Latest update: As of September 2025, the GRE General Test is not available at home in India. Candidates must appear for the test at the designated test centers.
The GRE Exam (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test conducted by ETS for admission to master’s, MBA, and doctoral programs worldwide. In the 2024 testing year, over 256,000 candidates took the GRE General Test, with India leading globally in test-takers, surpassing the U.S. for the first time in the exam’s 80-year history.
The GRE exam evaluates three areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Average GMAT scoresare 151.2 in Verbal, 157.6 in Quant, and 3.5 in Writing, highlighting the exam’s competitive nature. The GRE is accepted in more than 90 countries and by thousands of universities, making it one of the most recognized entrance tests for higher education.
This guide explains the GRE exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, registration process, fees, scoring system, preparation strategies, exam centres, and key dates, everything students need to plan effectively in 2025.
The GRE Exam (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service). It is designed to evaluate skills essential for success in graduate and professional programs, particularly MS, MBA, and PhD admissions.
Key Features of the GRE Exam:
Test Type: Computer-based with an adaptive format that adjusts difficulty based on performance.
Global Acceptance: Recognized in more than 90 countries.
Versions Offered: GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests (for specific fields).
The GRE exam has become a benchmark for universities worldwide to compare applicants from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.
Why Take the GRE Exam?
Global Recognition: Accepted by 1,000+ universities worldwide, including top institutions in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and India.
Versatility: Required for a wide range of programs in engineering, sciences, social sciences, business, and humanities.
Skill Evaluation: Measures reasoning, problem-solving, and writing skills that reflect academic readiness.
Admission Advantage: A high GRE score strengthens applications for admission, scholarships, and assistantships.
GRE Exam Pattern and Format
The GRE exam pattern is aimed at testing the reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills under a strict time constraint. It is administered in a computer-based adaptive format so that the complexity of subsequent sections depends on the performance of the prior sections. This renders the GRE a better assessment of the ability of a candidate.
Section-wise GRE Exam Format:
1. Analytical Writing
Number of tasks: 1 (Analyse an Issue)
Duration: 30 minutes
Skills tested: Critical thinking, argument development, clarity in written communication
Scoring scale: 0–6, in half-point increments
2. Verbal Reasoning
Sections: 2
Questions per section: 12
Time per section: 18 minutes
Skills tested: Reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, logical reasoning
Scoring scale: 130–170, in 1-point increments
3. Quantitative Reasoning
Sections: 2
Questions per section: 12
Time per section: 21 minutes
Skills tested: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation
Data Analysis: Probability, statistics, interpretation of graphs and tables
3. Analytical Writing
Issue Task: Write an essay analysing a general topic, presenting and supporting a position
Argument Task: Evaluate the logical soundness of an argument, highlighting strengths and flaws
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GRE Exam Eligibility
The GRE Exam Eligibility criteria are straightforward and flexible. In ETS, there are no rigid academic or age-based requirements to take the test, so it can be taken by a wide array of applicants. Certain requirements in the area of identification, education, and frequency of testing are necessary, however.
GRE Exam Eligibility Criteria:
Criteria
Details
Age Limit
No minimum or maximum age limit.
Minimum Qualification
No mandatory qualification set by ETS.
Recommended Qualification
Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) for MS, MBA, or PhD admissions.
Final-Year Students
Eligible to take the GRE exam before completing their degree.
ID Requirement (India)
Valid passport required; name must match GRE registration details.
Other Countries’ ID
Government-issued ID accepted as per ETS country-specific rules.
Attempts per Year
Up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period.
Gap Between Attempts
Minimum 21 days required between two GRE exam attempts.
The GRE Exam Registration is managed online by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and can be completed in a few simple steps. Applicants have the option to take the GRE General Test or the GRE Subject Test in test centers or to take the GRE at Home Version (where possible). The best practice is to register early to get preferred GRE exam dates and GRE exam centers.
Step-by-Step GRE Registration Guide
1. Create an ETS Account
Go to the ETS official website.
Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your valid ID (e.g., passport for Indian students).
Set up login credentials and verify your email.
2. Select GRE Exam Type
Choose between:
GRE General Test: Required for most MS, MBA, and PhD programs.
GRE Subject Test: Required for specific disciplines (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Psychology).
Pick a test center from the available options in your city or nearby locations.
If choosing GRE at Home, ensure your system meets ETS technical requirements.
5. Pay GRE Exam Fees and Confirm
GRE General Test fee in India: USD 220 (approx. INR 18,000).
GRE Subject Test fee: USD 150 (approx. INR 12,500).
Pay using debit/credit cards, UPI, or other accepted international payment modes.
Download and save the confirmation slip for future reference.
GRE Exam Dates 2025–2026
GRE Exam Dates also depends on which GRE test you are taking: the GRE General Test or the GRE Subject Test. The General Test can be taken nearly every week at approved locations, and the GRE at Home program, and the Subject Tests are only offered three times a year, globally.
It is worth planning early because the popular slots get filled very fast, particularly during graduate school times.
GRE Subject Test Dates 2025–2026:
Test Window
Test Dates
Details
September 2025
Sept 8 – Sept 21
First testing window of the academic cycle. Registration typically opens in July 2025.
October 2025
Oct 13 – Oct 26
Second window, often preferred by fall applicants.
April–May 2026
Apr 20 – May 3
Final test window before Fall 2026 admissions.
Note: GRE Subject Tests are offered in Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Chemistry. Registration must be completed through the ETS official website.
GRE General Test Availability
Year-Round Testing: The GRE General Test is offered throughout the year at ETS-authorized centers and via the GRE at Home option.
Flexible Scheduling: Candidates can choose dates based on availability in their city. Multiple slots are usually available each week.
Advance Booking: ETS allows registration up to 12 months in advance. However, it is recommended to book 2–3 months before university deadlines.
Peak Season: August to November is the busiest period, as most graduate school deadlines fall in December and January.
The GRE exam scoring system is designed to provide a fair evaluation of a candidate’s performance across three key sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section has scores reported on a variety of scales, and universities use these to evaluate the academic preparedness of applicants.
GRE Scoring Breakdown:
Section
Score Range
Score Increment
Verbal Reasoning
130 – 170
1-point increments
Quantitative Reasoning
130 – 170
1-point increments
Analytical Writing (AWA)
0 – 6
Half-point increments
How Adaptive Scoring Works
The GRE is a section-level adaptive test.
After you complete the first Verbal or Quant section, the difficulty of the next section adapts based on your performance.
Higher difficulty questions lead to a higher potential score range.
This adaptive format ensures a more accurate measure of ability.
Score Reporting and Percentiles
Score Validity: GRE scores remain valid for 5 years.
Percentiles: Each score is accompanied by a percentile ranking, showing how your score compares to other test-takers.
Example: A 160 in Quantitative may correspond to around the 76th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 76% of candidates.
Official Score Reports: ETS allows you to send your scores to up to 4 universities for free on test day. Additional reports can be sent later for a fee.
Score Select Option: You can choose which set of scores to send to schools if you’ve taken the GRE multiple times.
A solid GRE exam preparation strategy typically takes 2–3 months of consistent study. The approach depends on individual learning style; some candidates prefer self-study using official guides, while others opt for structured GRE prep courses for guidance and discipline.
Recommended Study Approach
1. Self-Study
Suitable for motivated learners with strong fundamentals.
Relies on official ETS materials, online resources, and practice tests.
2. GRE Prep Courses
Beneficial for students who need structured schedules, expert guidance, or peer learning.
Provides curated practice questions, timed drills, and doubt-clearing sessions.
3. Official ETS Prep Resources
Official GRE Super Power Pack (eBook + practice tests).
PowerPrep Online practice tests to simulate real exam conditions.
ETS GRE Prep App for on-the-go practice.
4. Additional Online Platforms
Many learners also use online practice tools, vocabulary apps, and forums to supplement preparation.
This helps track progress, identify weak areas, and practice under timed conditions.
GRE Exam Preparation Tips
Effective GRE prep isn’t just about covering the syllabus; it’s about building the right skills and practicing under exam-like conditions.
Here are some proven strategies to boost your performance:
1. Build a Strong Vocabulary (Verbal Reasoning)
Learn 10–15 new words daily.
Use flashcards or apps to reinforce word retention.
2. Revise Core Math Concepts (Quantitative Reasoning)
Strengthen basics in algebra, geometry, probability, and data interpretation.
Focus on speed as well as accuracy.
3. Take Mock Tests Regularly
Schedule full-length practice exams weekly.
Analyze results to identify weak sections and improve test stamina.
4. Practice Essay Writing (Analytical Writing)
Write timed responses for Issue and Argument tasks.
Review sample essays from ETS for scoring benchmarks.
5. Time Management
Practice answering questions under strict time limits.
Develop strategies to skip difficult questions and return later if time permits.
The GRE exam remains an important access point to MS, MBA, and PhD programs globally. Knowledge of the GRE exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, registration process, fees, and scoring system will enable those planning to take the exam to be prepared and eliminate last-minute challenges. Students can strive to achieve competitive scores with the help of good preparation, either via self-study or through a structured course that helps in strengthening the application.
To pass the GRE, you should plan, match your GRE test dates to the deadlines of the university, and practice regularly. Being prepared can also enhance performance during the test as well as on exam day, as it boosts confidence.
If you are still unsure about your options, you can book a free counseling sessionwith upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.
Download these useful guides to ace your GRE preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GRE exam used for?
The GRE exam is primarily used for admission into graduate programs such as MS, MBA, and PhD in universities worldwide. It allows institutions to evaluate applicants’ reasoning, problem-solving, and writing abilities in a standardized way. Many schools also use GRE scores when awarding scholarships, fellowships, or teaching assistantships.
How much does the GRE cost in India?
The GRE General Test fee in India is USD 220 (approximately INR 18,000), while the GRE Subject Test costs USD 150 (around INR 12,500). Beyond that, extra services like rescheduling, score review, or sending additional score reports require separate fees. Candidates should always check ETS’s website for updated pricing, as exchange rates may slightly impact final costs.
What is a 90% GRE score?
A 90th percentile GRE score places you in the top 10% of test-takers globally. Typically, this means scoring around 163–170 in Quantitative Reasoning and 160–170 in Verbal Reasoning, though exact percentiles shift yearly. Achieving this benchmark can significantly boost your chances of admission into competitive programs, where cutoffs are high.
Is GRE harder than SAT?
The GRE and SAT serve different purposes. The SAT targets undergraduate admissions, while the GRE is for graduate-level study. The GRE tends to be more challenging because it includes advanced vocabulary, analytical writing tasks, and higher-level quantitative reasoning. The SAT focuses more on high-school-level math and English, so many consider the GRE to be the tougher of the two.
Can I take the GRE at home?
Yes, ETS offers the GRE at Home option, which mirrors the test center experience. You’ll need a quiet, private space, a computer with a webcam, and a stable internet connection. A live proctor monitors the session, ensuring all ETS rules are followed. For many candidates, this flexibility is useful when test centers are fully booked or far away.
How soon will I get my GRE scores?
Unofficial Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores are displayed immediately after you finish the test. The Analytical Writing score takes longer, as it is manually evaluated, so the full official score report is typically available in 8–10 days. ETS then allows you to send your scores directly to universities through your account.
Do all universities require the GRE?
No, not every program requires GRE scores. In recent years, especially after the pandemic, some universities have made GRE submission optional. However, for STEM, economics, and competitive MBA programs, the GRE is still a common requirement. Always confirm with your chosen school, as policies vary by country and institution.
Can I use my GRE score for MBA admissions?
Yes, thousands of business schools now accept the GRE instead of the GMAT for MBA admissions. Top U.S. institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton all consider GRE scores. This flexibility allows applicants to take one exam for both MBA and MS/PhD applications, depending on their academic goals.
How many times should I take the GRE?
ETS allows up to five attempts in any rolling 12-month period, but most candidates only take it once or twice. A second attempt makes sense if you fall short of your target score, provided you adjust your preparation strategy. However, frequent retakes don’t necessarily improve outcomes and may raise questions about consistency.
Do GRE scores expire?
Yes, GRE scores are valid for five years from your test date. This gives students flexibility if they want to gain work experience before applying to graduate school. For example, a GRE taken in 2025 can be used for admissions through late 2030, depending on the application cycle.
Does the GRE have negative marking?
No, the GRE does not use negative marking. Wrong answers do not reduce your score, so it’s better to attempt every question. Even a guess could earn you points, whereas leaving a question blank guarantees no score. This makes time management and educated guessing important strategies for test-takers.
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,...
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