Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
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What this exam is
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is a standardised admissions exam administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is used primarily by graduate, business, and law school programmes in the United States and across more than 160 countries worldwide. Since September 2023, ETS has offered a significantly shorter version of the test — approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes — reduced from the previous 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing abilities developed over a lifetime of academic work. Unlike subject-specific entrance exams, the GRE does not test a particular academic discipline. It is designed to assess the reasoning skills that graduate programmes consider relevant for success across fields including economics, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, business, and the humanities.
ETS offers two types of GRE tests: the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests. The Subject Tests (currently available in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology) are taken by applicants to highly specialised doctoral programmes. For the vast majority of applicants — including those pursuing master’s degrees, MBA programmes, and general PhD admission — only the GRE General Test is relevant. This page focuses on the GRE General Test.
The test is delivered primarily via computer at Prometric test centres, and is also available as a “GRE at Home” option for eligible test-takers. Both delivery methods use the same content, scoring, and security standards. The computer-based format allows test-takers to move forward and backward within a section, mark questions for review, and use an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning sections.
The GRE is not a curriculum exam. There is no prescribed textbook or official syllabus in the way that Indian competitive exams work. What ETS assesses is the broader capacity to reason analytically, interpret quantitative data, and communicate arguments in writing — skills that predict performance in graduate coursework regardless of subject area.
The September 2023 format change
ETS launched the shorter GRE format effective 22 September 2023. The changes are structural rather than conceptual:
- The Analytical Writing section now contains one task — “Analyse an Issue” — down from two tasks (the “Analyse an Argument” task was removed).
- Each Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning section has fewer questions: 12 in Section 1 and 15 in Section 2, compared to 20 questions per section previously.
- Total testing time dropped from roughly 3 hours 45 minutes to 1 hour 58 minutes.
- The score scale (130–170 for Verbal and Quantitative; 0–6 for Analytical Writing) remains unchanged, ensuring continuity for institutions using older score benchmarks.
This reform was designed to reduce test fatigue while maintaining the psychometric validity of the scores. The unscored research and experimental sections that previously appeared in some administrations are no longer part of the standard test.
Who should take this exam
The GRE is most relevant to:
Students applying to US, UK, European, or Australian master’s and doctoral programmes. The GRE is the primary or sole admissions test at thousands of graduate programmes in the United States and is widely accepted in Canada, the UK, Australia, Singapore, Germany, and other countries. Programmes in economics, public policy, data science, mathematics, statistics, political science, and the natural sciences commonly require or accept GRE scores.
Students applying to international MBA programmes that accept GRE as a GMAT alternative. Most major business schools — including Harvard Business School, Wharton, Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan, INSEAD, and ISB — now accept GRE scores as an alternative to the GMAT. Applicants who perform better on the GRE’s Verbal and Analytical Writing sections relative to the GMAT’s format may benefit from choosing the GRE.
Students applying to Indian programmes that require GRE. A small number of Indian institutions — including ISB and certain IIM executive programmes — accept GRE scores for their management programmes. Some research-focused master’s and doctoral programmes at Indian universities have also begun accepting GRE. However, for the majority of Indian PG programme admissions (JNU, ISI Kolkata Admission Test, DSE Entrance, etc.), GRE is not required or recognised.
Students seeking programme flexibility. Because the GRE is accepted across disciplines — business, law, social sciences, STEM — it offers more flexibility than subject-specific exams. A student unsure whether to pursue an economics master’s or a public policy programme abroad can submit a single GRE score to both.
The GRE is generally not required for:
- Most Indian PG admissions (JNU, ISI, DSE, IIT, NIT, TIFR, etc.)
- Programmes that require only GMAT (many traditional MBA programmes)
- Law admissions in the US that use the LSAT (though some law schools now accept GRE)
If your target programmes are exclusively in India, you almost certainly do not need to sit the GRE. The exam is designed for international applications.
Exam pattern and structure
The GRE General Test (from 22 September 2023) contains five sections administered in approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes, with no scheduled break in the standard format.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 task (“Analyse an Issue”) | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning – Section 1 | 12 questions | 18 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning – Section 2 | 15 questions | 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning – Section 1 | 12 questions | 21 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning – Section 2 | 15 questions | 26 minutes |
| Total | 55 questions + 1 essay | ~118 minutes |
Section order: The Analytical Writing section is always first. The two Verbal Reasoning and two Quantitative Reasoning sections may appear in any order after the writing task. An unscored or research section may occasionally be included in some administrations but does not count toward the score.
Section-level adaptive design
The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning measures use a section-level adaptive format. The first section of each measure is of average difficulty. The difficulty level of the second section is determined by performance on the first section: strong performance on Section 1 leads to a harder Section 2, and vice versa. Final scores for each measure account for both the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of the sections answered.
This adaptive design means test-takers cannot meaningfully calculate their scaled score during the exam. It also means that performing poorly intentionally on Section 1 to receive an easier Section 2 backfires, as lower-difficulty second sections impose a ceiling on the final scaled score achievable.
Navigation and tools
- Test-takers can move freely forward and backward within each section
- Questions can be marked for review and revisited before time expires
- An on-screen calculator is available for the Quantitative Reasoning sections
- Responses cannot be changed after a section is submitted
Scoring
| Measure | Score Scale | Increment |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 | 1-point |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 | 1-point |
| Analytical Writing | 0–6 | Half-point |
| Combined (V+Q) | 260–340 | — |
Each Analytical Writing essay is scored holistically by a trained human reader on a 6-point scale, then reviewed by ETS’s “e-rater” automated scoring engine. The two scores are averaged; if they differ by more than one point, a second human reader resolves the discrepancy. The AW score is reported separately and is not included in the combined 260–340 total.
Syllabus overview
Analytical Writing
The Analytical Writing section tests critical thinking and the ability to construct and communicate a clear, coherent argument in response to a topic prompt. From September 2023, only one task is administered: “Analyse an Issue.”
In this task, test-takers are given a statement or claim on a topic of general interest and asked to discuss the issue from multiple perspectives, take a position, and support it with relevant reasons and examples. Topics draw on broad areas of general knowledge and do not require specialised expertise.
Scoring rubric (0–6 scale, half-point increments):
- 6: Insightful, well-developed analysis with logically compelling reasoning, excellent organisation, and sophisticated use of language
- 5: Thoughtful analysis with sound reasons, generally well organised, clear language
- 4: Competent analysis with relevant support, adequate organisation, acceptable clarity
- 3: Limited analysis, weak development or organisation, some clarity problems
- 2: Seriously flawed — inadequate analysis, poor organisation, frequent language errors
- 1: Fundamentally deficient — little evidence of understanding the task
Verbal Reasoning
The two Verbal Reasoning sections assess the ability to analyse and evaluate written material, synthesise information, and understand the relationships between words and concepts. About half of all Verbal questions are Reading Comprehension questions; the remainder are Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions.
Question types:
| Type | Description | Approximate Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Answer questions about passages (single and multiple correct-answer formats, identifying function of highlighted sentences) | ~50% |
| Text Completion | Fill one to three blanks in a passage using the best choice from provided options | ~25% |
| Sentence Equivalence | Choose two words that complete a sentence and produce sentences similar in meaning | ~25% |
Topics in reading passages span the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and business. No specialised prior knowledge is tested — all information needed to answer is in the passage.
Quantitative Reasoning
The two Quantitative Reasoning sections assess mathematical concepts through problem-solving and data interpretation. All mathematical content is at the level of secondary school mathematics (through approximately Class 10 in Indian curricula). No calculus is tested.
Topic areas:
| Area | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion, exponents, roots, number sequences |
| Algebra | Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, simultaneous equations, functions, coordinate geometry |
| Geometry | Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, three-dimensional figures, area, perimeter, volume |
| Data Analysis | Descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation), frequency tables, histograms, scatter plots, probability, counting methods |
Question formats:
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Comparison | Compare two quantities (A > B, A < B, A = B, or cannot be determined) |
| Multiple Choice (One Answer) | Select one correct answer from five options |
| Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers) | Select all correct answers |
| Numeric Entry | Type a numerical answer directly |
| Data Interpretation | Interpret information in charts, tables, or graphs (appear in sets of 2–3 questions) |
An on-screen basic calculator is provided during Quantitative Reasoning sections.
Eligibility and registration
Who can take the GRE
ETS sets no minimum age, educational qualification, or nationality requirements for the GRE General Test. Anyone may register. In practice, the GRE is taken primarily by those who have completed or are nearing completion of an undergraduate degree and are applying to graduate programmes.
Candidates under 18 must obtain written parental or guardian consent before registering. Indian test-takers must present a valid Indian passport as identification — no other document is currently accepted.
Retake policy: A test-taker may take the GRE General Test up to five times in any rolling 12-month period, with a mandatory waiting period of at least 21 days between attempts.
Registration process
- Create an ETS account at ets.org
- Select “Register for the GRE General Test”
- Complete your profile (name must match passport exactly)
- Choose test date, format (test centre or at-home), and location
- Pay the registration fee
- Receive confirmation with test appointment details
Registration is available year-round, with test dates available throughout the calendar year at Prometric test centres in India (major cities) and online via GRE at Home.
Registration fees
| Location | Fee |
|---|---|
| Worldwide (standard) | USD 220 |
| India | ~₹22,550 (approximately USD 270) |
| China | USD 231.30 |
Additional fees: Rescheduling costs USD 55; changing test centre costs USD 55; additional score reports cost USD 40 per recipient (the first four are free); score reinstatement after cancellation costs USD 50.
Score validity and reporting
GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date. Scores earned before that window cannot be reported or retrieved.
Free score reports: Up to four score recipients (graduate schools or fellowship sponsors) can be designated at no charge at the time of testing. These must be selected before exiting the exam software on test day.
ScoreSelect option: Test-takers who have taken the GRE more than once can choose which scores to send — Most Recent (the last administration), All (all valid administrations from the past five years), or Any (any specific test date). Scores from a single administration must be reported in full; it is not possible to mix sections from different test dates.
Cutoffs and score interpretation
GRE does not publish universal cutoffs. Individual programmes set their own expectations. The information below reflects typical competitive ranges drawn from published programme profiles and admissions guidance.
What the scores mean
| Score Range (Combined V+Q) | Typical Context |
|---|---|
| 325–340 | Highly competitive for top-ranked US/UK programmes (Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Oxford, LSE) |
| 315–325 | Competitive for strong graduate programmes in the US, UK, Canada, Australia |
| 305–315 | Acceptable range for a wide range of programmes; may be competitive with a strong profile |
| Below 300 | Below average; most competitive programmes will be difficult to access |
For Quantitative Reasoning specifically, STEM and quantitative social science programmes (economics, statistics, mathematics, data science) typically expect scores of 160+ (out of 170). Verbal Reasoning expectations vary more by discipline.
Analytical Writing scores above 4.0 are generally considered acceptable by most programmes. Research-intensive programmes and humanities programmes may weigh the AW score more heavily.
Typical programme benchmarks
| Region / Institution Type | Competitive Range (V+Q Combined) |
|---|---|
| Top US programmes (Ivy League, MIT, Stanford) | 320–340 |
| UK research universities (LSE, UCL, Edinburgh) | 315–325 |
| Australian and Canadian graduate programmes | 305–320 |
| Singapore (NUS, NTU) | 315–325 |
| ISB / IIM Executive (India) | 320+ |
These are directional benchmarks, not official minimums. Programmes conduct holistic review; a score below these ranges may still result in admission alongside strong grades, research experience, or professional background.
Percentiles (approximate, based on ETS data)
| Verbal Score | Approximate Percentile | Quantitative Score | Approximate Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170 | 99th | 170 | 96th |
| 163 | 90th | 167 | 90th |
| 159 | 80th | 163 | 80th |
| 155 | 69th | 159 | 68th |
| 151 | 50th | 153 | 48th |
(Percentiles shift slightly each year as the test-taking population changes. Check the ETS website for current published percentile tables.)
Colleges and programmes that accept this exam
The GRE is accepted by programmes across a wide range of disciplines. In India, GRE acceptance is concentrated at institutions running international-facing programmes.
Indian institutions accepting GRE
- Indian School of Business (ISB): Accepts GRE for the PGP (one-year MBA programme) as an alternative to GMAT. GRE scores in the range of 320–338 are reported among admitted students.
- IIM Executive Programmes: Several IIMs accept GRE for their executive MBA and management programmes.
- Ashoka University: Some master’s programmes accept GRE for admissions.
For most Indian master’s and doctoral admissions — JNU, ISI Kolkata, DSE, IGIDR, TERI, TIFR, IITs — GRE is neither required nor accepted. Students targeting these programmes should prepare for the ISI Admission Test, DSE Entrance, or institution-specific examinations.
International institutions
The GRE is accepted at virtually all US graduate schools and at a growing number of international institutions. Notable accepting programmes include:
- LSE (London School of Economics): MSc Economics, MSc Finance, MSc Social Policy, and others. LSE typically expects competitive quantitative scores (160+) for quantitative programmes.
- Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, UC Berkeley: All major US research universities accept GRE for master’s and doctoral programmes.
- INSEAD, HEC Paris, London Business School: Accept GRE for MBA programmes alongside GMAT.
- NUS Business School: Accepts GRE for select graduate programmes in Singapore.
- ETH Zurich, Delft, TU Munich: Accept GRE for selected STEM graduate programmes.
Relevant programmes
Students applying internationally for the following programmes commonly use GRE scores:
How to prepare
Official materials from ETS
ETS provides several official preparation resources directly through the GRE website:
- POWERPREP Online: Two free full-length, section-adaptive practice tests that closely replicate the actual GRE experience. These are the most realistic practice materials available, as they use the same adaptive engine and question formats as the live exam.
- POWERPREP Plus (paid): Four additional full-length practice tests available for purchase.
- Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions and Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions: Practice question sets published by ETS.
- The Official Guide to the GRE General Test: A comprehensive study guide with explanations of question types, test strategies, and full practice tests.
The two free POWERPREP tests are essential tools. They should be used under realistic timed conditions — no pausing, no reference materials — to get an accurate baseline score.
Preparation strategy
Verbal Reasoning: Building vocabulary remains important, but the GRE does not test isolated vocabulary definitions. Context-based reading is central. Practice with Reading Comprehension passages across academic disciplines (particularly economics, history, philosophy, and natural sciences) and develop the habit of identifying the author’s argument and underlying assumptions. Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions reward precision — wrong answers are often plausibly related to the topic but do not fit the specific logical relationship demanded.
Quantitative Reasoning: For most candidates, the mathematics is not conceptually difficult — the challenge is accuracy under time pressure and the unfamiliar question formats (especially Quantitative Comparison). Review fundamental arithmetic, algebra, and geometry from secondary school, then spend the majority of practice time on data interpretation questions and Quantitative Comparison. Work through official practice sets systematically.
Analytical Writing: Read and study the published scoring rubrics on the ETS website. Write full timed responses to practice prompts from the ETS pool (ETS publishes the complete pool of Issue topics). Focus on clear thesis construction, organised paragraphs, and specific examples rather than length. Most competitive programmes expect scores of 4.0 or above.
Suggested timeline
| Duration | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1–2 months | Diagnostic test, identify weak areas, review core content |
| 1–2 months | Targeted practice by section, timed sets, vocabulary building |
| 2–3 weeks | Full practice tests under timed conditions, review errors |
| Final week | Light review, rest, logistics preparation |
Most serious applicants spend 2–4 months preparing for the GRE. Students with strong quantitative backgrounds (mathematics, engineering, economics graduates) often need less time for the Quantitative section but may need more work on Verbal, and vice versa for humanities graduates.
Score improvement and retakes
Since GRE scores are valid for five years and the ScoreSelect option allows test-takers to choose which scores to send, there is limited downside to taking the exam more than once. Most programmes only ever see the scores you choose to send. The one exception: programmes that require all GRE scores to be reported (a minority policy; check individual programme requirements).
Key dates and timeline
The GRE is available year-round at test centres and via GRE at Home. There are no fixed exam dates — test-takers register for available slots on a rolling basis.
Planning your GRE timeline
| Milestone | Recommended Timing Before Programme Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Begin preparation | 4–6 months before exam |
| Take first practice test (POWERPREP) | 4 months before |
| Sit the GRE | 2–3 months before application deadline |
| Receive official scores | 8–10 days after test date |
| Apply to programmes with scores | Up to application deadline |
Scores are posted to your ETS account within 8–10 days of the test date. Unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores are displayed on screen immediately after the test (before you decide whether to report or cancel scores). The Analytical Writing score is not available unofficially.
US programme deadlines typically fall between December and February for autumn intake. UK programme deadlines vary by institution, with competitive programmes often closing in January. Indian programmes that accept GRE have their own cycle.
Test date registration
Register as early as possible, particularly in cities with limited test centre capacity. Popular slots fill weeks to months in advance. GRE at Home offers more scheduling flexibility but requires a stable internet connection, a private testing space, and a compatible device.
Related exams
- GMAT: The primary alternative to GRE for international MBA programmes, particularly at business schools. GMAT is required by some programmes that do not accept GRE.
- DSE Entrance: The entrance exam for MA Economics and MPhil/PhD programmes at the Delhi School of Economics, required for Indian domestic applicants.
- ISI Admission Test: Admission test for BStat, MStat, and research programmes at the Indian Statistical Institute. GRE is not equivalent.
Sources Used
The information on this page is compiled from official sources and institutional programme pages. It may not reflect the most recent changes. Always verify directly with the institution before making any admission or financial decision.