
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for students applying to graduate, postgraduate, and MBA programs worldwide. The exam helps universities assess whether a candidate is ready for graduate-level study.
The GRE measures key skills such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. It is accepted by thousands of universities and more than 1,300 business schools across 160+ countries.
Many top institutions, including MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge, accept GRE scores as part of their admission process. The exam is available throughout the year, and candidates can take it up to 5 times in a 12-month period. According to ETS, around 81% of test takers who submit GRE scores gain admission to a graduate program.
Exam Pattern
Duration of exam: 1 hour 58 minutes
No. of sections: 3 sections
Weightage: Verbal Reasoning – 27 questions
Quantitative Reasoning – 27 questions
Analytical Writing – 1 essay
Total Questions: 54 questions + 1 essay
Scoring range:
Verbal Reasoning – 130–170
Quantitative Reasoning – 130–170
Analytical Writing – 0–6
Marking scheme: There is no negative marking in the GRE exam. Scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of the questions.
Syllabus
Verbal Reasoning
Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence, vocabulary, and critical reasoning.
Quantitative Reasoning
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation, ratios, percentages, probability, and quantitative problem-solving.
Analytical Writing
Candidates are required to write an essay that tests their ability to analyze and present ideas clearly and logically.
GRE Exam Registration
To take the GRE exam, candidates must register through the official ETS website. Below is a simple step-by-step guide for GRE registration.
Step 1: Create an ETS Account
Visit www.ets.org/mygre and create your personal ETS account.
Step 2: Enter Personal Details
Fill in your basic information such as name, email address, phone number, and other required details to complete your GRE profile.
Step 3: Verify Your Account
Create a username and password, then verify your account using the email verification link sent by ETS.
Step 4: Register for the GRE Exam
Log in to your ETS account and select “Register for GRE” to begin the exam registration process.
Step 5: Select Test Date and Location
Choose your preferred test date, time, and test center, or select the online GRE option if available.
Step 6: Pay the Registration Fee
Complete your registration by paying the GRE exam fee of INR 22,550 using a valid credit or debit card. Once payment is done, submit your application to confirm your test booking.
Eligibilty:
a) Completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
b) Final-year undergraduate students can also apply
c) There is no minimum age limit set by ETS Unlike many national exams, there is no minimum percentage requirement to take the GRE.
Documents Required
Valid passport
Recent passport-size photograph
Academic details
Email ID & Phone number
Debit/Credit Card or approved payment method for registration
GRE Exam Dates
The GRE is conducted multiple times throughout the year in India, giving candidates the flexibility to choose a test date based on their schedule and preparation level. It is recommended to take the GRE two to three months before your university application deadline.
If you wish to improve your score after your first attempt, you can retake the GRE exam. Candidates are allowed to take the GRE once every 21 days, with a maximum of five attempts within a 12-month period. This flexible schedule helps candidates plan their GRE attempts effectively while preparing for their graduate program applications.
GRE Registration Fee
The table below provides an overview of the standard test administration fees for the GRE General Test.
| GRE Exam Fees |
Price (INR) |
| GRE General Test |
22,550 |
| GRE Subject Test |
14,500 |
The table below shows the fees for various special service requests related to the GRE exam.
| Special Handling Request |
Fees (INR) |
| Rescheduling fee |
5,000 |
| Changing test center |
5,000 |
| Changing your Subject Test |
5,000 |
| Additional score report |
2,900 |
| Score review |
5,900 |
| Score reinstatement |
5,000 |
| Returned payment |
2,900 |
GRE Cancellation Fee
Candidates can cancel their GRE exam appointment if required. However, cancellations must be made at least 4 days before the scheduled exam date. If the exam is cancelled within the allowed period, 50% of the exam fee will be refunded.
GRE Rescheduling Fee
Candidates can change their test date or test center by paying a rescheduling fee of $50, provided the change is made at least 4 days before the scheduled exam date.
Selection Process
GRE scores are used by universities as part of their admission process for master’s, MBA, and other graduate programs.
The selection process generally includes the following stages:
1. GRE score evaluation
2. Application review
3. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
4. Letters of Recommendation
5. Personal Interview (for some programs)
Many universities also consider academic background, research experience, extracurricular activities, and work experience while selecting candidates.
Latest News & Updates
The GRE exam is conducted throughout the year, and candidates can choose their preferred test date based on availability.
Candidates can take the GRE up to 5 times in a 12-month period.
The GRE exam is conducted in over 160 countries worldwide.
ETS does not set any official age limit for taking the GRE exam.
GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
GRE results are usually available within 8 to 10 days after the test date. Candidates can check their official scores by logging into their ETS account.
Work experience is not required to take the GRE exam, although some graduate programs may prefer candidates with relevant experience.
After taking the GRE, students can apply for various graduate programs such as Master of Science (MS), MBA, M.Tech, and Ph.D. in different fields.