Raj Vimal

Raj VimalStudy Abroad Expert

Updated on Dec 23, 2024 12:35 IST

Having a set of GRE books can help you to prepare for the exam effectively. These books help you understand the exam topics thoroughly, enabling you to prepare effectively and achieve your desired score. By using a set of high-quality GRE preparation books, Indian students can enhance their understanding of the exam format and test-taking strategies. Regular practice of questions can also boost your confidence for the upcoming GRE exam.

The Graduate Record Exam is one of the most widely recognized tests for candidates looking to pursue postgraduate studies in countries abroad. High GRE scores increase the chance of getting admission into foreign universities. Preparation books play a vital role in getting the desired score. Students can buy these GRE books from the offline or online market. This page will help you to know about the best books for GRE exam preparation and related information about them.

GRE Preparation

Q:   What is the best book to prepare for the GRE?

A:

There are three sections in GRE exam so you need to buy separate GRE books to prepare for these sections.

Best Books for GRE Analytical Writing:

  • GRE Analytical Writing - Solutions to the Real Essay Topics - Book 1 and Book 2 by Vibrant Publishers.

Best Books for GRE Quantative Reasoning:

  • Kaplan GRE Maths Workbook
  • Barron’s New GRE

Best Books for GRE Verbal Reasoning section

  • Manhattan Prep Complete Verbal Set
  • ETS Official GRE Guide

These GRE books are easily available in the market.

Q:   How to download PDF of GRE Prep books?

A:

There are multiple GRE coaching institutes or publishers who offer PDF of study materials to students. You can easily purchase digital versions of their GRE prep books, which you can download to your device using a reader app like Kindle or Adobe Reader. Also, you can explore the nearest public library. You can certainly find some books for preparation.

Q:   Can Indian students prepare GRE exam at home without tuitions?

A:

The answer is yes! However, you need to have required study material to cover the topics and daily 4 to 6 hours for preparation. To prepare for GRE at home, you can follow these tips:

  1. Collect study material available on internet for free.
  2. Join online communities where you can discuss your preparation with other GRE test takers.
  3. Stay conneceted with any senior for preparation guidance.
  4. Regularly take practice tests and analyze your performance. 

Q:   From where can I buy GRE books for preparation?

A:

Students can buy GRE prep books online or offline. E-commerce websites like Amazon and Flipkart are popular among students to sell exam preparation books. Also, you try PDF of these books for self study.

To buy GRE books offline, student can visit the local bookstores or used book stores. Used books are cheaper than new one.

Q:   Can I take GRE test at home anytime?

A:

Yes, You Can take the GRE at Home anytime suits you! ETS offers a convenient option that students can take the Graduate Record Examination according to their schedule from the comfort of your own home.

All you need to do is arrange all the hardware (Computer, speaker, camera and more) at your home. A human proctor will monitor your test through your computer's camera and microphone.

Q:   What is the importance of GRE Books?

A:

GRE Prep books are one of the helpful resources for GRE candidates. It saves students time to cover the theoretical part of the exam and offers comprehensive coverage of different topics. Some GRE books provide sample tests, practice problems, and strategies to prepare for the Graduate Record Examination.

Top GRE Books 2025

In this section, we are going to be talking about the top GRE prep books for candidates who are looking to ace their GRE exam. 

Book Title Author/Publisher Price (INR)
Why Choose This Book
GRE Prep Plus 2024-2025 Kaplan Test Prep ₹7,142
A comprehensive guide with practice questions and strategies.
Official GRE Super Power Pack Educational Testing Service (ETS) ₹4,632
Contains real GRE questions and detailed explanations.
GRE Vocabulary Flashcards Kaplan Test Prep ₹1,539
Effective for mastering GRE vocabulary with flashcards.
GRE Complete 2024-2025 Kaplan Test Prep ₹3,499
All-in-one solution with practice tests and online resources.
5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems Manhattan Prep ₹1,979
Extensive practice problems covering all GRE topics.
The Official Guide to the GRE General Test Educational Testing Service (ETS) ₹1,039
Authentic GRE questions and insights into the test format.
Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep The Princeton Review ₹1,709
Includes practice tests and online tools for preparation.
GRE Prep by Magoosh Magoosh ₹1,600
Focuses on strategies and practice questions with online support.
Barron's GRE Barron's Educational Series ₹957.60
Detailed review and practice tests with test-taking strategies.
500 Essential Words: GRE Vocabulary Flashcards Manhattan Prep ₹1,788
Focused vocabulary preparation with essential words for GRE.

NOTE: Prices are approximate and may vary based on the seller and availability on Amazon India. It's advisable to check for the latest editions and reviews to ensure the best preparation experience.

Q:   Do I need to refer many GRE books for preparation?

A:

No, you don't need to refer to so many GRE prep books for your preparation. However, you can try some alternatives such as Official GRE Materials by ETS (which administers the GRE), online prep courses, and other authentic study materials. Focus on your learning style and your weaknesses to improve them.

Q:   How much time do I need to invest for my GRE exam preparation?

A:

It is always adviseble to start early so you can have luxury of extra time. The amount of preparation time for GRE depends on the proficiency of langauge and your study material. With 4 to 5 hours daily practice, a student will need 8 to 12 weeks to prepare from scratch.

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Best Books for GRE Preparation 2025 (section-wise)

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. Read on as we talk about the best GRE books for 2025, section-wise.

GRE Prep Book for Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section

In this section, we are going to look at the GRE Analytical Writing Assessment and candidates can check out our 20 GRE Essay Topics with Answers that we have curated by professionals to provide a flavour to our test takers. In addition, candidates can also check out our GRE Analytical Writing Practice Test sample paper, which has questions for our candidates to solve. If that is not enough, they can refer to our GRE prep tips: Analytical Writing section, for the latest tips to be able to score in the GRE analytical writing section. 

GRE Prep Book for Quantitative Reasoning section

In this section, we are going to look at the GRE Reasoning section which is mainly made up of math and reasoning. Test takers can check out our carefully crafted GRE prep tips for Quantitative section and also try their hand at solving the GRE Quantitative Practice Test which has questions and solutions from very renowned publishers all under one roof. 

Official GRE® Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition ($20 USD plus shipping): This guide provides 150 real, never-before-published Quantitative Reasoning questions with complete explanations and valuable hints and tips. It also includes a review of the math topics likely to appear on the test.

GRE Prep Book for Verbal Reasoning section

In this section, we are going to look at the GRE verbal reasoning section which is primarily made up of vocabulary and English verbal skills. Candidates can check out our carefully curated GRE prep tips: Verbal Reasoning Section for candidates wanting to score in this section and try their hand at solving the carefully crafted GRE Verbal Practice Test. Candidates must be wondering about the GRE best books for GRE verbal preparation, the best books for GRE vocabulary, and so on. Read on as we give you a list of the top GRE books for 2025. 

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Best GRE Books for self-study

As the saying goes, there is no alternative to hard work. And what better way to prove yourself than to get a good GRE score and that too all on your own merit. In this section, we are going to talk about ways to achieve good GRE scores through the use of the best GRE study material. Candidates can check out the top 10 Tips and Tricks for the GRESection-wise Preparation Tips for GRE and How should Indian test-takers prepare for the GRE as told by top faculty members. Candidates can also stick to the GRE Preparation Plan for 4 Weeks, try their hand at the GRE Practice Test.







Best Books for GRE Preparation 2025

The costs of studying and preparing for the GRE exam plus the application costs add up to a lot of expenses. If you are opting for the online GRE prep, even then you will need to refer to top GRE prep books to give your preparation that extra edge to be able to score high in the GRE exam. Read on as we have listed the best GRE preparation books for the benefit of our test takers. 

GRE Prep Book: The Official Guide to the GRE® General Test, Third Edition

The GRE Prep Book: The Official Guide to the GRE General Test, Third Edition contains hundreds of authentic GRE test questions, explanations for many answers, GRE test-taking strategies, GRE Quantitative Reasoning problem-solving steps and strategies, GRE sample essay responses with reader commentary among other prep material. The GRE prep book is priced at USD $40 plus shipping (extra) and is available for order on the official website of ETS-GRE. 

GRE Prep Book: Official GRE® Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition

Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition provides 150 real, never-before-published Verbal Reasoning questions with complete explanations and valuable hints and tips. It also includes new practise for the GRE Analytical Writing measure. The GRE prep book is priced at USD $20 plus shipping (extra) and is available for order on the official website of ETS-GRE. 

GRE Prep Book: Official GRE® Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition

Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition provides 150 real, never-before-published Quantitative Reasoning questions with complete explanations and valuable hints and tips. It also includes a review of the math topics likely to appear on the test. The GRE prep book is priced at USD $20 plus shipping (extra) and is available for order on the official website of ETS-GRE. 

GRE Prep Book: Official GRE® Super Power Pack 

The GRE Prep Book: Official GRE Super Power Pack is a combination of three books and they are, The Official Guide to the GRE General Test, The Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition, and The Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition. The GRE prep books are priced at a total price of USD $72 plus shipping (extra) and are available for order on the official website of ETS-GRE. Buyers would also get a chance to save 10% when they buy three of the most popular GRE General Test preparation products!

GRE Prep Book: Official GRE® Value Combo (eBook Only) 

The GRE Prep Book: Official GRE Value Combo (eBook Only) contains the Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition and the Official GRE® Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition. The GRE prep books are priced at a total price of USD $37 and are available for order on the official website of ETS-GRE. Test takers who are purchasing this eBook bundle would also gain access to a total of 300 never-before-published questions.

GRE Prep Book: ScoreItNow!™ Online Writing Practice 

Sharpen your writing skills as you prepare for the Analytical Writing measure. Using topics and tasks created by ETS, this web-based service allows you to write and submit responses to two essay topics and get immediate scores and feedback. In addition, six FREE bonus Analytical Writing topics are available to provide you with even more practice! Price: $20 USD.

Note: The above infographics have been sourced from ETS - the official website of the GRE exam.

Best GRE Study Material (online)

Move over the top GRE books and let us look at the best GRE study material in the online format. 

POWERPREP® Test Preview Tool (FREE)

The POWERPREP® Test Preview Tool contains information to help familiarize you with the question types, test features, and helpful tools that are available during the actual GRE General Test. This free tool can be found in the "My Test Preparation and Services" section of your ETS Account. This practice tool is free and you can access the same on the official website of ETS-GRE. 

POWERPREP® Online (FREE)

The POWERPREP® Online consists of two free practice tests that simulate the actual test and include the test-taker-friendly design features you'll encounter on test day, like moving back and forth between questions, changing answers within a section, and the on-screen calculator. POWERPREP Online also provides the following accommodations: extended time, extra breaks, screen magnification, selectable colours, and screen reader, and refreshable braille compatibility. This practice test module is free and you can access the same on the official website of ETS-GRE. 

POWERPREP PLUS® Online ($39.95 USD per practice test)

The POWERPREP PLUS Online is made up of three official practise tests (sold separately), each containing a different set of never-before-published real test questions, simulate the test experience and provide scores within minutes for all three measures, explanations for correct answers, a score report that summarizes your performance, and more! POWERPREP PLUS Online also provides the following accommodations: extended time, extra breaks, screen magnification, selectable colours, and screen reader, and refreshable braille compatibility. Each online practice test module is priced at USD $39.95 and you can access the same on the official website of ETS-GRE.

Note: The above infographics have been sourced from ETS - the official website of the GRE exam.

GRE Study Material: Alternate Methods

We have covered the best GRE prep books and the best GRE study material online. Candidates can now check out some other alternative methods of preparing for the GRE exam. 

  • Khan Academy: At Khan Academy, there isn’t a section specifically dedicated to GRE preparation, you can find plenty of material that is relevant and helpful for your studies, especially math. Just search for the concept you are having trouble with and you will find a video that explains it.
  • Official GRE Guide Mobile App: The Official GRE Guide app is the only app direct from ETS. It includes authentic test questions with answers and explanations from ‘The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test, Second Edition’.
  • Quizlet: On this website, you’ll find thousands of flashcards made by students about the GRE – vocabulary, math, writing, etc.
  • Manhattan GRE Practice Test: Manhattan is a reliable source of GRE preparation, so this practice test is of a high standard, complete with explanations.
  • ETS Topic Pools, Argument and Issue: ETS has available the entire pool of tasks from which your essay prompt will be selected. This means you will get one of these topics in the actual exam.

GRE Preparation Tips 2025

Candidates looking to perform well in their GRE test would be required to follow a solid GRE Preparation strategy to achieve their desired goal. This article has been solely dedicated to providing the best GRE study material 2025 for our readers.

Similar to other exam prep, you can choose to study on your own or join a coaching centre to prepare for the GRE exam. The decision lies entirely to you, as you need to see whether you have enough time and resources for both. Newer methods of studying are gaining popularity, like GRE preparation online. It includes both self-studying and coaching class methods. You join a virtual classroom and you learn in the comfort of your home. 

How to choose the Best GRE Preparation Books for you? 

Often, candidates are overwhelmed with the vast amount of information available on the internet for GRE prep. So how should candidates go about selecting the best GRE prep books and the best GRE study material for themselves? Candidates are required to follow some easy steps mentioned below to successfully have access to the best GRE prep material.

  • Always start early: Starting early is the key to all successful preparation strategies
  • Use only trusted sources: A lot of times, a good amount of time and resources are spent on dubious websites. Candidates should only rely on authentic study material
  • Candidates are advised to refer to the GRE official website  as the bible for their GRE prep
  • GRE prep strategies are unique and you should have your own GRE prep plan. Blindly following GRE planners may not be the best route to self-study.
  • Practice Practice and Practice
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Comments

(506)

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Rutul Kumar

10 months ago

Hi I am unable to book my GRE Physics Test in Ahmedabad, even though test centre are initially showing, but at the time of registration it is showing this error since last two months "No test centers found based on your search criteria. Change search criteria or enter a specific city location and tr

...more

Reply to Rutul Kumar

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Abhay kumar

9 months ago

go for GRE at home, only Arizona state university doesn't accept GRE at home except them every college in USA accept GRE at home

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Rutul Kumar

12 months ago

When should I apply for GRE Physics April Session in Ahmedabad, India?

Reply to Rutul Kumar

H

Hari

a year ago

How is physically handicapped dear and dumb?

Reply to Hari

R

Rahul Singha

10 months ago

Hello Hari. Kindly elaborate on your query for me to be able to assist you better.

hi i am architectural student so i need to join cullen university of space architecture college , i.e, university of houston , USA .

Reply to Reshmi Kadamati

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Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Reshmi. If you are looking for assistance with university admissions, do reach out to our team of Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply You can know all about the University of Houston, here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/usa/universities/university-of-hous

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Akshat Mishra

a year ago

Hey Studyabroad.shiksha! The dates given for 2023 for gre 2023 are in Jan,Feb,Mar,Apr,May,June. What if I wish to appear in Sep-Oct? Will this be possible? Does ETS reveal new dates as the months pass by?

Reply to Akshat Mishra

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Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Akshat. Yes, GRE dates for September to December have been updated on our GRE exam dates page: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/exams/gre/important-dates Please feel free to go ahead with your GRE slot booking.