What is GRE?
The GRE General Test is one of the world’s largest assessment programs for graduate admissions and the exam is conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Commonly referred to as GRE, the full form of GRE is the Graduate Record Examinations. Over half a million individuals across 160 countries take the GRE General Test every year, in over 1,000 test centers set up by ETS. GRE scores of candidates are accepted at thousands of graduate programs around the world, for masters and doctorate degrees.
More than 1,200 business schools around the world accept the GRE scores, including top-ranked MBA programs according to The Financial Times, U.S. News & World Report, and Bloomberg Businessweek along with a handful of US law schools that accept GRE scores. In this article, we are going to talk about each and every aspect related to the GRE Exam. Candidates looking to appear for their GRE examination will learn about the following GRE Topics:
- GRE Eligibility
- How to Register for GRE
- GRE Exam Fee
- GRE Syllabus
- Exam Pattern for GRE
- GRE Scholarships
- GRE Preparation tips
- GRE Practice Papers, and
- GRE Results and Scores
Recent Updates on GRE
This section would cover any latest developments revolving around GRE for the benefit of students who are planning to appear for their GRE test.
GRE General Test to cost more for Indian Students as they are now required to pay US $213 from the previous US $205
Starting October 2020, ETS has raised the GRE® General Test Fee from US $205 to US $213. Candidates registering from India, after October 7, 2020, would be required to pay the new GRE Registration Fee of US $213. All other fees including changing of GRE Test Centre and Rescheduling of the GRE exam remain unchanged.
Coronavirus Covid-19 GRE Exam Alert: GRE® General Test at home during COVID -19
In response to the ongoing pandemic COVID-19, ETS – the conducting body of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) has decided to launch the GRE® General Test at home for locations where the computer-based format of the GRE Test was earlier available for the convenience of students wanting to study abroad. The same is yet to launch in mainland China and Iran. The GRE® General Test home edition has been started in response to GRE Test Centres being shut due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, candidates need to make sure that they meet the system equipment requirements set by ETS for registration.
ETS has a series of webinars available on its official website that familiarizes the candidates with this new feature. The home edition of the GRE test would be available to students until test centers resume functioning in full capacity in the various countries. The GRE scores would be communicated to the student within 10-15 days. Candidates should keep in mind that due to the ongoing pandemic there would be no hard copy of the scorecard available to the student.
There have been many security measures including Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and live proctors, that have been adopted by ETS for the smooth functioning of the test at home. Accommodation for test-takers with a disability is also available to students who require the same and on request. No other major changes have been brought in by the ETS while conducting the GRE test at home. Candidates are requested to visit the official website for a detailed understanding of the same. ETS has also temporarily waived off rescheduling fees for all the test takers owing to the current crisis.
Why take the GRE Exam?
Apart from being one of the most commonly accepted exams by universities for admission to graduate programs, students looking to pursue masters, MBA, or Ph.D. are also required to appear for the GRE General Test. Also, students appear for the GRE exam to secure a merit-based scholarship for grad school. The GRE Test is accepted by thousands of graduate schools across the world. Apart from this, various Business and Law schools and different departments within these schools accept GRE test scores.
Types of GRE
There are two types of GRE tests, GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test.
What is GRE General Test?
Students seeking admission to MS courses in different fields in the US and various other countries appear for GRE General Test. Through this test, a candidate is evaluated on his analytical writing, quantitative ability, and verbal reasoning skills. The GRE Exam is conducted around the year, and candidates can appear for the GRE General Test as per their convenience. A large number of students opt for this test as the majority of universities across the world accept GRE scores.
What is GRE Subject Test?
The GRE Subject Test evaluates the candidates’ ability on a particular subject. The subject tests are conducted in the following topics: Mathematics, Literature (English), Physics and Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry (Cell and Molecular Biology). Generally, this test is required for getting admission to specialized courses. The GRE General Test is offered year-round as a computer-delivered test in most locations around the world. The Paper-delivered GRE General Test is offered up to two times a year in areas of the world where computer-delivered testing is not available.
GRE 2021: Key Highlights
| Exam Name | GRE |
| GRE full form | Graduate Record Examination |
| Official Website | https://www.ets.org/gre |
| 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 and Paper – delivered test |
| GRE Fee | US $205 |
| 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 are the Eligibility criteria for GRE Exam?
There are no specific eligibility criteria for the GRE exam. Anyone can register for this exam, irrespective of age or qualifications. The only thing that a candidate is required to keep in mind is the fact that he/she would be required to produce their original passport as proof of identity at the exam center, so candidates are required to have a valid passport before they register for the GRE exam.
Age Criteria
There is no age limit set for candidates wanting to appear for their GRE exam.
Educational Qualification
ETS has not announced any official statement regarding qualification required to appear for GRE. However, candidates are expected to possess a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university
GRE Exam Fee
The application fee for the GRE General Test is $205 worldwide, which would roughly translate to Rs. 14,699 approximately. GRE Subject Test costs $150 worldwide, which would cost Indian students Rs. 10,756 approximately. Also, if the applicants want to change the center or reschedule the test then they would be required to pay an extra fee for the same.
GRE Cancellation Fee/ GRE Rescheduling Fee
Candidates who must cancel or reschedule their GRE General Test registration are required to do so no later than 4 days before the test date or the GRE exam fee would be forfeited. Candidates would be required to pay $50 for rescheduling their GRE test. Apart from this, candidates are charged $50 if they want to change a subject in the GRE Subject Test.
GRE Special Handling Requests
Candidates wanting to avail additional services would be required to pay an extra fee for the same. Charges for special handling requests for services are mentioned below.
| Services | Fee |
| Late Registration Fee | $25 |
| Standby testing | $25 |
| Changing the test center | $50 |
| Rescheduling fee for rest of the world | $50 |
| GRE Subject Change Fee | $50 |
How to Register for GRE?
GRE Slot Booking: There are multiple ways to register for GRE. Popular ways through which aspirants can register for GRE are online and over the phone. Apart from this, aspirants can also register through mail or even by fax. For booking a slot for the GRE test candidates would require a debit or credit card to pay a registration fee of US$205 and a valid passport.
Ways to register for GRE
- Online
- Phone
- Fax
How to register for GRE online?
Candidates are required to follow the below-mentioned steps to register for GRE via the online method.
- Candidates need to create an ETS account.
- Select the type of GRE exam they want to take – the GRE General or GRE Subject Test.
- Select the date when they want to appear for the GRE Exam and find the nearest test center.
- Give their academic details.
- Proceed ahead and pay the registration fee of $205.
How to register for GRE over Phone?
Candidates can call the Regional Registration Center (RRC), which is ‘Prometric’ located in Gurgaon, Haryana. The phone number is 91-124-4147700. The call must be made at least two business days before your preferred test date. A confirmation number, reporting time and the test center address will be provided to you when you make the call for registration. You can make the payments online through JCB, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or Visa credit or debit card. As mentioned, other methods of registering for your GRE Exam include via mail and through Fax.
For more information on the same, candidates can visit our page for steps to GRE Registration.
Things to remember before registering for the GRE 2021:
- The information you provide on the ETS application should always match your passport. The name you provide should always be the same as it is on your passport. The testing authority can prohibit the aspirant from entering the test center in case of any discrepancies.
- Check out which test-taking format is available in your location and if you are comfortable with that format or not.
- Also, carefully read the policies of the exam before registration.
GRE Test Dates 2021
Like other international standardized exams, there are no fixed official GRE dates and you can choose any date according to your convenience and availability. The exam date that you choose should be at least two months before your first application deadline. So if the deadline for your application is November, you should choose a test date for September. If you feel the need to retake the GRE exam, you can take it in October again. So you need to make a judicious decision about when you need to start preparing for GRE. Click here for the latest GRE Dates.
GRE Exam Centers
In India, GRE is conducted in almost 22 cities. These are New Delhi; Gurgaon; Mumbai; Nashik; Pune; Allahabad; Patna; Ahmedabad; Gandhinagar; Indore; Kolkata; Cochin; Chennai; Bengaluru; Vijayawada; Vadodara; Trivandrum; Nizamabad; Hyderabad; Gwalior; Dehradun; and Coimbatore. The majority of them offer computer-based and some of them offer a paper-based test. For the complete list of GRE Test Centres, Click Here.
GRE Exam Pattern
GRE exam pattern is as follows – three sections, namely, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing section will always be the first, whereas, the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and unscored sections may appear in any order. Along with the time duration difference, the pattern also differs for paper-based and online exams. Candidates looking to appear for the paper-based format of the GRE Exam can visit the official website for the same.
The GRE General Test consists of three sections
• Analytical Writing
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
GRE paper pattern for the GRE Computer-based Exam
Candidates looking to appear for the GRE General Test can find the detailed GRE Exam Pattern mentioned below for the GRE Computer Based Test as well as the GRE Paper-Based Test.
GRE Syllabus
The GRE syllabus is different for both GRE tests, GRE General Test, and GRE Subject Test. General Test is the standard exam that tests students’ verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Students who wish to pursue specialized subjects, need to take the Subject Test that might be required by the college/university they are seeking admission to, as Subject Test focuses on judging the candidate’s expertise in specific fields.
GRE Scores
Candidates who have appeared for their GRE exam can access their GRE scores by logging into their GRE account using their credentials.
When are GRE results available?
Your official GRE test scores will be available in your account on the GRE website 10-15 days after your test date. They will be sent to the universities of your choice within three weeks of your test date. Once the results are out, you will receive an email from ETS that your official GRE result is available in your account. Click here for more information on GRE results and scores.
How is the GRE Score calculated?
You need to have some idea about how the scoring pattern works to better understand how your GRE score will be calculated. The GMAT Score Report comprises of the following components along with their score range according to the official website.
| Section | Score Range | Mean* |
| Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 | 150 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 | 152 |
| Analytical Writing | 0–6 | 3.6 |
| Total | 260–340 | – |
GRE Subject Test Score
GRE Subject Test is calculated on a scale of 200 to 990 with an increment scale variation of 10 points.
GRE Score Range
The GRE score range can be understood with a section-wise distribution system:
- Verbal Reasoning score: On a 130–170 score scale, in 1-point increments
- Quantitative Reasoning score: On a 130–170 score scale, in 1-point increments
- Analytical Writing score: On a 0–6 score scale, in half-point increments
- GRE Total Score: On a 260–340 score scale
How long is GRE Score valid for?
Candidates who have appeared for their GRE exam should be aware that their GRE score is valid for a period of five years from the day of the exam.
GRE Cut-Off
GRE is mainly made up of three sections, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning and students are given a total of 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete the test. While there is no blanket cut-off, every college and course accepting GRE scores would have their own cut-off listed on the official website. Candidates wanting to get admission into top Graduate Colleges are required to lean towards the higher margin.
What is a Good GRE Score?
If you are applying for MS courses in the US in particular, remember that colleges don’t have minimum ‘cutoff’ marks required for admission. However, you still need to have an idea about average GRE scores across Top US universities.
GRE 2021 Preparation Tips
If money is a consideration and one is quite confident of being able to prepare well without supervision, then self-study may be the better option to prepare for GRE. You could save money on personal tuitions and classes, but you need to keep in mind other factors too. To be able to study on your own effectively, you need a few good books and resources for GRE, along with motivation and self-discipline. Candidates can also check out our customized 4-week GRE Preparation plan to better their GRE Exam performance.
On the other hand, if time is a constraint and one needs professional guidance to ensure the competitive edge in GRE exam preparation, then coaching classes are the better option. You will have access to a better resource of study materials and will have a team of experts guiding you. Your time will be better managed as being regular to classes will become part of your routine. Moreover, being around other students will increase their motivation levels. Candidates could also check out our take on Reasons Why You Should Choose Online GRE Prep. Try your hand at GRE Practice papers to self-evaluate your understanding of GRE.
Interesting facts regarding students from India based on previous GRE exams:
- About twice as many men, women take the GRE General Test in India. However, the number of women in the younger age range (18-22) has grown slightly year over year. From 29.5% of the Indian test-taker population in the 2013-2014 test year, a growth of 30.3% in the 2015-2016 test year has been reported. Globally, more women take the GRE General Test than men (53% women vs 45% men). There are more women test-takers in the 18-22 age group.
- GRE test takers were interested in graduate study in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe.
- Engineering (34%) and Physical Sciences (28%) were the most dominant areas of interest.
Who Accepts GRE?
Those students who wish to enroll in graduate, business or law schools should opt for the GRE test. It is accepted by thousands of schools across the globe. You can check the list of MBA programs worldwide that accept the GRE General Test here. Apart from this, you can check out the complete list of institutions and fellowship programs here.
Universities accepting GRE Scores
GRE for Engineering School
Candidates who have appeared for their GRE can check out popular Computer Science & Engineering colleges abroad for admissions. GRE scores are widely accepted by engineering colleges across all courses.
GRE for Business School
Business schools across the globe use GRE scores for giving admission to MBA aspirants. Apart from this, students who want to pursue business programs and other specialized master’s courses seeking admission in business schools worldwide also take the GRE test.
GRE for Law School
Those who are seeking admission in law school can also give the GRE 2020 Test. Various law schools across the world are accepting GRE General Test Scores for giving admission. Some of the law schools accepting GRE Scores are:
| American University Washington College of Law | Boston University School of Law |
| Brooklyn Law School | Chicago-Kent College of Law |
| Columbia Law School | Harvard Law School |
| Florida International University College of Law | Cornell Law School |
| John Marshall Law School | New York University School of Law |
GRE Scholarships
The GRE aspirants must note that ETS, the body that conducts GRE does not provide any scholarship even to the top scorers. There is no such thing as a GRE scholarship. Scholarships are provided by the graduate schools and GRE score is not the sole criterion for granting financial aid. Your academic background, work or research experience or any other achievements are also considered for awarding a scholarship. So, it doesn’t mean that GRE scores are not important, they are given equal importance with other factors while applying for a scholarship.
FAQs:
A. Candidates can appear for the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
A. The GRE exam is conducted round the year across the world, the aspirants are advised to register for the exam early in order to get their preferred location and test date. The aspirants can go through this tutorial and know how to register for the GRE General Test.
A. Worldwide business schools offering MBA programs also accept GRE scores. Students, who wish to study MBA can also give GRE and enroll in top-most programs across the globe. However, it is always advisable to check with the exact requirements and the eligibility criteria of the college/university/program you want to enroll.
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