GRE Exam Voucher

The makers of the GRE continually update and refine the test to enhance the test-taking experience and ensure fair practices. 

Shortened Test Format: The GRE General Test has been shortened to approximately 2 hours, a significant reduction from the previous format of nearly 4 hours. 

This new format was implemented in September 2023 and continues into 2024. 

Revised Sections and Timing: 

• Analytical Writing: Reduced to one task (Analyze an Issue) with a 30-minute time limit. Previously, this section included Analyzing an argument task which is eliminated now.  
• Verbal Reasoning: Two sections with 20 questions each, to be completed in 30 minutes per section. 
• Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections with 20 questions each, to be completed in 30 minutes per section. 
• No Experimental Section: The unscored experimental or research section has been removed, making the test shorter and more straightforward. 

Instant Score Reporting: Test-takers receive unofficial scores for the Verbal and Quantitative sections immediately upon completing the test. Official scores are available within 10-15 days. 

At-Home Testing Option: The GRE continues to offer an at-home testing option, proctored remotely, providing greater flexibility for test-takers. 

ScoreSelect Option: Test-takers can choose which scores to send to schools, selecting the most recent, all, or specific test dates from the past five years. 

GRE Fee Reduction Program: ETS continues to offer fee reductions for eligible test-takers based on financial need, ensuring broader access to the test. 

Global Acceptance: The GRE is accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide, making it a versatile option for applicants to various programs. 

There is no specific eligibility criteria set by ETS for taking the GRE. Anyone, regardless of age or educational background, can register for the exam.  

However, individual graduate programs may have their own requirements regarding education, work experience, or other qualifications. It’s important to check the specific requirements of the programs you’re applying to. 

Age Eligibility 

• No specific age limit to take the GRE examination. 
• Suitable for candidates at various stages of their educational or professional careers. 
  

Educational Eligibility 

• No specific educational qualification required
• Typically taken by individuals who have completed or are in the process of completing an undergraduate degree
• Intended for those applying to graduate, business, and law programs

Gap After College 

• No restrictions on the gap period after completing college. 
• Individuals can take the GRE at any point in their career, regardless of the time elapsed since their last educational qualification. 

Number of Attempts 

• Can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. 
• No lifetime limit on the number of times you can take the GRE. 

General ID Requirements 

• Valid and acceptable identification is required each time you test
• ID requirements depend on your country of citizenship and where you plan to test
• The first and last name on your ID must exactly match the name you used when registering for the test (excluding accents)
• You may be required to provide supplemental ID if your primary ID is questioned
• At least two forms of acceptable ID are recommended for each test session

Primary ID Documents 

The following government-issued ID documents are acceptable for admission within your country of citizenship: 

• Passport (required for testing in India) 
• Passport Card (U.S. only, must be accompanied by an acceptable supplemental ID) 
• Driver’s license (mobile driver’s license not acceptable) 
• State or Province ID card (including those issued by motor vehicle agencies) 
• National ID card 
• Military ID card 

Unacceptable ID Documents 

The following documents are not acceptable as primary or supplemental ID under any circumstances: 

• Photocopied or expired documents 
• ID documents presented on a cell phone or electronic device (except some digital IDs in the Republic of Korea) 
• International driver’s license 
• Mobile driver’s license 
• Draft classification card 
• International student ID 
• Credit/debit card of any kind 
• Notary-prepared letter or document 
• Birth certificate 
• Social Security card 
• Employee ID card 
• Temporary ID (excluding driver’s license, resident card, and employment authorization renewals) 
• Diplomatic, consulate, or embassy ID card 
• Any document not recognized by a government agency 
• Aadhaar card 

For India 

• Current Passport is required for admission into the exam

The fees for taking GRE examination in India is 22500/-. The fees are subject to change without notice and will be updated on the official ETS website.  

 Additional fees may apply for special services: 

• Rescheduling: $50 
• Changing Test Center: $50 
• Score Reinstatement: $50 
• Additional Score Reports (per recipient): $35 
• Score Review for Analytical Writing measure: $60 

Fee reductions are available for eligible individuals based on financial need. 

• To register for the GRE, you need to create an ETS Account at www.ets.org/mygre  
• Registration can be done online or by phone for test center exams, and online for at-home exams
• For test-takers in Mainland China, specific registration procedures apply
• Early registration is recommended to secure your preferred test location and date 

Registration Checklist 

• Check the test fees: Ensure you are aware of the costs associated with the test
• Read the reschedule and cancellation policies: Understand the conditions under which you can reschedule or cancel your test and the associated fees
• Understand the ID requirements: You must present valid and acceptable ID at the test center or for the at-home test, matching the first and last name used when creating your account and registering for the test

• The GRE General Test is available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis
• GRE Subject Tests are offered during three two-week testing windows on a first-come, first-served basis
• Allow sufficient time for score reporting to meet admissions deadlines

To book your GRE slot, first create an account on ETS website.  

Creating an ETS Account 

• Create an ETS Account: Essential for accessing the most up-to-date test center information and registering for the GRE. Here is the link to create your account- http://www.ets.org/mygre 
• Watch the account creation video: A quick guide is available on how to create your ETS Account. https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/register/ets-account.html 

Registering for a GRE Test 

• Online Registration: Register through the ETS website using your ETS Account
• Phone Registration: Available for test center exams
• Specific Procedures for Mainland China: Follow the special registration instructions applicable in Mainland China

Test Day and Identification 

• Bring necessary items: Ensure you have the required identification documents and other necessary items for the test
• ID Verification: Present valid and acceptable ID matching the name used during registration
• Testing Procedures and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the test day procedures and regulations

Fees and Payment 

• Cash payments, checks, and money orders are not accepted
• Outstanding balances must be cleared to register for future tests
• Option to pay in local currency or USD may be available during online registration

Refund Policy: 

• Cancel registration no later than four days before the test date to receive a refund equivalent to half of the test fee
• No refunds for test preparation materials, additional services, or service fees
• Refunds processed in the same currency and credited back to the original payment method

Name Registration 

• Exact Name Matching: The first and last name used during registration must exactly match the name on the ID documents presented on test day
• Full Name Requirement: Provide your entire first and last name as it appears on your ID documents

GRE Search Service 

• Free GRE Search Service: Allows institutions to communicate with you about admissions, scholarships, and other educational opportunities. You can sign up for this service during registration or any time through your ETS Account

• Online Registration: Register through the ETS website using your ETS Account. 
• Phone Registration: Available for test center exams. 
• Specific Procedures for Mainland China: Follow the special registration instructions applicable in Mainland China. 

Test Day and Identification 

• Bring necessary items: Ensure you have the required identification documents and other necessary items for the test. 
• ID Verification: Present a valid and acceptable ID matching the name used during registration. 
• Testing Procedures andRegulations: Familiarize yourself with the test day procedures and regulations. 

Fees and Payment 

• Payment Policy: 
• Cash payments, checks, and money orders are not accepted. 
• Outstanding balances must be cleared to register for future tests.
• Option to pay in local currency or USD may be available during online registration. 

Refund Policy: 

• Cancel registration no later than four days before the test date to receive a refund equivalent to half of the test fee. 
• No refunds for test preparation materials, additional services, or service fees. 
• Refunds processed in the same currency and credited back to the original payment method. 

Name Registration 

• Exact Name Matching: The first and last name used during registration must exactly match the name on the ID documents presented on test day. 
• Full Name Requirement: Provide your entire first and last name as it appears on your ID documents. 

GRE Search Service 

• Free GRE Search Service: Allows institutions to communicate with you about admissions, scholarships, and other educational opportunities. You can sign up for this service during registration or any time through your ETS Account.

The GRE test is divided into three sections as given below: 

1. Analytical Writing 
2. Verbal Reasoning 
3. Quantitative reasoning 

The total testing time is 1 hour 58 Minutes.

Analytical Reasoning

• 1 Task (1 Essay) - 30 minutes

Verbal Reasoning

Total 27 Questions - 41 minutes

• Section 1: 12 Questions - 18 minutes
• Section 2: - 15 Questions - 23 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning

Total 27 Questions - 47 minutes

• Section 1: 12 Questions - 21 minutes
• Section 2: - 15 Questions - 26 minutes

The GRE General Test assesses the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills essential for success in graduate programs, including business and law. It measures broad skills developed over time, rather than specific knowledge in any field.

The Verbal Reasoning section assesses your ability to:

• Analyze and draw conclusions from written material, even with incomplete information. 
• Identify key points and distinguish between major and minor details. 
• Summarize texts and understand their structure. 
• Grasp the meanings of words, sentences, and entire texts, including relationships among concepts and various levels of meaning (literal, figurative, author’s intent).

The Verbal Reasoning section includes three types of questions:

• Reading Comprehension,  
• Text Completion, and  
• Sentence Equivalence.

Approximately half of the Verbal Reasoning section involves reading passages and answering related questions. The other half (50%) requires you to read, interpret, and complete sentences, groups of sentences, or paragraphs.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates your ability to: 

• Comprehend, interpret, and analyze quantitative data. 
• Solve problems using mathematical models. 
• Apply fundamental skills and concepts from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. 

The skills, concepts and abilities are assessed in the four content areas below.

• Arithmetic topics, including:
• properties and types of integers, such as divisibility, factorization, prime numbers, remainders and odd and even integers 
• arithmetic operations, exponents and roots 
• concepts such as estimation, percent, ratio,rate, absolute value, the number line, decimal representation and sequences of numbers 

• Algebra topics, including: 
• operations with exponents 
• factoring and simplifying algebraic expressions 
• relations, functions, equations and inequalities 
• solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities 
• solving simultaneous equations and inequalities 
• setting up equations to solve word problems 
• coordinate geometry, including graphs of functions, equations and inequalities, intercepts and slopes of lines

• Geometry topics, including: 
• parallel and perpendicular lines 
• circles 
• triangles, including isosceles, equilateral and 30°-60°-90° triangles  
• quadrilaterals 
• other polygons 
• congruent and similar figures 
• 3-dimensional figures 
• area 
• perimeter 
• volume 
• the Pythagorean theorem 
• angle measurement in degrees 

The ability to construct proofs is not tested.

• Data analysis topics, including: 
• basic descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, interquartile range, quartiles and percentiles 
• interpretation of data in tables and graphs, such as line graphs, bar graphs, circle graphs, boxplots, scatterplots and frequency distributions 
• elementary probability, such as probabilities of compound events and independent events 
• conditional probability 
• random variables and probability distributions, including normal distributions
• counting methods, such as combinations, permutations and Venn diagrams

Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section assesses your ability to: 

• Clearly and effectively express complex ideas. 
• Support your arguments with relevant reasons and examples. 
• Maintain a well-focused, coherent discussion. 
• Demonstrate proficiency in standard written English. 

You are required to provide focused responses to the tasks presented, showcasing your ability to directly and accurately address the given prompts.

The GRE General Test scores are reported in three sections: Verbal Reasoning,
Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section has a specific score range and increment scale. 

Scores Overview: 

• Verbal Reasoning: Reported on a 130–170 scale, in one-point increments. 
• Quantitative Reasoning: Reported on a 130–170 scale, in one-point increments. 
• Analytical Writing: Reported on a 0–6 scale, in half-point increments. 

• Total Score: Reported on a 200–990 scale, in 10-point increments. 
• Physics and Psychology Tests (post-September 2023): Percent correct subscores on a 0–100 scale, in one-point increments. 
• Physics and Psychology Tests (pre-September 2023): Equated subscores on a 20–99 scale, in one-point increments.

• Receiving Scores: 
• Unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores are available immediately after the test.
• Official scores are available in your ETS Account and sent to designated recipients about 8-10 days after the test.
  
• Score Reporting Dates for Subject Tests: 
• September 16–29, 2024: Scores available on October 7, 2024. 
• October 17–30, 2024: Scores available on November 7, 2024. 
• April 21–May 4, 2025: Scores available on May 12, 2025.
  

ScoreSelect Option: 

• Choose to send scores from your most recent test or all tests from the last five years. 
• After test day, additional score reports can be sent for a fee. 
  
• Score Validity: 
• Scores are valid for five years following the test date.
  
• Score Review: 
• A review session is available for the Analytical Writing measure upon request, subject to a fee. 
  
• Score Cancellation: 
• If you cancel your scores, they will not be available online or reported to any recipients. Canceled scores are not added to your reportable history.

Here are some common challanges test takers face while preparing and taking the
GRE test.

1. Lack of Planned Preparation: Most of the students do not follow a proper plan of preparation and hence end up wasting a lot of time and resources too. It is always important to draft a timetable and plan your preparation accordingly.  
2. Test Anxiety: High levels of test anxiety can negatively impact performance. Utilizing official GRE practice tests and preparation materials to become familiar with the test format and question types. Engaging in regular practice can help build confidence and reduce anxiety. 
3. Time Management: Managing time effectively during the test is crucial, as each section is timed. Practicing with timed tests to develop a sense of pacing can help solve this problem. The GRE Mentor course and POWERPREP practice tests are recommended for honing your time management skills.
4. Understanding Test Content: Many test takers face difficulty in grasping the scope and type of questions, particularly in unfamiliar areas such as certain math or verbal topics. Reviewing the Official Guide to the GRE General Test, which includes practice questions, explanations, and test-taking strategies is very useful to tackle this challenge. Supplementary practice with official Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning practice questions is also beneficial. 
5. Technical Difficulties; Encountering issues with the testing software or environment, particularly for those testing at home can negatively impact your score. Ensure a stable internet connection and a suitable testing environment free of distractions to remain focused. Technical guidelines and support are provided by ETS to help mitigate these issues.

Preparation Tips GRE Exam

1. Create a Personalized Study Plan 
   Tailor your study plan to focus on your weaknesses. Use diagnostic tests to
   identify areas that need improvement and allocate more time to these sections. 
2. Use Technology and Apps 
   Use GRE preparation apps like Magoosh, Quizlet, and GRE Flashcards to study on the go. These apps offer interactive practice questions, vocabulary drills, and personalized feedback.
3. Engage in Active Reading
   Read a variety of complex texts, including academic journals, editorials, and literary works. Summarize and critique these readings to improve your comprehension and analytical skills.
4. Practice with Adaptive Learning Tools 
   Use adaptive learning platforms that adjust the difficulty level based on your performance. This helps in challenging yourself progressively and improving your skills efficiently.
5. Incorporate Gamification
   Turn your study sessions into a game. Set small goals and reward yourself when you achieve them. Use platforms like Kahoot or other quiz-based tools to
   make studying fun and competitive.
6. Use Real-World Math Problems
   Apply quantitative concepts to real-world scenarios, such as budgeting, cooking, or planning travel itineraries. This contextual learning helps solidify abstract mathematical concepts.
7. Write a Blog or Journal
   Start a blog or keep a journal where you write about various GRE topics, including verbal and quantitative reasoning concepts. This practice can improve your writing skills and reinforce your learning.
8. Teach What You Learn
   Explain complex concepts and problem-solving strategies to a study partner or
   even an imaginary audience. Teaching others can reinforce your understanding
   and uncover areas needing further review. 
9. Integrate Mindfulness and Stress Management
   Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga
   to manage test anxiety and improve focus during your study sessions and on test day.
10. Simulate Test Conditions Mimic the actual test environment during practice tests. Use a quiet room, adhere to strict timing, and follow the same break schedule as the real test.
    This helps acclimate you to the test-day experience.
11. Create Visual Aids
    Develop mind maps, flowcharts, and diagrams to visualize complex concepts and relationships. Visual aids can enhance memory retention and understanding. 
12. Join Online Communities 
    Participate in online forums and social media groups dedicated to GRE preparation. Engaging with a community of fellow test-takers can provide
    support, motivation, and valuable study resources.
13. Analyze Wrong Answers
    After each practice test or question set, spend time analyzing why each incorrect answer was wrong. Understanding your mistakes deeply can prevent them in the future.
14. Stay Physically Active
    Incorporate physical exercise into your routine to boost cognitive function and reduce stress. Activities like running, swimming, or even walking can help clear your mind and improve concentration. 
15. Mix Study Methods
    Alternate between different study methods, such as reading, watching instructional videos, and doing practice problems. This variety can keep you engaged and cater to different learning styles.
16. Practice Mental Math
    Improve your quantitative reasoning skills by practicing mental math regularly. This can speed up your problem-solving process and reduce reliance on calculators.
17. Create a Vocabulary Wall
    Write new vocabulary words on sticky notes and place them around your living space. Seeing these words regularly helps reinforce their meanings and usage.

By incorporating these  preparation tips, you can make your GRE study sessions more effective, engaging, and tailored to your personal learning style.

The GRE General Test is a pivotal step for those aspiring to advance their education in graduate programs, business schools, and law schools. By thoroughly preparing for the GRE, you can achieve a score that accurately reflects your abilities and opens doors to advanced educational opportunities.