GRE Exam 2026: Eligibility, Dates, Registration, Fees & Syllabus

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test created to evaluate a candidate's problem-solving capabilities, analytical writing, and critical thinking.

Typically taken by individuals seeking graduate admissions, the GRE is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats.

The GRE is administered annually and managed by ETS (Educational Testing Service). Currently, the test is recognized in over 160 countries and across more than 1,300 universities and business schools worldwide!

What caused the share of Indian GRE test takers to rise from 3.1% in 2020-2021 to 68% in 2021-2023?

Here are some interesting facts about the GRE test that you should know before becoming part of the GRE test takers club:

• The GRE evaluates candidates across 3 core sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and the Analytical Writing Assessment. Stay with us until the end to learn more about these sections!
• The GRE is also conducted in 2 formats: paper-based and computer-based, with the latter being the more popular option!
• Designed primarily to filter out unqualified applicants, the computer-based GRE utilizes a section-adaptive format. This means the questions become progressively harder as you advance through the test. Therefore, if you answer more questions correctly early on, you will face tougher questions in the subsequent section. So, if you are taking the GRE and encounter harder questions, you can rest assured you are on the right path!

For instance: The initial Quantitative and Verbal sections of your GRE will maintain an average difficulty level, featuring a mix of both simple and challenging questions.

The difficulty level of your subsequent section is determined by your prior performance. If you do well, the second section will feature harder questions, offering you the opportunity to achieve a higher score.

Candidates who struggle on the first section will ultimately receive a penalty. Fascinating, right?

• ETS advises business schools and universities to evaluate each section of the GRE separately.
• ETS also encourages everyone to take the GRE—not to generate revenue, of course, as it operates as a non-profit organization—serving as a diagnostic tool to measure professional goals.

Speaking of diagnostic tools, we also provide a FREE diagnostic tool that you can utilize to identify your strengths and weaknesses! This 30-minute FREE assessment replicates the actual GRE experience with immediate feedback. Furthermore, the test delivers a thorough analysis alongside customized solutions! Sound good? Excellent.

GRE Exam Eligibility

First things first, let us discuss GRE exam eligibility. Essentially, if you intend to pursue a master's degree abroad, you are fully eligible to sign up for the GRE. Eligibility criteria may also depend on the specific university to which you are applying.

There are no strict GRE eligibility prerequisites; applicants simply need a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, preferably a passport.

ETS accepts expired IDs up to 90 days past their expiration date, according to their update on January 1, 2023.

It takes merely 15 minutes, yes!

Booking your test slot is one of the most critical initial steps for the GRE. Candidates frequently miss out on their preferred time slots due to limited availability.

Consequently, although you are given a 2-month window to reserve your GRE slot, it is recommended to book as soon as you feel prepared for the exam. Securing your slot in advance also helps you find a testing center close to your location and matching your preferences!

Next, the subsequent requirement for taking the GRE is completing your registration. You can sign up for the test through 3 methods: by phone, via mail, or through the most popular online portal.

Suggested: GRE Test Day Checklist

To understand the GRE exam structure, it is important to note that there are two distinct versions administered: the GRE Subject Test and the GRE General Test. Additionally, the GRE General Test is available as both a paper-based and computer-based exam, whereas the GRE Subject Test is provided strictly in a paper-based format.

GRE General Test Format

You will often hear or read that the General GRE test is structured to evaluate candidates through a comprehensive approach. But what does that comprehensive approach actually mean? Simply put, the GRE evaluates your English language proficiency, analytical abilities, and mathematical talent.

The General GRE exam is divided into 3 primary categories: 2 Verbal Reasoning parts, 2 Quantitative Reasoning parts, and 2 Analytical Writing Assessment parts. In addition to these sections, there are also 2 extra sections: Unscored and Research.

All of these sections help admissions committees understand candidates thoroughly; let us see how:

Difference between Paper-Based GRE and Computer-Based GRE Exams

Yes, we know you are eager to learn how the computer-based GRE exam differs from the paper-based GRE exam. Let us feed your mind with this essential piece of information:

GRE Subject Test Format

Now, if you want to impress universities by proving your mastery in a specific academic field, the GRE subject test could be your best option! The GRE subject test, while less common than the General GRE test, measures a candidate competency in particular study disciplines. This specific test is taken alongside the General GRE test, rather than as a replacement for it. Similar to the General GRE test, students aspiring to pursue graduate programs take the GRE subject test.

The Subject GRE Exam is conducted exclusively in a paper-based format across four subjects:

• GRE Chemistry
• GRE Mathematics
• GRE Physics
• GRE Psychology

The 2-hour and 50-minute GRE subject test provides an excellent chance to demonstrate proficiency in a specific discipline. Let us help you review the details of each in a table:

Suggested: General GRE Test vs Subject GRE Test

Built to assist numerous colleges and universities in selecting the top tier of applicants, the GRE syllabus is not as complex as it might appear. It consists merely of high school mathematics alongside basic English communication and grammar!

General GRE Test Syllabus

Here is a brief overview of what the General GRE test syllabus looks like:

Subject GRE Test Syllabus

Provided primarily in 4 subjects, here is what the syllabus for the GRE Subject test includes:

Upon completing your GRE registration, you must pay the GRE application fee. The GRE exam fee is 220 USD, or 22,000 INR in India. Besides the GRE exam fee, there are additional GRE charges you should be aware of:

Please note that ETS also provides a GRE fee waiver for candidates facing financial difficulties. Known as the GRE Fee Reduction Program, it offers candidates a 50% discount on GRE exam fees.

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You may have frequently heard people claim that a perfect GRE score is a myth and that GRE scores merely act as a screening tool. Without debating who is right or wrong, we will simply present how the average GRE score differs across sections. We will also share the average accepted GRE scores at several leading universities around the world.

Starting with the average GRE scores for the different sections:

With the minimum score set at 130 and the maximum score at 170 for each section, the overall GRE score depends entirely on the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections. Consequently, the total GRE exam score ranges from 260 to 340.

Want to experience what the real GRE exam is like? Want to see how you would score if you took the GRE today? Try taking this 30-minute FREE diagnostic test to find out!

Next, the table below will help you gain a clear understanding of the GRE score ranges for several top global universities.

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How to Send GRE Scores to Universities?

Once you receive your GRE scorecard, you will naturally need to send your scores to universities. So, how do you transmit your scores to your dream universities? Let us explain.

• If you took the computer-based test, your unofficial GRE verbal and quantitative scores will be available immediately after the exam. Your complete GRE score, including the analytical writing score, will show up on your ETS account 10 to 15 days later.
• Conversely, if you took the paper-based GRE test, your official score report will appear in your ETS account 5 weeks after the test date.

Upon receiving your scores, you can immediately send them to 5 of your preferred universities at no cost directly through your ETS account. If you wish to send your scores to additional institutions, you must pay 30 USD or 2,500 INR for each extra GRE score report.

The best part has arrived, where you get to discover how questions are structured on the GRE exam.

ALERT: It is time for you to solve some puzzles!

Answer this quick quiz for us, and we will provide an answer key at the end of this page!

1. Upon visiting the Middle East in 1850, Gustave Flaubert was so_______belly dancing that he wrote, in a letter to his mother, that the dancers alone made his trip worthwhile.

1. Overwhelmed by
2. Enamoured by
3. Taken aback by
4. Beseeched by
5. Flustered by

Answer: B. enamoured by

2. Possessed of an insatiable sweet tooth, Jim enjoyed all kinds of candy, but he had a special_______for gumdrops, his absolute favourite.

1. Affinity
2. Container
3. Odium
4. Nature
5. Disregard
6. Predilection

Answer: B. and F. Container and Predilection

3. There is a glass jar containing 60 jelly beans. Out of these 60 jelly beans, 22 are black, 18 are blue, 11 are orange, 5 are maroon and 4 are violet. Assume that a single jelly bean has to be chosen at random. Then what is the probability that the jelly bean will be neither maroon nor violet?

Select all that apply.

1. 0.09
2. 0.15
3. 0.54
4. 0.85
5. 0.91

Answer: D. 0.85

4. At a recent dog show, there were 5 finalists. One of the finalists was awarded "Best in Show" and another finalist was awarded "Honourable Mention." In how many different ways could the two awards be given out?

Answer: 20

5. Scandals are useful because they focus our attention on problems in ways that no speaker or reformer ever could.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.

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Preparing for the GRE with Ashiraj is as simple as turning “tumse na ho payega” into “tumse hi ho payega”!

Kudos to you if you have reached this section, for we cannot wait to “wow” with our GRE prep solutions!

As harsh as it may sound, the GRE uses the filtering mechanism to determine applicants having the most calibre for particular universities. And creating your very own GRE guide might be time consuming, and unstable because of fluctuating score targets. Or for that matter, you might stumble upon your GRE preparation because of not being able to choose your dream university!

If that’s the case with you, here’s your path to your graduate school abroad:

Whatever problems you are facing right now in terms of scheduling, planning, creating a target score, finalising universities, looking for practice tests, mock tests, getting to know about your strong and weak sections, finding solutions for your weaknesses, Ashiraj Study Abroad Experts have really got your back!

Through this section we are determined to give you some GRE preparation tips that will turn you into a GRE aficionado! Here you go:

• Choose a target score, and revolve your GRE preparation strategy around it.
• After understanding the GRE syllabus, format and pattern thoroughly; start taking free practice tests. You already have the FREE diagnostic test from Ashiraj Prep to start with!
• Work on your strengths and weaknesses, and again develop a strategy to close the distance between your real and target score.
• Always look for free and paid books and resources, whatever sails your boat!

Here are some books that we would suggest you to begin your GRE preparations:

1. The Official Guide To The GRE General Test, Third Edition
2. Official GRE-Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition
3. Kaplan's GRE Prep Plus 2023
4. Manhattan Prep- 5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problems
5. The Princeton Review's GRE Premium Prep, 2023
6. GRE Prep by Magoosh
7. Test Prep Books- GRE, 12TH Edition
8. Barron's GRE Essential Words, 5th Edition

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Daunting or not, you have to choose your GRE exam date, choose your dream university, and set your target score. Your preparation should be equivalent to perfection, and for that you require a full-fledged preparation strategy suited to you and only YOU!

And with Ashiraj Prep, you can have the best of all worlds!