The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a globally recognized standardized test for candidates aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies abroad, such as an MS or MBA. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam designed to assess critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving abilities.

The GRE evaluates fundamental mathematical concepts, data analysis, and college-level vocabulary. ETS offers the GRE in two formats: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. The exam fee for Indian candidates varies depending on the format. The General Test lasts 1 hour and 58 minutes, with a fee of 22,550 INR, while the Subject Tests, ranging from 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the subject, cost 14,500 INR.

GRE Highlights

GRE 2025: Key Details

• Exam Name: GRE
• Full Form: Graduate Record Examination
• Popular For: Pursuing an MBA or MS in the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and other international study destinations
• Also Accepted For: MBA programs outside India
• Conducting Body: Educational Testing Service (ETS)

Exam Modes

• Computer-Based Test
• Paper-Based Test
• GRE at Home

Exam Fees

• GRE General Test: ₹22,550 INR
• GRE Subject Test: ₹14,500 INR

Score Validity

• Valid for: 5 Years

Score Range

• Verbal Reasoning: 130–170
• Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170
• Analytical Writing: 0–6

Contact Information

• Phone: 1800-120-0371 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM IST)
• Email: [email protected]

What is GRE?

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a globally recognized standardized test administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). It assesses a candidate’s analytical writing, quantitative ability, and verbal reasoning to determine their readiness for postgraduate studies abroad.

There is no age limit for taking the GRE, and candidates can choose from test centers in 47 cities across India. GRE scores are typically available within 10–15 days after the exam and remain valid for five years.

While the GRE is not the toughest exam, consistent preparation is essential for a strong performance. To begin your preparation, consider following a GRE study plan for beginners.

Types of GRE Exams

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is offered in two formats.

The table below provides a quick comparison of both types:

Latest Updates on GRE Exam 2025

This section highlights the most recent changes to the GRE exam, ensuring candidates stay informed about key updates before taking the test.

GRE Fee Revision

ETS, the conducting body of the GRE exam, has revised the test fees:

• GRE General Test: ₹22,550 INR
• GRE Subject Test: ₹14,500 INR

GRE Exam Duration Reduced to Under 2 Hours

The GRE General Test, one of the most widely accepted exams for graduate and professional programs, has been shortened from nearly 4 hours to just under 2 hours as of September 22, 2023.

ETS implemented this change by:

• Reducing 26 questions from the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections.
• Keeping only one essay task in the Analytical Writing section.

This update aims to minimize test fatigue, making the GRE shorter than other exams like the GMAT (3 hours 7 minutes), GMAT Focus Edition (2 hours 15 minutes), and LSAT (approximately 3 hours).

Updated GRE Exam Structure (2025)

Which Colleges accept GRE?

GRE results are used to determine admission to all types of master’s, MBA, specialised master’s in business, and doctorate programmes, as well as to grant fellowships.

Many colleges in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, India, France, Germany, and other countries accept GRE results. GRE results are accepted by business schools all around the world, including Harvard, IE, INSEAD, MIT Sloan, Stanford, and Singapore Management University.

Note:

1. Always check the requirements of the school you are applying to. They may be accepting either GRE Scores or GMAT Scores and many institutions are now accepting both. Always double-check the admissions requirements of the school to which you are applying. They may consider either GRE or GMAT results, and many colleges now do.
2. Whereas the GRE is generally used to gain admission to international universities (mostly Master’s programs in the United States), several Indian B-Schools now accept GRE scores as well,

GRE 2025 Eligibility Criteria

GRE Exam Pattern 2025

The GRE exam consists of three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing section always appears first, while the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and unscored sections may appear in any order.

The GRE exam format varies between the computer-based and paper-based versions, with differences in time duration and structure. The GRE General Test lasts 1 hour 58 minutes, while the GRE Subject Test takes 2 hours 50 minutes.

Candidates opting for the paper-based format should visit the official ETS website for detailed information.

GRE Exam Sections

• Analytical Writing
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning

GRE Computer-Based vs. Paper-Based Exam

GRE Computer-Based Exam Pattern

Candidates preparing for the GRE General Test can refer to the detailed exam pattern to understand the structure and time management strategies for each section.

GRE Syllabus 2025

The GRE syllabus differs for the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test. The GRE General Test evaluates a student’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. On the other hand, the GRE Subject Test is designed for students wishing to pursue specialized fields, and focuses on assessing a candidate’s technical expertise in specific areas, which may be required by some colleges or universities.

GRE Analytical Writing Syllabus 2025

GRE Verbal Reasoning Syllabus 2025

GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus 2025

GRE Marking Scheme

On the GRE General Test Score-Card, three scores are reported: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Here’s how it went down.

• Your total verbal and quantitative score is expressed as a number of 340. As a result, applicants may frequently indicate their score out of 340 while stating their score.
• Analytical Writing receives a distinct grade out of six.

How to Register for GRE?

GRE registration for 2025 is available in both online and offline formats. Candidates have the option to register through ETS’s official website or through mail or phone. For those opting to take the GRE at home, specific equipment requirements must be met, and the “at-home” option should be selected during the test center selection process, followed by payment of the fees. The registration process involves creating an account, providing personal details, selecting the preferred GRE test date and center, and making the payment for the registration fee.

The paper-delivered GRE General test is administered in areas where the computer-delivered test is not available. It takes place twice a year, specifically in November and February. On the other hand, GRE Subject Tests are offered at paper-delivered test centers worldwide and are available up to three times a year.

Step 1: Create ETS Account

• Creating an ETS Account is the initial step in registering for the GRE online (if you do not already have one). 
• Go to www.ets.org/mygre to create an ETC account.

You also get access to the following features through your ETS account:

• Make an appointment to take the GRE.
•  Register for the GRE®
•  Search Service, which is completely free.
• Place an order for exam preparation materials.
•  Check out the results.
• Order Additional Score Reports View, amend, or cancel your registration 
• Use the GRE Diagnostic Service for free.

Note: Please double-check your name and birthdate while filling out your information. These must match the information on your government ID, which you will present at the test center. You will not be able to edit this once you have registered.

Step 2: Find Suitable Test Centre and Dates

For ambitious GRE applicants, the ETS provides an online calendar where they can check the availability of dates and seats at various testing centers.

GRE Exam Dates 2025 in India

Determining the frequency of GRE exams throughout the year and their availability is essential for prospective test-takers. The GRE General exam is conducted multiple times each month at over 1000 test centers worldwide, with seat availability and examination dates accessible on the official ETS website. The computer-based GRE General test can be taken up to five times annually, with a minimum gap of 21 days required between consecutive tests. Additionally, GRE subject tests are offered three times a year, typically in April, September, and October.

It’s important to note that ETS typically takes 10-15 days to send GRE scores to designated institutions. Therefore, aligning your GRE test date with the application deadline of your desired program is crucial for timely submission. Given that the GRE exam is most frequently taken between August and December, securing a seat during this period can be challenging.

Below are the details regarding GRE exam dates in India for both the GRE General and Subject tests.

GRE Exam Dates in India for GRE General Test

The GRE exam dates for the year 2025 in India are provided below, categorised by month.

GRE Dates 2025 for Delhi NCR

Check out the GRE Exam Dates 2025 for New Delhi city:

GRE Test Dates 2025 for Chennai

GRE Exam Dates 2025 for Mumbai

How Often Can You Take the GRE?

Candidates are allowed to take the GRE up to five times within any continuous 12-month period, with a minimum gap of 21 days between each test. The GRE at Home is available 24/7, with appointments typically available within 24 hours of registration. However, candidates must meet the system and environment requirements to be eligible for GRE at Home. The GRE Subject Test is offered three times a year, and candidates can take it as often as it is available during those dates.

GRE Exam Dates Handling Request

To avail additional services candidates need to pay extra fee for special handling request. Few such service fees are mentioned below

How to Reschedule GRE Test?

• You can reschedule your test online.
• Rescheduling your GRE General Test must be done a minimum of four days before your appointment. Otherwise, your test fee will be forfeited. [Eg: the deadline to reschedule a Saturday appointment at a testing location in the United States is Tuesday.]
• A fee will be charged for rescheduling your test registration ($50)
• Appointments cannot be rescheduled beyond 1 year of original appointment date.
• You will need to provide your appointment confirmation number and the full name used to make an appointment when rescheduling.

GRE 2025 Admit Card

Educational Testing Services’ Graduate Record Examinations are highly significant and basic test that is necessary for graduate programs in the United States. Candidates compete against students from all over the world who want to attend a prestigious college in the United States. Graduate Record Examinations, administered by Educational Testing Services, are a crucial and fundamental test required for graduate programs in the United States. Candidates fight against students from all over the world for a spot at a prominent American university.

Candidates who have applied for the exam will be given the GRE dates. Messages or emails are sent to candidates with the necessary information. When applying for the exam, the candidate will be informed of the exam dates.

The essential methods for obtaining an admit card are outlined below. 

• ETS-webpage GREs can be found here.
•  Download the admission card and fill in the necessary information. 
• The hall ticket will be presented on the screen after submission.

GRE 2025 Result

GRE SCORING PROCESS:

Within a period of 10 to 15 days following the test, the official GRE scorecards will be accessible in the candidate’s ETS account and automatically sent to the universities chosen during the test. This timeframe represents the maximum duration for receiving GRE results, with results typically being generated within this timeframe unless there are any unforeseen technical issues. Additionally, candidates have the option to print their score report, which provides a comprehensive breakdown of the scores and percentiles for all three sections of the GRE.

GRE COUNSELLING PROCEDURE 

The Counseling Procedure genuinely aids in the identification of the best universities to apply to based on one’s overall profile and GRE score. It also aids in the preparation of the application, particularly the documentation section. Rather than having the counselor create the self-SOP, it is critical to write it yourself.

GRE ANSWER KEYS 

The number of right answers given determines the score in the multiple-choice sections. Any erroneous responses do not result in a loss of marks. Because time is of the essence in this exam, it is best to start with the easy questions and then move on to the more difficult ones. 

The number of right answers given determines the score in the multiple-choice sections. Any erroneous responses do not result in a loss of marks. Because time is of the essence in this exam, it is best to start with the easy questions and then move on to the more difficult ones. 

If any of the answers are fractions, the grid will include a division slash (/), otherwise the grid will have a decimal point. There is just one response that has to be circled. Columns that aren’t required should be left empty. It’s also crucial to fill in the blanks with your answers. These are critical skills to master in order to perform well on the GRE Exam.

GRE Cutoff

The Graduate Record Examinations, also known as the GRE, is a standardised test that is required of all students applying to graduate schools in the United States. Education Testing Service owns and administers the GRE exam (ETS). The GRE is designed to assess a candidate’s overall ability by assessing their verbal, quantitative, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. Algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and language are all covered on the GRE.

The test fees are $225, however individuals who cannot pay them and can demonstrate financial hardship are eligible for financial assistance. Even if a candidate misses one or more questions on a multiple-choice exam, he or she can still get a decent score of 170. Similarly, if no question is successfully answered, the lowest score is 130. While the GRE is a standardised exam, the GRE cut off varies greatly depending on the university a candidate wishes to attend.

The score slabs listed below will assist students in properly setting their score targets as they practise and work hard to get the highest possible GRE results. A high score of 163+ in Verbal, 165+ in Quant, and 5.0+ in AWA, resulting in an overall score of 328+, would qualify them for the top 10% of American institutions.