GRE
Graduate Record Examination
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GRE — Highlights
- Conducting Body
- ETS (Educational Testing Service)
- Level
- International
- Mode
- Computer-based (test centre or at home)
- Category
- Graduate Admissions
- Country
- United States
- Measures
- Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing
- Used for
- Graduate & business admissions
- Writing scale
- 0–6
- Verbal/Quant scale
- 130–170 each
Eligibility
There are no specific eligibility criteria; the GRE is open to anyone applying to graduate or business programmes. A valid passport is generally required as ID for the test.
Exam Pattern
Three measures: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. Verbal and Quantitative are section-adaptive and reported on a 130–170 scale each; Analytical Writing is scored 0–6 in half-point increments.
Syllabus
Verbal: reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence and vocabulary in context. Quantitative: arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. Analytical Writing: an issue essay assessing argument and clarity.
Selection Process
Programmes set their own expected GRE ranges and weigh the score alongside academics, statements and recommendations; the GRE itself reports scaled scores, not a pass/fail.
Overview
The GRE General Test is a standardised examination used in admissions for graduate and business programmes at universities around the world, particularly in the United States. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills that are not tied to any specific field of study.
Frequently Asked Questions
GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.
No. While common in the US, many universities across the world accept GRE scores for graduate admission.
How to prepare
- Read the official notification first — confirm eligibility, exam pattern and the marking scheme.
- Get the latest official syllabus and map it topic by topic.
- Build a realistic weekly timetable and study consistently, not in bursts.
- Learn each concept properly first, then practise questions on it — avoid blind memorisation.
- Take full-length mock tests regularly under timed, exam-like conditions.
- Analyse every mock: fix weak topics and note the silly mistakes you keep making.
- In the final weeks, revise with short notes and previous-year question papers.
Foundation
Cover the entire syllabus once, concept by concept. Focus on understanding, not speed.
Practice
Do topic-wise question practice and solve previous-year papers. Start timing yourself.
Revision
Full-length mock tests, quick-revision notes, and targeted work on your weak areas.