The GRE General Test measures your skills in verbal reasoning, math, critical thinking, and writing. The test is computer-based and has a user-friendly design. The duration of the test is 1 hour and 58 minutes. You can use your GRE scores to apply to top business schools worldwide. Indian students need to pay ₹22,000 to book the test.
In this article, we will look at the GRE General Test syllabus, scoring pattern, and the minimum scores required for top B-schools and universities abroad.
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GRE General Test Syllabus
The GRE general test syllabus comprises verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The GRE exam pattern of verbal reasoning consists of 40 questions, which are to be solved in 60 minutes. GRE quantitative reasoning consists of 40 questions, which are to be solved in 70 minutes. The GRE analytical writing consists of two essay tasks. The GRE official guide's latest edition contains detailed information about the three sections of the GRE.
| Sections | Number of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| GRE analytical writing | One essay task: Analyze an Issue | 30 minutes |
| GRE verbal reasoning (2 sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes |
| GRE quantitative reasoning (2 sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes |
GRE General Test Verbal Reasoning
The GRE general syllabus of verbal reasoning tests your ability to interpret and figure out conclusions from essays. GRE verbal reasoning consists of three sections: Reading Comprehension, Sentence Equivalence, and Text Completion. Understanding of literary figures, concepts, and meanings, and finding the difference between major and minor concepts, is important for a good verbal score. The three sections of GRE verbal reasoning are:
- GRE Reading Comprehension: The GRE reading comprehension tests the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret prose commonly found in graduate studies. GRE reading comprehension consists of different question types like MCQs with single and multiple answers, and select-in-passage.
- GRE Text Completion: GRE text completion tests the writer’s ability to fill blanks with correct answers by studying the remaining passage. The passage comprises 5 to 6 sentences having 1 to 3 blanks.
- GRE Sentence Equivalence: GRE sentence equivalence tests the candidate’s ability to finish a particular passage by studying the given information. GRE general test sentence equivalence questions consist of a single blank and the sentence has 6 answer choices.
GRE General Test Quantitative Reasoning
There are four concepts tested in the GRE General Test of Quantitative Reasoning. The GRE quantitative reasoning tests your fundamental mathematical knowledge and ability to solve basic mathematical problems.
There are 4 question types of GRE quantitative questions: MCQ with one or more answer choices, quantitative comparison questions, and numeric entry questions.
GRE General Test Analytical Writing
The GRE Analytical Writing section made some major changes to its exam pattern and timing. Now you need to write an essay within 30 minutes. The GRE analytical writing tests the candidate’s critical thinking and analytical skills.
- GRE analyze an issue task: In the GRE issue task, you are required to write an essay based on a general interest topic.
GRE General Test Score
The GRE general test is scored out of 130 to 170, separately for the verbal and quantitative sections, with 1-point increment. GRE analytical writing is scored on a scale of o to 6 in a half-point increment. The GRE test score is received after 10 to 15 days from the day of the test. Candidates will receive their GRE scores in their ETS account. The average verbal GRE score is 149 and 160 for quant. Candidates can take help from the ETS GRE book latest edition, to know about the concepts as well as prepare.
GRE General Test Score for Top-Ranked Universities
A good GRE score depends on the university and program you are applying to. The GRE cut-off for the top-ranked universities ranges on a scale between 315 and 325. Taking GRE practice tests regularly or joining a coaching center can help you achieve a higher score.
| QS World University 2026 Ranking | University | Minimum GRE Score Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 317+ | |
| 2 | 324+ | |
| 4 | 319+ | |
| 5 | 322+ | |
| 6 | 320+ | |
| 3 | 324+ | |
| 7 | 320+ | |
| 8 | 320 | |
| 9 | 162+ in Quant 150+ in Verbal | |
| 15 | 321+ |
GRE General Test for Business School
The GRE general test is mainly opted for by candidates planning to pursue an MBA, PhD, or other business programs. The GRE general test for MS is also considered an important admission requirement. The GRE general test examines the candidate’s abilities required for graduate-level studies. The GRE general exam for business schools helps candidates by enabling them to:
- Apply to top-ranked MBA programs and B-schools around the world
- Candidates can take the GRE General Test in more than 1,000 locations worldwide. GRE test centers are present in over 160 countries
- The GRE fee is lower than most graduate admission tests
- Candidates can avail ETS GRE preparation materials as well
You need to pay proper attention during their GRE registration as well. During the GRE test slot booking with ETS, you need to select the date and center properly. Many universities have also made the GRE test-optional. Therefore, check the score requirements of the university while applying.
FAQs
Ques: What is in the general GRE test?
Ans: The GRE general test helps students to get admission to some of the top universities worldwide for master's programs. The candidate's academic knowledge is evaluated through verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections.
Ques: What is the difference between the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests?
Ans: The GRE General Test is required for most master's programs, such as the Master of Arts and Master of Science programs. The GRE Subject Test evaluates the candidate's knowledge in a specific subject area, such as mathematics, psychology, or physics.
Ques: How much does the GRE General Test cost?
Ans: The GRE general test fee for the general test is ₹22,000 in India. Candidates can easily pay GRE costs for the GRE general test and subject tests through Visa, MasterCard, Maestro credit/debit cards, and Rupay credit/debit cards.
Ques: Who is eligible for the GRE General Test?
Ans: Anyone can take the GRE. You need a graduate to take the exam. GRE is accepted for master's program admission, and is accepted by most of the top universities worldwide.
Ques: Is GRE compulsory for MS in the USA?
Ans: The GRE is required to get admission to a Master's in most of the top universities in the US. The GRE score to get admission to a master's program in the US ranges on a scale of 155 to 167 for both verbal and quantitative reasoning.
Ques: What is a good GRE score?
Ans: Achieving a GRE score above 318 out of 340 is considered a good score. With a good GRE score, you can get admission to some of the top universities worldwide.
Ques: How is the GRE scored?
Ans: GRE is scored on a scale of 260-340, and achieving a GRE score above 318 out of 340 is considered a good score.
Ques: How long does the GRE General Test take to complete?
Ans: The GRE general test took 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. The exam is divided into 3 parts: analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.
Ques: How can I register for the GRE General Test?
Ans: You can register for the GRE general test by completing your registration process simply by online. Candidates need to pay ₹22,000 to take the exam.
Ques: How should I prepare for the GRE?
Ans: You can prepare for the GRE by taking coaching classes for expert mentorship, practicing regularly with sample papers, and reading the best and updated study materials
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments
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GRE scores are determined in a range of 260 to 340. The average (mean) GRE score for the Verbal and Quantitative parts, according to ETS (creators of the GRE), is 150 and 153, respectively. The median (or 50th percentile) Verbal Reasoning score is 151 on a scale of 100, while the median Quantitative Reasoning score is 154 on a scale of 100.
Every year, more than 700,000 people take the GRE. You can take the GRE General Test at any of the more than 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries, or you can take it from the comfort of your own home. Choose the location where you will feel most comfortable, so you can do your best on test day. Through the GRE General Test, you will be evaluated on your analytical writing, quantitative ability, and verbal reasoning skills.