Graduate Admissions Exam

Master
GRE
2026

The world's most widely accepted graduate admissions test — your gateway to top Master's and PhD programmes in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, and beyond. Everything you need to know, in one place.

Score 260–340 Computer & Paper-Based ~1 hr 58 min

📋 Sections at a Glance

130–170

Verbal Score

130–170

Quant Score

0–6

AWA Score

5yrs

Score Valid

Combined Score Range

Verbal + Quantitative

260–340

Most top grad programmes require a minimum of 310 – 325 depending on the field.

✦ Overview

What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is the world's most widely accepted graduate admissions test, used by thousands of graduate and business schools across 160+ countries to evaluate applicants for Master's, MBA, and PhD programmes.

Developed and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE General Test measures your Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing abilities — skills that are essential for success in graduate-level study across all disciplines.

For Indian students aiming for graduate admissions in the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, or Singapore, a strong GRE score is a critical component of your application. Most top MS programmes require a combined Verbal + Quantitative score of 310–320, while elite programmes may expect 325+.

Since September 2023, ETS shortened the GRE to approximately 1 hour 58 minutes — nearly half its previous length — while maintaining the same scoring scale and predictive validity. The test is available at 1,000+ Prometric centres worldwide and as an at-home proctored option.

Shorter Format (2023) 160+ Countries 3,000+ Programmes Valid 5 Years

GRE General Test

For applicants to Master's, MBA, and PhD programmes across all disciplines. Tests Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Most widely required version.

Graduate Admissions

GRE Subject Tests

Discipline-specific tests in Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Chemistry. Required or recommended by some PhD programmes in those fields to assess advanced subject knowledge.

Subject-Specific

💡 GRE vs GMAT — Which should you take?

If you are applying to STEM Master's or PhD programmes, choose the GRE General Test. For MBA programmes, both GRE and GMAT are accepted — but GMAT is traditionally preferred. Many top business schools now actively prefer GRE, so always check your target school's policy.

✦ Sections

The 3 Test Sections

The GRE General Test (2023 shorter format) consists of three sections — Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning — all completed in a single sitting.

Analytical Writing

30 min

1 essay task

One "Analyse an Issue" essay task. Tests your ability to construct a well-reasoned, evidence-based argument on a given topic. Scored 0–6 in half-point increments by human raters and AI.

Verbal Reasoning

41 min

27 questions

Two sections of 12–15 questions each. Includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Tests advanced vocabulary and the ability to understand complex written arguments.

Quantitative Reasoning

47 min

27 questions

Two sections of 12–15 questions each. Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Includes quantitative comparison, multiple choice, and numeric entry questions. On-screen calculator provided.

⏰ Total Test Time (2023 Shorter Format)

Approximately 1 hour 58 minutes — Analytical Writing (30 min), Verbal Reasoning (41 min across 2 sections), Quantitative Reasoning (47 min across 2 sections). No scheduled breaks in the shorter format. An unscored research section may occasionally appear.

✦ Scoring

Understanding GRE Score Ranges

The GRE reports three scores — Verbal Reasoning (130–170), Quantitative Reasoning (130–170), and Analytical Writing (0–6). The combined V+Q score ranges from 260 to 340.

Score (V+Q)	Level	Description	Typical Requirement
330–340	Exceptional	Top 2–5 percentile; outstanding performance across both sections	MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Caltech
320–329	Excellent	Top 10–20 percentile; highly competitive for elite programmes	Top 20 US universities, Oxbridge
310–319	Strong	Top 30–40 percentile; competitive for most good graduate programmes	Most top 50 US/Canadian programmes
300–309	Competitive	Average range; acceptable for many graduate programmes	Most accredited MS programmes
280–299	Below Average	Bottom 30–40 percentile; limits options at reputable institutions	Some lower-ranked programmes
260–279	Low	Bottom 10 percentile; significantly limits graduate admissions options	Retake recommended

🎯 Indian Students — Typical Requirements

For STEM Master's programmes at top US universities, aim for Quant 165+ and a combined score of 315–325+. For humanities or social sciences PhD programmes, Verbal 160+ is often more important. The AWA score of 4.0–5.0 is generally expected across all disciplines.

✦ Preparation

Expert Prep Tips

Scoring 320+ on the GRE requires disciplined, structured preparation over 2–3 months. Here are the key strategies recommended by our GRE coaches.

Start With an Official Diagnostic Test

Take ETS's free PowerPrep Online Practice Test before studying anything. Your baseline score tells you exactly where you are, which sections need the most work, and gives you a realistic sense of the test environment.

Quant: Master the Basics, Then Speed

The GRE Quant tests up to Class 10 mathematics — but at speed and under pressure. Master all fundamental concepts first using the ETS Official GRE Math Review, then practise under timed conditions until accuracy meets pace.

Verbal: Build GRE Vocabulary Strategically

Learn 800–1,200 high-frequency GRE words using Magoosh or Manhattan Prep word lists. Focus on words in context — the Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence tasks require you to sense meaning from surrounding text, not just memorise definitions.

AWA: Template + Strong Argument

For the Analyse an Issue essay, use a clear 5-paragraph structure: position, 2–3 supporting reasons with examples, one concession, conclusion. Practise writing complete essays in 30 minutes — ETS publishes all 150+ possible prompts online.

Use Only ETS Official Materials

The two free PowerPrep tests and the PowerPrep Plus paid tests are the gold standard. Supplement with Manhattan Prep 5lb Book of GRE Problems for Quant practice. Avoid low-quality third-party apps — question styles vary significantly.

Simulate Full Tests Every Week

In the final 4 weeks before your test, take one full-length timed mock test every week under real conditions — no pauses, no phone. Review every incorrect answer in detail by category. Identify your most common error type and target it specifically.

✦ Registration

How to Register

Registering for the GRE General Test in India is done entirely online via ETS. You can take it at a Prometric test centre or from home using the GRE at Home option.

Step One

Create an ETS Account

Visit ets.org/gre and create a free ETS account. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport — this name will appear on all score reports sent to universities.

Step Two

Choose Test Format & Date

Select GRE General Test at a Prometric centre near you, or the GRE at Home option for remote proctoring. Browse available dates — test centre seats in major Indian cities fill quickly near application deadlines.

Step Three

Pay the Registration Fee

Pay USD 220 (approximately ₹18,300) online via credit/debit card. India-specific pricing applies — verify the current INR fee on the ETS website at the time of booking. Save your confirmation receipt.

Step Four

Confirm Your Booking

Receive a confirmation email with your test date, centre address, and check-in time. Bring your valid passport on test day — it is the only accepted ID. For GRE at Home, ensure your system meets ETS requirements.

Step Five

Receive & Send Your Scores

Unofficial Verbal and Quant scores are visible immediately after the test. Official scores (including AWA) are available online within 8–10 days. You can send scores to up to 4 institutions for free on test day.

🕑 Test Dates & Availability

Test Centre (India)~3–5 times/month

GRE at HomeNearly every day

Book in advance3–12 weeks ahead

Official scores8–10 days after

📍 Test Centres in India

GRE is available at Prometric centres across India in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and more. The GRE at Home option is also available anywhere in India with a stable internet connection.

✦ Exam Fees

GRE Exam Fees 2026

GRE fees are set by ETS and vary slightly by region. Here are the current fee structures for Indian students and key study destinations.

🇮🇳

India — ETS / Prometric

~₹18,300

approx. USD 220

Includes 4 free score reports sent to institutions on test day. GRE at Home is the same price. Verify exact INR amount on ets.org at time of booking.

🇦🇺

USA / Canada / Australia

USD 220

US Dollars

Standard global GRE fee. Score taken in India is fully valid and directly sendable to US, Canadian, and Australian graduate programmes at no extra cost.

🇬🇧

United Kingdom / Europe

USD 220

US Dollars

GRE is accepted by many UK and European universities for graduate admissions. Score taken in India is instantly sharable with UK institutions via your ETS account.

🔄 Rescheduling, Cancellation & Retakes

You can reschedule more than 4 days before your test for a fee of USD 50. Cancellations more than 4 days in advance receive a 50% refund. You may retake the GRE once every 21 days, up to a maximum of 5 times in any 12-month period.

Master GRE 2026