GRE, GRE Exam 2024-25 | All About GRE Exam

Summary

• Overview of GRE exams
• How to register for GRE exams
• Types of GRE examinations
• GRE exam fees
• GRE exam dates
• GRE exam syllabus
• GRE exam scores
• GRE test centres in India
• Preparation for GRE examinations
• Benefits of GRE exam
• Difference between GRE and IELTS, GMAT, CAT
• Frequently Asked Questions

This article includes the GRE exam in India 2022 with updated GRE test dates, GRE test fees, GRE registration, types, centres, syllabus, and GRE Exam scores. The Graduate Record Examinations or more commonly known as the GRE is an admissibility test for various graduate courses in the United States, Canada and other countries. The GRE examination is a compulsory examination that must be attempted by all students seeking admission to graduate schools in these countries. Statistics have shown that more than 1,10 lakhs Indian students try the GRE every year. While the total number of students who attempt the GRE every year stands at 5,84,677, through this guide, we endeavour to answer the most common doubts and uncertainties that may arise on account of these examinations. Indian students can benefit significantly from the information in this guide.

Highlights of the GRE Exams

The GRE examinations are considered tougher than other admissibility examinations for courses abroad. The reason is that the GRE exam pattern is designed to cater to students who have already completed undergraduate studies. There is no age limit for candidates, and can take up this examination irrespective of age and qualification. However, there are specific other criteria that have to be fulfilled before being permitted to attempt the GRE examinations. We will discuss these criteria further on. GRE exams test students’ ability in specific fields like reasoning, quantitative applications, and critical and analytical skills.

How to Register for the GRE Examination?

The recent pandemic has paved the way for the third method of GRE registration, that is, online registration. There are now three ways interested candidates can do GRE registration

• Postal registration
• Phone registration
• Online registration

For online GRE registration, candidates must follow these steps

• Log onto the official website for GRE examinations
• Fill out the application form and create a candidate profile by filling in the required data and information
• Select the type of GRE examinations you wish to appear for
• Select the GRE exam date from the list of specified dates.
• Pay the required GRE examination fee by way of a credit card or debit card

Type of GRE Examinations

There are two types of GRE tests that students can appear for

• GRE General Tests

The GRE general examinations test students’ ability who have completed graduate courses in any field. The tests are not subject-specific. The aim of these GRE tests is to let the prospective college know that you are ready to take up their courses.

• GRE Subject Specific Tests

The GRE subject-specific examination tests your skill in specified areas of interest. The specific test subjects are

• Physics
• Mathematics
• Psychology
• chemistry

The aim of GRE subject tests is to ensure that specific graduate schools take notice of your knowledge in the subject matter.

GRE Examination Fee

The GRE exam fees in India is US$213. However, it must be noted that this fee is only the basic fee. Handling charges, extra practice papers and score view charges are available at extra costs. A detailed description of GRE exam fees is available on the official website of the GRE examination.

Who is Eligible to Appear for GRE Examinations

There is no specific GRE exam eligibility criteria for candidates who wish to appear for GRE. There is no age limit or qualification restriction for GRE tests. However, Indian candidates must ensure that they have a valid passport when attempting the GRE tests. Specific parameters for GRE exam eligibility may be chalked out by the University or college the candidate is interested in. Before investing in the GRE examination, it is necessary to note if the college or university you apply to accepts GRE test scores as a deciding factor for admissions.

GRE Test Dates

The GRE exams can take all year through. The test allows Prometric, a leading provider of technology-enabled testing and assessment solutions company. The company provides testing solutions to organisations, academic institutions, and government agencies. The GRE tests can be attempted once every 21 days and up to 5 times yearly.

GRE Exam Syllabus

The syllabus differs for the GRE general test and GRE subject tests. The GRE general tests include the following topics.

• Analytical writing
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative reasoning

The GRE subject exams depend on the subjects chosen by the candidates and also depend on the universities the candidate is applying to. GRE exam hours for the general tests are for a total of 3 hours 45 minutes, while the specific GRE exam hours for the subject tests are for a duration of 2 hours 50 minutes.

GRE Exam Marks

The exam is for a total of 340 marks. The maximum a student can attain is 340 marks, while the minimum qualifying GRE test score must be 240 and above. While verbal reasoning has a total mark of 170, the quantitative marks are for a total of 170, and analytical writing is for a total of 6 marks. To obtain their marks or score sheet, students must log into their GRE profile 15 days after the date of attempting the GRE exam. An intimation of the availability of GRE exam scores will be sent to the email address provided on your account. It is important to note that GRE verbal and quantitative reasoning scores are available immediately after the exam completion. However, other parts of the GRE tests are evaluated by valuators and will take 10 to 15 days for the scores to reflect in your GRE account. The GRE examination scores are valid for a period of 5 years from the date of the exam. There is no mean or average minimum for students seeking admission. The minimum GRE exam marks depend on each university or college the candidate applies to. The higher the score, the better your chances of making it to the university of your choice.

GRE Test Centres in India

In India, GRE is conducted in around 22 cities and towns.

Ahmedabad Allahabad Bengaluru  Chennai Cochin Coimbatore Dehradun Gandhinagar Gurgaon Gwalior Indore

Kolkata Mumbai Nashik New Delhi Nizamabad Patna Pune Trivandrum Vadodara  Vijayawada

These cities offer computer-based tests at the centres. However, home-based tests were permitted during the pandemic COVID 19 situation around the world. The GRE tests at home will be discontinued when the COVID-19 situation world over is normalised.

Preparation for GRE Exams

Although GRE test scores are not the only deciding factor for admission into a particular university or college, it is an important aspect. Universities and colleges refer to GRE test scores along with other criteria to grant admission to students. Good GRE exam scores increase your chance of admission into the desired college. GRE examinations are relatively tough exams though many students can achieve top scores on the first attempt. Experts think that a dedicated preparation of around three months before the exam is sufficient to crack the GRE exam in the first attempt. However, this time may vary according to students’ capacity and effort. Apart from these, several GRE practice tests are available for a nominal amount on the official GRE website. You can find more online mock GRE tests here: GRE Mock Test 2022 Practice Free Online Exam Paper (testmocks.com) GRE Practice Test - Free GRE Practice Tests Online | Test-Guide Generally, it is regarded that self-study is sufficient. However, many students feel it is appropriate to take personal tuition or coaching before attempting the GRE tests. There are many online GRE preparation courses that students can take up.

Benefits of GRE Exam

It demonstrates to institutions how prepared a candidate is to start a graduate programme. The GRE tests a candidate's general aptitude and competence in verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and analytical writing topics. The GRE exam is the one that is most frequently taken for graduate admissions. The GRE is accepted by more than 1300 business institutions worldwide for MBA and other professional graduate programmes. Top law schools in the US that offer J.D. (Juris Doctor) programmes also accept the GRE exam scores. Currently, GRE results are taken into account for admission to about 50 law schools in the US. The GRE exam format includes sections that test a candidate's overall aptitude and readiness to finish a graduate programme, such as analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. GRE results are typically given more than 20% weight in graduate application submissions. GRE results provide a new perspective on a candidate's aptitudes. An applicant with a strong GRE test score may be eligible for a scholarship or merit-based fellowship. To maximise their chance of receiving this financing, one should consider taking the GRE exam. GRE scores are valid for five years. The GRE, which can be used to review your lessons by retaking the test as many times as necessary, will give the candidate sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge for their selected graduate programme if it is taken within the allotted period. GRE is accepted for admission applications at all prestigious universities in the US, UK, Australia, and Europe. The GRE is the only computer-based exam that lets candidates skip, mark, review, and modify their responses. This enables users to attempt again with questions they first had trouble answering. Candidates have the opportunity to send only their top GRE results to potential graduate schools using the GRE test score select function. Candidates have plenty of opportunities to study for the GRE and get a desirable score because the general test can be taken up to five times a year, with a minimum of 21 days between two tests.

GRE Vs IELTS

While IELTS is required for international students to demonstrate their English language proficiency, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test for graduate-level study. To confirm that you are qualified to take graduate-level coursework, the majority of universities look at your GRE score. IELTS test results, on the other hand, guarantee that your English language proficiency is sufficient for you to succeed in university academic requirements.

• Eligibility requirements

There are no specific requirements for attempting IELTS. In general, you can apply for the exam if you have completed your 12th grade. Most students who are from a non-English speaking nation and wish to continue their education abroad take this exam. You don't have to fulfil any particular eligibility requirements to take the GRE. Regardless of age or education, anyone interested in studying abroad may apply for the exam. Most students who are pursuing a master's degree are eligible to take this test.

• Exam Pattern

The Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing components make up the GRE test. Tests are administered in both computer-based and paper-based formats.  Conversely, the IELTS exam measures your proficiency in speaking, writing, listening, and reading English. This test is primarily used to assess a student's language ability and range of skills. 

• Difficulty Level

The GRE exam is rated as being significantly more difficult than the IELTS test since it contains more challenging vocabulary and reading comprehension problems. Similar to other tests, the GRE has simpler mathematics questions. On the other hand, if you are proficient in English, the IELTS is typically simpler than the GRE. Rather than assessing your understanding of a particular mathematical equation, this test mostly assesses your proficiency in English.

GRE Vs GMAT

As was previously said, students who want to get admitted to graduate institutions take the GRE exam. The GMAT is a standardised test that applicants to business schools must take. The Graduate Management Admission Test is recommended for students who want to enrol in any management-related programme, such as an MBA, Master of Finance or Master of Accountancy. GMAT is accepted for more than 6,000 programmes at more than 2,100 colleges worldwide. 

• Eligibility requirements

There are no precise requirements for writing the GMAT test, however, the applicant must be at least 18 years old (applicants under the age of 18 must obtain written authorization from their parents or legal guardians, also known as a NOC). The GRE exam has no predetermined rules or precise requirements, either. The GRE test is open to everyone, regardless of age or education. The GRE and GMAT are not the only requirements for admission to the university of your choice.

• Exam pattern

The GRE exam format rates applicants based on their verbal, mathematical, and analytical abilities. The GMAT exam structure, on the other hand, has four sections: Quantitative and Verbal abilities, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment.

• Difficulty level

For people with strong quantitative and analytical abilities, the GMAT is a good choice. The GMAT syllabus's mathematics component will undoubtedly be difficult for those who have trouble with quantitative questions. People who are adept at resolving complicated issues using data from charts, tables, and texts might consider taking the GMAT. However, the GRE is thought to be a superior choice for those with a good vocabulary. The verbal component of the GRE syllabus will be more difficult for non-native English speakers.

GRE Vs CAT

The two most popular admissions exams, the CAT and GRE, must be cleared in order to apply to a variety of top MBA programmes and prestigious international universities. Both the CAT and GRE tests are extremely competitive entrance exams that aid educational institutions in evaluating candidates' intellectual abilities and making decisions on admission.

• Eligibility requirements

There is no set minimum age or educational requirement to take the GRE. The CAT exam demands a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 50% for general applicants and 45% for reserved applicants. A professional degree with the required percentage. Candidates for the CAT exam who completed their undergraduate degrees in the pandemic years (2020 and 2021) or who are in their last semester or year should indicate a pass or promotion while registering. 

• Exam pattern

For the CAT exam, the exam pattern includes Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, whereas the GRE exam contains Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing and Verbal Reasoning.

Conclusion

GRE exams are popular amongst students who wish to pursue higher studies in countries like the United States of America, where GRE test scores are compulsory in most universities and colleges. The popularity of the USA as an educational destination for Indians is very high. A survey conducted showed that the number of Indian students studying in the USA was around 2,02,014 in 2019, which was an increase of almost 3% compared to the previous year.

Frequently asked questions

• Why take the GRE exam?

It is crucial to take the exam for GRE due to a number of reasons, including the fact that it is frequently required for graduate school admission, is widely accepted by universities, can open up scholarship opportunities, and serves as a demonstration of your academic potential by evaluating your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing abilities.

• What advantages does the GRE exam offer?

The GRE is a standardised test that gives an objective way to compare applicants from various backgrounds and aids international institutions in determining how prepared applicants are for graduate courses. For applications to elite universities in the US, UK, Australia, and Europe, GRE is accepted.

• Who is eligible for the GRE exam?

Anyone can take the GRE General test, regardless of age or educational background. There are no particular prerequisites for eligibility in terms of educational background or professional experience. You are qualified to take the GRE test regardless of whether you are a graduate student, working professional, or professional in training.

• Is the GRE a hard exam?

The GRE is frequently seen as being more difficult than exams like the SAT or ACT. It's more difficult because of the reading and vocabulary sections. You need to possess advanced levels of reasoning skills to answer the majority of the test's questions.

• How much is the GRE exam fee?

The GRE exam fee in India is ₹12,256. Candidates must register online before their exam date to take the GRE; walk-in registration at test centres is not permitted. At Prometric testing locations, the GRE is offered by ETS. To register, go to ETS.

• Is the GRE mandatory for the USA?

Most prestigious US colleges require the GRE in order to enrol in various programs. Institutions and programs are increasingly adopting test-optional or test-flexible rules. These regulations give applicants more freedom in the application process by allowing them to decide whether or not to submit their GRE scores. It is crucial to examine the exact requirements of the programmes you are interested in order to find out whether the GRE is required or optional for admission.

• Is GRE and IELTS both required?

While the IELTS is a language test that is necessary for every non-native student, the GRE test scores are typically needed for admission to graduate programmes at foreign universities.

• What is the syllabus for GRE?

The GRE exam syllabus is divided into three sections: GRE Verbal Reasoning, GRE Quantitative Reasoning, and GRE Analytical Writing. The verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing abilities of applicants are assessed in the GRE exam, which is a prerequisite for success in higher education. 

• Is there negative marking in GRE?

No, the GRE exam does not have negative marking. Scores for verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning are based on how many questions a person gets right.

• When will GRE test scores be released?

Official GRE scores will be received around 10 to 15 days following exam date and will be accessible in your ETS Account.

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