GRE Overview

What is GRE?

Let’s start with the basics — the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a globally recognized test used for getting into graduate programs, including engineering, business, and even some law schools. Think of it as a way for universities to measure your skills in critical thinking, verbal and quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. It’s like a universal scorecard that helps them figure out where you stand.

Why is GRE Required?

If you’re wondering why schools even bother with the GRE, here’s the deal: it gives them a way to compare students from different countries, universities, and backgrounds. Your GPA might not mean the same thing everywhere, but a GRE score? That’s a universal yardstick. Plus, some universities use GRE scores to decide on scholarships or assistantships.

GRE vs. GMAT vs. IELTS

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for understanding how GRE is different from others:

How GRE Helps with Scholarships and University Admissions

According to ETS, applicants with GRE scores in the 90th percentile or higher are 75% more likely to receive admissions offers from top-tier universities.

How GRE Helps with Scholarships and University Admissions

According to ETS, applicants with GRE scores in the 90th percentile or higher are 75% more likely to receive admissions offers from top-tier universities.

Examples of Scholarships Tied to GRE Scores:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Requires a GRE score for most applicants. A score of 310+ significantly increases your chances of acceptance and funding.
• Clark University Merit Scholarship: GRE scores are a factor in determining merit-based awards that can cover up to 50% of tuition fees.

ETS reports that 40% of students with GRE scores above 320 received partial or full scholarships in the last 5 years. So if you wanna stand out to get a scholarship, good GRE score will be an asset.

GRE Eligibility

There are no strict requirements, but you’ll need:

• A valid government-issued ID(Passport).
• To meet the criteria for your desired program.

(You can do the GRE even if you are not interested in a Graduate program in USA, but what is the point of doing that!)

Still you can check: GRE Exam Eligibility Criteria

When is the GRE Exam Held?

The GRE is super flexible — it’s offered year-round for the computer-based test. The computer-based GRE is available on multiple dates each month, while the paper-based GRE is conducted only a few times annually (typically in November, February, and April). Additionally, the online GRE at home is available 24/7, allowing candidates to schedule their exams at any time.

For fall admissions, it’s best to take the GRE between March and October of the previous year, while spring admissions require taking it by June to September. The GRE can be retaken every 21 days, up to five times per year. Proper planning ensures alignment with application deadlines and leaves room for retakes.

Best Time for Engineering Students to Take GRE

For engineering students, the sweet spot to take the GRE is between May and October of your pre-final year. This gives you time to prepare applications and retake the test if needed.

Completing the GRE early lets students focus on internships, research projects, and perfecting their Statements of Purpose (SOPs) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs) during their final year.

If you have not been able to take GRE in your final year, don't worry. After graduation your first priority should be completing GRE, then you can focus on other things. If the first GRE attempt doesn’t yield a desirable score, students have the flexibility to retake the test after 21 days, up to five times a year.

Aligning GRE Timing with University Admission Seasons

Check the application deadlines for your dream schools. Take the GRE at least 6-12 months before those deadlines so you have buffer time for any retakes or unexpected delays.

As for Fall 2026 admissions, it's ideal to take the GRE between September and November 2025. If you're planning to study abroad in Spring 2026, the best time to take the GRE is between January and May 2025.

GRE Exam Dates

If you’re taking the computer-based GRE, you can schedule it almost any day of the year. For paper-based exams, keep an eye on ETS’s schedule.

An example for New Delhi,India GRE exam Dates:

Know more about  GRE Test Dates

GRE Score Validity

Your GRE scores are valid for five years. So even if you’re not applying immediately, you’ve got plenty of time to use your results.

Universities usually consider the most recent GRE score, but many accept the best score within the five-year window. You should double-check with the universities you're applying to, as some may have their own policies regarding score acceptance and age limits.

GRE Exam Process

1. Registration

To register for the GRE:

• Create an ETS Account: Visit ETS GRE Registration and sign up.
• Choose Test Type: Select between the GRE General Test or Subject Test.
• Pick Your Format: Opt for either the computer-based test or the at-home version (if available in your region).
• Select Test Date & Location: Use the ETS portal to find a suitable test center or schedule your home-based test.
• Pay the Fee: Complete the payment using approved methods (credit card, PayPal, etc.).

2. Preparation

Use official ETS materials, third-party prep tools, and free resources. Take mock exams to simulate the actual test environment.

3. Before the Exam

• Confirmation Email: Check for a confirmation email from ETS with your test details.
• ID Documents: Ensure you have a valid government-issued ID matching your registration details. You must have a passport.
• Test Equipment (if at home): Confirm your computer, webcam, and internet connection meet ETS requirements.

4. Exam Day

For Test Center:

• Arrive 30 minutes early to complete check-in.
• Carry your ID and confirmation details.
• Follow the instructions of the proctor.

For At-Home Test:

• Log in to the ETS portal 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
• Perform a system check, and ensure your workspace complies with ETS rules.

5. During the Exam

The test will consist of three sections:

1. Analytical Writing: Two tasks (Issue and Argument).
2. Verbal Reasoning: Two sections with reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and text completion questions.
3. Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

Optional 10-minute break after the third section.

6. After the Exam

• Unofficial Scores: You’ll see your Verbal and Quantitative scores immediately after the test.
• Official Scores: Available within 10–15 days via your ETS account.
• Score Reporting: You can send your scores to four universities for free during registration or choose additional recipients for an extra fee later.

7. Retakes (If Needed)

You can retake the GRE after a 21-day gap, up to five times a year.

Online vs. Offline GRE

• Online GRE: Take it from the comfort of your home! It’s flexible, with more scheduling options, but you’ll need a quiet room, stable internet, and a properly set-up computer with a camera. While super convenient, any technical issues or rule violations could disrupt your test.
• Offline GRE: Prefer a traditional setup? The offline GRE at test centers offers a stable and distraction-free environment. There’s no stress about internet issues, but you’ll need to travel and stick to fixed test dates.

GRE Offline Centers

You’ll find GRE centers in most major cities. Just check the ETS website to find the one closest to you.

Bangladesh:

• American Alumni Association (AAA)
• US Software Limited
• DNS Software Limited

India:

• Ahmedabad: Prometric Testing Private Limited, Prahladnagar Corporate Road.
• Allahabad: IPEM, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Civil Lines.
• Bengaluru: Prometric Testing Private Limited, Whitefield, ITPL Road.
• Chennai: Prometric Testing Private Limited, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Kodambakkam.
• Chandigarh: Saint Kabir Public School, Sector 26.
• Coimbatore: ANCONS International, Trichy Road.
• Gurgaon: Prometric Testing Private Limited, Sohna Road, Sector 48.
• Hyderabad: Prometric Testing Private Limited, Gachibowli.
• Kolkata: Indexpo Corporation, Circus Market Place.
• Mysore: Exuberant Technologies Private Limited, JSS Layout.
• Mumbai: Prometric Testing Private Limited, Goregaon (W).
• New Delhi: Cyberstation, Dwarka, Sector 7.
• Pune: GRAD Dreams Education Consulting, NIBM Road, Kondhwa.
• Trivandrum: Prometric Testing Private Limited, Vazhuthacaud.

Pakistan:

• Islamabad
• Karachi
• Lahore

ETS GRE Exam Shortened to Just Under 2 Hours

As of September 22, 2023, the GRE General Test has been significantly shortened to just under two hours, approximately half the duration of the previous version. ETS

Key Changes:

• Analytical Writing Section: The "Analyze an Argument" task has been removed, leaving only the "Analyze an Issue" task.
• Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning Sections: The number of questions in each section has been reduced.
• Unscored Section: The unscored research section has been eliminated.
• Breaks: The scheduled 10-minute break has been removed.
• Score Reporting: Official scores are now delivered within 8–10 calendar days, a reduction from the previous 10–15 days.

For the syllabus, check GRE Syllabus

GRE Question Pattern & Syllabus

The GRE tests three main areas:

1. Analytical Writing Section (AWA)

• Task 1: Analyze an Issue
  • You are given a topic and asked to present a perspective, supporting your claims with reasoning and examples.(30 minutes)
• ((Not anymore required)) Task 2: Analyze an Argument
  • You evaluate and critique a given argument, identifying its flaws and presenting your analysis.(30 minutes)  

2. Verbal Reasoning Section

• Task 1: Reading Comprehension
  • Passages with 10 questions.
  • Types: Inferential reasoning, vocabulary in context, main ideas, and relationships between ideas.
• Task 2: Text Completion
  • Fill-in-the-blank questions that require an understanding of sentence structure and vocabulary.
• Task 3: Sentence Equivalence
  • Identify two or more sentence completions that have the same meaning.

3. Quantitative Reasoning Section

• Task 1: Quantitative Comparison
  • Two quantities are given, and you determine their relationship.
• Task 2: Problem Solving
  • Questions based on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
• Task 3: Data Interpretation
  • Interpreting graphs, tables, and charts.

Topics Covered in Quantitative Reasoning:

• Arithmetic: Numbers, fractions, percentages, ratios, algebraic equations, inequalities.
• Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, and coordinate geometry.
• Data Analysis: Statistics, probability, and interpretation of data.

4. Unscored Section (Research/Experimental)

Questions for research purposes. It is not included in the score but is necessary for ETS analysis.

Cost of GRE

The GRE exam costs $220 in most countries, though fees can vary. Other expenses include:

Additional score reports cost extra. Around $50 if you change your date. Half of your fee is refunded if you cancel early enough.

Lets know details: GRE Cost Analysis

GRE Score

What materials should you have: GRE Books & Resources

FAQs 

1. How long does the GRE score remain valid?
The GRE score is valid for 5 years.

2. Can I take the GRE multiple times?
Yes, you can take the GRE up to 5 times a year, with a minimum gap of 21 days between attempts.

3. What are the main differences between the computer-based GRE and the paper-based GRE?

• The computer-based GRE is offered year-round, more flexible, and typically faster for score reporting.
• The paper-based GRE is offered only a few times a year and may have limited testing centers.

4. Is the GRE required for all graduate programs?
No, not all graduate programs require the GRE. It depends on the university and specific program.

5. How can I register for the GRE?
You can register for the GRE by creating an ETS account, selecting your test type (General or Subject Test), and choosing the preferred test format (computer-based or at-home).

6. What happens if I cancel my GRE exam?
If you cancel your GRE registration, you may receive a partial refund if done within the cancellation period. However, if you reschedule, additional fees may apply.

7. How are GRE scores sent to universities?
You can send your scores to up to 4 universities for free at the time of registration. Additional score reports cost extra.

8. Can I retake the GRE if I’m unhappy with my score?
Yes, you can retake the GRE after a minimum gap of 21 days, up to 5 times a year.

9. What is the best time to prepare for the GRE?
Ideally, students should start preparing 2-3 months before their intended test date to ensure ample practice and revision time.

10. Can GRE scores impact scholarship eligibility?
Yes, GRE scores can enhance your chances of receiving scholarships, particularly in programs offering merit-based funding. High scores can make you more competitive for scholarships.