GRE Exam 2024: Dates, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Cutoff

GRE Exam Overview

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a widely recognized standardised test administered by ETS. It evaluates analytical writing, quantitative ability, and verbal reasoning skills, helping postgraduate aspirants assess their readiness for studying abroad. There’s no age limit to take the GRE, and you can find test centres in 47 cities across India. You’ll receive your scores within 10-15 days, and they’re valid for five years. While the GRE isn't the most challenging exam out there, adequate preparation is essential. If you're just starting, consider creating a GRE study plan tailored for beginners to kick off your prep effectively!

SAT Exam Highlights

GRE Exam Purpose/ Importance

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) serves as a critical tool for assessing the readiness of candidates for graduate level study. It evaluates key skills in analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning, helping institutions gauge an applicant's potential for success in rigorous academic programs. By providing a standardised measure of these competencies, the GRE plays a vital role in the admissions process, enabling universities to compare candidates from diverse educational backgrounds. This makes it especially important for those seeking to study abroad, as a strong GRE score can enhance their application and open doors to prestigious programs.

Types of GRE Exams

There are two types of Graduate Record Examination. Check the table below to have a quick overview of both types of Graduate Record Examination

GRE Exam Format/ Exam Pattern

The GRE exam pattern is made up of three sections, namely, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing section will always be the first, whereas, the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and unscored sections may appear in any order. Along with the time duration difference, the pattern also differs for paper-based and online exams. The duration of the GRE General Test is 1 hour and 58 minutes and the duration of the GRE Subject Test is 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Candidates looking to appear for the paper-based format of the GRE Exam can visit the official website for the same.

Sections of GRE Paper Pattern:

• Analytical Writing
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning

GRE Exam Pattern for the GRE Computer-Based Exam vs GRE Paper-Based Exam

Candidates looking to appear for the GRE General Test can find the detailed GRE Exam Pattern mentioned below for the GRE Computer-Based Test:

GRE Exam Eligibility

ETS does not impose specific eligibility criteria for the GRE exam, meaning anyone can register regardless of age or educational background. However, candidates aiming for master’s programs are expected to take the GRE. It's essential for candidates to have a valid passport, as it serves as proof of identity at the exam centre.

• No Age Limit: There is no age restriction for those wishing to take the GRE.
• No Educational Qualification Required: ETS has not specified any formal educational qualifications for taking the GRE. You don’t need to present your graduation certificate; however, since the GRE is intended for master’s or PhD admissions, having a graduate degree is typically necessary to benefit from the exam.
• Valid Passport: A valid passport is required to sit for the GRE exam in 2024.

GRE Exam Registration

There are multiple ways to register for the GRE test. Popular ways through which aspirants can register for the GRE exam are online and over the phone. Apart from this, aspirants can also register through mail or even by fax. For booking a slot for the GRE test candidates would require a debit or credit card to pay the registration fee of Rs. 22,550 and have a valid passport during the registration process.

Things to Remember Before GRE Registration 2024:

• The information you provide on the ETS application should always match your passport.
• The name you provide should always be the same as it is on your passport.
• The testing authority can prohibit the aspirant from entering the test centre in case of any discrepancies.
• Check out which test-taking format is available in your location and if you are comfortable with that format or not.
• Also, carefully read the policies of the exam before registration.

How to Register for GRE online?

Candidates are required to follow the below-mentioned steps to register for GRE via the online method.

• Candidates need to create an ETS account on the official website: https://www.ets.org/mygre
• Select the type of GRE exam they want to take – the GRE General or GRE Subject Test
• Select the GRE General Test
• Select your option to either appear for the GRE exam from a designated GRE Test Centre or GRE at Home
• Verify your email address, then continue.
• To select your test appointment, confirm your time zone, or select a new one
• Choose the two-month window you want to search and then select your preferred date from the calendar.
• Select an available time/date to test and click “Register for this test.”
• Complete your registration and pay the registration fee of Rs 22,550

GRE Exam Fees 2024

The application fee for the GRE General Test is Rs 22,550 INR for Indian students registering for the GRE test. The GRE Exam fee in Indian rupees is Rs 22,550. GRE Subject Test costs Rs 14,500 for students in India. Also, if the applicants want to change the centre or reschedule the test, they would be required to pay an extra fee for the same.

In this section, we are going to be discussing how much does it cost to take the

GRE? Here is the GRE costs around the world:

GRE Special Handling Requests India Rates

GRE Exam Preparation tips

If money is a consideration and one is quite confident of being able to prepare well without supervision, then self-study may be the better option to prepare for the GRE. You could save money on personal tuition and classes, but you must also keep in mind other factors. To be able to study on your own effectively, you need a few good books and resources for GRE, along with motivation and self-discipline. Candidates can check out our customised 4-week GRE Preparation plan to better their GRE Exam performance.

On the other hand, if time is a constraint and one needs professional guidance to ensure a competitive edge in GRE exam preparation, then coaching classes are the better option. You will have access to a better resource of study materials and will have a team of experts guiding you. Your time will be better managed as being regular in classes will become part of your routine. Moreover, being around other students will increase their motivation levels.

Strategy for Preparing for the GRE

To complete the GRE course preparation early, students can download the PDF of GRE sample papers. To help you better, we have mentioned a few tips to cover the syllabus early:

• Understand the exam structure thoroughly.
• Create a realistic study plan and follow it strictly.
• Use quality study material for your study.
• Practise every day. It is advisable to give more time to tough topics.
• Focus on improving English vocabulary and critical thinking skills.
• GRE Preparation Online
• One big question everyone preparing for the GRE faces is figuring out how to start the preparation. Some prefer good old private tuitions, coaching classes or self-studies, the most recent favourite among students is online prep courses. If you are confused between coaching classes or online prep, here are a few points clarifying why online exam prep is suddenly a rage among test-takers internationally.

GRE Exam Practice papers

Practice paper1

Practice Paper 2

Practice Paper 3

Practice Paper 4

Practice paper PDF

GRE Exam Result

Candidates who have appeared for this exam can access their GRE scores by logging into their GRE account using their credentials. The GRE exam total mark is 340. Similarly, the GRE maximum score is 340, whereas the GRE minimum score is 260. The composite score mentioned here is the sum of total GRE marks in the Verbal and Quant sections, while the AWA section score is presented separately.

Candidates who have appeared for their GRE exam should be aware that their GRE score is valid for a period of five years from the day of the exam.

When to Download GRE Scores

Your official GRE test scores will be available in your account on the GRE website 10-15 days after your test date. They will be sent to the universities of your choice within three weeks of your test date. Once the results are out, you will receive an email from ETS informing you of the availability of your official GRE result in your account. GRE at home scores will also be available to candidates 10-15 days from the date of the GRE test.

Candidates should note that GRE raw scores for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections will be available to the candidates immediately after the completion of the GRE test. The analytical writing section which uses human scoring functionality will be available during the official GRE score report. The GRE raw scores would be a reflection of the candidate's performance during the exam. The raw scores and official scores are more or less identical. Candidates can choose to cancel their score if they are not happy with their performance. In such a case there will be no official scores recorded and sent ahead to universities.

How to send the GRE Score Report?

One important thing to know about your GRE fee is that it enables you to send your scores to up to four colleges or scholarship programmes. If you are taking the computer-delivered GRE exam, then you will be asked to select the score receivers at the test centre. In case you chose the paper-delivered GRE format, you will be asked to select your score-receiving colleges on your admission ticket or during registration.

On the day of the test, once you complete the GRE test and view the unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores, you will be asked to choose the score recipients you wish to share your GRE exam scores with. If a college of your choice is not listed, ask the administrator at the test centre for a list of unlisted institutions. After the test, you can order Additional Score Reports for $27 per college.

What is the GRE Score Range?

You need to have some idea about how the scoring pattern works to better understand how your GRE score will be calculated. The GRE Score Report comprises the following components along with their GRE score range according to the official website.

GRE Score Calculator

The GRE score range can be understood with the GRE Score Calculator on our website. 

• Verbal Reasoning score: On a 130–170 score scale, in 1-point increments
• Quantitative Reasoning score: On a 130–170 score scale, in 1-point increments
• Analytical Writing score: On a 0–6 score scale, in half-point increments
• GRE Total Score: On a 260–340 score scale

GRE Subject Test is calculated on a scale of 200 to 990 with an increment scale variation of 10 points.

What is the GRE Cut off?

The GRE test is mainly made up of three sections, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning, and students are given a total of 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete the test. While there is no blanket GRE cut-off, every college and course accepting GRE scores would have its own cut-off listed on the official website. Candidates wanting to get admission into top Graduate Colleges are required to lean towards the higher margin.

Top Universities accepting GRE Exam Scores

United States

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• University of California—Berkeley
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• University of Chicago
• Columbia University
• University of Michigan—Ann Arbor
• University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA)
• Princeton University

International

• University of Toronto (Canada)
• University of British Columbia (Canada)
• University College London (UK)
• University of Melbourne (Australia)
• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Australian National University (ANU)
• ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
• University of Edinburgh (UK)
• University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• University of Hong Kong (HKU)

These universities use GRE scores as part of their admissions process for various graduate programs, particularly in fields like engineering, business, and sciences. Always check specific program requirements, as some may not require the GRE.

GRE FAQs

1. What is the GRE and why do I need to take it?

The GRE is a standardised test that assesses your analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills. It's often required for admission to graduate programs, especially in the U.S. and Canada.

2. What is a good GRE score?

A good score varies by program and institution. Generally, a score above 300 is considered competitive, with top programs often looking for scores above 320.

3. How should I prepare for the GRE?

Preparation can include studying GRE-specific materials, taking practice tests, and creating a study schedule. Many students find prep courses helpful as well.

4. How long should I study for the GRE?

Most students spend 4 to 12 weeks preparing, depending on their baseline skills and target score. Consistent study habits are key.

5. How is the GRE structured?

The GRE consists of three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing, with a total testing time of about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

6. Can I take the GRE more than once?

Yes, you can take the GRE multiple times. Schools typically consider your highest score, but check individual program policies.

7. When should I take the GRE?

Ideally, take the GRE at least a few months before your application deadlines, allowing time for score reporting and any potential retakes.

8. What materials should I use to study for the GRE exam?

Recommended materials include official GRE study guides from ETS, online resources, prep courses, and practice tests.

9. Do all graduate programs require the GRE?

No, some programs are GRE-optional or have moved to a test-optional policy. Always check the specific requirements of your chosen programs.

10. What ID do I need to bring to the test centre?

You must present a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s licence, to verify your identity.

You can also read: SAT Exam 2024: Dates, Registration, Eligibility, Guide, Preparation, Tips