GRE Test Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Thinking of applying for a master’s or PhD abroad? You may come across the GRE, an admissions test that some programmes require or accept alongside the rest of your application.

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 General Test

GRE, short for Graduate Record Examinations, is a standardised exam used by universities to evaluate Master’s and PhD applicants. This guide covers the GRE General Test; GRE Subject Tests are separate exams.

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.

What the GRE is used for

Universities use GRE results alongside academic records and other evidence to compare applicants from different educational backgrounds. A score does not prove that you will succeed on a course, and not every programme requires one. Fields where programmes may use the GRE include:

GRE test structure and timing

The current GRE General Test takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes. The shorter format replaced the older 3-hour-45-minute test in September 2023. ETS’s current test structure has five sections across three skill areas:

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: 12 questions, then 15 questions	18 minutes, then 23 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning	Problem-solving, algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and data analysis.	2 sections: 12 questions, then 15 questions	21 minutes, then 26 minutes
Analytical Writing	Clear and structured writing through one “Analyze an Issue” task.	1 essay task	30 minutes

There is no scheduled break and no separate experimental section in the shorter GRE General Test. Approved testing accommodations may provide different arrangements. Follow the current rules for your booking, especially if testing at home.

How GRE scores work

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 in a reference group. The same score can have very different percentiles in Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning. Use the current percentile for each section on your official report.

What is a good GRE score

It depends on the programme you’re targeting. ETS’s2026–27 score guide reports averages of 151.39 in Verbal, 157.62 in Quantitative Reasoning and 3.46 in Analytical Writing, based on tests taken from July 2022 to June 2025. These are reference figures, not admission requirements.

Check any minimum scores first, then look for the score profile of admitted students in your chosen field. Programmes may give more weight to one section than another; a single “good score” for every university would be misleading.

How long are GRE 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.

Who can take the GRE

You do not need a particular academic degree to sit the GRE. Whether you’re finishing your Bachelor’s degree or already hold a Master’s, check ETS’s identification rules and testing availability for your location. The admissions requirements for your degree programme are separate.

How to register for the GRE

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 or the at-home option, where available, and check its requirements.
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 dates: The General Test is offered year-round at test centres and at home where available. Check live appointments for your preferred location and date.
Results release date: Official scores are available 8–10 days after your test, according to ETS’s score-reporting guidance.

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

GRE fees and financial help

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

ETS’s fee schedule, effective from 1 August 2026, lists the following US-dollar fees. India has a separate local fee schedule; fees and taxes can change.

GRE Fees	Published fee	When it applies
Registration fee	US$249 in most locations; US$237.86 in China; check the India schedule separately.	To book the General Test
Rescheduling fee	US$55 in most locations; US$55.43 in China; local exceptions apply.	If you change your test date
Additional score reports	US$40 per recipient for reports ordered later. You can select four recipients on test day at no extra charge; local fees may differ.	If you order extra reports

ETS’s Fee Reduction Program lowers the General Test fee to US$100 for eligible applicants; it is not a blanket fee waiver for international students. Financial-need eligibility is limited to qualifying US citizens or resident aliens, and other supported groups have their own criteria. Check the conditions in ETS’s fee schedule before applying.

How hard is the GRE

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.

If maths is not your strongest subject, Quantitative Reasoning may need more preparation.
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.

Retaking the GRE and choosing scores to send

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.

With ETS’s ScoreSelect option, universities receive only the test dates and scores you choose to send. You select whole test sittings, not a mix of your best sections from different attempts. Follow each programme’s policy if it asks for all scores.

How to prepare for the GRE

A preparation period of 1–3 months can be a starting plan, depending on your target scores, current skills and available time. Begin with a diagnostic practice test, then adjust the schedule to the areas you need to improve:

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 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.

Use practice-test results to track progress and adjust your study plan. Focused preparation can improve your skills, but no study routine guarantees a particular score or admission.

Should you choose the GRE or GMAT

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 focuses on Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights, with no essay. Choose according to your target programmes and practice-test results.

Find your next degree

Explore study options on our portals: Bachelor’s programmes | Master’s programmes | PhD programmes. For a Master’s or PhD, check the programme’s GRE policy before you book the test.

Was this article helpful?