GRE Exam 2021

To apply for graduate programs offered by foreign universities, you will need to take the Graduate Record Examination, commonly known as GRE. GRE is one of the most popular examination for admission to Graduate schools abroad such as MIT; Stanford University; King's College, London, and more. The examination is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). 

Due to the currently prevailing pandemic, ETS has launched a GRE General Test Special Home Edition. This was launched from 2nd April 2020. Now, candidates from around the world, except in Iran and mainland China, can take the GRE exam from home. Before registering, candidates will be required to ensure that they meet the requirements set by the ETS for equipment and environment.

The at-home testing solutions function similar to the one at the test centre. Test takers will be able to preview, review, skip questions and change answers while taking the test at home. ETS will be publishing the Subject Test administration dates for the year 2021-22. The same will be updated here as well.

Indian Students Can Now Use Aadhaar Card as ID to Take the GRE

ETS, the administrator of the GRE, on June 29, 2021, announced that Aadhar Card will be accepted as an identity proof for Indian test takers, starting July 1, 2021. The step was taken in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandmeic and the hurdles faced by several students in getting their passports.

ETS has, however, said that this was only a temporary measure which will remain in place until further notice.

GRE General Test at Home to Stay Post-Pandemic

GRE General Test at Home option, which was launched right after the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, will continue post-pandemic. So, students will be able to choose between the test centre and the home option even after the pandemic gets over.

The at home GRE test is identical to the test taken at a test centre, which is available round the clock, seven days a week . It is taken on the candidate's own computer at home or another secure location.

Know All About GRE General Test at Home

ETS Launches GRE General Test at Home Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Students unable to take the GRE at a designated test centre because of test centre closure, can now take the test at home. The GRE General Test was introduced on March 27, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The test is offered in all countries or locations where the GRE General Test is normally available, except Mainland China and Iran. Anyone can take the GRE General Test at Home provided their computer meets the ETS-specified equipment requirements and they have an acceptable environment for the test.

Here are some of the reasons why you should take the GRE:

• The GRE is developed by ETS to measure one’s preparedness and qualifications for graduate programs and business schools. GRE scores are used by graduate schools abroad to assess an applicant’s suitability for a master's, specialised master's in business, MBA, JD or doctoral degree. The test evaluates and analyses critical thinking, problem-solving skills, verbal reasoning, analytical writing, quantitative reasoning and command on a particular subject area.

• GRE scores are used for admissions or to grant fellowships, which help in accentuating one's recommendation letters and other qualifications required for grad schools.

• The GRE lets grad programs to compare applicants in an easily quantifiable way, which would otherwise be difficult with only statements of purpose, GPAs and letters of recommendation.

• As of 2021, thousands of master's and doctoral programs accept GRE scores, including over 1,200 business schools, several of which offer top-ranked MBA programs.

GRE General Test

GRE General Test is taken by candidates seeking admission to master’s degree courses and doctorate degrees including Business and Law courses. To take the GRE Subject Test, you should have studied that subject as a major in your undergraduate degree but, for the GRE General Test, your academic background does not come out to be a barrier. 

GRE Subject Test

The GRE Subject Test measures and analyses your knowledge of a particular subject or a field of study. With the help of this test, you can show your in-depth understanding of a specific subject and the schools will consider that for admitting you. You can use the GRE Subject Tests scores to stand out from the rest of the applicants.

1. What is GRE? 

GRE, short for the Graduate Record Examination, is conducted by Educational Testing Service for individuals seeking admission to graduate programmes, including law and business at leading universities across the world. 

2. How often can I take the GRE test?

GRE test can be taken any number of times. However, one can take the test only five times in a year with a minimum gap of 21 days between the two tests. 

3. Who conducts the GRE?

The conducting body of GRE is Educational Testing Service (ETS).

4. What are the types of GRE?

There are two types of GRE test. One is the GRE General Test, taken by candidates seeking admission to various graduate programs and the other one is the GRE Subject Test, taken by students who want to showcase their knowledge in a particular subject.

5. What is the total duration of GRE Subject Test?

The total duration of GRE subject test is 2 hours 50 minutes.

6.  What is the duration of the GRE? 

The duration of GRE General Computer-Based Test is 3 hours 45 minutes and for GRE General Paper-Based test, the duration is 3 hours 30 minutes. 

7.  Why should I take the GRE?

GRE is conducted for admission in graduate programs abroad. If you are planning to apply for admission in graduate programs like MS or MBA offered by universities abroad, then you must take the GRE. 

8. In what all modes is the GRE test conducted?

Candidates can take either the computer-delivered GRE test or the paper-delivered GRE test.

9. When are the GRE Subject Tests conducted?

GRE Subject Tests are conducted worldwide up to three times in a given year in September, October and April.