The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used for admissions to graduate programs, primarily in the United States. It assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The test consists of three main sections: Analytical Writing (two tasks), Verbal Reasoning (text completion, sentence equivalence, and reading comprehension), and Quantitative Reasoning (basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis). Scores are used by graduate schools to evaluate applicants' preparedness for advanced study. The GRE is offered year-round and can be taken multiple times, with results valid for five years.

GRE Latest Updates 2024

According to the latest update for the GRE exam, it is offered from January to June, with students having the flexibility to choose any date that suits their convenience. There are two types of GRE exams: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. Students can select either exam based on their preferences.

Steps to Register for GRE Exam

• Visit the official ETS website www.ets.org/gre and create a new account if you don't already have one.
• Log in to your ETS account using your credentials.
• Navigate to the GRE section and select the option to register for the exam.
• Choose the type of test you want to take: GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test.
• Pick a test date and location, or choose the at-home testing option if available in your region.
• Review your personal details, ensuring all information is correct and matches your ID.
• Pay the registration fee online using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.
• After payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with your test date, location, and other important details.
• Begin preparing for the exam using official prep materials and practice tests to ensure you're ready.

The GRE does not specify formal eligibility criteria because it aims to be an inclusive and flexible tool for graduate admissions, open to anyone interested in pursuing advanced studies. By removing restrictions on age, education, or professional experience, ETS allows a diverse range of candidates—from recent college graduates to working professionals—an opportunity to demonstrate their academic readiness.

This approach ensures that the GRE remains accessible to individuals from various backgrounds, enabling them to apply to graduate or business programs that may have their own specific admission requirements, independent of the GRE itself.

GRE Exam Registration and Deadline

Steps for GRE exam registration

The GRE exam consists of three main sections: Analytical Writing , Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning . The Analytical Writing section includes two tasks—an "Issue Task" and an "Argument Task"—and is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence, with scores ranging from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments.

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests your mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills, also scored between 130 and 170, in 1-point increments. The total score for the GRE (combining Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning) ranges from 260 to 340. Additionally, there may be an unscored research section included to test new questions, though it does not count toward your final score. The exam is computer-based, and the total test duration is about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks.

GRE Exam Pattern: Score Range

Computer-based and Paper-based Patterns Of GRE

Computer-based Pattern of GRE

The GRE is primarily offered in a computer-based format in India, while the paper-based format is available in regions without computer access. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ETS introduced the GRE at-home option, allowing students to take the test remotely from home.

The Computer-based test exam pattern consists of quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, analytical writing, research, and unscore. Here is the GRE exam pattern for the computer-based.

Paper-based Pattern of GRE

The GRE paper-based format differs slightly from the computer-based version, mainly in terms of section structure and time allocation. Candidates should focus on both the topics and the time limits for each section during their preparation. Below is the GRE exam pattern for the paper-based test

The GRE exam fees for 2024 in India are approximately ₹15,000 for the General Test and ₹15,000 for the Subject Test. In addition to the base registration fee, there are other costs to consider, such as a fee of ₹1,250 for sending scores to each additional recipient beyond the first four free reports. If you need to reschedule your test, there is a fee of ₹3,500, and changing your test center also incurs a charge of ₹3,500. For late registrations, a fee of ₹1,500 applies.

If you wish to request a review of your Analytical Writing scores, the fee is ₹4,000. These fees are approximate and may vary slightly depending on exchange rates or changes implemented by ETS. Payments can be made via credit or debit cards, and it's important to check the official ETS website for the most current fee details before registering for the exam.

Some Important Points to Remember

• The above fees are approximate and may vary slightly based on the exchange rates or any changes implemented by ETS for 2024.
• Payments for the GRE exam can be made through credit cards , debit cards, or other methods accepted by ETS.
• For a detailed breakdown of fees and services, you can always visit the official ETS GRE website .

GRE Acceptable Payment Modes