A Complete Guide to GRE Exam

The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is a standardised test accepted by thousands of universities across the world. It’s often a key part of the application process for postgraduate programmes, particularly in the United States, Canada, the UK, and parts of Europe. It’s designed to test how well you reason, interpret, and communicate.

For many Indian students, the GRE acts as a second passport to some of the best educational institutions globally. Whether you aim for a Master’s in the US or an MBA abroad, the GRE exam will come into the picture at some point. The good thing is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of test. You can take it when you’re ready, and it doesn’t demand a particular background (arts, commerce, science, or engineering).

The idea of preparing for yet another exam might not be exciting, especially if you’ve just wrapped up college or are already working. With the right strategy and study material, it’s manageable and even enjoyable. (Hint: old GRE books can be a real lifesaver, and a cheaper one at that.)

This guide will walk you through every major detail about the GRE exam.

What is GRE Exam: Snapshot

Before you start preparing for the GRE exam, it’s good to have a clear picture of what the test actually involves. Here’s a simple overview of the important points, so you’re not caught off guard when you book your test or start studying:

Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide to CAT Exam

Why Does the GRE Exam Matter?

The GRE exam is more than just another test you need to clear to get into a university. Universities use the GRE as it gives them a common ground to compare students from different parts of the world. Since education systems vary so much, especially between India and countries like the US or Canada, this exam helps schools understand if you have the skills to handle their courses.

GRE exam results are also useful beyond just getting admission. A good GRE score can improve your chances of securing scholarships or financial aid, which is a big deal when you plan to study overseas.

What makes the GRE stand out is that it tests your reasoning and how clearly you can express ideas in writing. That’s exactly the kind of skill grad schools want to see.

Another plus is that the GRE opens doors to several programmes, including engineering/science, business, social sciences, humanities, and more. So even if you’re unsure about exactly what you want to study, it keeps your options open. Knowing this can give you the right mindset as you prepare for the exam.

Is the GRE Exam Right for You?

Not everyone needs to take the GRE exam, and that’s perfectly fine. Whether it’s something you should consider really depends on your goals and the universities you eye.

If you’re looking at master’s or PhD programmes in the US, Canada, or parts of Europe, the GRE is often part of the application. It’s common for subjects like engineering, science, business, and social sciences. However, some countries and schools don’t ask for it. For example, many universities in the UK don’t require the GRE, and business schools there often prefer the GMAT.

Also, if you hope for a research assistantship or funding, having a good GRE exam score can give you an edge. It’s worth checking what your target schools want before you start preparing.

A quick heads-up: if you’re already studying for exams like the CAT or GMAT, you’ll find some overlap, which might make preparing for the GRE a bit easier.

What to Expect in the GRE Exam?

The GRE exam is divided into three parts:

1. Verbal Reasoning

This tests your ability to understand and think about written material. You’ll read passages and answer questions that check how well you get the main ideas and details. 

2. Quantitative Reasoning

This is the maths part and involves basics like algebra, geometry, and some data analysis. You won’t find anything too complicated like calculus. The focus is on problem-solving and logical thinking with numbers.

3. Analytical Writing

Here, you write two short essays – one asks you to discuss an issue, and the other to analyse an argument. It’s your chance to show how well you organise your thoughts and write clearly.

The whole thing takes just under four hours, with breaks in between. Most people take it on a computer, and the sections come in the same order every time.

How to Register for the GRE Exam?

Signing up for the GRE exam is simple once you know the basics. Here’s how you can get it done without any last-minute hassles.

• First, you’ll need to create an account on the official ETS website. This is where you’ll book your test, check your results later, and send your scores to universities.
• Next, pick a test date and centre that works for you. The GRE is offered throughout the year in many cities across India, but slots fill up quickly.
• Then, fill in your personal details carefully and ensure everything matches your ID exactly because you’ll need the same ID on exam day.
• The fee is around $220 (about ₹18,000), payable online via card. Once you pay, you’ll get a confirmation email with all your test details.
• If you need to reschedule or change your test centre, ETS usually allows it for a fee, but it’s better to be sure before you book.

GRE Exam Fees: What Should You Know?

• The main fee for the test is about $220, which is around ₹18,000 here in India (subject to change). This covers your spot on the test day and centre you choose.
• If you need to change your date or location, ETS charges roughly $50 for each change. 
• On test day, you can send your scores to four universities for free. If you want to send results to more places later, it will cost about $27 each time.
• Sometimes, test centres might have small extra charges, like for parking or extra ID checks, so it’s worth asking ahead.

Read More: A Complete Guide to GRE Exam Fee

When and Where Can You Take the GRE Exam in India?

• The GRE exam is available all year round across many cities in India. This gives you several options to pick a GRE exam date that works for you.
• That said, big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai tend to get booked up quickly, especially when application deadlines are near. So, it’s best to book early if you want your preferred date and test centre.
• Test centres are mostly in metro and big tier-2 cities. Even if you’re not in a metro, there’s probably a centre within reach. If your nearest centre is full, you might need to travel a bit or pick a different date.
• Keep an eye on the ETS website for the latest info on available dates and locations. Locking in your spot ahead of time takes away a lot of last-minute stress and lets you focus on prepping.

Getting Ready for the GRE: 7 Practical Tips

Preparing for the GRE exam doesn’t have to be a headache. Here are some easy tips to help you get started and stay on track:

1. Spend some time figuring out how the exam is laid out. Once you know what kind of questions to expect, it gets a lot less confusing.
2. Instead of trying to learn everything at once, break it down into bits you can handle day by day. It helps keep things from getting overwhelming.
3. Try to get your hands on official practice papers or sample questions. This helps you get used to the style and timing.
4. Everyone has parts they find tricky. Spend more time there rather than only doing what you’re good at.
5. Don’t try to memorise long lists of words. Instead, learn new words through reading or by seeing them used in context.
6. Don’t burn yourself out. A clear head is way better than a tired one.
7. As test day gets closer, try taking full-length practice exams to get comfortable with the timing and pacing.

Where to Find GRE Prep Books Without Burning a Hole in Your Pocket?

Preparing for the GRE exam doesn’t mean you have to splash out on new books. If you’re smart about it, you can find all the study material you need without spending a fortune.

One easy way is to check out BookMandee – an online spot where students buy and sell used books. You get good-quality prep books for much less, and the sellers get to pass on their old stuff instead of tossing it out.

You can also look around local bookshops for second-hand copies or ask friends and fellow students if they’re selling their prep books. Sometimes coaching centres have used books too. Just ensure the books are recent enough to be useful, and in decent condition.

How Does GRE Scoring Work?

After you finish the GRE exam, you get three scores, one each for verbal, math, and writing..

You’ll see a score between 130 and 170 for Verbal Reasoning and another between 130 and 170 for Quantitative Reasoning. These two add up to a total score between 260 and 340. Then there’s the Analytical Writing part, which is scored from 0 to 6.

The universities you’re applying to will look at these scores to decide if you meet their requirements. Scores stay valid for five years, so you don’t have to rush to send applications right away.

Knowing how the scoring works can help you figure out what targets to aim for while preparing and understand your results better once you get them.

GRE vs Other Exams: What’s the Difference?

If you’re thinking about taking the GRE exam, you might be wondering how it stacks up against tests like the GMAT, CAT, or even IELTS. Each one is a bit different, and knowing the basics can help you figure out which one suits you best.

The GRE is accepted by a lot of grad schools worldwide, especially in the US. It checks your verbal, math, and writing skills, focusing on how well you think through problems.

GMAT is mostly for business schools and leans more towards data analysis and reasoning. CAT exam is the big test for Indian management institutes, with a tougher and faster pace. IELTS or TOEFLare about your English language skills, mainly if you’re heading abroad.

Basically, if you want flexibility and lots of options, the GRE’s a good bet. However, if your heart’s set on business school or specific places, you might want to look at the others.

Scholarships and Universities That Take GRE Exam Scores

Plenty of universities accept GRE scores these days, not just in the US, but also in places like Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe.

Almost all kinds of grad courses, such as engineering, business, social sciences, etc., look at GRE scores as part of their admission process. If your score is solid, it can really boost your chances of getting into good programmes.

Some universities and scholarship bodies use GRE scores to decide who gets funding. These scholarships vary. For instance, some reward academic merit, others might focus on specific fields or backgrounds.

It’s always worth checking out the universities you want to apply to and seeing what scholarships they offer that consider GRE exam results. You might find some good opportunities to ease your expenses.

Done with the GRE? Here’s What to Do Next

First, don’t stress. Your scores will show up online after about two weeks. You can check how you did and see if your score fits what the targeted universities expect.

Scores stay valid for five years, so you don’t have to rush sending applications right away. If you think you can do better, no harm in retaking the test. Just remember, you need to wait three weeks between tries, and you can give it a go up to five times a year.

Selling Your GRE Books After You’re Done

After you finish the GRE exam, you probably won’t need your prep books anymore. Instead of letting them sit unused or throwing them away, why not sell them?

BookMandee is a great place to do this. It’s an online marketplace where students across India buy and sell second-hand books, including GRE prep material. It helps keep costs down for everyone.

The selling process is simple: just share what books you have, their condition, and a price that’s fair. Many students look for used books to save some money, so your books are likely to find a new home.

FAQs About the GRE Exam

What’s the GRE exam all about?

The GRE is a test that many universities use to see how well you handle verbal, maths, and writing tasks for grad school admissions.

How long does the GRE take?

It usually takes around four hours covering verbal, quantitative, and writing parts, with breaks included.

How many times can I sit for the GRE exam?

You can give it a shot every 21 days, but not more than five times in a year.

Will my GRE score be accepted abroad?

Many schools in the US, Canada, and Europe accept GRE exam scores for their grad programmes.

How long do GRE exam scores stay valid?

They last for five years, so you’ve got enough time to apply after your test.

Is the GRE exam always on a computer?

Mostly yes, but in some places without computer access, you might find paper-based versions.

What counts as a good GRE score?

This depends on the schools you want, but scoring above 310 usually puts you in a strong spot.

When do I get to see my GRE results?

You get your verbal and math scores right after the test. However, the full official report arrives about two weeks later.

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