared for the demands of graduate academic study, graduate admissions committees and business college admissions committees consider your GRE score, academic record, and supporting papers. As a result of the ill effects of COVID-19, applicants can apply for the GRE test from the convenience of their homes rather than taking the test at a testing facility. The Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing components make up the GRE test.
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What is GRE?
The GRE test, also known as the GRE General test, is administered by ETS and is one of the major assessment programs in the world for undergraduate admissions to law or top business schools. GRE Test is recognized by hundreds of institutions and colleges around the globe. The GRE test evaluates your knowledge of fundamental math, algebra, geometry, and data analysis in addition to your command of college-level vocabulary. More importantly, GRE assesses your capacity for critical thought, problem-solving, and the analysis and evaluation of written information. The GRE test is a standardized test used to assess a candidate's overall intellectual preparedness for graduate school.
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GRE Test: Highlights
| Exam Name | GRE |
| GRE full form | Graduate Record Examinations |
| Official Website | https://www.ets.org/gre |
| Most popular for | MS courses in the USA |
| Also accepted for | MBA courses outside India |
| Conducted by | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-delivered test Paper-delivered test GRE at Home |
| GRE Exam Fees | INR 19,110.17 |
| GRE Validity | 5 Years |
| Score Range | Verbal Reasoning score range: 130–170 Quantitative Reasoning score range: 130–170 Analytical Writing score range: 0–6 |
| GRE Contact | +91-1244517127 or 000-800-100-4072 Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. IST Email: GRESupport4India@ets.org |
GRE Test: Eligibility
According to ETS, there are no set GRE eligibility requirements. Anyone, regardless of age or education, can sign up for this GRE exam. Candidates must take the GRE, though, if they are applying for master's programs.
GRE Test: Age Limit
There is no age limit for the candidates who want to appear for the GRE Test.
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GRE Test: A Good GRE Exam Score
A good GRE Exam score depends on the requirements of the graduate program to which you are applying. Generally, a good GRE Exam score is one that falls within or above the range of scores for the graduate program you are applying to. A score of 160 or higher in both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections is generally considered to be a good score, and a score of 5 or higher in Analytical Writing is also considered good.
The range of a good GRE Exam score is:
- GRE Verbal Section: 163 - 170
- GRE Quantitative Section: 165 - 170
- GRE Analytical Writing: 5.0 – 6.0
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| Percentile | Scaled GRE Verbal Score |
| Top 10% of all test takers | 162 |
| Top 25% of all test takers | 157 |
| Top 50% of all test takers | 151 |
| Below 50th percentile of all test takers | 150 |
| Percentile | Scaled GRE Quant Score |
| Top 10% of all test takers | 166 |
| Top 25% of all test takers | 160 |
| Top 50% of all test takers | 153 |
| Below 50th percentile of all test takers | 152 |
GRE Test: Types Of GRE
The GRE Test can be categorized in two ways:
- GRE General Test
- GRE Subject Test
What is the GRE General Test
The GRE General Test, developed and offered by ETS, is a standardized examination used to assess a candidate's general academic preparedness for graduate study. A candidate's analytical writing, numeric aptitude, and verbal reasoning abilities are assessed by the GRE General Test. There are three formats for the GRE General Test:
- The GRE Paper Based Test is the version of the exam that is taken offline in locations with spotty Internet or computer connection. Candidates must choose the GRE Computer-Based Test in India. India does not administer the GRE on paper.
- The GRE Computer-Based Test is administered on a computer at a testing facility that has been approved by the GRE. Candidates should be aware that GRE internet-based tests are accessible in every nation with Internet and computer access.
- GRE at Home Test: The most recent version of the GRE General Test, the GRE at Home can be completed in the privacy of the applicants' residences.
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What is the GRE Subject Test
The GRE Subject Test assesses a candidate's proficiency in a certain subject. Candidates should be aware that only Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology are available as GRE Subject Tests. The GRE Subject test is a paper-delivered exam that is typically offered three times a year. The GRE Subject Test is offered in April, September, and October. Candidates must attend for just one subject out of the list below, and the GRE Subject Test lasts a total of 2 hours and 50 minutes.
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
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GRE Test: A Comparison Between GRE General Test And GtRE Subject Test
The multiple differences between GRE general test and GRE subject test have been highlighted in the table below:
| GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test |
| 3 sections: GRE quant, GRE verbal, and GRE AWA | No section - a test of one single subject and its different areas |
| Tests analytical knowledge | Tests the knowledge of the specific subject |
| - | GRE subjects are conducted on: Biology Chemistry Literature in English Mathematics Physics Psychology |
| Conducted in both computer-based and paper-delivered modes | Conducted only in a paper-based mode |
| Conducted throughout the year | Conducted thrice a year: April, September, and October |
| Fee: US$226 to US$255 | Fee: US$150 |
| Question types: MCQ and descriptive or essay questions | Question types: MCQ |
| Number of questions: 82 | Number of questions: 66-230 |
| Duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes | Duration: 2 hours and 50 minutes. |
| Score range: 260-340 | Score range: 200-990 |
GRE Test: Unscored and Research Section
The unscored section, also known as the experimental section, is an extra section that ETS includes in the exam to test out new questions for future tests. The research section is also an additional section, but it is used by ETS for research purposes only. It is not scored, and it does not count toward the candidate's score. It's important to note that test-takers cannot distinguish between the scored, unscored, and research sections during the exam, so they should approach each section with equal importance and effort.
GRE Test: Syllabus for General Test
The verbal reasoning, critical thinking, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning portions of the GRE exam are counted. The three sections of the GRE syllabus are generally referred to as analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. The GRE test can be taken on a computer or on paper, and each has a unique test format. Typically, students who wish to pursue graduate degrees overseas take the computer-based exam.
The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning components of the computer-delivered GRE exam each have 20 questions, and the Analytical Writing section comprises two independently timed projects.
GRE Exam Pattern And Syllabus:
| GRE section | No. of sections | Duration |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 sections – 40 questions | 60 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 sections – 40 questions | 70 minutes |
| Analytical Writing | 1 section – two tasks | 60 minutes |
| Unscored | Varies | Varies |
| Research | Varies | Varies |
GRE Test: Pattern for General Test (Paper-Delivered)
On the contrary, the paper-delivered GRE exam comprises two portions for analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. In contrast to the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections, which each have 25 questions, the analytical writing component contains just one exercise. You will have 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete the GRE Paper-delivered test.
| GRE sections | No. of Sections | Duration |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 sections – 50 questions | 70 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 sections – 50 questions | 80 minutes |
| Analytical Writing | 2 sections – 2 tasks | 60 minutes |
| Unscored | NA | NA |
| Research | NA | NA |
GRE Test: Exam Pattern
The following table helps in comprehending the GRE Exam exam pattern and other special features:
| Section | Paper-Based GRE | Computer-Based GRE | Score Scale | Increments |
| Analytical Writing | 2 Sections, 2 tasks [60 minutes] | 1 Section, 2 tasks [60 minutes] | 0-6 | In Half-Points |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 Sections, 50 questions [70 minutes] | 2 Sections, 40 questions [60 minutes] | 130-170 | In 1-Point |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 Sections, 50 questions [80 minutes] | 2 Sections 40 questions [70 minutes] | 130-170 | In 1-Point |
| Unscored | Uncertain & Unmarked | Uncertain & Unmarked | ||
| Research | Uncertain & Unmarked | Uncertain & Unmarked |
GRE Test: Analytical Writing
The Analytical Writing section of the GRE exam consists of two tasks - Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument. In both tasks, the test-taker is evaluated on their ability to analyze complex ideas, develop well-reasoned arguments, and express their ideas in a clear and organized manner.
The Analytical Writing score is reported separately from the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores and is an important factor considered by many graduate schools in the admission process.
| Type | Sections | Total Tasks | Time |
| Computer-Based | 1 | 2 | 30 Minutes (per task) |
| Paper-Based | 2 | 1 Task in Every | 30 Minutes (per section) |
GRE Test: Verbal Reasoning
The section consists of two types of questions: Reading Comprehension and Text Completion/Sentence Equivalence. The Verbal Reasoning section is scored on a scale of 130-170, in one-point increments. A strong performance on the Verbal Reasoning section can demonstrate to graduate schools that a test-taker has strong reading comprehension skills and a broad vocabulary, which are essential skills for success in many graduate programs.
| Type | Sections | Total Questions | Time |
| Computer-Based | 2 | 20 in each section | 30 Minutes (per section) |
| Paper-Based | 2 | 25 in each section | 35 Minutes (per section)
|
GRE Test: Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section consists of two parts, each containing 20 questions, and the total testing time for this section is 70 minutes.
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE Exam measures an applicant's ability to apply mathematical concepts and solve problems using quantitative reasoning. It tests both basic and advanced math skills and requires the test-taker to interpret and analyze quantitative information.
| Type | Sections | Total Questions | Time |
| Computer-Based | 2 | 20 in each section | 35 Minutes (per section) |
| Paper-Based | 2 | 25 in each section | 40 Minutes (per section) |
GRE Test: Fees Structure And Quick Facts
The quick pointers have been provided below for candidates so that they can glance over them:
- GRE or Graduate Record Examination is considered to be one of the most standardized exams for students who wish to study abroad.
- GRE Exam is of two types- the subject and the general tests.
- The Gre Exam score is accepted worldwide by top B-schools
- Any aspirant with an undergraduate degree is eligible for appearing in the GRE Exam. There is no age limit for the candidates.
- The GRE test fee depends upon the candidate's home country and also on the type of GRE test selected by the candidate. GRE subject fee is uniform throughout the world while the GRE General test fee depends upon the location of the aspirant.
GRE Test: GRE Fees For Indian Students
The cost of the GRE exam varies depending on the events it relates to, however, the GRE Exam fee in India for registration is $228 USD, or 18,857 INR. In relation to the GRE exam, there are various situations where you will need to pay GRE Exam fees. Below are some examples of GRE Exam fees in India for 2023:
| GRE Reschedule fee | $150 | INR 12,256 |
| Changing the Test Center or Subject Test Fee | $50 | INR 4,088 |
| GRE Cancellation Fee | Half of the original test fee if done 4 days prior to the test date | NA |
| Score Reinstatement Fee | $50 | INR 4,085 |
| Score Review for Analytical Writing Assessment | $60 | INR 4,906 |
| GRE Late Registration Fee (for online registration only) | $25 | INR 2,044 |
| Additional Score Report | $30 | INR 2,453
|
GRE Test: GRE Registration Fees
For GRE Subject Test, the registration fees is $150 and the GRE Exam fee in India is INR 12,237. The table below shows the Country-wise GRE General Test fees in INR and USD which are as follows:
| Country | GRE Fees (USD) | GRE Fees (INR) |
| India | $228 | INR 18,857 |
| China | $231 | INR 18,968 |
| Other Countries | $220 | INR 17,946 |
GRE Test: GRE Home Test Fee
Following the global epidemic that began in 2020, ETS has put in place measures to allow students to take the GRE test in a secure environment at home. The GRE Exam fees for candidates giving the GRE test at home costs $228, the same as they are in test centers. To ensure that the GRE fees are affordable for all aspirant students, ETS has made the GRE fee at home comparable to the general GRE cost.
GRE Test: GRE Cancellation Fee
To be eligible for a refund which is equal to half of the GRE test fee, candidates must cancel their GRE General Test which should not be later than four days prior to the GRE test. The amount will be refunded in US dollars and returned to the actual bank account holder or to the credit/debit card which was used to make the purchase. Candidates should be aware that there are no cash refunds.
GRE Test: Slot Booking
GRE exam registration is done through the GRE slot booking process. Three precise steps make up the GRE slot booking process. They are as follows:
- GRE Registration
- GRE Exam Dates
- GRE Test Centres
GRE Test: GRE Registration
Registration for the GRE Test is possible in a number of ways. Online and over-the-phone registration for the GRE exam are common methods used by candidates. In addition, applicants may also register via fax or postal mail. Candidates must have a valid passport or Aadhar Card on hand throughout the registration process in addition to a debit or credit card to pay the $228 registration cost.
A candidate can register for the GRE Test in the following ways:
GRE Mail Registration
GRE Online Registration
GRE Phone Registration
GRE Fax Registration
GRE Test: GRE Application
A candidate can apply for the GRE Exam in the following manner:
- On the official website, applicants must register for an ETS account. (https://www.ets.org/mygre)
- Choose from the GRE General and GRE Subject Tests as the GRE exam type.
- Choose between taking the GRE at home or in one of the approved GRE Test Centres.
- Choose the date you want to take the GRE Exam on, then look for the closest testing facility. If you plan to take the GRE at home, omit this step.
- The specifics of your education.
- Proceed and pay the $228 registration charge.
GRE Test: GRE Exam Dates
Similar to other international standardized tests, the GRE will be offered on a variety of dates in India in 2023. Candidates can select any date that works best for them and is open to them. You should schedule your GRE exam at least two to three months prior to the first deadline for university applications.
GRE Test: GRE Exam Centers
India's GRE Test Centres: There are roughly 22 Indian cities with varied GRE test centers where the GRE is offered. The following are among them: Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Gandhinagar, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nashik, New Delhi, Nizamabad, Patna, Pune, Trivandrum, Vadodara, and Vijayawada.