GRE Exam 2024: Full Form, Dates, Registration, Eligibility, Pattern, Result

The full form of GRE is Graduate Record Examination. It is a universally accepted standardized exam conducted by ETS. GRE Exam tests analytical writing, quantitative ability and verbal reasoning skills to ensure the readiness of PG aspirants planning to study abroad. Since there's no age limit to the exam, aspirants can walk across any test centre located in 47 Indian cities to take their GRE Exam. The GRE Score is generated within 10-15 days after the exam. This score is valid for the next 5 years. While the GRE Exam is not the toughest exam in the world, still you need to invest time and effort in its preparation. To kickstart prep consider exploring a GRE study plan for beginners.

Know all about What is GRE exam in under 5 minutes:

There are two types of Graduate Record Examination. Check the table below to have a quick overview of both types of Graduate Record Examination

Conducted by ETS, the GRE full form is the Graduate Record Examination. The score of this exam is an important requirement for pursuing MS programmes across universities abroad. A good GRE score often helps candidates to stand out in the admission process. More than 1,300 business schools worldwide accept scores of GRE Test for PG admission.

This section of the GRE test would cover any latest developments revolving around the GRE Exam for the benefit of candidates who are planning to appear for their GRE test.

GRE Fees Revised

Candidates should note that the GRE fee for both the GRE General Test, as well as GRE Subject Fee, has been revised by ETS - the conducting body of the GRE exam. Currently, students registering for the GRE General Test would be required to pay ₹22,550 INR and students booking their GRE Subject Test would be required to pay ₹14,500 INR. 

ETS GRE Exam Shortened to Just Under 2 Hours

One of the most widely accepted tests for graduates and professional courses, the GRE exam which was previously just under 4 hours shortened to just under 2 hours, as notified by ETS - the conducting body of the GRE exam. The shorter version of the GRE General Test started on September 22, 2023, with 26 fewer Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning questions and only one Analytical Writing essay helping reduce test-taking fatigue. This new change will make the GRE exam (approx 2hrs) shorter than the GMAT exam (3hrs 7mins), GMAT Focus Edition (2hrs 15mins) and LSAT (approx 3hrs). 

There are no specific GRE eligibility criteria as prescribed by ETS. Anyone can register for this GRE exam, irrespective of age or qualifications. However, candidates applying for master's courses are required to take their GRE test. The only other factor that a candidate is required to keep in mind is the fact that he/she would be required to produce their original passport as proof of identity at the exam centre, so candidates are required to have a valid passport before they register for the GRE exam.

• No Age Limit: There is no age limit set for candidates wanting to appear for their GRE test.
• No Educational Qualification: ETS has not announced any official statement regarding the qualification required to appear for GRE Exam. You do not need to show your graduation certificate. However, the GRE is only for admission in master's or their PhD courses, so without having a graduate degree, there is no point in appearing in the exam.
• Valid Passport: A valid passport is an important document to appear in GRE exam 2025.

The application fee for the GRE General Test is ₹ 22,550 INR for Indian students registering for the GRE test. The GRE Exam fee in Indian rupees is Rs. ₹ 22,550. GRE Subject Test costs ₹ 14,500 for students in India. Also, if the applicants want to change the centre or reschedule the test, they would be required to pay an extra fee for the same.

Worldwide GRE Application Fee 2025 and Related Charges

In this section, we are going to be discussing how much does it cost to take the GRE? Here is how much the GRE costs around the world:

GRE Cancellation Fee/ GRE Rescheduling Fee

Candidates who must cancel or reschedule their GRE General Test registration are required to do so no later than four days before the test date or the GRE exam fee would be forfeited. Candidates would be required to pay $50 for rescheduling their GRE test. Apart from this, candidates are charged $50 if they want to change a subject in the GRE Subject Test.

GRE Special Handling Requests India Rates

Accepted GRE Payment Modes in India

The following payment modes are accepted in India for students looking to book the GRE exam. 

1. Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro credit and debit cards
2. Rupay credit and debit cards
3. UPI and Bharat QR payments including the following digital wallets FreeCharge, PayZapp, Airtel Money, Google Pay; MobiKwik; JioMoney; Ola Money; PhonePe; Amazon Pay; Paytm, WhatsApp, and all BHIM UPI-enabled banking apps. (Coming Soon)
4. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) for Visa and MasterCard cards issued outside India will also be supported.

GRE Special Handling Requests

Candidates wanting to avail of additional services would be required to pay an extra fee for the same. Charges for special handling requests for services are mentioned below.

There are multiple ways to register for the GRE test. Popular ways through which aspirants can register for the GRE exam are online and over the phone. Apart from this, aspirants can also register through mail or even by fax. For booking a slot for the GRE test candidates would require a debit or credit card to pay the registration fee of ₹ 22,550 and have a valid passport during the registration process. 

Things to Remember Before GRE Registration 2025

• The information you provide on the ETS application should always match your passport.
• The name you provide should always be the same as it is on your passport.
• The testing authority can prohibit the aspirant from entering the test centre in case of any discrepancies.
• Check out which test-taking format is available in your location and if you are comfortable with that format or not.
• Also, carefully read the policies of the exam before registration.

How to Register for GRE online?

Candidates are required to follow the below-mentioned steps to register for GRE via the online method. 

• Candidates need to create an ETS account on the official website: https://www.ets.org/mygre 
• Select the type of GRE exam they want to take – the GRE General or GRE Subject Test
• Select the GRE General Test
• Select your option to either appear for the GRE exam from a designated GRE Test Centre or GRE at Home
• Verify your email address, then continue.
• To select your test appointment, confirm your time zone, or select a new one
• Choose the two-month window you want to search and then select your preferred date from the calendar.
• Select an available time/date to test and click “Register for this test.”
• Complete your registration and pay the registration fee of ₹ 22,550 INR

Like other international standardized exams, there are multiple GRE exam dates in 2025 in India and candidates can choose any GRE date according to their convenience and availability. The GRE exam date that you choose should be at least two to three months before your first university application deadline. So if the deadline for your application is November, you should choose a test date for August or September. If you feel the need to retake the GRE exam, you can take it in October again. So you need to make a judicious decision about when you need to start preparing for GRE.

GRE Dates 2025 for Delhi NCR

Check out the GRE Exam Dates 2025 for New Delhi city:

GRE Test Dates 2025 for Chennai

GRE Exam Dates 2025 for Mumbai

How Many Times Can You Take the GRE?

Students can book their GRE test dates once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days). The GRE at Home is available around the clock, 7 days a week, with appointments available as early as 24 hours after you register. However, candidates would need to meet the system and environment requirements to go ahead with booking their GRE exam dates. The GRE Subject Test dates are available three times a year and candidates can book their GRE Subject Test dates as often as they are available. 

The ETS conducts GRE exams in 47 cities across the country. Students can check and select the desired GRE test centres to appear in the exam. The majority of them offer computer-based GRE options for the test. As informed earlier, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ETS - the conducting body of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) has decided to launch the GRE General Test at home for locations where the computer-based format of the GRE Test was earlier available for the convenience of students wanting to study abroad.

Candidates looking to appear for their GRE exam are required to book a GRE test center that is closest to them. They can visit the official ETS GRE website or check out the updated list of GRE test centers in India provided below. Here are the list of GRE Test centres in India:

Source: ETS India Official Website

 Candidates are advised to start the GRE slot booking process early as slots tend to fill up quickly. Candidates should be flexible with their test date and time and candidates are recommended to book their slot at least 45 days before their preferred test date as this will most likely be the best chance of getting their preferred slot. The ETS GRE slot booking is the process of GRE exam registration. In this section, we will inform GRE exam applicants of the steps to successfully book their GRE exam slot.

How to Do GRE Slot Booking:

• Visit the official website pf ETS GRE and select the test type.
• Find a test centre suitable for you.
• Pick your preferred date and time.

After completing these steps click on "Book Test" and pay the fee.

The GRE exam pattern is made up of three sections, namely, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing section will always be the first, whereas, the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and unscored sections may appear in any order. Along with the time duration difference, the pattern also differs for paper-based and online exams. The duration of the GRE General Test is 1 hour and 58 minutes and the duration of the GRE Subject Test is 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Candidates looking to appear for the paper-based format of the GRE Exam can visit the official website for the same. 

Sections of GRE Paper Pattern

• Analytical Writing
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning

GRE Exam Pattern for the GRE Computer-Based Exam vs GRE Paper-Based Exam

Candidates looking to appear for the GRE General Test can find the detailed GRE Exam Pattern mentioned below for the GRE Computer-Based Test:

The GRE syllabus is different for both GRE tests, GRE General Test, and GRE Subject Test. The GRE General Test syllabus is the standard exam that tests students’ verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Students who wish to pursue specialized subjects, need to take the Subject Test that might be required by the college/university they are seeking admission to, as Subject Test focuses on judging the candidate’s technical expertise in specific fields.

GRE Analytical Writing Syllabus 2025

In the GRE Analytical Writing Section, candidates would be required to attempt two separately timed tasks. Candidates would be required to “Analyze an Issue” and to “Analyze an Argument.” For the “Analyze an Issue” task, the test takers would be required to read an opinion on a topic of general interest and be given instructions on how to respond to the issue at hand. For the “Analyze an Argument” task, the candidate will need to consider an argument according to the instructions given in the prompt. GRE Analytical Writing Syllabus requires you to

• Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
• Support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
• Examine claims and accompanying evidence
• Sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
• Control the elements of standard written English

GRE Verbal Reasoning Syllabus 2025

The GRE Verbal Section (Verbal) section of the test will require candidates to analyze written material, as well as relationships among component parts of sentences, including words and concepts. Candidates will be required to solve questions on Text Completion (TC), Sentence Equivalence (SE) and Reading Comprehension (RC). GRE Verbal Reasoning Syllabus requires you to 

• Analyze and draw conclusions from discourse; reason from incomplete data; identify the author's assumptions and/or perspective; understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative and author's intent
• Select important points; distinguish major from minor or irrelevant points; summarize text; understand the structure of a text
• Understand the meaning of individual words, sentences and entire texts; understand relationships among words and concepts

GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus 2025

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section (Quant) requires candidates to use their basic quantitative skills, as well as their ability to reason and solve problems with quantitative methods. This section would cover questions on basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Questions would be clubbed under Quantitative Comparison (QC) and Problem Solving (PS) sections. GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus Requires You to 

• Understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information
• Solve problems using mathematical models
• Apply basic skills and elementary concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis

Candidates who have appeared for this exam can access their GRE scores by logging into their GRE account using their credentials. The GRE exam total mark is 340. Similarly, the GRE maximum score is 340, whereas the GRE minimum score is 260. The composite score mentioned here is the sum of total GRE marks in the Verbal and Quant sections, while the AWA section score is presented separately.

Candidates who have appeared for their GRE exam should be aware that their GRE score is valid for a period of five years from the day of the exam. 

When Can I Download GRE Scores

Your official GRE test scores will be available in your account on the GRE website 10-15 days after your test date. They will be sent to the universities of your choice within three weeks of your test date. Once the results are out, you will receive an email from ETS informing you of the availability of your official GRE result in your account. GRE at Home scores will also be available to candidates 10-15 days from the date of the GRE test. 

Candidates should note that GRE raw scores for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections will be available to the candidates immediately after the completion of the GRE test. The analytical writing section which uses a human scoring functionality will be available during the official GRE score report. The GRE raw scores would be a reflection of the candidate's performance during the exam. The raw scores and official scores are more or less identical. Candidates can choose to cancel their score if they are not happy with their performance. In such a case there will be no official scores recorded and sent ahead to universities. 

How to Send GRE Score Report?

One important thing to know about your GRE fee is that it enables you to send your scores to up to four colleges or scholarship programmes. If you are taking the computer-delivered GRE exam, then you will be asked to select the score receivers at the test centre. In case you chose the paper-delivered GRE format, you will be asked to select your score-receiving colleges on your admission ticket or during registration.

On the day of the test, once you complete the GRE test and view the unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores, you will be asked to choose the score recipients you wish to share your GRE exam scores. If a college of your choice is not listed, ask the administrator at the test centre for a list of unlisted institutions. After the test, you can order Additional Score Reports for $27 per college.

What is the GRE Score Range?

You need to have some idea about how the scoring pattern works to better understand how your GRE score will be calculated. The GRE Score Report comprises the following components along with their GRE score range according to the official website. 

*Source – ETS

GRE Score Calculator

The GRE score range can be understood with the GRE Score Calculator on our website.  

• Verbal Reasoning score: On a 130–170 score scale, in 1-point increments
• Quantitative Reasoning score: On a 130–170 score scale, in 1-point increments
• Analytical Writing score: On a 0–6 score scale, in half-point increments
• GRE Total Score: On a 260–340 score scale

GRE Subject Test Score

GRE Subject Test is calculated on a scale of 200 to 990 with an increment scale variation of 10 points.

What is GRE Cutoff?

GRE test is mainly made up of three sections, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning, and students are given a total of 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete the test. While there is no blanket GRE cut-off, every college and course accepting GRE scores would have its own cut-off listed on the official website. Candidates wanting to get admission into top Graduate Colleges are required to lean towards the higher margin.

What is a Good GRE Score?

If you are applying for MS courses in the US in particular, remember that colleges don’t have minimum ‘cutoff’ marks required for admission. However, you still need to have an idea about average GRE scores across Top US universities. The below-mentioned good GRE score range will put you ahead of the pack (50%+), but won’t be as advantageous when applying to highly competitive programmes.

What is an Average GRE Score?

Average GRE Score: The average GRE score is highly dependent on your university/programme admission guidelines. However, to give candidates an understanding of what their average GRE score might look like candidates can take a look at the table below.

How to Improve GRE Score?

A lot of times candidates are unable to achieve the desired scores. They are required to re-appear for the GRE test to better their performance. Candidates can learn all about the GRE preparation tips mentioned below to understand smart tips for improving GRE scores. 

source: https://www.ets.org/ 

Related reads:

• Improving your GRE Score: Why and How?
• GRE to GMAT Score Conversion
• GMAT to GRE Score Conversion

If money is a consideration and one is quite confident of being able to prepare well without supervision, then self-study may be the better option to prepare for GRE. You could save money on personal tuition and classes, but you must also keep in mind other factors. To be able to study on your own effectively, you need a few good books and resources for GRE, along with motivation and self-discipline. Candidates can check out our customized 4-week GRE Preparation plan to better their GRE Exam performance.

On the other hand, if time is a constraint and one needs professional guidance to ensure a competitive edge in GRE exam preparation, then coaching classes are the better option. You will have access to a better resource of study materials and will have a team of experts guiding you. Your time will be better managed as being regular in classes will become part of your routine. Moreover, being around other students will increase their motivation levels. 

Strategy for Preparing for the GRE

To complete the GRE course preparation early, students can download the PDF of GRE sample papers. To help you better, we have mentioned a few tips to cover the syllabus early:

1. Understand the exam structure thoroughly.
2. Create a realistic study plan and follow it strictly.
3. Use quality study material for your study.
4. Practice every day. It is advisable to give more time to tough topics.
5. Focus on improving English vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

GRE Preparation Online

One big question everyone preparing for the GRE faces is figuring out how to start the preparation. Some prefer good old private tuitions, coaching classes or self-studies, the most recent favourite among students is online prep courses. If you are confused between coaching classes or online prep, here are a few points clarifying why online exam prep is suddenly a rage among test-takers internationally. Candidates could also check out top online coaching for GRE preparation and know the Reasons Why You Should Choose Online GRE Prep.

Related Reads:

As we all are aware the GRE exam is broadly made up of three sections, the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section, the Quantitative Reasoning section, and the Verbal Reasoning section. And test-takers would definitely require different GRE prep books to prepare for the different sections of the GRE test. Here are some of the best GRE books:

• The Official Guide to the GRE General Test - ETS
• 5 Lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems - Manhattan Prep
• Official GRE Super Power Pack - ETS
• GRE Prep Plus Kaplan
• GRE Prep Plus Kaplan
• Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep, - Princeton Review
• GRE Prep Plus - Kaplan
• Official GRE Value Combo - ETS
• GRE Prep - Test Prep Books
• Official Gre Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions - ETS
• Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, Second Edition, Volume 1 - ETS
• Essential Words for the GRE - Barron

For the benefit of our readers, we have also collated a set of GRE question papers with answer keys that are based on past year's GRE exam papers for the benefit of our readers. The following GRE exam question paper has been sourced from various authentic websites and ETS - the conducting body of the GRE 2025 Try your hand at GRE Sample Papers to self-evaluate your understanding of the GRE exam.

Solve GRE Question Papers here

Who Accepts GRE?

Those students who wish to enrol in graduate, business, or law schools should opt for the GRE test. It is accepted by thousands of schools across the globe. You can check the list of MBA programs worldwide that accept the GRE General Test on the official website. Apart from this, you can check also out the complete list of institutions and fellowship programs available on the official ETS website.

GRE for Business School 

Business schools across the globe use GRE scores for giving admission to MBA aspirants. Apart from this, students who want to pursue business programs and other specialized master's courses seeking admission to business schools worldwide also take the GRE test. 

GRE for Law School

Those who are seeking admission to law school can also give the GRE 2025 Test. Various law schools across the world are accepting GRE General Test Scores for giving admission. Some of the law schools accepting GRE Scores are:

Universities Accepting GRE Scores

Following is a list of popular universities that accept GRE test scores along with a rough average of the accepting scores. Candidates are requested to visit the university page by clicking on the university name to stay updated on the current score requirements. Acceptance criteria can fluctuate.

Popular Universities Accepting GRE Scores 

GRE vs GMAT

Candidates are often confused about the GRE and GMAT exams. The table below shows the difference between GMAT and GRE exams (GMAT vs GRE).

Read: GRE vs IELTS: Know the Difference

GRE Scholarships

The GRE aspirants must note that ETS, the body that conducts GRE does not provide any scholarship even to the top scorers. There is no such thing as a GRE scholarship. Scholarships are provided by graduate schools and a GRE score is not the sole criterion for granting financial aid. Your academic background, work or research experience, or any other achievements are also considered for awarding a scholarship. So, it doesn’t mean that GRE scores are not important, they are given equal importance with other factors while applying for a scholarship. For a list of scholarships, visit our page on scholarships for study abroad.