Understanding the Graduate Record Examination | GRE 2025

Thinking about pursuing a Master’s or a PhD abroad? You’ve likely come across the GRE. It is a highly competitive exam given by 6 to 7 lakh students every year. However, you don’t have to worry about that, we are here to guide you. In this blog, we are going to give you a basic understanding of the GRE.

What is the GRE?

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a test required by universities at the time of admission to assess the academic capabilities of their applicants. This test is widely accepted in countries like the US, Canada, and Europe. The students who want to pursue their Master’s, MBA, and PhDs from these countries sit for this exam. The GRE tests your critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills. It is an adaptive test, meaning it will adjust its difficulty based on your current performance for the upcoming questions

Who Conducts the GRE?

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the GRE. The test’s policies and guidelines are set by an autonomous GRE Board that is affiliated with the Association of Graduate Schools (AGS) and the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS). It is known for conducting exams fairly, with more than 40 test centres in India. 

What are the GRE Dates and Test Centres?

You can take the GRE all year-round at any time of the day via the at-home option. However, if you want to take the GRE at the centres, then the dates and timings may vary.

You can take the GRE General Test to secure your preferred date and location. It is recommended to register at least 3 to 4 months in advance. You can take the test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. 

The GRE General Test is available at numerous test centers across India. Here are some major cities with available centers:

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  Delhi NCR
• 
  Hyderabad
• 
  Bengaluru: 
• 
  Pune
• 
  Chennai
• 
  Kolkata

What are the Types of GRE?

The GRE test is of two types, the general test and the subject test. Each of these tests has a different purpose. It is important to know which test is to be given before submitting your college application. The table below gives a simplified view of their purposes:

What is the GRE Exam Pattern?

Understanding the GRE structure is essential for effective preparation. It is important to be familiar with the time allotted for each section so that you can manage your pace effectively on test day. The table below mentions all three sections - analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning, along with the time allotted for each respective section. 

Total test time: 1 hour 58 minutes

What is the GRE Syllabus?

Here’s a table outlining the GRE syllabus for the general test:

How is the GRE Scored?

• 
  The scores for verbal quantitative reasoning range from 130 to 170. These scores depend on the number of questions you answer correctly and their difficulty level, as the GRE is an adaptive test. Each score increment is 1 point.
• 
  The analytical writing is scored from 0 to 6. This score is based on how well you analyze and write about the given topics. Each score increment is 0.5 points.
• 
  The total GRE Score is the sum of your Verbal and Quantitative scores, giving you a total score range from 260 to 340.
• 
  The AWA score is given separately and is not added to the total score.

What is a Good GRE Score?

A good GRE score depends on the programs you're applying to, but here’s a general guideline:

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  Verbal Reasoning: 150-160 is considered average, while 160+ is typically viewed as strong.

• 
  Quantitative Reasoning: 155-165 is average, with 165+ being a competitive score, especially for STEM fields.

• 
  Analytical Writing: A score of 4.0 or above is solid, with 4.5-6.0 being considered excellent.

For top-tier universities, aim for a total GRE score (Verbal + Quantitative) of around 320+. However, highly competitive schools or programs may require scores closer to 330 or higher

What is the Average GRE Score Accepted by Top Universities?

Ideal GRE Scores for MS in Engineering for Top US Universities:

Top B-Schools and their GRE Score Criteria:

Please note that all GRE scores are approximate averages and may vary. For the most accurate information, please visit the official admissions websites.

How Much is the GRE Exam Fee?

In India, the GRE General Test fee is INR 22,000. If you need to reschedule or change centres, then you’ll have to pay a fee of INR 5,000. So, we suggest that you clear schedule for the day and avoid any unnecessary hassle.

Final Take: GRE in 2025 and Beyond

Let’s face it, 2025 has made the GRE more flexible than ever, but that also means your decision needs to be more strategic. If you’ve got a strong profile, you might not need it. But if you're aiming high or feel certain areas of your application need a boost, a solid GRE score will tip the scales in your favor.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about the test, it's about the full story your application tells. So, whether you take the GRE or skip it, make sure that the story is strong, clear, and truly yours. 

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