GRE Full Form: The full form of GRE is Graduate Record Examinations. It is a crucial standardized test administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), widely recognized for graduate and business school admissions. As a globally accepted exam, the GRE General Test evaluates your critical skills in analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. This computer-based test is designed to assess your readiness for advanced academic work, making it a key requirement for many prestigious graduate programs worldwide. Preparing for the GRE is essential for those aiming to excel in their applications and secure admission to top-tier institutions.
GRE Exam Highlights
Some important facts about the GRE Exam are as follows:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| GRE Full Form | Graduate Record Examinations |
| Official Website | ETS GRE Official Site |
| Conducted by | ETS – Educational Testing Service |
| Types of Format | Computer-delivered and Paper-delivered |
| Types of GRE | GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test |
| GRE Fees | $220 worldwide for the General Test; $150 for the Subject Test. Check GRE Fees 2024 |
| GRE Validity | 5 years |
| GRE Sections | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing; No sections for GRE Subject Test |
| Scores/Grades Used By | Most graduate schools in the USA and some in other countries |
| Counties/Regions | About 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries |
| Calculator Allowed | Yes |
| Scratchpad Allowed | Use test booklet for paper GRE; computer-delivered test sheets provided |
| GRE Contact Number | US: 1-609-771-7670 or 1-866-473-4373 (Toll-free) India: 91-124-451-7127 or 000-800-100-407 (Toll-free) Email: GRESupport4India@ets.orgthe |
What is Fullform of GRE?
The full form of GRE is Graduate Record Examinations. The GRE is a pivotal standardized test that plays a critical role in graduate and business school admissions. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE is primarily a computer-based exam that assesses key skills in analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. For candidates in regions without computer testing facilities, the GRE is also available in a paper-based format, ensuring that the exam is accessible worldwide. The GRE General Test is a major requirement for admission to top graduate programs, and achieving a high score can significantly boost your application.
Preparing effectively for the GRE is essential, and understanding the test format—whether it's the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test—is the first step toward success. Utilize high-quality GRE study materials and practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam structure and improve your performance. Explore our comprehensive GRE preparation resources to find the best strategies and tips to maximize your GRE score and enhance your chances of gaining admission to your dream program.
Types of GRE Tests
1. General Test
The GRE General Test is aimed at applicants pursuing MBA, Master’s, specialized master’s in Business, Doctoral, or Law degrees. It evaluates the skills and reasoning needed for success in demanding graduate programs and business schools. In the period from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, approximately 532,826 candidates took the General Test, with the majority from the United States (295,829), followed by China (74,568) and India (72,855). Notably, 42,700 of these test-takers intended to pursue a Business major, while most aimed for Life Sciences (118,396), Physical Sciences (78,779), or Engineering (67,318).
2. Subject Test
The GRE Subject Test measures expertise in specific fields and is designed for students with substantial background or an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. This test supplements undergraduate records and other application materials, providing a deeper insight into a candidate’s subject-specific knowledge.
By understanding the two types of GRE tests and their purposes, you can better prepare for your graduate school applications and enhance your academic prospects.
GRE Exam Eligibility
Understanding GRE exam eligibility is crucial for prospective test-takers. The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test used for admissions to graduate and business schools worldwide. Here’s an overview of the eligibility criteria and key details.
GRE Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Requirement | No minimum or maximum age limit. |
| Educational Background | Open to individuals with any educational background. |
| Degree Requirement | No specific degree required; open to all graduates. |
| Registration | Available to anyone who meets the general eligibility requirements. |
| Number of Attempts | Can take the GRE General Test up to 5 times within a continuous 12-month period. |
| Test Formats | Available as computer-delivered or paper-delivered test, depending on location. |
Read More: GRE Eligibility Criteria
When and Where to Take the Exam?
With over 1,000 GRE test centers in more than 160 countries, candidates can conveniently take the GRE General or Subject Test globally.
General Test
The GRE General Test opens doors to numerous graduate and business programs worldwide. You can choose between a computer-based or paper-delivered format. The computer-based GRE is available year-round in most countries and up to three times a month in Mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, and Hong Kong. Conversely, the paper-delivered GRE is offered biannually in November and February. Notably, the General Test allows you to skip and return to questions within a section, providing flexibility in your test-taking strategy.
Subject Test
The GRE Subject Tests are administered at paper-based centers globally three times a year—in September, October, and April. Ensure your selected test date aligns with application deadlines to have your scores reported on time. Registration for the 2024 Subject Test administrations is currently available.
Read More: GRE Exam Dates
GRE Exam Fee
Understanding the GRE exam fee structure is essential for budgeting and planning your test preparation. Here's a comprehensive guide to GRE fees for 2024, including various additional costs and charges.
GRE Exam Fee Breakdown
| Fee Type | Amount (INR) | Amount (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Test Fee | ₹22,550 | $220 | Base fee for taking the GRE General Test |
| Subject Test Fee | ₹14,500 | $150 | Fee for the GRE Subject Test |
| Additional Score Reports | ₹1,500 | $27 | Cost per additional score report sent to institutions |
| Late Registration Fee | ₹3,000 | $25 | Fee for late registration after the regular deadline |
| Rescheduling Fee | ₹6,500 | $50 | Fee to change your test date |
| Change of Test Center Fee | ₹6,500 | $50 | Fee to change your test center |
| GRE at Home Fee | ₹22,550 | $220 | Same fee as the General Test for at-home testing |
Read More: GRE Exam Fee
How Long is the Exam?
The total duration for the computer-delivered GRE General Test is approximately three hours and 45 minutes, including a 12-minute optional break. Overall, you should plan to spend around four hours at the test center.
For the GRE Subject Test, the exam lasts for 2 hours and 50 minutes, without separately timed sections.
GRE General Test Timing Breakdown
| GRE Section | Duration |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 30 minutes |
| Analytical Writing | 30 minutes |
| Experimental or Unscored | 30 or 35 minutes |
| Optional Breaks | Approximately 12 minutes |
| Total | Approximately 4 hours |
The GRE Subject Test does not have sectional timing and is completed in a single continuous session.
GRE Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test used for admission to graduate programs worldwide. It assesses your readiness for advanced study through a series of carefully designed sections. Understanding the GRE syllabus and exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.
GRE General Test Syllabus
The GRE General Test evaluates your skills across three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning: Measures your ability to understand and analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and synthesize information. Includes questions on reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Assesses your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical concepts, and apply basic mathematical skills. Topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Analytical Writing: Tests your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. You are required to write two essays: an Issue Essay and an Argument Essay, evaluating your ability to think critically and present your thoughts coherently.
Read More: GRE Syllabus
GRE Exam Pattern
| Section | Duration | Number of Questions | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 60 minutes | 40 questions | Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 70 minutes | 40 questions | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis |
| Analytical Writing | 60 minutes | 2 Essays | Issue Essay, Argument Essay |
| Experimental Section | 30 or 35 minutes | Variable | Unscored and used for research purposes |
Read More: GRE Exam Pattern
GRE Subject Test Syllabus
The GRE Subject Test assesses knowledge in specific subject areas. It is available in the following disciplines:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Each subject test focuses on the core knowledge required in that field. The questions are designed to evaluate your understanding and problem-solving abilities in your chosen subject.
GRE Scores and Results
Understanding GRE scores and results is crucial for assessing your performance and planning your next steps in the graduate school application process. Here’s a detailed overview of GRE scoring and how results are presented.
GRE Scoring Overview
- Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning: Each section is scored on a scale of 130-170, in one-point increments. The scores are combined to give a total score range of 260-340.
- Analytical Writing: Scored on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments. Essays are scored by a combination of human raters and a computer-based system.
Read More: GRE Scores
GRE Score Report Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning Score | 130-170 range, reflects reading comprehension and critical thinking |
| Quantitative Reasoning Score | 130-170 range, reflects mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities |
| Analytical Writing Score | 0-6 range, reflects essay writing ability and analytical skills |
| Total Score | Sum of Verbal and Quantitative scores, 260-340 range |
| Percentile Rank | Indicates the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than you, providing context for your score |
GRE Score Reporting
- Score Reporting: Scores are available online approximately 10-15 days after the test date. Official score reports are sent to your selected graduate programs and business schools.
- Score Validity: GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.
- Score Access: You can access your scores through the ETS account. You can also order additional score reports if needed.
Score Interpretation
| Score Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 130-150 | Below average |
| 150-160 | Average to slightly above average |
| 160-170 | Above average to excellent |
| 0-6 | Analytical Writing section score, higher indicates better writing ability |
Read More:
GRE Cut Off | ||