GRE Full Form 2025: Syllabus, Registration, Preparation, Dates and Requirements

GRE Full Form 2025: Syllabus, Registration, Preparation, Dates and Requirements

GRE full form is Graduate Record Examination and is a standardized test is universally taken by students wishing to enroll in graduate programs, like MS, MBA, and PhD in countries such as the USA, Canada, the UK. The GRE is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and tests for your critical thinking and analysis skills, specifically in the areas of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing, making it a requirement to get into over 1,300 business schools and universities. In this article, all details apply to the aspects of a guide for the GRE exam like GRE exam syllabus, GRE test pattern, GRE preparation strategy and many more to have the perfect guide to excel on the GRE exam.

What is the GRE Exam 2025?

Graduate Record Examination or the GRE is a standardized test to assess the individual’s qualifications for graduate level academic work. It tests skills that you have learned over time, not in any specific field, but skills which are very important for advanced studies. The GRE exams are of two types:

1. GRE General Test: Assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, suitable for most graduate and business school admissions.

2. GRE Subject Test: Specialized programs may require GRE Subject Test which tests specified disciplines in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.

GRE Full Form

GRE Full form is Graduate Record Examination, the GRE General Test, and is taken on a computer or paper; the GRE Subject Test is taken on paper only. The GRE has a five year score validity in case the candidate is planning the academic journey.

Why Take the GRE Exam?

• Global Acceptance: Thousands of graduate programs and over 1,300 business schools, such as Harvard, Yale and INSEAD, accept this Global Certificate.

• Versatility: Useful to both fields of engineering and sciences as well as humanities and business.

• Less Expensive and an Affordable Alternative: For MBA programs that accept the GRE exam, it is generally seen as being as good as the GMAT since it is less expensive.

GRE Exam Syllabus 2025

It is important to know the GRE exam syllabus while preparing for the exam. GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test have different syllabus, built separately to check certain skill sets.

GRE General Test Syllabus

There are three main sections that the GRE General Test is divided into:

1. GRE Verbal Reasoning:

• The topics covered are reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence, vocabulary, and sentence structure (nouns, verbs, idioms, parallelism).

• The skills being tested are: the ability to find the relationships within a piece of written material and to draw conclusions from the discourse.

• Score Range: 130–170 (1-point increments).

2. GRE Quantitative Reasoning:

• Percentages, ratios, equations and inequalities, lines and angles, shapes, statistics and probability are the topics covered.

• Problem Solving — Math Models: apply mathematical formulas, methods, and models to scientific or engineering problems to clarify basic mathematical concepts and to provide answers to those problems. Interpret numerical data and select and apply various orthographic, perspective, and computer techniques and representations in dealing with engineering situations.

• Score Range: 130–170 (1-point increments).

Note: On a computer based test the calculator is on screen.

3. GRE Analytical Writing:

• One task of “Analyze an Issue” (30 minutes).

• Skill Tested: Ability to think analytically and articulate ideas, support arguments with evidence and the ability to use good written English.

• Score Range: 0–6 (half-point increments).

The total Test Duration is 1 hour 58 minutes (computer-based).

GRE Subject Test Syllabus

GRE Subject Test is given to test expertise in a specific field. It is available in three disciplines as of 2025:

• Mathematics: Calculus, algebra, discrete mathematics, and additional topics like number theory.

• Physics: Classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics.

• Psychology: Clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology.

Test Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes (paper-based).

Score Range: 200–990 (10-point increments).

GRE ExamTest Pattern 2025

GRE test pattern is the way developed to judge candidates properly and at the same time to make flexibility. Below is a detailed breakdown:

GRE General Test Pattern

Here is the GRE General Test Pattern discussed below:

Section	Tasks/Questions	Time	Score Range
Analytical Writing	1 “Analyze an Issue” task	30 minutes	0–6
Verbal Reasoning (2 sections)	27 questions (12 + 15)	41 minutes	130–170
Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections)	27 questions (12 + 15)	47 minutes	130–170
Total	55 questions + 1 essay	1 hr 58 min	260–340

• Section Level Adaptive: The Verbal and Quantitative sections are both adaptive in that the difficulty of the second section is determined by your performance on the first.

• Research Section: May or may not be made a part of the paper, but does not affect the final score.

GRE Subject Test Pattern

• Material: Paper-based, no sections, all multiple choice.

• Question Count: Number of Questions in each subject vary (Mathematics has 120 questions).

• Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes.

GRE Exam Registration Process

GRE Exam Registration Process Is also easy to register and this can be done online through the official ETS website (www.ets.org/gre). Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Create an ETS Account: Sign up on the ETS website by creating an ETS Account.

2. Select Test Type: Choose between GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test.

3. Choose Test Mode: Choose from computer based, paper based or GRE at Home (the online test).

4. Pick a Test Date and Center: Select any of the GRE test date and GRE test center in India or at any place of your choice.

5. Pay the Fee: Complete payment using a credit/debit card or other accepted methods and Pay the Fee.

6. Entry Result: I get a confirmation email with details.

GRE Test Dates 2025

• The GRE General Test is offered year round at test centers or via GRE at Home. Reserve the slots of your choice at least 2–3 months in advance.

• GRE Subject Test: Offered three times a year (April, September, October).

GRE Fees in India 2025

GRE fees in India will depend upon the test takers and the services that he/she is availing. The below is a detailed fee structure for the GRE.

Here are the GRE Fees discussed below:

Service	Fee (INR)
GRE General Test	22,550
GRE Subject Test	14,500
Rescheduling Fee	5,000
Test Center Change	5,000
Additional Score Report	2,900

Note: 2010 fees are subject to change; visit the ETS website for the most recent fees.

GRE Score Validity and Score Range

The validity of GRE scores is five years from the test date to permit the candidates to apply to programs for a long span of time.

GRE Score Range:

• General Test: 260–340 (Verbal + Quantitative), Analytical Writing: 0–6.

• Subject Test: 200–990.

• ScoreSelect Option: The scores that universities receive can be chosen by the candidates to be the best of their performances or only the most recent, rendering applicants more flexible when it comes to their applications.

What is a Good GRE Score?

The good GRE score depends on the application program and university. Generally:

• Top Universities: 160+ in Verbal and Quantitative (320+), 4.5+ in Analytical Writing.

• Average Programs: Accept 150–155 per section (300–310 total), 3.5+ in Analytical Writing.

• GRE Cutoff Scores: vary from institution to institution, check the specific program requirements.

GRE Exam Eligibility

The criteria of the GRE exam eligibility are not too far away, provided on this basis, a broad spectrum of candidates can appear in this exam.

• Age: No age limit.

• Education: No degree is required for the GRE, however, most applicants have a bachelor’s degree as it is used for graduate admissions.

• Identification: Test registration in India requires a valid passport.

• Test Frequency: Candidates can have to attempt GRE set for five times in a period of 12 months in succession and no less than 21 days amid tests.

GRE vs GMAT

GRE vs GMAT debate is commonplace. Most business schools will accept either of the tests, but there is a difference in the focus and structure of these tests. Here’s a comparison:

Here is the GRE vs GMAT comparison discussed below:

Aspect	GRE	GMAT
Focus	General skills (verbal, quant, writing)	Business-specific (quant-heavy, integrated reasoning)
Duration	1 hr 58 min	3 hr 7 min (or 2 hr 15 min for Focus Edition)
Cost (India)	INR 22,550	INR 22,000–25,000
Scoring	260–340 (Verbal + Quant), 0–6 (AWA)	205–805
Difficulty	Balanced verbal and quant	Quant-heavy, complex verbal
Acceptance	1,300+ B-schools, grad programs	Primarily B-schools

When to Choose GRE:

• Strong verbal skills or preference for a shorter test.

• apply to different programs such as MS, MBA, law etc.

• More test date flexibility and lower cost.

When to Choose GMAT:

• bonus tip for targeting top MBA programs that prefer the GMAT.

• Strong quantitative skills.

GRE Preparation Strategy

If you have decided to go for the GRE as a criterion for your admission to a graduate school, you need a robust GRE preparation strategy to ensure a good score. Here’s a step-by-step plan:

1. Syllabus & Test Format for GRE: Get to know the syllabus and format of the GRE test.

2. Use a GRE practice test to diagnose and determine strengths and weaknesses.

3. Create a Study Plan:

   • Dedicate 2–3 months (100+ hours) for preparation.

   • Divide time equally between the sections: 40% Quant, 40% Verbal, and 20% AWA.

   • In order to gain momentum and get time stable for more GRE tests practice daily with GRE mock tests to improve stamina.

4. Use Quality Resources:

   • GRE Books and Materials: ETS Official Guide, Manhattan Prep, Kaplan GRE Prep.

   • Online Resources: Magoosh, CrunchPrep, ETS POWERPREP.

5. Focus on Weak Areas:

   • To increase GRE Verbal Reasoning vocabulary, create flash cards, and practice reading comprehension.

   • To score on GRE Quantitative Reasoning, learn basic maths and master concepts of Data Interpretation.

6. To practice for GRE Analytical Writing, you start by outlining essays and reviewing several sample responses.

7. It is recommended to take out full length GRE mock tests under timed conditions.

8. Read Mistakes in Practice Test and Adapt: if you find mistakes in the practice tests then read the mistakes and adapt them in yourselves.

GRE Tips for Beginners

• Start Early: Preparing 3–6 months before the test date gives you more time to digest the material while keeping in mind the many rules included in practice tests and the exam.

• Build Vocabulary: Use Magoosh or Quizlet apps and their applets to build a vocabulary each day.

• Practice Time Management: Answer questions in 1–2 minutes.

• Join Study Groups: You will not be able to go alone and you will also need the motivation and insights provided by other people.

• Stay Consistent: stay consistent and give just 2–3 hours every day to your studies.

Best GRE Coaching and Online Classes

To avail structured guidance, one should enroll in GRE coaching or GRE online classes. Below are India’s top options.

1. Class24 Study Abroad: Our services include personalized study plans, latest study materials, mock tests etc. The faculty is known for its high degree of success and experience.

2. Jamboree Education: It offers mostly mock tests, and university shortlisting and has a large assortment of academic books providing comprehensive classroom and online courses.

3. Magoosh Online: is affordable with video lessons, practice questions, and score predictors.

4. Kaplan Test Prep: Offers live online classes, realistic practice tests, and expert instructors.

Choosing the Right Coaching:

• Check faculty experience and student reviews.

• Provide GRE practice tests and updated materials.

• If you are trying to balance work and studies, then go for flexible schedules.

GRE Test Centers in India

The GRE test centers are located in major Indian cities, including:

• Delhi

• Mumbai

• Bangalore

• Chennai

• Hyderabad

• Kolkata

Candidates are now offered with the GRE at Home option who can take up the test from their home as long as they meet technical requirements (stable internet, compatible device). The accessibility is demonstrated by the fact that over 1,000 test centres exist in over 160 countries.

GRE Scholarships and Financial Aid

The GRE itself does not have scholarships, but a high score on the GRE can improve the chances of getting scholarships offered by the university or other merit based scholarships. Tips to secure scholarships:

• Note that competitive programs will usually expect you to score above 320.

• Browse through the websites of research universities to know the GRE based funding opportunities.

• Mix with good academics, recommendation letters and GRE scores.

GRE Exam Difficulty

GRE Exams are difficult in their own way according to the candidate’s preparation and strengths. Key factors:

• Verbal Reasoning: Challenging for non-native English speakers due to advanced vocabulary and complex passages.

• Quantitative Reasoning: It takes strong math fundamentals and requires more practice than the other sections on the GRE but hard work will pay off.

• Analytical Writing: The second of analytical writing is Analytical Writing, which requires clear, structured writing under time constraints.

However, the GRE is achievable with consistent preparation. Reduce difficulty by practicing with GRE real tests and understanding weak areas.

Conclusion

The GRE exam provides entry into top graduate programs internationally, is flexible, and is widely accepted overseas, and comes in a manageable test format. Using the GRE exam syllabus, familiarizing with the GRE test pattern and implementing an effective GRE preparation strategy allows candidates to score better. It is best to choose GRE coaching, GRE online classes, or self study with GRE practice tests. Whichever way you choose, consistency and practice are important. Begin by beginning early, use quality GRE books and materials, and shoot for a score that complements your dream university’s cut off GRE scores. The GRE can be your ticket to achieving academic and professional goals if you are dedicated to it.

FAQs About the GRE Exam

1. What is the period for the GRE score to be valid?

GRE score is valid for five years after the test date and the candidates can use the score for 5 years during application period.

2. What is the GRE fee in India?

The cost of the GRE General Test is INR 22,560 and GRE Subject Test is INR 14,500. Rescheduling also includes additional charges.

3. Can I take the GRE at home?

Yes, candidates can take the GRE at Home, where candidates take the exam online thanks to a proctor offered 24/7 if technical requirements are met.

4. Do GRE and GMAT differ in some way?

GRE is versatile and accommodates a variety of graduate programs in addition to balanced distribution of verbal and quant. Like the GMAT, it is quant heavy mainly for MBA admissions.

5. How many times can I take the GRE?

In a 12 month duration, you are allowed to take GRE 5 times and after that you should give a gap of at least 21 days between successive attempts.