Did You Know?
Every year, around 250,000 students take the GMAT, while 650,000 students opt for the GRE. Many top business schools worldwide are now accepting the GRE in place of the GMAT, making it a preferred choice for graduate admissions.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is an important test used to assess a student's analytical, mathematical, and English language skills. Admission committees at top universities consider the GRE as important as Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and more important than other admission requirements, though slightly less important than GPA scores.
Why is the GRE Important?
A high GRE score can help students get scholarships, make up for a low GPA, and even improve chances of securing Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA) positions.
Stay with us as we explore everything about the GRE and how it can help shape your future.
What is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that measures a candidate’s mathematical, analytical, and English language skills. It is mainly taken by students planning to pursue graduate programs and is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats.
Overview of the GRE Exam
The GRE is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is accepted in over 160 countries at more than 1,300 business schools and universities worldwide.
The number of Indian students taking the GRE has increased significantly, from 3.1% in 2020-2021 to 68% in 2021-2023.
Before taking the GRE, here are some important details to know:
- The GRE consists of three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Analytical Writing Assessment
- The GRE is available in two modes:
- Computer-based (most common)
- Paper-based
- The computer-based GRE follows a section-adaptive format, meaning:
- If you answer more questions correctly, the next section becomes more difficult.
- If you start receiving harder questions, it means you are performing well.
How to Prepare for the GRE
Preparing for the GRE requires strategic planning, practice, and a good understanding of the exam pattern. Understanding the structure and difficulty level of the test can help improve scores and boost confidence on exam day.
With the right study materials, practice tests, and preparation techniques, students can achieve high scores and improve their chances of getting into top universities worldwide.
GRE Exam Eligibility
Before registering for the GRE exam, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria. If you are planning to pursue a master’s degree abroad, you can register for the GRE exam without any restrictions.
The GRE eligibility criteria depend on the university requirements, but there is no specific eligibility set by ETS (Educational Testing Service). The only requirement is a valid, unexpired government-issued ID, preferably a passport.
Additionally, ETS accepts expired IDs up to 90 days past the expiration date, as per their January 1, 2023, update.
GRE Slot Booking
Booking your GRE exam slot is one of the most important steps in the registration process. It takes just 15 minutes to complete, but test slots can fill up quickly.
Although a 2-month window is available for booking, it is advisable to book your slot as early as possible to secure your preferred date and location. Early booking ensures that you get an exam centerclose to your location and at a convenient time.
GRE Registration
Once your slot is booked, the next step is GRE registration. You can register for the GRE exam through the following methods:
- Online Portal (most common and preferred)
- By Mail
- By Phone
GRE Exam Pattern & Format
The GRE exam is divided into two types:
- GRE General Test – Available in Computer-based and Paper-based formats
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Sections
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GRE Exam Pattern 2025
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GRE General Test Duration
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Analytical Writing (One Section)
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One "Analyze an Issue" task
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30 minutes
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Quantitative Reasoning (Two Sections)
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Section 1: 12 questions
Section 2: 15 questions
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Section 1: 18 minutes
Section 2: 26 minutes
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Verbal Reasoning (Two Sections)
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Section 1: 12 questions
Section 2: 15 questions
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Section 1: 21 minutes
Section 2: 23 minutes
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Total
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5 Sections: 55 Questions
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1 hour 58 minutes
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- GRE Subject Test – Available only in Paper-based format
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GRE Subject Test
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Number of Questions
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Test Duration
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Question Distribution
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Mathematics
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66 MCQs (UG-level topics)
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2 hours 50 minutes
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Algebra (25%)
Calculus (50%)
Additional Topics (25%)
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Physics
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70 MCQs (Diagrams, graphs, related topics)
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2 hours
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Classical Mechanics (20%)
Electromagnetism (18%)
Optics & Wave Phenomena (9%)
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics (10%)
Quantum Mechanics (12%)
Atomic Physics (10%)
Special Relativity (6%)
Laboratory Methods (6%)
Specialized Topics (9%)
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Psychology
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144 MCQs
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2 hours
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Biological (17-21%)
Cognitive (17-24%)
Developmental (12-14%)
Social (12-14%)
Clinical (15-19%)
Measurement/Methodology/Other (15-19%)
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GRE General Test Format
The GRE General Test evaluates students through a holistic approach, meaning it assesses their English language proficiency, analytical skills, and mathematical aptitude.
The test consists of three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning (VR) – Measures comprehension and critical reasoning skills
- Quantitative Reasoning (QR) – Assesses problem-solving and mathematical skills
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) – Evaluates writing and argument-building skills
Apart from these, the GRE also includes:
- Unscored Section – Used for experimental purposes; does not affect the final score
- Research Section – A non-scored section used by ETS to test new questions
Each section plays an important role in helping universities assess applicants’ strengths and weaknesses.
GRE General Test Sections & Purpose
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GRE Section
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Purpose
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Verbal Reasoning (VR)
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Assesses English language skills and understanding of complex texts
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Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
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Tests mathematical abilities, problem-solving, and analytical skills
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Analytical Writing (AWA)
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Evaluates argument construction and written communication skills
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Unscored& Research Sections
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Experimental sections used by ETS; do not impact the final score
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How to Send GRE Scores to Universities?
After receiving your GRE scorecard, the next step is to send your scores to universities. Here’s how you can do it:
When Do You Get Your GRE Scores?
- For Computer-Based GRE Test
- You will receive unofficial scores for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning immediately after completing the test.
- Your official GRE score, including the Analytical Writing score, will be available in your ETS account within 10 to 15 days.
- For Paper-Based GRE Test
- Your official GRE score report will be available in your ETS account within 5 weeks after taking the test.
How to Send GRE Scores to Universities?
- Free GRE Score Reports
- You can send your GRE scores to up to 5 universities for free through your ETS account.
- This option is available immediately after taking the test.
- Additional GRE Score Reports
- If you wish to send your scores to more than 5 universities, you will have to pay a fee.
- The cost per additional GRE score report is $30 (INR 2,500).
Make sure to send your scores well before the university application deadlines to ensure timely processing.