GRE Exam Overview
GRE Tests & Types
GRE is mainly a computer-adaptive examination; however, one can also take the test in paper mode. The Graduate Record Examination tests Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing skills of the candidates. The GRE examination is available in two types:
GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test
GRE Subject Test
The GRE Subject Test assesses the candidates’ skills on a particular subject for getting admission to specialized courses. The GRE Subject Tests are available for different fields such as Literature (English), Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry (Cell & Molecular Biology) and Psychology. In contrast to the GRE General, the GRE Subject Test is conducted only thrice in a year in the months of April, September and October and it can be taken only in the paper-delivered format. The GRE scores are valid for 5 years, considering the date you’ve taken the test.
GRE General Test
GRE General Test is for students who seek admission to MS courses in distinct fields in the US and other countries around the world. This test evaluates candidates on quantitative ability, verbal reasoning and analytical writing skills. The overall test timing is around 3 hours, 45 minutes. While GRE is conducted throughout the year, the candidates can take the GRE General Test according to their convenience and requirements. Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative ability are scored on a scale of 130-170 in one-point increments and the Analytical Writing scores are given between 0 & 6 in half-point intervals. Read through to know more about the test and scores.
GRE Availability & Fee
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) conducts the GRE examination all around the year in different countries across the world. The candidates can take the exam on any specified dates of the year. However, availability of the exam in a specific city may be limited. Over 700 test centers in 160 countries are allocated for GRE tests. Candidates can take the test up to 5 times per year, but there is a 21-day waiting period for attempting consecutive tests as designated by the ETS.
The fee for taking the GRE tests range between the US $205 & $230 across the world. The GRE General Test costs 200 dollars (Rs.14000 roughly) and the GRE Subject Test costs 150 dollars (approx. Rs.10480). Besides, if there is any change in the exam date or the test center, then the candidates would require to pay an extra fee.
GRE Cancellation/Rescheduling Fee
While the candidates are allowed to either reschedule or cancel their GRE tests, they are required to pay the extra fee for doing so. About 50 dollars is charged for rescheduling the GRE test and for a change in the GRE Subject Test, the candidates are also charged 50 dollars. Also, for cancellation of GRE exam, it should be done four days before the exam is scheduled and not later than that. The exam fee will be fortified if the cancellation is not made as specified.
GRE Eligibility Criteria
The ETS doesn’t designate any specific eligibility criteria for GRE. Anyone, irrespective of age or qualifications, can take the exam. The only essential thing a candidate appearing for GRE exam should possess is the passport as a proof of his/her identity. Candidates are required to have their original, valid passport before registering the GRE exam and during the examination at the center. Check out the GRE Eligibility Crireria & Qualifications
GRE Registration 2021
There are various ways to register for GRE tests. Most commonly, candidates prefer online mode of registration for GRE. The GRE aspirants can also register through phone, mail or even by fax. The candidates can use debit or credit card to pay the registration fee and book a slot. Whatever the mode of registration the candidate does for the GRE examination, a valid passport is mandatory at the time of registration. Check the Step-by-Step Registration Process
.GRE Test Dates 2021
GRE exam dates are released a year in advance by ETS providing the candidates ample time to book their preferred dates and slots. However, there are no fixed official GRE dates just like the other international standardized examinations. The candidates are given the liberty to choose any date according to their availability and convenience and are allowed to attempt the exam multiple times. The only thing to be kept in mind is that you should choose the exam date at least two months before the deadline of your first GRE application. For instance, if the deadline for your first GRE application is November, you should choose a date for September. In case you need to retake the test, you can attempt it in October.Click here for the GRE Dates 2021.
.GRE Exam Centers
ETA allows to conduct GRE exams in almost 22 cities in India: New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon, Patna, Allahabad, Nashik, Kolkata, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Gandhinagar, Vijayawada, Trivandrum, Vadodara, Hyderabad, Nizamabad, Dehradun, Gwalior, and Coimbatore. Majority of the test centers offer computer based GRE exams and some offer the paper based GRE tests. Click here for the complete list of test centers.
.GRE Results & Scores
GRE test scores will be officially available on the GRE website in 10-15 days from the date of your test. The GRE scores will be sent to your specified universities within 3 weeks of the date on which you’ve taken the test. ETS will send an email notification to the candidates when the results are out.
GRE scores are valid up to a maximum of 5 years from the date you took the exam. Students can access their GRE scores using their credentials by logging into their account. Click here to know more information on GRE results & scores.
GRE Score Calculation
Check out the GRE scoring pattern and score range for different sections of the exam as designated by the ETS below.
| GRE Exam Section | GRE Score Range | Mean Value |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130-170 | 150 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 130-170 | 152 |
| Analytical Writing | 0-6 | 3.6 |
| Total | 260-340 |
Cut off for GRE Exam
GRE is mainly composed of three sections which include Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning with the duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes given to candidates for completing the exam. There is no blanket cut-off as such available for the GRE exam. However, each college and course that accepts GRE scores will have their own cut-off for GRE exams that would be listed on their official site. Students those who seek admission into the top graduate colleges in a particular country are required to have the desired cut off marks. For instance, if a candidate is applying for the MS courses in the US, he/she would have to get the minimal average score set up by the university. Some top universities in the US require minimum cut off marks for getting admission into the course though it is not officially designated by the ETS. Therefore, make sure you follow the same.
Universities Accepting GRE Scores
Candidates who wish to enroll in graduate, business or law schools abroad can take the GRE test. GRE test scores are accepted by many top business schools, colleges/universities across the world. Check out some of the renowned educational institutions that accept the GRE score here.
GRE scores are also widely accepted by several top-renowned Engineering Colleges for different courses across the countries. MBA aspirants and candidates those who seek admission in law schools can attempt the GRE Tests. Some of the world-famous law schools that accept GRE Scores include:
- American University Washington College of Law
- Boston University School of Law
- Brooklyn School Law
- Chicago-Kent College of Law
- Columbia Law School
- Harvard Law School
- Florida International University College of Law, and more
GRE Scholarships Abroad
The ETS doesn’t provide any scholarships to candidates, even the top scorers, who take the GRE test. Literally, there is no such thing as GRE scholarship for candidates. However, the top graduate, business schools and colleges provide financial aid for their students considering their academic background, experience, and work or research experience besides their GRE scores for a scholarship. GRE scores, therefore, are important in a way for getting a scholarship in the institution.
