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GRE
GRE General Test
📚 Graduate Admissions Test Computer-based (Test Center or Home Edition) ⏱ Valid: 5 Years Since 1936 ⚡ Moderate to High
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
📝 Register Now 🌐 Official Site
›
Score Range
260 to 340 (Verbal/Quant) and 0 to 6 (Analytical Writing)
Exam Fee
$220
Duration
1 hour 58 minutes
Questions
55
Score Valid
5 Years
Frequency
Continuous throughout the year
Accepted By
1300
Pass Rate
Not applicable; it is a percentile-based competitive exam.
Difficulty
Moderate to High
📝 Register for GRE 🌐 Official Website ✍️ Need application help? →
Quick Summary

GRE (GRE General Test) is a graduate admissions test conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Scores range from 260 to 340 (Verbal/Quant) and 0 to 6 (Analytical Writing), valid for 5 Years, with a total duration of 1 hour 58 minutes. Accepted by 1300, the exam fee is $220, with moderate to high difficulty level.

📋 Exam Overview
🎯
Score Range
260 to 340 (Verbal/Quant) and 0 to 6 (Analytical Writing)
⏱
Duration
1 hour 58 minutes
💳
Fee
$220
📅
Valid For
5 Years
🖥
Mode
Computer-based (Test Center or Home Edition)
🌍
Accepted By
1300
🗓
Frequency
Continuous throughout the year
🏛
Conducted By
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
❓
Total Qs
55
📑
Sections
Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning
⚡
Difficulty
Moderate to High
📊
Pass Rate
Not applicable; it is a percentile-based competitive exam.
The most widely accepted graduate admissions test for business and law school.
👤 Who Should Take This Exam?
Prospective graduate and business school applicants worldwide who are interested in pursuing a master’s, MBA, or doctoral degree.
🎓 Education Level
Graduate and Professional
🌍 Accepted In
United States Canada United Kingdom Australia India Germany and over 150 more.
📝 Exam Structure & Format
Question Types
Multiple-choice (single and multiple answer), numeric entry, and analytical essay writing.
Language / Medium
English
Total Duration
1 hour 58 minutes
Retake Policy
Once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
Total Questions
55
Sections
Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning
⚙️ More format details (timing, marking, equipment)See all ▾
Time Per Section
30 minutes for Writing, 41 minutes for Verbal sections total, and 47 minutes for Quantitative sections total.
Negative Marking
No
Calculator Allowed
Yes
Scratch Paper
Yes
Breaks Allowed
No
Home Edition
Yes
Digital vs Paper
The digital version is shorter and section-adaptive, whereas the paper-based version (rarely offered) is longer and linear with no adaptive difficulty.
📑 Section Details
The test consists of one Analytical Writing task (Analyze an Issue), two Verbal Reasoning sections (totaling 27 questions), and two Quantitative Reasoning sections (totaling 27 questions).
🎯 Scoring System
Score Range
260 to 340 (Verbal/Quant) and 0 to 6 (Analytical Writing)
Good / Passing Score
Varies by institution
How Scoring Works
Verbal and Quantitative sections are section-level adaptive and scored from 130-170. Analytical Writing is scored from 0-6 in half-point increments based on a human and computer-based grading system.
🏆 Minimum Scores for Top Universities
130 for Verbal, 130 for Quantitative, and 0 for Analytical Writing.
📊 Section / sub-scoresSee all ▾
Writing
Yes
Speaking
No
Listening
No
Reading
Yes
Grammar
No
Vocabulary
No
Analytical
Yes
Quantitative
Yes
Verbal
Yes
Subject
No
All Sub-Scores
No
📈 Avg First Attempt
300 to 305
🔼 Score Improvement
5 to 12 points
💳 Registration & Fees
Fee (USD)
$220
See all ▾
220
Fee (INR)
₹22550
See all ▾
22550
Other
Fees vary slightly by country; for example, the fee in China is approximately $231.
📝 Register Now →
📋 Policies (rescheduling, cancellation, verification, waivers)See all ▾
⏰ Register in Advance
At least 2 days before the test date, but 1-2 months is recommended for preferred slots.
🔄 Rescheduling Policy
Must be done at least 4 days before the test date to avoid forfeiting the full fee.
❌ Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made at least 4 days before the test date are eligible for a 50 percent refund.
🔍 Score Verification
Yes
📋 Score Audit
Yes
↩ Reinstatement Policy
Scores can be reinstated for a fee within 60 days of the test date.
🎁 Fee Waiver Criteria
Available for participants in certain programs for underrepresented groups or those demonstrating extreme financial need.
📅 Exam Dates & Schedule
📆 Available Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
🔁 Frequency
Continuous throughout the year
📊 Results Declared
8 to 10 days
🔄 Retake Policy
Once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
⏰ Register By
At least 2 days before the test date, but 1-2 months is recommended for preferred slots.
✅ Eligibility & Access
🎂 Age Limit
No
🎓 Education Required
Generally requires a completed or in-progress undergraduate degree.
🛂 Citizenship
No
📍 Test Centers
1000
More on accommodations, ID, and special versionsSee all ▾
🪪 ID Required
Yes
♿ Accessibility
Extended time, extra breaks, screen magnification, and braille versions are available for qualified test-takers.
🔀 Special Versions
No
📐 Subject Variants
GRE Subject Tests are available in Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Chemistry.
🤝 Disability Accommodations
ETS provides comprehensive accommodations including assistive technology and specialized testing environments for students with documented disabilities.
🗓 Exam Day Guide
✅ What to Bring
Valid government-issued photo identification and a copy of the registration confirmation.
🚫 Prohibited Items
Phones, watches, personal calculators, food, drinks, and unauthorized scrap paper.
📋 Exam Day Rules
No personal items except ID are allowed; electronic devices must be stored outside the testing room.
After the exam: score reporting and deliverySee all ▾
⏱ Score Reporting
10 to 15 days
📤 Score Sending
ScoreSelect allows you to choose which scores from your five-year history are sent to institutions.
🎓 Score Recipients
Up to 4 institutions are included in the initial registration fee.
📚 Preparation Guide
📅 Recommended Prep Time
2 to 4 months
🗓 Avg Prep Months
3
Preparation typically focuses on three areas: vocabulary and reading comprehension, mathematical concepts in algebra and geometry, and structured essay writing. Most candidates use a combination of official ETS practice software and specialized prep books to familiarize themselves with the adaptive format.
💡 Top Tips & Tricks
Focus on learning root words to expand your vocabulary quickly and practice mental math to save time on the quantitative section. Additionally, take full-length timed practice tests to build the necessary stamina for the computer-based format.
Full study plan, resources, and common mistakesSee all ▾
📅 Study Plan
Start with a diagnostic test to identify weaknesses, followed by 2 months of concept review and 1 month of intensive practice. Allocate specific time each week for essay drafting and reviewing incorrect answers from practice sets.
📖 Recommended Books
The Official Guide to the GRE General Test, Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides, and Barron's GRE Premium.
🏫 Popular Prep Courses
Magoosh GRE, Princeton Review, and Kaplan Test Prep.
📱 Popular Prep Apps
GRE Prep by Magoosh, Manhattan Prep GRE Flashcards, and Varsity Tutors GRE Tutor.
✅ Official Practice Tests
POWERPREP Online and POWERPREP PLUS Online. — 0 to 40
🆓 Free Online Resources
ETS POWERPREP Online, Khan Academy GRE Prep videos, and the ETS official website's sample question pool.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-focusing on difficult math problems at the expense of basic arithmetic and failing to manage time effectively on the Verbal section. Many students also ignore the Analytical Writing section entirely during practice, which can hurt their total profile.
💡 EduAtlasHub Exclusive Insights
🔍 Insider Tips
Always use the 'Mark and Review' feature to skip time-consuming questions and return to them later. Because there is no penalty for guessing, ensure you select an answer for every single question before the section timer ends.
⭐ Unique Features
The test is section-level adaptive and allows test-takers to skip questions and return to them within a section, which is not allowed on many other digital adaptive tests.
🎓 How This Score Impacts Your Application
A strong GRE score can significantly enhance a graduate application, often offsetting a lower undergraduate GPA. It is also a key factor in qualifying for merit-based fellowships and university-wide scholarships.
More insights: country notes, comparisons, myths, examiner tipsSee all ▾
🌍 Country-Specific Notes
In certain countries like India and China, the GRE is the primary gateway for STEM-focused master's programs in the United States. Testing centers are widely available in major urban hubs across these regions.
⚖️ Comparison with Alternatives
The GRE is generally more vocabulary-focused than the GMAT, which is more logic-oriented. While the GMAT is for business schools, the GRE is accepted by both business schools and general graduate programs.
🆕 Recent Changes
In September 2023, the GRE was shortened from nearly 4 hours to under 2 hours by removing the unscored section and the 'Analyze an Argument' essay.
🔜 Upcoming Changes
No major changes announced as of early 2024 following the significant 2023 overhaul.
🧐 Myths vs Facts
Myth: Business schools prefer the GMAT over the GRE. Fact: Most top business schools state they have no preference between the two. Myth: You need to be a math genius. Fact: GRE math only covers high school level concepts.
👨‍🏫 Examiner Tips
Practice writing essays within the exact 30-minute time limit to ensure you can develop a coherent argument under pressure. For the Verbal section, focus on understanding the context of sentences rather than just memorizing definitions.
🏆 Success Stories
Thousands of students from diverse backgrounds use GRE scores annually to secure full-ride scholarships at top-tier universities. Many successful candidates emphasize that consistent practice with official materials was the key to their high scores.
📋 Post-Exam Steps
After receiving official scores, research the average GRE scores for your target programs and use the ETS Data Manager to send your scores to additional schools if necessary.
🎯 Score Uses Beyond Admission
Scores are sometimes used by recruitment agencies in management consulting and by government organizations for fellowship eligibility.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the GRE score valid?+
The GRE score is valid for 5 Years.
How much does the GRE cost?+
The exam fee is $220 (approximately ₹22550 in India).
How often can I retake the GRE?+
Once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
When are GRE results declared?+
8 to 10 days
Which universities accept the GRE?+
GRE is accepted by 1300.
Is a calculator allowed in the GRE?+
Yes
How should I prepare for the GRE?+
Preparation typically focuses on three areas: vocabulary and reading comprehension, mathematical concepts in algebra and geometry, and structured essay writing.
📝
Register for GRE
The most widely accepted graduate admissions test for business and law school.
Register Now →
📊 Quick Facts
Official Site →
Conducted ByEducational Testing Service (ETS)
Year Started1936
CategoryGraduate Admissions Test
Last UpdatedJune 18, 2026
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