Having a set of GRE books can help you to prepare for exam effectively. These books help you to understand exam topics thoroughly so you can 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 GRE exam 2025.
Graduate Record Exam is one of 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 preparation and related information about them.
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.
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.
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:
- Collect study material available on internet for free.
- Join online communities where you can discuss your preparation with other GRE test takers.
- Stay conneceted with any senior for preparation guidance.
- Regularly take practice tests and analyze your performance.
- Best Books for GRE 2025
- Top Preparation Books for GRE: In Detail
- How to Prepare for GRE Online
- GRE Preparation Tips 2025
- Common FAQs About GRE Books
Best Books for GRE 2025
Check out given list of top GRE prep books. These books will help you in your prep. Also, it will give you an idea of your readiness. Price of books is not accurate. It may vary based on availability.
| Book Title | Author/Publisher | Price (INR) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Guide to the GRE General Test (4th Edition) | ETS | 1,039 | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, Vol. 1 | ETS | 844 | ⭐ 4.6 |
| 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems | Manhattan Prep | 1,932 | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2025 | Kaplan Test Prep | 1,554 | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Kaplan GRE Vocabulary Flashcards | Kaplan Test Prep | 1,741 | ⭐ 4.6 |
| Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep, 36th Edition | Princeton Review | 1,225 | ⭐ 4.6 |
| GRE Practice Sets: 220+ Practice Questions | Kaplan Test Prep | 416 | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions | ETS | 399 | ⭐ 4.5 |
| The Official Guide to the GRE General Test (3rd Edition) | Educational Testing Service | 1,395 | ⭐ 4.6 |
| 500 Advanced Words: GRE Vocabulary Flashcards | Manhattan Prep | 1499 | ⭐ 4.6 |
Commonly asked questions
Yes, students can use old GRE books for their preparation. The concepts of math and verbal section concepts, and question types, haven't changed much in the year 2025. However, be aware that the GRE duration is now 1 hour and 58 minutes. Old books won't reflect the new, shorter test format or the removal of one essay in Analytical Writing Assesement section.
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 2025 from Amazon or local bookstores.
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.
Top Preparation Books for GRE: In Detail
When preparing for GRE it is likely you may get confused between which books to use. To ease your load here are some best GRE prep books which can help you with your preparation:
Official Guide to GRE General Test (ETS)
This is an official guide published by the conducting body. In this book, there are real GRE questions with detailed answer explanations. Also this covers all three sections of GRE for prep. You can buy this book for your preparation.
Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, Volume 1 (ETS)
This book is ideal for mastering QR section of GRE. There is a variety of questions with detailed solutions available here. This book follows exam like structure which can help you understand better and performance also improves with targeted preparation.
5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems (Manhattan Prep)
This book is perfect for practice as it has over 1,800 practice questions. It is a helpful study material for those aiming to cover all possible concepts of the exam with detailed solutions. In short, this book can help you get 320+ score in GRE.
Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2025
Kaplan GRE Prep Plus guide offers practice tests with online resources. This gives an all rounded study experience. The are 500 flashcards with essential vocabulary words and each flashcard consists of definition, uses, synonyms and examples. This is ideal for learning new words daily.
Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep, 36th Edition
This is an all in one guide because it includes full length practice tests for GRE. This book offers clear explanations for first time test takers to help them understand tough concepts easily. If you learn at your own pace buy this GRE book for you preparation.
Commonly asked questions
The best book for verbal reasoning practice is Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions by ETS. It covers real GRE questions with detailed explanations, directly from the test makers. It helps improve reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Due to this, Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions by ETS is an ideal book.
Kaplan GRE Vocabulary Flashcards and 500 Advanced Words by Manthan Prep are the best books for improving vocabulary. Choose Kaplan for high-frequency words and Manhattan for more advanced vocabulary. These books are easily available on the online and ecommerce website.
It's best to use a core book (like ETS Official Guide) and supplement with specialised books like quant/vocab practice or mock tests depending on your weak areas. A combination ensures well-rounded preparation.
How to Prepare for GRE Online
Here are some alternatives which you can use for GRE preparation online. Candidates can now check out some other alternative methods of preparing for the GRE exam.
| Ways to Prepare For GRE Online | |
|---|---|
| Official ETS Resources |
|
| Online GRE Prep Courses (Apps) |
|
| YouTube Channels | GregMat, Target Test Prep, and Manhattan Prep |
| Flashcard Tools | Anki and Quizlet offer user generated GRE vocabulary with repetition learning. |
Commonly asked questions
Here are some of popular books which offer practice tests for students
- Official GRE Mentor Prep Course by ETS
- POWERPREP Online by ETS
- POWERPREP PLUS Online by ETS
- Kaplan GRE Prep Plus
- The Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep
All these books have good reviews by students as it offers lessons, contents and quizes related to th GRE.
Yes, there are many preparation books come with GRE practice test sets. If you will buy online edition of such books you will get access to online pracice tests with computer adaptive simulations. It is suggested to use official guide and study material by ETS for getting access to ETS's POWERPREP software.
It totally depends on the authenticity of your free online study materials. If it is from ETS's official website or any reputed publishers, then it is valuable. However, taking help of these courses only can put you in trouble. Official prep books often provide a more structured, comprehensive, and in-depth learning experience. It will be smart decision if you use both.
GRE Preparation Tips 2025
Candidates looking to perform well in their GRE test 2025 would be required to follow a preparation strategy. Earlier, we covered the list of best books for GRE prep, now, here is the list of effective tips.
| GRE Prep Tips | |
|---|---|
| Understand the GRE Format | Get familiar with Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing Assessment sections. Learn question types like Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Quantitative Comparison. |
| Build Vocabulary with Context | Use apps like Magoosh or Quizlet to improve your vocabulary and learn GRE words with example sentences. |
| Practice AWA Weekly | Write 1 or 2 essays per week using real GRE-like prompts. Stick to a structure and work on clarity over complexity. |
| Take Mock Tests Regularly | Begin with a full-length mock to evaluate your starting point and tailor your prep. Also, keep taking practice tests for self-evaluation. |
| Use Official and Trusted Books | Use ETS books with one solid platform (GregMat, Manhattan 5LB, or Magoosh). Avoid using too many books. |
| Practice Reading Comprehension | Read "The Hindu editorials" or "The Economist editorials regularly. Focus on understanding tone, purpose, and inference. |
| Book Your GRE Slot Early | GRE Test centers in India get booked fast. Book 2 to 3 months in advance, especially during peak season. |
| Don’t Underestimate Quant | Review key concepts, but also practice tricky and wordy problems. Prioritise speed and accuracy. |
| Align Prep with Your Target Program |
|
Related Read: Amazing Tips to Prepare for GRE in 4 Weeks
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. Some students are avoiding the older method and preparing for GRE online. It includes both self-studying and coaching class methods. You join a virtual classroom and you learn in the comfort of your home.
Candidates can check out the section-wise preparation tips for GRE, and how Indian test-takers should prepare for the GRE as told by top faculty members.
Commonly asked questions
Learning is no longer limited to classrooms, tuition teachers, and the library. With the perks that accompany the advancement of technology, the avenues opening up for learning are aplenty. In fact, even preparing for standardized tests such as GRE has become far easier because of technology. Here are some ways that you can use to prepare for GRE with help of technology:
- Personalized Learning
- Mobile learning
- A Variety of learning techniques
- Online Tutoring
- Online Simulation Tests
- Online discussion forums
The limitations of GRE online coaching include less personalized attention compared to in-person classes. Other than this, you need to be self motivated and there will be no peer interaction. Also, you need to take care of your device and working internet connectivity that can disrupt learning.
Here are some of the popular coaching institutes for online GRE preparation. The fee of these institutes vary based on the type of educational services they offer.
- The Princeton Review
- Kaplan
- ETS Official Prep
Common FAQs About GRE Books
Check out the FAQs related to GRE books 2025
Commonly asked questions
It is possible to cover the GRE syllabus in one month only if you have understood the basics information of Graduate Record Examination. Here is the 1-month GRE preparation plan.
- Join a class. It is really stressful to cover the syllabus in one month without guidance.
- Understand the GRE pattern and syllabus before you start the preparation.
- Create a study plan and dedicate 10 hours daily for the preparation.
- Practice with different sets of GRE sample papers and identify your weakness.
- Create Flashcards to remember the lessons
This one month plan can help you to improve your score and not to become topper.
The quantitative section of GRE exam has two 35-minute sections with 20 questions each. The test is adaptive. It means the difficulty of next question depends on the previous answer of students. Here are some pro tips to prepare for GRE Quantitative Preparation. These tips will be helpful for all test takers who want to score good in quant section.
- Do not ignore Math fundamentals
- Give due importance to the math topics
- Refer to the Official Guide
- Time Management
- Practice GRE Quant Sample Papers
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