What Do You Need for the GRE?
The GRE at a Glance
The Graduate Record Examination General Test is used for master’s, MBA and PhD admission at universities around the world.
No age limit or minimum qualification set by ETS; universities set their own entry rules. Always confirm on ets.org/gre.
GRE General Test Format
The essay comes first. Verbal and Quant are section-adaptive: how you do in the first section sets the difficulty of the second.
| Section | Qs | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing — 1 essay | 1 task | 30 min |
| Verbal Reasoning — 2 sections | 12 + 15 | 18 + 23 min |
| Quantitative Reasoning — 2 sections | 12 + 15 | 21 + 26 min |
| Total | 55 | 1 h 58 min |
There is no unscored research section and no scheduled break. You can move back and forth within a section.
How the GRE Is Scored
Verbal
130 to 170, in 1-point steps.
Quant
130 to 170, in 1-point steps.
Writing
0 to 6, in half-point steps.
Combined
Verbal + Quant gives a total from 260 to 340.
ScoreSelect
Choose which test scores to send to universities.
Free reports
Up to four free score reports if chosen on test day.
GRE Fees in India
Paid online in US dollars when you register.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| GRE General Test | US$249 + 18% GST |
| GRE Subject Test | US$199 + GST |
| Rescheduling | ₹5,000 |
| Extra score report | ₹2,900 each |
As reported for 2026. Cancel at least 4 days before the test for a 50% refund. Check the current fee on ETS before booking.
GRE Syllabus
Quant is around Class 10 level; Verbal needs strong reading and vocabulary. Tap a section to see its topics.
Analytical Writing1 task, 30 min
- Analyse an Issue — take a position on a general statement and support it
- Scored 0–6 by a trained reader and an e-rater
- Clear structure, relevant examples and precise language matter most
Verbal Reasoning27 questions
- Reading comprehension — short and long passages
- Text completion — one to three blanks
- Sentence equivalence — two words giving the same meaning
- Vocabulary in context
Quantitative Reasoning27 questions
- Arithmetic — integers, percentages, ratios, exponents
- Algebra — equations, inequalities, functions, coordinate geometry
- Geometry — lines, triangles, circles, area and volume
- Data analysis — statistics, probability, graphs and tables
- Question types: quantitative comparison, multiple choice, numeric entry
Free GRE Study Material
Guides and practice for every section.
These resources are being added section by section. Pages marked “Coming soon” are not published yet.
GRE Vocabulary
High-frequency words with examples.
Coming soon →Reading Comprehension
Passage strategies and question types.
Coming soon →Text Completion & SE
Methods for blanks and sentence equivalence.
Coming soon →Quant Review
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data.
Coming soon →Issue Essay
Templates and sample essays.
Coming soon →GRE Practice
Start with ETS’s free official POWERPREP tests, then use our section sets.
Under development. The practice sets below are planned and will open here when ready.
Full Practice Test
Verbal Section
Quant Section
Daily Word Quiz
How to Prepare for the GRE
2–3 months of steady preparation works for most students.
Take a diagnostic
Sit a free POWERPREP test to find your starting score.
Set a target
Check the average scores at the programmes you want.
Build vocabulary daily
Learn words in context, not from long lists alone.
Revise school maths
Quant is mostly Class 8–10 maths, tested with tricky wording.
Write timed essays
Practise one Issue essay in 30 minutes each week.
Take full mocks
Sit full timed tests and review every mistake.
Book Your GRE
The GRE General Test is available almost every day at centres across India and at home. Register through your ETS account. Always check dates and fees on the official website.
GRE FAQs
Who runs the GRE?
The GRE is made by ETS. The GRE General Test is used for master’s, MBA and PhD admission at universities worldwide. Official information is on ets.org/gre.
When can I take the GRE?
Almost any day of the year at test centres in Indian cities, or at home. You can take it once every 21 days, up to five times in a year.
Is there negative marking?
No. Wrong answers do not lose marks, so answer every question.
Can I use a calculator?
Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative Reasoning sections.
How long is my score valid?
GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.
What is the GRE Subject Test?
A separate test in Mathematics, Physics or Psychology, required by some PhD programmes.