GRE Overview

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test conducted by ETS, widely accepted for MS, MBA, and PhD programs in the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, and top business schools like Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD, and LBS.

• GRE Test Structure (2023–2025 Format)
  ETS shortened the GRE General Test in 2023 — now under 2 hours.
  

  Section	Duration	Details
  Analytical Writing	30 mins	1 essay (Analyze an Issue)
  Quantitative	47 mins	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis
  Verbal	41 mins	Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence
  Unscored Section	Varies	May appear, not included in final score

  Total Test Time: 1 hour 58 minutes

• Scoring System
  

  Section	Score Range
  Quantitative Reasoning	130–170
  Verbal Reasoning	130–170
  Analytical Writing	0–6
  Total Score (Quant + Verbal)	260–340

  Top Program Requirements: 320+ for top US schools, 310–315 for good programs, 300+ for safe/average options.

• Exam Fee
  $220 USD (~₹18,000–19,000 INR), additional fees for rescheduling or sending extra score reports.
• How to Register
  Visit ETS GRE, create an account, select test type (General), date & location (or Home Edition), pay fees, and confirm.
• Test Mode Options
  At official test centers or at home with GRE Online (proctored).
• Preparation Options
  
  • Free Resources: ETS PowerPrep, Magoosh blog, GregMat (YouTube)
  • Books: ETS Official Guide, Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, Barron’s
  • Online/Offline Coaching: Magoosh, GREedge, Manhattan Prep, Jamboree, TIME
• Test Score Validity
  GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
• GRE Subject Tests (Optional)
  For specific fields like Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology, mainly for PhD applicants in the USA.
• GRE vs GMAT
  

  Feature	GRE	GMAT
  Programs	MS, MBA, PhD	Primarily MBA
  Math Level	Easier than GMAT	More Quant-focused
  Accepted By	1000s of universities worldwide	Top business schools
  Flexibility	STEM + Business options	Focused on business schools

• Ideal For
  MS in USA/Canada/Germany, PhD applicants, and MBA programs at select global business schools.