GRE Exam 2026
Conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service)
The GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills - the skills that have been developed over a long period of time and are not related to any specific field of study.
5,000+
Practice Questions
20+
Mock Tests
15 pts
Average Score Boost
94%
Success Rate
What is GRE?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test required for admissions to most graduate schools in the United States and many other countries. Administered by ETS, it assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills developed over years of education.
Who Should Take the GRE?
Students planning to pursue a Master's degree (MS, MA, MBA), doctoral programs (PhD), or specialized graduate programs at universities worldwide. Most top US, Canadian, European, and Australian universities accept GRE scores.
Types of GRE
GRE General Test
Measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills. This is the test most students take.
GRE Subject Tests
Tests knowledge in specific fields - Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Required by some specialized programs.
GRE Eligibility 2026
Requirements to take the exam
Age
No specific age limit. However, most test-takers are between 21-30 years old.
Education
No specific educational qualification required. Typically taken by final-year undergraduates or graduates.
Attempts
You can take the GRE up to 5 times within any 12-month period, with a minimum 21-day gap between attempts.
ID Required
Valid passport (for international test-takers) or government-issued ID with photo and signature.
GRE Exam Pattern & Format
Total Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes
Analytical Writing
Analyze an Issue task - present and develop a position on an issue with reasoning and examples.
1 Essay
30 minutes
Verbal Reasoning (Section 1)
Reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions.
12 questions
18 minutes
Verbal Reasoning (Section 2)
Adaptive section - difficulty adjusts based on Section 1 performance.
15 questions
23 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning (Section 1)
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis questions.
12 questions
21 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning (Section 2)
Adaptive section - difficulty adjusts based on Section 1 performance.
15 questions
26 minutes
GRE Syllabus 2026
Complete topic-wise breakdown
Verbal Reasoning
Reading Comprehension - passages of varying lengths on arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences
Text Completion - fill in blanks with the most appropriate words (1–3 blanks per question)
Sentence Equivalence - select two answer choices that produce sentences with equivalent meaning
Quantitative Reasoning
Arithmetic - integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, number properties
Algebra - expressions, equations, inequalities, functions, coordinate geometry
Geometry - triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, polygons, 3D figures, coordinate geometry
Data Analysis - statistics, probability, distributions, data interpretation (graphs, tables)
Analytical Writing
Analyze an Issue - develop a position on a topic with well-reasoned arguments and relevant examples
GRE Scoring System
Verbal Reasoning
130–170
1-point increments
Quantitative Reasoning
130–170
1-point increments
Analytical Writing
0–6
0.5-point increments
Total Score Range
260–340 (Verbal + Quant)
What is a Good GRE Score?
A score of 310+ is considered competitive for most top programs. 320+ opens doors to elite universities.
GRE Fees & Exam Dates 2026
Registration Fees
India
$228 (approx. ₹19,000)
USA
$220
Rescheduling
$50
Cancellation
50% refund if cancelled 4+ days before test date
Exam Dates
The GRE is offered year-round at Prometric test centers. You can also take the GRE at Home. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Register for GRE
Step-by-step registration process
Create an ETS account at ets.org/gre
Select 'Register for the GRE General Test'
Choose your test date, location (center or home), and time
Fill in personal details matching your ID
Pay the registration fee ($228 for India)
Receive confirmation email with your appointment details
GRE Preparation Tips
Expert strategies for maximum score improvement
Start with a diagnostic test
Take a full-length practice test to identify your baseline score and weak areas before creating a study plan.
Focus on fundamentals first
Strengthen core math concepts and vocabulary before diving into advanced strategies.
Practice with timed sections
Time management is critical. Practice under timed conditions from week 2 onwards.
Review every mistake
Don't just check right/wrong - understand WHY you got each question wrong and the underlying concept.
Take 8-10 full mocks
Simulate real test conditions. Review each mock thoroughly - the review is more valuable than the test itself.
Build vocabulary systematically
Learn 15-20 new words daily through flashcards and contextual reading. Focus on high-frequency GRE words.
GRE Preparation Resources
Recommended books, courses, and tools
ETS Official Guide
BookThe official guide with real practice questions from the test maker.
Manhattan 5lb Book
Book1,500+ practice questions covering all question types.
Magoosh GRE Prep
OnlineVideo lessons and practice questions with performance tracking.
GregMat
OnlineAffordable video lessons with excellent verbal and quant strategies.
GRE - Frequently Asked Questions
The GRE is used for admissions to graduate and business schools worldwide. It measures the skills needed for success in graduate-level academic work.
Yes, the GRE is generally more challenging. It tests higher-level vocabulary, advanced math concepts, and analytical writing at a graduate level.
Most students need 2-4 months of dedicated preparation, studying 1-3 hours daily. This varies based on your baseline score and target.
Yes, the GRE at Home option is available. You need a quiet room, a computer with webcam, and a stable internet connection. The content and scoring are identical to the test center version.
No, there is no negative marking. Your score is based only on the number of correct answers, so always attempt every question.
GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.
Yes. On test day you can send scores to 4 universities for free. Additional score reports cost $35 each.
For top 50 universities, aim for 315+. For Ivy League and top 20 programs, 325+ is highly competitive.
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