What is GRE? - Everything You Need to Know About GRE Test

GMAT test might be easy for those who prefer logical problems instead of Geometry as there are more Geometry questions in the GRE. In addition, Quantitative section is harder in GMAT in comparison to GRE. Verbal section in the GRE can be difficult for non native English speakers. Candidates can go back and forth in the GRE test, whereas in GMAT one doesn't have freedom to save and return to each section during exam. Decision to choose a test for studying abroad depends on various factors such as course requirement, university requirements, current level of preparation, comfort level with the exam pattern, etc.

According to the new format of GRE, the duration of Graduate Record Examination General test is less than 2 hours (1 hour 58 minutes). There will be 54 questions from verbal and quantitative reasoning sections. Also, your skills related to analytical writing will be assessed in this duration.

Note that: Duration of GRE subject test is 2 hours 50 minutes.

Yes, you can take GRE Exam at home. For that, you need book a slot of Graduate Record Examination in advance. Also, you need to arrange a desktop or laptop computer, speaker to hear the proctor, a microphone, a webcamera and a working internet connection. GRE at Home Test is launched by the ETS during Covid-19 period. 

The GRE General Test takes 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. It includes three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. This shorter format features a single essay task.

There is no official eligibility for GRE exam. Students of any age and with any educational background can appear in the Graduate Record Examination. 

However, students who wish to pursue their Masters or other PG courses take the examination, so it is recommended that test-takers should have a valid UG degree. Unless there is no point in appearing in GRE exam.

No, the GRE is not typically required for pursuing postgraduate (PG) medical degrees abroad. In short, GRE is required for non-clinical post graduate programs.

Countries and universities usually have specific entrance exams. For example

• USA: Requires the MCAT (not GRE).
• UK: Requires exams like UCAT or PLAB exam.
  
  

There is no minimum age required to appear for GRE exam. Students of any age can take Graduate Record Examinations. This exam is for getting admission for Master’s degree programs in various fields. It is suggested that appear for GRE only if you are going pursue PG course abroad.

GRE exam is not for students who belong to any specific stream. Graduate Record Examinations is a popular standardized test. It is required for admission to graduate programs. Whether you are planning to pursue PG courses in psychology, economics, or other streams. Many universities accept GRE scores.

No, GRE syllabus is same for students across the globe. No matter whether you are taking test in India or in USA, syllabus will be same. ETS (the test maker) does not create country-specific versions. All test takers face questions from three sections of GRE Exam, which are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and AWA section.

The official website of ETS (Educational Testing Service) is the only and best website to download is GRE Syllabus. From here, applicants can download the updated syllabus. This will help them to prepare well for the upcoming Graduate Record Examinations.

GRE Exam Syllabus covers multiple topics to assess. Majorly verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills of students.

• Written text
• English vocabulary
• Comprehension
• Basic arithmetic
• Algebra

These skills are some popular in exam. All these topics are directly related to English, Mathematics, Physics, and other traditional subjects.

Learning how the GRE is scored helps you prepare better. There are no negative marks, so you do not lose points for wrong answers. The test also changes as you take it, meaning the second part gets harder or easier based on how well you do in the first part. Finally, your essay writing is graded from zero to six using half-points.

As of now, there is no change in the format of GRE questions. It is same like last year. Below, we have mentioned section-wise number of questions for different sections:

According to the new format of GRE, the duration of Graduate Record Examination General test is less than 2 hours (1 hour 58 minutes). There will be 54 questions from verbal and quantitative reasoning sections. Also, your skills related to analytical writing will be assessed in this duration.

Note that: Duration of GRE subject test is 2 hours 50 minutes.

GRE Exam or GRE General Test duration is 1 hour 58 minutes. While the duration of GRE subject test is 2 hours to 2 hours and 50 minutes (Depending on subjects). Check the subject-wise duration:

• For Maths: 2 hours and 50 minutes 
• For Physics and Psychology: 2 hours. 

ETS recently reduced the duration of GRE General Test.

Students can book their GRE test dates once every 21 days. Up to five times within any continuous rolling 12 month period. 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. 

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

The GRE test or GRE General TEST is held throughout the year. However, a student can appear once every 21 days and maximum 5 times a year. The frequncy of GRE Subject Test is three times a year in April, September and October months. You can check the city-wise latest GRE Exam dates here at one click. 

You can reschedule your GRE exam for a different date or test center. Do this before four days before your actual GRE test date. You need to pay rescheduling fee applies.  New slots are subject to availability, so make changes early for the best options.

You get 4 free score reports on test day. You can send them to up to four universities at no cost. Each extra report costs INR 4,150. You can pay using your online payment methods.

Yes, GRE registration is generally open year-round for the General Test. All you need to do is, select the suitable date of GRE and test centre. Your registration depends on slot availability at your chosen test center.

At the time of registration you just need to have a valid passport and no other document is required.

You need to register for the GRE subject test separately. Each GRE Subject Test requires a separate registration and fee. Your GRE General Test registration can not be used for subject test. If you are planning to take more than one subject, you must register individually for each test date and subject.

Yes! As a primary ID proof, ETS ask valid passport of student at the time of GRE test registration. Make sure all the detailes mentioned on passport should be same on your GRE registeration page. Earlier, the ETS was accepting Aadhar Card as primary ID proof but after Arpil 15, 2023, Passport is the only valid and primary ID proof to complete the GRE exam registration. 

To appear in the Graduate Record Examinations, you need to complete the registration process first. ETS (Educational Testing Service) is the conducting body of GRE exam. Visit on the official website of ETS and use the GRE ETS login portal to create a new profile. 

You need to pay INR 22,500 as GRE Exam Fee and book the slot to appear at the exam centre. Always check the upcoming GRE exam dates before booking the slot.

Check out steps to make GRE slot booking:

1. Visit ETS GRE website.
2. Log in to your ETS account. Else, create an account.
3. Select test type (General Test or Subject Tests).
4. Select GRE exam centre and dates.
5. Complete registration by making a payment.

Log in to your ETS account. Start registering. Pick your city. Look at the calendar. It shows the dates. You dont have to pay to see. Check it whenever. It is free to look.

Yes! As per the GRE Eligibility criteria, students from any educational background can appear in the exam. Here students need to keep in mind that without having a valid UG degree they can not apply for admission in Graduate, business and law course to study abroad. 

You can take the GRE year-round. Ideally, 2 to 3 months before university application deadlines. This is to allow time for score reporting or retakes. 

You can take it at an authorized ETS test center worldwide or online from home 24/7 via a computer.

No, it isn’t difficult to make a GRE slot booking. It is a simple process and everyone who has some knowledge of computer and internet can easily book a GRE slot according to their schedule. Be flexible with date and time and make technical arrangements at the time of GRE slot booking. 

Avoid booking in last minutes. It can put you in stress. Also, there is a less chance that you get your preferred slot.

Applicants need to have a valid passport at the time of making slot for GRE exam. Ensure your name on the ETS account matches your passport exactly. Other than this, no other government photo ID will not be valid for GRE exam.

Yes, you can reschedule your GRE exam 2026 up to four days before the test date. It is depends on slot availability. A rescheduling fee applies. You must complete process through your ETS account or by phone with GRE services.

Check out steps to make GRE slot booking:

1. Visit ETS GRE website.
2. Log in to your ETS account. Else, create an account.
3. Select test type (General Test or Subject Tests).
4. Select GRE exam centre and dates.
5. Complete registration by making a payment.

90th percentile GRE score means you performed better than 90% of all students. For example, you get a score of roughly 162 in Verbal and 167 in Quant sections. So, you get 329 out of 340. You become part of the top 10% of students. 

On this score, almost all top universities can accept your admission.

Your GRE 2026 scores are valid for 5 years from your test date. After this period, ETS deletes your records. You cannot report expired scores to universities. If you need a score later, you must retake the exam.

Ideal GRE score depends on university you are targeting for admission. You have to get 320 or above out of 340 for easy admission. Most of top universities worldwide can accept this score. 

The GRE scores for General and Subject tests can be checked online. Generally, ETS declares the scores of the GRE General Test after 10 -15 days of the test. The official scores can be viewed in the ETS Account created by the aspirants at the time of registration.

Also, the result of the GRE Subject test is declared almost after five weeks after the test date. Candidates are informed through email, so they can check their ETS account and send the official score reports to the score recipients.

There is no negative marking in the GRE exam. This means you do not need to worry about deductions to your score for incorrect answers. We will not recommend random guessing. Difficulty level of your next question totally depends on your answer to present question.

Ideal GRE score depends on university you are targeting for admission. You have to get 320 or above out of 340 for easy admission. Most of top universities worldwide can accept this score. 

The total GRE 2026 score ranges from 260 to 340. Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning each range from 130 to 170. Analytical Writing section is scored between 0 and 6.

GRE does not announce cut off score or passing marks. Universities across the world release minimum GRE score required for admission in their programs. Getting a high score increase the chances of getting admission in your required score. You can the university wise GRE passing score on the official website of university. 

Yes, absolutely! The most valuable and official GRE sample papers are available for free directly from ETS (Educational Testing Service), the creators of the GRE. Other than this, you can download it for free at GRE sample papers. Other than this, you can check other websites too. 

A GRE sample paper is helpful for students. Because, it gives you a clear idea of the GRE exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level. Also, it helps you practice time management, identify your strengths and weaknesses. Regular practice with sample papers also reduces the stress which you will feel on exam day and improves your chances of scoring higher.

To download GRE Exam sample papers, you can visit official website of ETS. You can check other reliable websites also. You can download subject wise GRE question papers too. Practicing regularly will help you to understand exam patterns and question types.

Yes, but be careful! Types of questions in Math and Verbal are the same as before.

GRE exam is much shorter and has no experimental section. You should only use older papers to practice specific topics, not to time your full-length mock tests.

You should buy the Official Guide to the GRE by ETS (the exam makers). This is the most important book. For extra practice, you can buy Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book or Kaplan GRE Prep Plus from Amazon or local book stores.

Choosing the best books for GRE prep is not a tough task. You need to keep few things in mind:

1. Choose only official ETS materials for accurate question types. 
2. Look for books that explain GRE concepts clearly and offer plenty of practice questions with detailed explanations.
3. If the books cover all sections: Verbal, Quant, and AWA then its good or you can buy section-wise books of reputed publishers.
4. Read reviews to see what other students found helpful for their learning style.