GRE or Graduate Record Exam, is a standardized test that is widely accepted by graduate schools and business schools around the world. It is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam that assesses a candidate’s knowledge in various subjects such as algebra, arithmetic, data analysis, geometry, and college-level vocabulary.
In addition to testing academic knowledge, the GRE also evaluates a test taker’s critical thinking skills, ability to analyze written material, and problem-solving abilities.
GRE Exam Overview
The GRE exam is divided into three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The scores for the verbal and quantitative sections range from 130 to 170 each. Starting from September 22, 2023, the duration of the GRE test is approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Top universities typically require a GRE score of 150 to 160 for the verbal and quantitative sections. In India, the GRE fees for 2024 are INR 22,550. In addition to GMAT scores, many prestigious business schools worldwide now accept GRE exam scores for their MBA programs. General GRE test dates are available throughout the year.
| Sections | Exam Duration |
|---|---|
| Quantitative writing – 27 Questions Verbal Reasoning – 27 Questions Analytical Writing – One Task | 1 hour and 58 minutes |
GRE Highlights
| Exam Name | GRE |
|---|---|
| GRE full form | Graduate Record Examinations |
| Official Website | https://www.ets.org/gre.html |
| Most popular for | MS courses in the USA |
| Also accepted for | MBA courses outside India |
| Conducted by | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-delivered testPaper-delivered testGRE at Home |
| GRE Exam Fees | GRE General Test: INR 22,550GRE Subject Test: INR 14,500 |
| GRE Validity | 5 Years |
| Score Range | Verbal Reasoning score range: 130–170 Quantitative Reasoning score range: 130–170 Analytical Writing score range: 0–6 |
| GRE Contact | +91-1244517127 or 000-800-100-4072 Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. IST Email: GRESupport4India@ets.org |
What is GRE test?
The GRE is an assessment for those who want to pursue a master’s degree in prestigious universities worldwide. It is necessary to have a GRE score if you plan to study postgraduate programs in the USA, Canada, and other English-speaking countries. Instead of taking the exam at a test centre, candidates have the option to register for the GRE from their own homes.
Candidates should be aware that the GRE Subject Tests cover Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology exclusively. GRE test scores are typically accessible within 10 to 15 days after the test date and are widely accepted by numerous graduate programs worldwide for both master’s and doctoral degrees.
Some of the leading institutes in India now accept GRE scores for their master’s programs. The official ETS GRE website states that Business Schools, Institutions, Fellowship Sponsors, and Law Schools across the globe recognize GRE scores.
There are two types of GRE tests:
- GRE General Test
- GRE Subject Test
GRE General Test
GRE General Test, managed by ETS, assesses a candidate’s academic preparedness for graduate school. It evaluates skills in writing, quantitative ability, and verbal reasoning. It is available year-round and required for MS, MBA, and professional courses. More universities accept GRE scores, leading to increased popularity. The test is offered in three formats:
- Computer-based
- Paper-based (not in India)
- At-home (newest option prioritizing safety)
GRE Subject Test
GRE Subject Test assesses candidates’ knowledge in a specific subject. It is important to note that the GRE Subject Tests are only available for Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. In the past, the subject test was also offered for Computer Science, Revised Education, Engineering, Economics, English, Geology, History, Music, Political Science, Sociology, and Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology.
Then, with time, Revised Education and Political Science Subject Test were discontinued in 1998, History and Sociology Subject Test were discontinued in 2000. In 2001, Economics, Engineering, Music and Geology were discontinued. The Computer Science Subject Test was discontinued on 2013. The Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Subject Test was discontinued in December 2016. The Biology and Literature in English Subject Tests were discontinued in May 2021. And lastly, Chemistry Subject Test was discontinued in May 2023. Scores on these tests can be reported for up to five years according to the GRE score policy.
Typically, the GRE Subject Test is required for admission to specialized courses or technical programs. It is a paper-delivered test that is offered three times a year in September, October, and April. The test duration is 2 hours and 50 minutes, and candidates are only required to take one subject from the list provided:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology.
GRE Exam Eligibility 2024
To take the GRE exam, there are no specific criteria set by ETS. Anyone can register, regardless of age or qualifications. However, those applying for master’s programs must take the test. Candidates must also bring their original passport as proof of identity to the exam center. It is important to have a valid passport before registering for the GRE exam. There is no age limit for test takers. ETS has not specified any official qualifications, but candidates are generally expected to have a graduate degree from a recognized university.
GRE Registration 2024
Registering for the GRE test can be done through various methods. Aspirants commonly choose to register online or over the phone. Additionally, registration can also be done by mail or fax. To secure a slot for the GRE test, candidates must have a valid debit or credit card to pay the ₹ 22,550 registration fee and possess a valid passport during the registration process.
Different ways by which candidate can register to the GRE exam 2024:
- Online Registration
- Registration through Phone
- Registration through Mail
- Registration through Fax
Follow these steps to register for the GRE 2024:
- Sign up for a My GRE Account on ets.org/gre.
- Fill in your personal information accurately, including Name, Date of Birth, Address, Phone Number, and Communication Preferences.
- Log in to the ETS portal using your new Username and Password.
- Select the type of test you want to take: GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test.
- Choose your preferred GRE exam center and date from the list of available options in 2024.
- Pay the GRE exam fee of US $228 using a credit or debit card.
Candidates can also register by contacting the Regional Registration Center (RRC), known as ‘Prometric’, in Gurgaon, Haryana by calling 91-124-4147700 at least two business days before the chosen test date. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation number, reporting time, and test center address. Payment can be made online using JCB, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or Visa credit or debit cards. Alternatively, registration can also be done via mail or Fax.
GRE Exam Fee 2024
Currently, GRE General Test exam fee is $220 while the Subject Test costs $150 in US. Whereas, in India, GRE General Test application fee is ₹ 22,550, while the GRE Subject Test costs ₹ 14,500. If students need to change the test center or reschedule, an additional fee will apply. Given below is the fee structure for appearing GRE exam worldwide.
| Location | GRE Fee |
|---|---|
| GRE Fees in India | ₹ 22,550 INR |
| GRE Fees in China | $231.30 |
| GRE Fees in Australia | $220.00 |
| GRE Fees in Nigeria | $220.00 |
| GRE Fees in Turkey | $220.00 |
| GRE General Test Fees in other areas of the world | $220.00 |
| GRE Subject Test Fees in the world (all locations) | $150.00 |
| GRE Subject Test Fee in India | ₹ 14,500 INR |
Candidates need to cancel or reschedule their GRE General Test registration at least four days before the test date to avoid forfeiting the exam fee. Rescheduling the test or changing a subject in the GRE Subject Test costs some amount. Following is the fee structure for various services of GRE exam in India:
| Special Handling Request | Fees |
|---|---|
| Rescheduling fee | INR 5,000 |
| Changing test center | INR 5,000 |
| Changing your Subject Test | INR 5,000 |
| Additional score report | INR 2,900 |
| Score review | INR 5,900 |
| Score reinstatement | INR 5,000 |
| Returned payment | INR 2,900 |
Here’s a list of fee structure for service of GRE exam worldwide:
| GRE Services | GRE Fee |
|---|---|
| GRE Late Registration Fee | $25 |
| GRE Standby Testing Fee | $25 |
| GRE Changing test centre Fee | $50 |
| GRE Rescheduling fee – World | $50 |
| GRE Rescheduling fee – China | $53.90 |
| GRE Subject Change Fee | $50 |
GRE Exam Pattern 2024
GRE exam pattern varies between computer-based and paper-based tests. The computer-based GRE exam is adaptive. The GRE General Test 2024 consists of three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning, each section have two sub-sections, while analytical writing has only one task. It was put into effective from the beginning of September 22, 2023.
Candidates preparing for the GRE General Test can refer to the GRE Exam Pattern provided below for the GRE Computer-Based Test:
| Sections | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing (One section) | One “Analyze an Issue” task | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning (Two sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes |
Presently, the analytical writing section includes one task: “Analyze an Issue” task. Whereas, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning, each includes two sections of 12 questions in section 1 and 15 questions in section 2. The time allotted for analytical writing section is about 30 minutes, while time allotted for verbal and quantitative reasoning differs. The verbal reasoning section 1 is allotted 18 minutes while section 2 is allotted 23 minutes. Whereas, the quantitative reasoning section 1 is allotted 21 minutes while section 2 is allotted 26 minutes. Currently, the total duration of the GRE General Test is 1 hour and 58 minutes.
*** Before September 22, 2023, the overall testing time was 3 hours and 45 minutes with each section includes two sub-sections with total 6 sections.
The analytical writing section includes two tasks: one “Analyze an Issue” and one “Analyze an Argument”. The verbal reasoning section consists of two subsections, each containing 20 questions that test vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning skills. The quantitative reasoning section also has two subsections, each containing 20 questions that test mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
GRE Exam Dates 2024
Similar to other international exams, there are various GRE test dates available in India for 2024. Candidates can select a date that suits them best. It is recommended to choose a date at least two to three months before the university application deadline. For instance, if the deadline is in November, consider taking the test in August or September. If necessary, you can retake the exam in October. Plan your GRE preparation wisely.
GRE Test Centres
GRE is held in 22 cities in India with various test centers. These cities include Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Gandhinagar, Gurgaon, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nashik, New Delhi, Nizamabad, Patna, Pune, Trivandrum, Vadodara, and Vijayawada. Most of them provide computer-based GRE testing. Due to COVID-19, ETS has introduced the option to take the GRE General Test at home in locations where the computer-based test was previously available.
GRE Exam Dates
Students have the option to schedule their GRE test dates every 21 days, with a maximum of five times within a continuous 12-month period. The GRE at Home is accessible 24/7, seven days a week, and appointments can be made as soon as 24 hours after registration. However, candidates must ensure that they meet the necessary system and environment requirements before booking their GRE exam dates. The GRE Subject Test dates are offered three times annually, and candidates can book these dates whenever they are available.
GRE Score
GRE Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning have scores ranging from 130 to 170 with a 1-point increase. The average score for Analytical Reasoning is measured on a scale of 0 to 6 with a half-point increase. If a question is left unanswered, it will be marked as No Score (NS). According to data from ETS from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2019, the average scores for the GRE General Test are as follows:
| Sections | Number of Test Takers | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 1640350 | 150.37 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 1643587 | 153.39 |
| Analytical Writing | 1635221 | 3.58 |
GRE Subject Test scores are measured on a scale of 200-290 with 10-point increments for all 6 subject tests. However, Biology and Psychology have a narrower subscore range of 20-99 with 1 point increments. Based on data collected from ETS between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2019, the average GRE scores for the Subject Test are as follows.
| Subjects | Number of Test Takers | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 3644 | 665 |
| Chemistry | 8897 | 689 |
| Literature in English | 3370 | 542 |
| Mathematics | 15664 | 664 |
| Physics | 21065 | 714 |
| Psychology | 12556 | 619 |
GRE Score 2024
Candidates who have taken the GRE exam can check their scores by logging into their GRE account with their login details. The maximum score for the GRE exam is 340, while the minimum score is 260. The composite score is the total of the marks obtained in the Verbal and Quant sections, while the AWA section score is shown separately.
Once the GRE results are released, ETS will send you an email notifying you that your official GRE score is now accessible in your account. Candidates taking the GRE at Home can expect their scores to be available 10-15 days after the test date.
Candidates should be aware that raw scores for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections will be provided immediately after completing the GRE test. The analytical writing section, which involves human scoring, will be included in the official GRE score report. Raw scores reflect a candidate’s performance during the exam and are nearly identical to official scores. If a candidate is unsatisfied with their performance, they have the option to cancel their score, resulting in no official scores being sent to universities.
Sending GRE Score Report
Applicants who receive their GRE scores will have the option to use Scoreselect and send their scores to the graduate schools of their choice. This option is available for both the General and Subject Tests. It is up to the candidate to decide whether they want to send their scores to the university after achieving a good score on the GRE. After the test day, there is a fee to send your scores, and you can choose from the following options:
- Most Recent: Send your scores from your most recent test.
- All: Send your scores from all test administrations in the last five years.
- Any: Send your scores from one or multiple test administrations from the last five years.
GRE Cutoff
GRE cutoff varies depending on the college and program that candidates choose. It is crucial to comprehend the scoring method and cutoff for GRE before beginning exam preparation. GRE is divided into three sections:
- GRE Verbal (score scale of 130-170)
- GRE Quantitative Reasoning (score scale of 130-170)
- GRE Analytical Writing (score scale of 0-6)
To gain admission to the leading universities in the US for MS or Ph.D. studies, a target score of 320+ overall and 4.5 in GRE AWA is necessary. Here are the cutoff scores for some of the top universities:
| Top Universities | Verbal (Average Score) | Quant (Average Score) |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | 158 | 162 |
| Stanford University | 159 | 165 |
| UC Berkeley | 154 | 160 |
| Imperial College, London | 162 | 167 |
| Oxford University | 160+ | 160+ |
| London School of Economics | 163 | 163 |
| Illinois Urbana Champaign | 154 | 162 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 160 | 162 |
| Georgia Tech | 155 | 161 |
| UCLA | 155 | 167 |
| University of Virginia | 163 | 166 |
| University of Texas Austin | 155 | 160 |
| University of Michigan Ann Arbor | 154 | 161 |
| University of Toronto | 150 | 150 |
| Duke University | 155 | 165 |
| Arizona State University | 154 | 162 |
| University of California – San Diego | 162 | 160 |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison | 163 | 163 |
| Northwestern University | 154 | 161 |
| University of Washington | 156 | 159 |
| University of Connecticut | 153 | 157 |
| Ohio State University | – | 157 |
| University of Maryland College | 154 | 160 |
| University of California Irvine | 151 | 161 |
| John Hopkins University | 163 | 164 |
| Vanderbilt University | 157 | 166 |
| University of Cincinnati | 155 | 159 |
| University of Melbourne | 304 | |
Best GRE Books 2024
In 2024, there are many different books available for GRE preparation. Each book offers unique strategies and insights to help students conquer the exam. One of the top contenders is Manhattan Prep GRE, which provides a comprehensive set of 8 strategy guides that cover all test sections. Another option is The Official GRE Super Power Pack, written by the test creators themselves, ETS.
This book offers authentic practice questions and valuable insights into the exam’s structure. Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus 2024 is a another great choice for those who want expert strategies and extensive practice. It includes full-length online tests and a wide range of practice questions. Magoosh’s GRE Prep Book is also highly praised for its affordability and user-friendly approach, making it a favorite among students on a budget. These books are essential for students who want to achieve their highest potential scores on the GRE.
For more reference books for GRE 2024 and to download the pdf of the GRE 2024 Books, visit to the Best GRE 2024 Books section.
Preparation Tips for GRE exam 2024
Here’s a list of preparation tips for GRE 2024 exam
- Start your GRE preparation early, at least 4 to 6 months before the exam, and study for 4 hours daily.
- Get familiar with the GRE exam format, question types, and sections.
- Set a target score based on your desired universities and use it as a guide for your preparation.
- Choose high-quality study materials for comprehensive coverage of all GRE topics.
- Regularly practice with full-length tests to improve stamina and identify areas for enhancement.
- Review and analyze your practice test results, especially incorrect answers, to learn from your mistakes.
- Expand your vocabulary by learning new words consistently.
- Focus on improving your weaker areas, whether it’s quantitative reasoning or analytical writing.
- Be prepared for the possibility of taking the GRE multiple times to achieve your best score.
FAQs
What is the GRE exam?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is an entrance exam conducted by ETS for admissions into various graduate and doctoral programs worldwide.
How can I register for the GRE 2024?
You can register online through an ETS account, through phone, mail, or fax for GRE 2024. It’s advisable to book your test dates well in advance
What is the format of the GRE 2024?
The GRE 2024 will have a General Test and Subject Tests, available in both online and paper-based formats.
How much does the GRE 2024 cost?
The GRE General Test fee is approximately Rs. 22,550, and the Subject Test fee is around Rs. 14,500.
How often can I take the GRE?
You can take the GRE General Test every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
What is the duration of the GRE tests?
The GRE General Test lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes, while the Subject Tests take 2 hours and 50 minutes.
When are the GRE scores available?
Your official scores will be available in your ETS account approximately 10-15 days after your test date.
Can I retake the GRE if I’m not satisfied with my score?
Yes, you can retake the GRE if you want to improve your scores. There are no restrictions on the number of retakes.
What is the validity of GRE scores?
GRE scores are valid for five years after the testing year in which you tested.
Are there any preparation resources provided by ETS for GRE exam?
Yes, ETS provides a variety of preparation materials, including the Official Guide to the GRE and free practice resources on their website.