Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Required For
PG level courses in multiple disciplines
Mode of taking test
Computer Based | Paper-Pen Based
Test Type
Admission Test
Official Website
About GRE
About Test
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an admissions test used around the world to screen graduate school applicants in a multitude of disciplines in the arts and sciences. It is a standardised international level test accepted for admission to various disciplines at many graduate schools in the world. Students looking to pursue master’s or doctoral programmes can take the GRE test. It comes in two formats- General and Subject test.
Why take the test?
The GRE is intended to test verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing ability. The GRE presumes fluency in English, but its verbal reasoning sections emphasize efficient reading and understanding words in context, rather than memorization. The GRE is accepted at thousands of graduate and business schools. The importance of a GRE score can vary from being a formality to being one of the most important factors in graduate school admissions. The importance placed upon GRE scores varies widely among schools and even among departments within schools. High GRE scores are most important when applicants have weaknesses in their other credentials.
GRE Basics
Eligibility
Students should have cleared undergraduation before applying for admission. GRE scores would not be valid if the aspirant does not clear undergrdauation.
General Facts
Date and Frequency
You can take the test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period
Center and Admit Card
The GRE test is conducted in over 1000 tests centres across the world. Applicants can select a test centre depending on their location and convenience.
Result
The GRE test results are usually available within 10 -15 calendar days. Test takers can get their GRE results online or from the test centre where they appeared for the test. ETS, the conducting body of GRE, sends test takers an email notification when their test results are out.
Score Reporting
GRE test takers are allowed to send their scores to four graduate schools. Candidates have to select the four institutions at the time of registration through the Score Select option.
Score Validity
5 Years
Sections
General Test
Analytical Writing
- Questions - 2
- Duration - 60 minutes
- Score - 0 to 6
Analytical Writing has two sub-sections – Analyse an Issue task and Analyse an Argument task. The time given to complete these sections varies.
Verbal Reasoning
- Questions - 40
- Duration - 60 minutes
- Score - 130 to 170
Verbal Reasoning has two sections. Each section has 20 questions and candidates are given 30 minutes on each section.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Questions - 40
- Duration - 70 minutes
- Score - 130 to 170
Quantitative Reasoning has two sections. Each section has 20 questions and candidates are given 35 minutes on each section.
Subject Test
Physics
- Questions - 100
- Duration - 170 minutes
- Score - 200 to 990
The test covers classical mechanics, electromagnetism, optics & wave, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, special relativity, lab methods and many other topics.
Chmistry
- Questions - 130
- Duration - 170 minutes
- Score - 200 to 990
The content of the test is organized into four major areas – analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry.
Biology
- Questions - 188
- Duration - 170 minutes
- Score - 200 to 990
The content of the test is organized into three major areas – cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, and ecology and evolution.
Psychology
- Questions - 205
- Duration - 170 minutes
- Score - 200 to 990
The test covers six areas – biological, cognitive, social, developmental, clinical, measurement & methodology psychology
Literature In English
- Questions - 230
- Duration - 170 minutes
- Score - 200 to 990
The content of the test is organized into four major areas – literary analysis, identification, cultural & historical contexts and history & theory of literary criticism.
Mathematics
- Questions - 66
- Duration - 170 minutes
- Score - 200 to 990
The content of the test has major focus on calculus and algebra, covering almost 75% of the test, while other topics cover the remaining 25%
Fees
Registration Fees
USD 205
Rescheduling Fees
USD 50
Test Center Change Fees
USD 50
Late Fee
USD 25
GRE Exam Registration Process
Aspirants can register online for both GRE General test and subject tests, although, registrations via phone and mail are possible. Online registration is the most common way to apply for GRE test.
Step 1
Signup on GRE official portal
Step 2
Submit personal information
Step 3
Profile details submission
Step 4
Selection of Test centre, date and time
Step 5
Payment & completion of registration
Not Sure where to start?
FAQs
The GRE test can be taken in two modes: Computer Based and Paper-Pen Based.
The GRE is an Admission Test used globally for screening graduate school applicants across various disciplines.
Official information about the GRE can be found on the ETS website: https://www.ets.org/gre/
The GRE assesses verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing abilities, and is accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide.
Students should have completed their undergraduate degree before applying for the GRE. GRE scores are not valid for those who have not cleared their undergraduate studies.
You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
GRE test takers can send their scores to four graduate schools of their choice. Scores are valid for 5 years.
The GRE General Test consists of Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning sections.
Aspirants can register online for both the GRE General Test and Subject Tests, with online registration being the most common method.
