Overview
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is an essential step for students aiming to pursue graduate studies, particularly in the United States and other countries. This comprehensive guide will cover all aspects of the GRE, including its full form, registration process, fees, eligibility criteria, syllabus, preparation strategies, and more.
GRE 2024 Exam Highlights
Exam Name: GRE
Full-Form: Graduate Record Examination
Official Website: ETS GRE
Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
Purpose: Admission to graduate programs
Conducted by: Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Mode of Exam: Computer-based and Paper-based
Score Validity: 5 years
Fee for Indian Students: Approximately ₹22,000
Score Range: 260-340
Exam Centers: Major cities worldwide
What is the GRE Exam?
The GRE is a standardized test designed to assess the academic readiness of students for graduate-level education. It is widely accepted by universities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other regions for admissions into graduate and business school programs. The test evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
Full Form of GRE
The full form of the GRE is the Graduate Record Examination. It is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and serves as a standardized measure for graduate school applicants to showcase their qualifications.
Benefits of Taking the GRE Exam 2024
- Global Acceptance: The GRE is widely accepted by thousands of graduate and business programs internationally.
- Wide Range of Programs: The GRE applies to a variety of graduate programs, including engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and business.
- Scholarship Opportunities: High GRE scores can enhance the chances of obtaining scholarships and financial aid.
- Flexible Test Dates: The GRE is offered throughout the year, allowing students to choose a date that suits their schedule.
- No Restrictions on Major: The GRE caters to students from diverse academic backgrounds, offering equal opportunities to all applicants.
GRE Exam Eligibility 2024
Age Limit: There is no specific age limit to appear for the GRE.
Number of Attempts: Candidates can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
Educational Criteria: Generally taken by students who have completed or are in the final year of their undergraduate degree.
GRE Exam Dates 2024
The GRE is offered multiple times throughout the year. Candidates should plan and register for their preferred date well in advance. Here are the upcoming test dates for 2024:
- January 6, 2024
- March 3, 2024
- May 5, 2024
- July 7, 2024
- September 8, 2024
- November 3, 2024
GRE Registration 2024
- Online Registration:
- Create an ETS Account: Begin by creating a user profile on the official ETS GRE website.
- Register for the GRE: Access the “Register/Find Test Centers, Dates” section to register for the exam.
- Fill in Details: Complete the registration form with accurate personal and academic information.
- Select Test Date and Center: Choose a convenient date and location.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the required registration fee using a suitable payment method.
- Confirmation: Receive confirmation via email.
Registration by Phone:
- Call: Contact the appropriate Regional Registration Center (RRC).
- Provide Details: Provide the required personal and payment information.
- Confirm Registration: Receive confirmation details.
Registration by Mail:
- Download Form: Obtain the GRE registration form from the ETS website.
- Fill the Form: Complete the form with all necessary details.
- Mail the Form: Send the form along with payment to the address provided by ETS.
- Confirmation: Receive confirmation via mail.
GRE Exam Fees in India
Fee Structure:
- GRE General Test Fee: ₹ 22,550
- GRE Subject Test Fee: ₹ 14,500
Additional Fees:
Fee to change exam date: ₹5,000
Charge for altering the test center: ₹5,000
Cost for extra score report: ₹2,900
Fee for score evaluation: ₹5,900
Fee to restore lost score: ₹5,000
Fee for returned payment processing: ₹2,900
GRE Exam Fees in Other Countries
Fee Structure:
- GRE General Test Fee: $220
- GRE Subject Test Fee: $150
Additional Fees:
- Rescheduling Fee: $50
- Changing Test Center Fee: $50
- Late Registration Fee: $25
- Additional Score Reports (ASR): $35 per recipient
- Question-and-Answer Review Service: Available for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections only. Limited to New York State residents. Fee: $50
- Score Review for Analytical Writing: $50
- Score Reinstatement Fee: $60
Fee Waivers: Available for eligible students in financial need. Check the ETS website for detailed information.
GRE Exam Fee Payment Modes in India
International Cards
- Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards
Domestic
- Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro credit and debit cards
- Rupay credit and debit cards
- UPI and Bharat QR payments, including popular digital wallets such as FreeCharge, PayZapp, Airtel Money, Google Pay, MobiKwik, JioMoney, Ola Money, PhonePe, Amazon Pay, Paytm, WhatsApp, and all BHIM UPI-enabled banking apps.
GRE Exam Syllabus 2024
The GRE General Test consists of three sections:
1. Verbal Reasoning:
- Reading Comprehension
- Text Completion
- Sentence Equivalence
2. Quantitative Reasoning:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Data Analysis
3. Analytical Writing:
- Analyze an Issue
- Analyze an Argument
GRE Subject Tests: These tests are available for subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Literature, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.
GRE Exam Pattern 2024
Total Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
Sections:
- Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections, 20 questions each, 30 minutes per section
- Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections, 20 questions each, 35 minutes per section
- Analytical Writing: 2 tasks, 30 minutes each
Score Range: 260-340 (Verbal and Quantitative sections each scored on a 130-170 scale)
Question Types: Multiple-choice, Numeric Entry, and Analytical Writing tasks
GRE Score 2024
Score Range: 260-340
Analytical Writing: 0-6 in half-point increments
Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170 each in one-point increments
Sending GRE Scores to Universities:
- Free Score Reports: Up to four free score reports when you register for the test.
- Additional Score Reports: $27 per report.
Score Validity: GRE scores remain valid for five years.
GRE Exam Results 2024
Accessing Results:
- Log in: Log in to your ETS GRE account to view your scores.
- View Scores: Click on “View Scores” to see your results.
- Print Scores: Option to print your official score report.
Score Review and Cancellation:
- Score Review: Request a review if you believe there was an error in your scores.
- Score Cancellation: You can cancel your GRE scores immediately after the test or within the following Wednesday.
GRE Preparation Strategy 2024
Self-Study vs. Coaching Classes:
- Self-Study: Requires discipline and motivation. Allows flexibility and cost savings.
- Coaching Classes: Provides structured learning, expert guidance, and peer support.
Recommended Books:
- Official GRE Super Power Pack by ETS
- Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides
- Kaplan GRE Prep Plus
Practice with Sample Papers: Regular practice with sample papers helps in understanding the exam format and improving time management.
GRE Sample Papers
Practice is key to success in the GRE. Here are some resources for sample papers:
- ETS Official Practice Tests: Available on the ETS website.
- Manhattan Prep GRE Practice Tests: Available online.
- Kaplan GRE Practice Tests: Available online.
GRE Exam Centers in India 2024
The GRE is administered in various cities across India. Some major test centers include:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Bangalore
- Kolkata
Choose a test center near your location for convenience.
GRE 2024 Exam Scholarships
Many universities and institutions offer scholarships based on GRE scores. Check the specific requirements of each program you are applying to for detailed scholarship information.
Top Universities Accepting the GRE General Test Around the World
The GRE General Test is widely accepted by universities worldwide for graduate programs. Here’s a breakdown of top institutions by a few top regions:
United States
The United States is home to a majority of universities accepting the GRE. Here are some of the most prestigious:
- Ivy League: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Chicago
- University of Michigan
- University of Southern California
- Carnegie Mellon University
- New York University
- Northwestern University
United Kingdom
While traditionally relying on the GMAT, many UK universities now accept the GRE:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- Imperial College London
- University College London (UCL)
- King’s College London
- University of Manchester
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Bristol
- University of Warwick
Canada
Canada offers excellent education and welcomes GRE scores:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
- Queen’s University
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- Dalhousie University
- Simon Fraser University
Australia and New Zealand
These countries offer world-class education and accept the GRE:
- University of Melbourne
- Australian National University
- University of Sydney
- University of Queensland
- University of New South Wales
- University of Western Australia
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago