The GRE General Test assesses critical academic skills required for graduate-level studies, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing. It is designed to measure skills developed over time, not tied to a specific field of study, making it a versatile requirement for various programs. The test is computer-delivered, with options to take it at a test center or at home (GRE at Home), and is section-level adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the second section of Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning adjusts based on performance in the first section.

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Eligibility Criteria

The GRE General Test has no specific eligibility requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of candidates. Key points include:

  • Age: No age limit.
  • Education: No specific qualification required, but candidates typically pursue or have completed a bachelor’s degree.
  • Identification: A valid passport is required (Indian candidates may also use Aadhaar as of July 1, 2021).
  • Test Frequency: Up to 5 times in a 12-month period, with 21 days between attempts.

Exam Pattern

The GRE General Test consists of three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

Section Tasks/Questions Duration Score Range
Analytical Writing 1 task: "Analyze an Issue" 30 minutes 0–6 (0.5 increments)
Verbal Reasoning 2 sections, 27 questions total 41 minutes (18 + 23) 130–170 (1-point)
Quantitative Reasoning 2 sections, 27 questions total 47 minutes (21 + 26) 130–170 (1-point)
  • Total Questions: 55
  • Total Duration: 1h 58m
  • Adaptive Nature: Section-level adaptive
  • Order: Analytical Writing first, others vary
  • Breaks: None scheduled, optional 10-min break possible
  • Features: Skip/return/change answers, on-screen calculator

Note: From 2025, GRE is exclusively computer-based. Unscored & Research sections removed.

Syllabus

Analytical Writing

  • Objective: Ability to express complex ideas clearly, support arguments, and maintain coherence.
  • Task: Analyze an Issue – write an essay presenting perspective with reasoning.
  • Skills: Argument evaluation, logical flow, clarity, grammar, vocabulary.

Verbal Reasoning

  • Objective: Reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, logical reasoning.
  • Question Types: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence.
  • Topics: Vocabulary, inference, critical reasoning, complex passage analysis.

Quantitative Reasoning

  • Objective: Mathematical reasoning & problem solving.
  • Question Types: Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving, Data Interpretation.
  • Topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics.
  • Note: On-screen calculator available.

Duration

  • Total Duration: 1h 58m
  • Analytical Writing: 30m
  • Verbal Reasoning: 41m
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 47m
  • No mandatory breaks; optional 10m after section 2

Fees

  • GRE General Test (India): ₹22,550 (~USD 220)
  • GRE Subject Test (India): ₹14,500
  • Late Registration: ₹3,750 (USD 50)
  • Rescheduling: ₹5,750 (USD 50)
  • Test Center Change: ₹5,750 (USD 50)
  • Additional Score Reports: ₹3,000 (USD 35)
  • Fee Waiver: ETS Fee Reduction (50% off)
  • Payment: Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, e-check

Registration Process

  1. Create ETS Account at ets.org/gre
  2. Select Test Type (General or Subject)
  3. Choose Date & Location / GRE at Home
  4. Fill personal details (match ID)
  5. Pay fees online
  6. Receive confirmation email

Alternative: Register by phone or authorized test centers.

Preparation Tips

  • Understand the format with ETS POWERPREP® Online
  • Create a 3–6 month study plan
  • Use quality resources (ETS Official Guide, Kaplan, Princeton, Magoosh)
  • Practice full-length tests with time limits
  • Build vocabulary using flashcards/apps
  • Review mistakes and focus on weak areas
  • Practice time management

GRE Subject Tests

  • Subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Psychology
  • Duration:
    • Mathematics: 2h 50m
    • Physics: 2h
    • Psychology: 2h
  • Fee (India): ₹14,500
  • Syllabus:
    • Mathematics: Calculus (50%), Algebra (25%), others (25%)
    • Physics: Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics
    • Psychology: Biological, Cognitive, Developmental, Social, Clinical
  • Format: Computer-delivered, no separately timed sections
  • Note: Chemistry Subject Test discontinued April 2023

Question Bank

click here to Download Question bank of GRE