GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. Conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is a standardized entrance exam used for admission to postgraduate programs (MS, MBA, MA, M.Ed., etc.) in universities abroad. The test is of 2 types:
- GRE General Test: General test used for admission to most PG programs.
- GRE Subject Test: Specialized tests in 3 subjects, Physics, Maths, and Psychology.
The GRE exam pattern has 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing (Essay). While the Quant and Verbal sections are scored on a 130-170 scale, the AWA section is scored on a 0-6 scale. While many universities abroad have become test-optional, submitting a strong GRE score can significantly strengthen your application. A good GRE score is typically above 160 for the Quant and Verbal sections.
The GRE exam fee in India is INR 22,000 in India for the General test, and you can take it either at test centers or at home. The fee for the Subject tests is INR 14,500 each, and you can only take them at authorized test centers, not at home. Exam dates are available throughout the year for the General test, while the Subject tests are offered only 3 times in September, October, and April. To take the GRE, you must have a valid and updated Indian passport, otherwise you will not be allowed to test, and your entire registration fee will be forfeited.
GRE Exam Highlights
The table below gives a brief overview of the GRE.
| Partculars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | GRE |
| Full Form | Graduate Record Examination |
| Official Website | https://www.ets.org/gre.html |
| Most Popular for | MS courses in the USA |
| Also Accepted for | MBA and MA programs abroad |
| Conducted By | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Formats Available | Test center-delivered and at-home |
| Fees | General Test: INR 22,000 |
| Pattern | 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing |
| Score Range | Quant and Verbal sections: 130-170 each AWA: 0-6 |
| Score Validity | 5 years |
GRE Exam Pattern 2026
The GRE exam pattern is divided into 3 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing, with a total duration of approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes. Below are the details:
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | One "Analyze an Issue" task | 30 min | Topic will be given from this official GRE AWA Topic Pool. |
| Verbal Reasoning | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 18 min Section 2: 23 min | Reading comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 21 min Section 2: 26 min | Geometry, Arithmetic, Algebra, Data Analysis |
Check the full GRE syllabus here
Insights from Reddit:
- Recent test-takers report that Quant difficulty has increased slightly, especially in data interpretation and word problems.
- 165+ in Quant is common, while 165+ in Verbal is rare. Students suggest GregMat word lists, Magoosh flashcards, and repeated exposure to official ETS materials.
- For prep, students suggest that ETS PowerPrep tests are closest to the real GRE.
- Manhattan mocks have slightly harder Quant, while those of Kaplan have easier Verbal.
Ques. Is there negative marking in the GRE?
Ans. No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the GRE.
Ques. Are all GRE questions of the same difficulty?
Ans. No, the GRE uses section-level adaptive testing, where difficulty can vary based on performance.
Ques. Is a calculator allowed in the GRE?
Ans. A basic on-screen calculator is available for the Quant section. Make sure not to use it unnecessarily to save time.
How is the GRE Scored?
The GRE score ranges from 260 to 340. Here’s how it is calculated:
- The verbal and quantitative sections are each scored on a scale of 130-170, with 1-point increments.
- Analytical writing is scored from 0 to 6 with half-point increments.
- The total score is the combination of verbal and quantitative scores, while the AWA score is reported separately.
Your unofficial GRE score will appear on the screen immediately after taking the test, while the AWA score will be published directly on the official score report. You will receive your official GRE score card about 8-10 days after the test.
GRE Sample Score Report: PDF
Ques. Can I cancel my GRE score after seeing it?
Ans. Yes, you can choose to cancel your scores at the test center before they are reported.
Ques. Do universities see all my GRE attempts?
Ans. No, ETS allows ScoreSelect, which lets you send only the scores you choose.
What is a Good GRE Score in 2026?
There is no universal “good GRE score”. A good score meets your target university’s requirements. While many universities abroad have become test-optional, students still submit their standardized test scores to make their application stand out.
The table below gives a list of top universities abroad and the average GRE score submitted by admitted students.
| University | Average Verbal Score | Average Quant Score |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 164 | 164 |
| University of Chicago | 161 | 163 |
| Yale University | 163 | 166 |
| Columbia University | 163 | 163 |
| MIT | Not mentioned | 159-170 |
| Stanford University | 164 | 164 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 162 | 163 |
| Duke University | 164 | 164 |
Note:
- The above scores are taken from the class profile of the MBA Co’27 of the respective universities’ B-schools. Universities have different requirements for different programs. Therefore, you must carefully check the entry requirements of your target program.
- STEM programs often expect higher Quant scores (165+).
Must Read
Which Universities Abroad Accept GRE Scores?Can a low GRE score be offset by other parts of the application?
Strong academics, work experience, SOPs, and recommendations can help balance a lower score. But, you are advised to achieve at least the average scores of the previous years’ class profiles.
How to Register for the GRE Exam?
GRE registration can only be done online from the official ETS website. Here are the steps:
- Create an account on the official ETS GRE website.
- Complete your profile by filling in all the required data, like name, date of birth, address, phone number, and communication preferences, correctly.
- Log in to the ETS portal with the newly created username and password.
- Choose the test type: General or Subject Test
- Choose your preferred test date and center. Make sure the chosen date does not clash with other important dates.
- Make the payment.
- You will receive an email confirming your registration.
If you encounter any issues during registration, you may call the GRE customer support at on 1-800-473-2255.
Check the complete list of GRE Test Centers in India
Ques. How early should I register for the GRE?
Ans. It is recommended to register at least 2-3 months in advance to get your preferred date and center.
Ques. Can I edit my personal details after registration?
Ans. Some details can be edited, but name changes are restricted and must match your ID exactly.
GRE Exam Fee in India 2026
The table below provides a comprehensive breakdown of all fees associated with the GRE. It includes services such as registration and rescoring, among others.
| Exam Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Test Registration | INR 22,000 | Taxes are added at the time of payment. |
| Subject Test Registration | INR 14,500 | Taxes are added at the time of payment. |
| Rescheduling | INR 5,000 | Must be done at least 4 days before the original date. |
| Changing Test Center | INR 5,000 | Included under rescheduling request. |
| Additional Score Report | INR 2,900 per report | First 4 reports are free and must be selected on the test day itself. |
| Score Review | INR 5,900 | Only for the Analytical Writing section. For Quant and Verbal, a free diagnostic service is available on the ETS account for 15 days. |
| Score Reinstatement | INR 5,000 | Must be requested within 60 days of receiving the official scores. |
| Returned Payment | INR 2,900 | Applies if payment fails in the first attempt. Check the payment methods carefully. |
Check:
How to Reschedule Your GRE Test?What are the GRE fee payment methods in India?
You can pay using credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Rupay, Maestro), or through UPI and Bharat QR apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, Amazon Pay, or WhatsApp. For international cards, Dynamic Currency Conversion is supported by Visa and MasterCard.
GRE Exam Dates 2026
The GRE General Test is available throughout the year, with multiple dates a month. The Subject Tests, on the other hand, are available in only 3 months of a testing year: September, October, and April.
The calendar given above is for Hyderabad. Test dates may vary from city to city: Check the full GRE exam calendar for 2026 here
How many times can I take the GRE in a year?
You can take the GRE once every 21 days, and up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period.
GRE Preparation Tips
Here are a few GRE preparation tips to help you during your GRE preparations:
- Always keep calm and come back to the questions you couldn't solve in the end.
- Use GRE prep books and free practice papers.
- Get your hands on authentic study materials and practice papers.
- Taking GRE crash courses online will help you acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses.
- Hire a personal tutor to get regular feedback on the status of your GRE preparation.
- Know the details about the syllabus and pattern of the exam.
- Mix and match your preparation materials like prep books, videos, sample questions, and webinars.
- Taking mock tests regularly will help in effective preparation.
- Understand the contextual meaning of words in Verbal.
- A study plan will help you to prepare for the exam in a structured way.
- Reading different types of analytical non-fiction works will help candidates.
- Enroll yourself in top GRE coaching centers like Manya, Jamboree, and IMS.
If you want to pursue an MBA abroad, check this article to help you decide which test to take:
GRE vs GMAT: Which is Better for an MBA Abroad?The GRE is a standardized test used by universities abroad to assess applicants for postgraduate programs. Students should review the exam format, fees, and score requirements carefully before registering. The choice to take the GRE should be based on program requirements and individual preparation readiness.
FAQs
Ques. Is the GRE compulsory for all postgraduate programs abroad?
Ans. No, the GRE is not mandatory for all programs. Many universities have made it optional, but some courses or departments may still require it.
Ques. Can I use the same GRE score for multiple applications?
Ans. Yes, the same GRE score can be sent to multiple universities as long as it is within the 5-year validity period.
Ques. How many practice tests should I take before the GRE?
Ans. Most students take 4-6 full-length practice tests to build familiarity with timing and question types.
Ques. Are free practice tests enough for preparation?
Ans. Free tests are useful for basics, but you must use additional resources for deeper practice.
Ques. Are GRE fees refundable if I cancel my test?
Ans. Partial refunds may be available if you cancel within the allowed time frame, as per ETS rules.
Ques. Does ETS offer fee waivers in India?
Ans. ETS offers fee reduction vouchers in limited cases, usually through universities or official programs.
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Comments
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You can pay the GRE registration fee using a Credit/ Debit Card (American Express, Diners Club International, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Rupay Global, UnionPay, and Visa), PayPal, E-Check Service, Money Order/ Certified Check/ Voucher, etc. Any credit/ debit card branded with one of the seven accepted credit card logos can be processed.
Note: For registration, cash payments will not be accepted.
Yes, GRE is conducted in PBT mode. The paper-based exam includes two sub-sections of each of the main categories- Analytical Writing, Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning. The analytical Writing part contains two tasks with a duration of one hour (60 minutes). Verbal and Quantitative reasoning each contains two sections and 50 questions with a maximum time limit of 60 and 70 minutes, consequently.