The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) exam is widely used for admissions to master’s, MBA, and some law programs worldwide. You can take the shorter GRE General Test at a test centre or at home, and there are GRE Subject Tests for select disciplines. This guide covers formats, fees, dates, patterns, syllabi, scoring, timelines, prep strategies, and more.
GRE Exam Versions
ETS (the official provider) offers these options. Your choice affects cost, availability, experience, and acceptance.
1) GRE General Test — Test Centre
- Computer-delivered test at authorised centres
- Most recognised option for grad, business, and some law schools
- Offered frequently, rolling dates year-round
- Measures Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing
- The shorter GRE (launched Sept 22, 2023) takes just under 2 hours and reports scores faster.
Recommended for: widest acceptance + controlled test environment.
2) GRE General Test — At Home
- Same content, scoring, and acceptance as the test centre
- Available 24×7 in many locations; proctored online
- Must meet equipment & room requirements; no refund if requirements fail on test day.
Good for: flexible scheduling, long travel distance to centres.
3) GRE Subject Tests
- For select subjects (paper-based on limited dates)
- Used by some programs to evidence subject strength
- Separate the fee and schedule.
GRE Exam Pattern 2025 (Shorter GRE Structure & Duration)
Total time would be just under 2 hours. No unscored section; the scheduled long break was eliminated in the shorter GRE.
|
Section |
Questions |
Time |
|
Analytical Writing (1 task: Analyse an Issue) |
1 |
30 min |
|
Verbal Reasoning (2 sections) |
12 + 15 |
18 + 23 min |
|
Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections) |
12 + 15 |
21 + 26 min |
Continue Reading: GRE Exam Pattern Guide
GRE Syllabus 2025 (Skills + Question Types)
Analytical Writing (AWA)
- One “Analyse an Issue” essay; assesses critical thinking, argumentation, clarity, and organisation.
Verbal Reasoning
- Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence; tests reasoning, inference, vocabulary in context. (2 sections, shorter than legacy format.)
Quantitative Reasoning
- Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis; multiple-choice (one/multiple answer) and numeric entry; calculator available on screen.
Continue Reading: GRE Syllabus Indepth Guide
GRE Scoring & Score Interpretation
- Verbal: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Quant: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- AWA: 0–6 (0.5-point increments)
Many programs consider the overall profile (V+Q + AWA + background). Highly competitive programs often look for 320+ (V+Q), but cutoffs vary; always check target schools.
(Structure & scales per ETS; specific cutoffs vary by university/department.)
Also Read: GRE Exam Score Guide
GRE Exam Fee in India
GRE General Test (India): ₹22,000–₹22,550 (ETS lists US$220 for “all other areas”; Indian portals quote ₹22k). Fees can change; check ETS India at booking.
This fee typically includes:
- Test booking
- Score reports to 4 institutions (free)
- Basic prep resources from ETS
Note: GRE fees in India
GRE Exam Fee in Other Major Regions
- All other areas (most countries): US$220
- China: US$231.30 (different pricing)
Subject Tests: India prices commonly shown ₹14,500 (check current ETS page).
Also Read: GRE Accepting Countries & Universities
Use GRE Discount Coupons
GRE coupon codes are special vouchers provided by ETS or authorized partners that reduce the cost of registration. These are typically available through:
- University programs
- Test prep companies
- Scholarship providers
- Authorised platforms like EduVouchers
Additional GRE Fees & Charges (Typical)
- Rescheduling (date/centre change): payable (check ETS at booking)
- Late registration: if applicable to your centre/date
- Additional score reports (after 4 free): paid per recipient
- Score review/reinstatement/returned payment: paid services if used
Also Read: How to Buy GRE Exam Vouchers
GRE Exam Dates 2025
GRE works on a rolling schedule (not fixed national dates):
- Test-centre dates vary by city/centre capacity (metros offer more slots)
- At Home offers around-the-clock scheduling in many regions
- You can retake every 21 days, up to 5 times in any rolling 12 months (applies even if you cancelled scores).
Peak months before major intakes fill quickly; book 4–6 weeks ahead.
GRE Test Centres in India
Major metros (Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, etc.) show more frequent slots than Tier-2/3 cities. If you need flexibility/repeat attempts, prefer a metro centre or choose GRE at Home if available. (Check availability inside your ETS account for exact slots.)
Also Read: GRE Exam Dates & Test Centres Complete List
GRE Registration Process 2025
- Create an ETS account (use your passport name exactly).
- Choose format: Test Centre or At Home.
- Pick city/date or At-Home slot; verify availability.
- Enter recipient codes (up to 4 free score reports).
- Pay the fee and receive confirmation.
- Prepare your ID (passport), and if you are at home, ensure the equipment/room meet the rules.
Booking tip: During peak months, secure your slot 4–6 weeks in advance.
GRE Preparation Guide (Actionable Strategy)
1. Timeline
- For 320+ aim: 8–12 weeks serious prep
- For 300–315 aim: 6–8 weeks
- Retake plan: targeted 3–4 weeks on weak areas
2. Plan
- Learn the shorter pattern & timing; drill official-style questions
- Verbal: RC daily + vocab in context; timed TC/SE sets
- Quant: Data analysis & word problems; error logs; mixed timed sets
- AWA: practice Issue essays with a timed 30-minute routine; collect examples
3. Mocks
- Full-length timed tests weekly in the final month; analyse accuracy + pacing, not just score.
4. Resources
- ETS official prep pages, PDFs, and sample tests (start here).
- Add a trusted course/book only after exhausting official material.
Exam-Day Guidelines (Centre & At Home)
1. Test Centre
- Carry passport and confirmation; arrive early; lockers for personal items; on-screen calculator for Quant.
2. At Home
- Desktop/laptop (no tablets/phones), approved OS/browser, dedicated quiet room, webcam/mic, stable internet, follow remote-proctor rules (room sweep, ID check). Non-compliance ⇒ no test & no refund.
GRE Retakes & Best Time to Retake
- You can retake once every 21 days, up to 5 times in any rolling 12 months (even if you cancelled scores).
- Retake only after fixing specific weaknesses (e.g., Reading inference, Data interpretation).
- Schedule a retake well before university deadlines; scores are reported faster on the shorter GRE.
GRE Scholarships & Funding Angle
GRE itself doesn’t grant scholarships, but strong GRE scores support admissions and assistantships (RA/TA) where departments consider quantitative/verbal strength (and AWA for communication). Check program pages for merit criteria.
GRE Validity, Score Reports & Sending
- Score validity: 5 years (standard ETS policy)
- 4 free score reports during registration; extra reports cost a fee
- You can select schools after viewing your unofficial V/Q at the test centre (where available). Always confirm policies per destination.
(Always reconfirm current report fees/workflows inside ETS before paying.)
Conclusion
The shorter GRE exam makes testing faster without compromising rigour. With rolling dates, at-home availability, and global recognition, it remains a top choice for graduate, business, and some law programs. Plan your timeline, practise to the new section lengths, book early, and use official-style material, then execute calmly on test day.
Other Comprehensive Guides for Similar Exam:
Learn about university intakes from major countries.
