In order to embark on an international academic journey, beyond the submission of essential documents such as a Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and, if necessary, English proficiency test scores, there is an additional criterion to fulfill—a minimum percentile in competitive examinations. While the SAT and ACT play a crucial role in securing admission to undergraduate programs, exams like the GMAT, LSAT, and others are imperative for graduate-level studies. Among these examinations, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) stands out as a pivotal requirement for those aspiring to pursue postgraduate programs. Within this blog, we have meticulously curated all the significant details pertaining to this particular examination.

Full-Form Graduate Record Examination
Types of GRE GRE General Test
GRE Subject Test
Syllabus Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning
Eligibility Applicants should be 18 years or above with a bachelor’s degree.
Cost GRE General: USD 213 [Rs 15,784]GRE Subject Test: USD 150 [Rs 11,120]
GRE at Home Apply on ETS & Take GRE at ProctorU

Unveiling the GRE

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a rigorous assessment administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), intended for students aspiring to pursue a master’s or PhD program in the United States. Renowned as one of the most challenging exams globally, the GRE can be taken in either online or offline formats. Candidates are permitted to attempt the exam up to five times within twelve months, with a mandatory 21-day interval between each attempt. Regardless of age, individuals possessing a bachelor’s degree are eligible to take the test. Notably, universities in countries such as France, China, Australia, Germany, and more have also started accepting GRE scores for admissions.

Exploring GRE Variants

Navigating through the GRE examination options can often be perplexing. Understanding the various types of GREs can help alleviate such confusion. The GRE offers three distinct variants:

  1. GRE Computer-Based Test (CBT): The computer-based version is the most prevalent mode chosen by candidates. Participants undertake this exam online, showcasing its popularity as the standard approach for GRE test-takers.
  2. GRE Paper-Based Test (PBT): While the availability of GRE Paper-Based Tests is currently limited in India, this option is suitable for individuals with restricted internet access or limited computer resources.
  3. GRE at Home Test: This recently introduced variant enables candidates to undertake the exam from the comfort of their own homes, ensuring a conducive environment throughout the test.

Who Takes the GRE?

For aspiring students contemplating taking the GRE to pursue their study abroad dreams, it is crucial to understand the significance of the scores in their applications. Here is some vital information to help clarify the matter:

  • Students intending to pursue MS courses, MBA programs, professional degree programs, or programs involving thesis work are typically required to submit their GRE scores.
  • Business schools often accept GRE scores instead of the GMAT exam, leading to a growing demand for GRE scores among aspiring MBA candidates.
  • In the United States, many law schools have started accepting GRE scores as an alternative to the LSAT exam, providing prospective law students with more flexibility in their application process.

Choosing the Right Time for the GRE Test

If you find yourself uncertain about the ideal time to undertake the GRE, this section aims to dispel your doubts. Consider the following factors:

  • Online computer-based GRE tests and at-home exams are available throughout the year, offering candidates flexibility in scheduling their tests.
  • To maximize your preparedness, it is recommended to devote 60-90 days of dedicated study time before the university application deadlines. This timeframe allows for thorough GRE preparation and ensures you are ready to excel in the exam.

By gaining a deeper understanding of the GRE and its variants, identifying the appropriate candidates, and selecting the optimal timing, you can embark on your GRE journey with confidence and clarity.

GRE Eligibility Criteria

Components Details
GRE Eligibility No specific eligibility criteria have been mentioned for this exam.
Nationality Since this exam is a standardised test for pursuing masters in various countries, there is no restriction on nationality.
Age Limit Applicants should be 18 years or above.
Academic Qualifications Graduate Degree

GRE Syllabus

“Practise makes a man perfect”. This statement stands true when it comes to giving this exam. Your skills are tested more than your knowledge in this test. Therefore, it is advisable to go through the syllabus at least once. The topics included in the syllabus are tabulated below.

Sections Syllabus
Analytical Writing The primary objective of this section is to test how effectively a student can summarise complex ideas in an easy yet concise way.
Verbal Reasoning The topics under this section include: Idioms, vocabulary, parallelism, critical reasoning, reading comprehension, nouns, pronouns and adjectives, text completion, verbs and tenses, subject-verb agreement and pronoun agreement
Quantitative Reasoning In this section, the questions asked are generally from topics like geometry, algebra, and data analysis. To understand this topic, you can read our blog on the GRE quant syllabus.

At-Home GRE Testing: Guidelines and Updates

Amidst the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ETS has introduced the option of taking the GRE test from the comfort of your own home for those unable to visit test centers due to lockdowns or restrictions. Here’s what you need to know about this convenient alternative.

Unchanged GRE Pattern and Format

Rest assured, the GRE test’s structure and format remain consistent, whether you choose to take it at home or at a test center.

Flexible Testing on Your Own Computer

With the at-home option, you can complete the GRE test on your personal computer. The entire session will be monitored by a human proctor using ProctorU, ensuring test integrity and security.

Exclusions: Iran and Mainland China

Unfortunately, the at-home GRE option is currently unavailable for candidates residing in Iran and Mainland China. Applicants from these regions must visit designated test centers to undertake the exam.

At-Home vs. Test Center GRE Exams: Key Distinctions

When deciding between the at-home GRE exam and taking it at a test center, consider the following notable differences:

  1. Location Convenience At home, you can comfortably sit for the exam without the need to travel to a test center. On the other hand, test center exams require you to appear in person at the designated location.
  2. Flexible Scheduling for At-Home Exams Unlike test center exams, at-home GRE tests do not adhere to specific scheduled times. You have more flexibility in choosing when to start your exam. However, it’s essential to ensure that your computer is running smoothly and that you have a reliable power source throughout the test.
  3. Exam Logistics Handled by Test Centers While at-home test-takers must handle technical requirements themselves, candidates at test centers can rely on the exam organizers to provide necessary infrastructure and support.

GRE Exam Dates for 2023

As of October 31, 2020, the GRE exam dates for 2023 offer increased flexibility. General Tests are now available seven days a week, around the clock, with appointment slots available as soon as 24 hours after registration. To secure your preferred date & time, it is advisable to book your exam slot at least three months before your university application deadline.

Registration Charges

Events Charges 
GRE General Test Registration Fee USD 213[Rs 15,784]
GRE Subject Test Registration Fee USD 150 [Rs 11,120]
Rescheduling Fee USD 50 [Rs 3,705]
Changing Test Centre/Subject USD 50 [Rs 3,705]
Online Score Viewing FREE
Additional Score Reports [ASRs] USD 27 [Rs 2,000]
Subject Test Score Review USD 50 [Rs 3,705]

Note: These are the approximate charges and can vary based on the Dollar to Rupee conversion rates.

Registration Fee Worldwide

Here is a list of what registration fees cost in a few other countries than India.

Location GRE Fee
Australia INR 17,179
China INR 17,254
India INR 15,909
Nigeria INR 16,880
Turkey INR 19,046

Revitalizing the GRE Experience: Unveiling the Exam Patterns

Embark on a journey of intellectual prowess as we delve into the unique exam patterns of the GRE, offered in both online and offline modes. Immerse yourself in the world of verbal reasoning, where your comprehension and vocabulary skills are put to the test. Engage in the realm of quantitative reasoning, challenging your understanding of fundamental high school-level mathematics. Unleash your writing prowess in the analytical writing section, where your essay composition skills are scrutinized. Although the number of sections remains consistent, the patterns of the GRE exam differ slightly depending on the mode of administration. Let’s explore the intricacies of both the paper-based and online GRE exam patterns, tailored to enhance your test-taking experience.

Computer-Based

Enhanced Time Management: Unleash Your Potential Experience the efficiency of our computer-based GRE test, carefully designed to maximize your time utilization. Immerse yourself in a total duration of 3 hours 45 minutes, which includes a refreshing 10-minute break after completing the third section. Delve into the main sections of the exam and discover two additional components that make the online GRE even more comprehensive:

Unveiling the Unscored Enigma: A Glimpse into the Future Unlock the mysteries of the Unidentified Unscored Section, a captivating segment that awaits you after the analytical part. This unique portion aims to gauge your aptitude for future general tests. Although the score does not contribute to your final marks, it provides valuable insights for your growth and development.

Venture into the Realm of Research: Illuminating Discoveries Await Embark on a journey of knowledge with the Identified Research Section. This distinctive segment serves as a platform for ETS research purposes and does not affect your final score. Engage with thought-provoking questions that contribute to the advancement of educational understanding.

Paper-Based

Discover Flexibility and Mastery: Embrace the Traditional Approach Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of the paper-based GRE exam, designed to provide a balanced and immersive experience. Journey through the three sections within a concise timeframe of 3 hours 30 minutes. Unlike the GRE General Test, you have the freedom to tackle the reasoning and verbal sections in the order that suits your preferences, empowering you to showcase your abilities effectively.

GRE Test Centres

In India, this exam is conducted across 22 cities. Out of them here are a few important test centres listed below.

City GRE Test Centre Location
New Delhi Cyber Station
CPS Global, E-512 (Third Floor), Sector – 7
Dwarka (Near Ramphal Chowk), New DelhiMerit
A-9, Qutub Institutional Area, Shaheed Jit Singh Marg,
Near JNU, New DelhiCouncil for American Education
A-260 (3rd floor), Defence Colony,
New Delhi
Chandigarh Saint Kabir Public School
Sector-26 Computer Lab, Chandigarh
Gurgaon Prometric Testing Private Limited
Iris Tech Park (2nd floor), Tower A
Sector 48, Sohna Road, GurgaonETS Onsite UAS Intl Production Lab
2nd floor, DLF Infinity Tower A,
Sector 25, Gurgaon
Chennai Prometric Testing Private Limited
Unit#8 (3rd floor), Centennial Square, No 6A
Dr Ambedkar Road, Kodambakkam, ChennaiEveronn Systems India Limited
15, Jagannathan Road, Nungambakkam
2nd floor, Romar House, Chennai

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