GRE Test Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Curious what the GRE is and why universities ask for it?Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about this globally accepted test.
Find out how many times you can retake the GRE and how to get universities to only have access to your best scores.
If you’re not sure how long you need to study for a good GRE score, in this guide, you’ll also get practical tips on how to build a study plan using official tools and practice tests.

Thinking of applying for a master’s or PhD abroad? You’ve probably come across the GRE. This exam is more than just a test—it’s your chance to show universities worldwide that you’re ready to become their student.

Whether you're aiming for a competitive MBA or exploring research degrees, the GRE can open doors to top institutions in the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond.

This guide explains the GRE, why it matters, and how to prepare and score well. From registration tips to study plans and score breakdowns, you’ll get everything you need to approach the exam with confidence and clarity.

What is the GRE test?

GRE, short for Graduate Record Examination, is a standardised exam widely used by universities to evaluate Master’s and PhD applicants. The test exists since 1936 and is especially popular in the United States and Canada.

The GRE measures how prepared you are for graduate-level academic work by testing your ability to understand and analyse written texts, your problem-solving skills and how you build clear, logical arguments in writing.

You can explore thousands of international programmes on our portals: Bachelor’s programmes | Master’s programmes| PhD programmes

What is GRE test used for?

Students take the test to strengthen their applications because the GRE proves their academic readiness and potential for success. On the other hand, universities use GRE results to compare applicants from diverse educational backgrounds. GRE scores are especially valuable if you're applying to courses such as:

Who can take the GRE test?

One great thing about the GRE test is its accessibility. You don’t need specific academic qualifications, nationality, or age requirements to meet GRE eligibility. Whether you're finishing your bachelor's degree, already hold a master’s degree, or come from any educational background, you can sit for the GRE.

Registration process and deadlines

Registering for the GRE is simple, but you need to be organised. Here's what you should do:

Create an account on the official GRE website.
Select your test date.
Choose a test centre you prefer.
Complete your registration by paying the test fee online.

Keep track of important dates:

GRE registration deadline: Register early, as test centres can fill up quickly. Ideally, register at least a month before your intended test date.
GRE test date: Available year-round for computer-based exams; paper-based tests occur three times per year (October, November, February).
Results release date: Official scores are available approximately 10–15 days after your test.

Pro tip: Always have in mind the university application deadline. Ideally, take the GRE 2–3 months before that date.

GRE exam costs and additional fees

Knowing the GRE fees/costs in advance helps you budget wisely:

GRE Fees	Cost (USD)	Type
Registration fee	~205 USD (varies slightly by country) (check local fees)	Mandatory
Late registration fee	Additional 25 USD	Optional
Rescheduling fee	Approximately 50 USD	Optional
Additional score reports	30 USD per university (after the first 4 reports)	Optional
Total	205 USD (mandatory) + optional fees

GRE offers financial aid in the form of fee waivers through the GRE Fee Reduction Programme, available to eligible candidates with financial need.

GRE exam structure and scoring

The GRE duration is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including short breaks. It’s usually computer-based.

The computer-based GRE uses an adaptive format at the section level—your performance on the first verbal and quantitative sections determines the difficulty of subsequent sections. This personalised approach ensures an accurate assessment of your skills.

Wondering what is on the GRE? Here is a look at the exam pattern and schedule:

Section	Skills Tested	Structure	Timing
Verbal Reasoning	Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence; assesses vocabulary, interpretation, and analytical reading.	2 sections, 20 questions each	30 minutes per section
Quantitative Reasoning	Problem-solving, algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and data analysis.	2 sections, 20 questions each	35 minutes per section
Analytical Writing	Clear and structured writing through two tasks: Issue and Argument.	2 tasks (1 Issue, 1 Argument)	30 minutes per task (1 hour total)
Break	Time to rest and reset.	1 break (after third section)	10 minutes
Experimental Section	Unscored verbal or quantitative questions are used for research purposes.	1 section, unscored	30–35 minutes

You’ll have a 10-minute break after the third section to refresh and refocus. Being familiar with this schedule can help you plan effectively and pace yourself during the exam.

Score range and difficulty

Understanding your GRE score range helps you gauge how you performed. Scores vary across sections:

Section	Score Range	How Scores Increase
Verbal Reasoning	130 to 170	Goes up in steps of 1 point
Quantitative Reasoning	130 to 170	Goes up in steps of 1 point
Analytical Writing	0 to 6	Goes up in steps of 0.5 points

Percentiles indicate how your score compares to other test-takers. For example, scoring around 163 in Verbal Reasoning or 165 in Quantitative Reasoning places you roughly in the 90th percentile, meaning you performed better than 90% of test-takers globally.

What is a good GRE test score?

Wondering what is a good GRE score? It depends on the programme you're targeting. An average GRE score typically falls around 150-152 per section. Here is how universities tend to interpret GRE scores:

Top-tier universities often expect scores around 160+ in both Verbal and Quantitative sections and 4.5+ in Analytical Writing.
Competitive programmes generally look for scores above 155 in Verbal and Quantitative sections and 4.0 in Analytical Writing.
Less competitive programmes may accept scores around the average range (150-152).

How hard is the GRE test?

Many students ask how hard is the GRE. The test is challenging, as it measures diverse skills from language comprehension to analytical thinking and numerical proficiency.

Students without strong maths backgrounds consider Quantitative Reasoning as the toughest part of the GRE exam.
Tricky vocabulary and complex reading passages in the Verbal Reasoning part require thorough preparation.
Time constraints can make Analytical Writing challenging, as it needs clarity, structure, and quick thinking.

How many times can you take the GRE test?

You can also retake the test multiple times if you're aiming to improve your scores.
You can test up to 5 times within a continuous 12-month period.
There must be at least a 21-day waiting period between attempts.
Universities see only the scores you choose to send. You can send your best results, putting you in control of your application.

How to prepare for GRE test

Wondering how long to study for the GRE? Typically, a preparation period of 1–3 months (around 100–120 hours total) works best, depending on your target scores and familiarity with the test content. Here's an effective strategy:

Month 1: Understand the exam format, familiarise yourself with question types, and take a diagnostic practice test.
Month 2: Focus deeply on your weakest areas, mastering foundational concepts.
Month 3: Practise extensively with full-length mock exams, fine-tuning your timing and test-taking techniques.

Preparation resources and practice tests

Not sure how to study for GRE? Here are trusted resources:

Official ETS GRE Prep Materials: Official GRE Guides offer authentic GRE sample questions and GRE practice tests.
Online courses: Platforms like Magoosh, Kaplan, and Princeton Review provide structured online preparation and practice tests.
Free resources: Khan Academy, GRE forums, and ETS PowerPrep tests are excellent, no-cost options for extensive practice.
Regular practice tests are essential—they give insights into your progress and highlight areas for further improvement.

How to improve your GRE test score?

If you're looking at how to improve GRE score, try these tested strategies:

Target weak sections: Prioritise difficult topics; allocate more practice to areas like vocabulary or quantitative problems where you struggle most.
Practise under real conditions: Take timed mock tests regularly, simulating actual exam conditions.
Learn test strategies: Techniques such as eliminating obviously wrong answers, pacing yourself, and skipping difficult questions temporarily can significantly improve performance.
Consistent study: Short, regular study sessions (1–2 hours daily) are better than occasional lengthy cramming sessions.

With focused, strategic preparation, you can confidently boost your GRE scores and improve your chances of admission into your dream programme.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I take the GRE test?

You can take the GRE at over 1,000 test centres located in more than 160 countries worldwide. The GRE is primarily computer-based, available year-round at dedicated testing centres. In certain locations without computer-based facilities, paper-based tests are held three times a year (October, November, and February). Recently, ETS also introduced the GRE at Home option, allowing you to take the test online, comfortably from home.

2. How long does it take to get GRE test results?

Official GRE scores for the computer-based test are usually released within 10–15 days after your test date. Paper-based test scores take slightly longer, about five weeks.

3. How long are GRE test scores valid?

GRE scores are valid for 5 years from your test date. After this period, your scores will expire, and you’ll need to retake the exam if required for further applications.

4. Which is better: GMAT vs GRE?

Both the GRE and GMAT exam are widely accepted exams for business-related programmes, especially MBAs. The choice depends on your skills and the programmes you target:

GRE: Preferred if you're considering multiple types of master’s or PhD programmes alongside business schools. It emphasises vocabulary, analytical writing, and general maths skills.
GMAT: Ideal specifically for MBA programmes and business schools. It tests advanced quantitative reasoning, logical thinking, and integrated reasoning.