GRE Exam 2023 - Test Dates, Full Form, Registration, Fees, Pattern, Eligibility, Preparation Tips

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Mrunmayai Bobade
Updated on Jun 02, 2023 4:08 PM IST

The Graduate Record Examinati  on or GRE is a standardised exam required by international universities to assess students’ analytical and reasoning abilities. This is majorly required by top universities abroad for their admission process to graduate programmes. The GRE exam is accepted by graduate schools in the US, Canada and the  UK and a few other countries. The examination is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which is also responsible for conducting the TOEFL exam.  

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GRE Exam 2023 Highlights

Components

Details

Exam Name

GRE

Full-Form

Graduate Record Examinations

Conducting Body

Educational Testing Service (ETS)

Exam Mode

Both Computer-Based and Paper-Based Mode

Types of GRE

GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests

GRE Subject Tests Duration

2 hours and 50 minutes

GRE General Test Duration (Computer-Based)

1 hour and 58 minutes

GRE General Test Duration (Paper-Based)

3 hours and 30 minutes

Accepted For

Postgraduate Courses Abroad 

Popular For

Master Degrees - Business Specialisations

Age Limit

No Age Limit

Registration Fee

USD 228

Validity Period

Valid for 5 Years

What is GRE Exam and GRE At-Home?

The GRE exam is a route to recognise prospective students for graduate universities in several countries across the world including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, etc. The test was first conducted in 1936 and its popularity spread far and wide by 1948 when around 45,000 students had already taken the test to get accepted at 500 academic institutions across the world. Still, now its popularity continues with around 3 lakh students taking the test every year.

GRE General Test Special Home Edition was launched by ETS on April 2, 2020, to combat the worldwide medical crisis created by the Covid-19 pandemic. Test takers received a safe option to take the GRE exam from the comfort of their homes. GRE at Home can be taken in all countries except Iran and mainland China.

The GRE at Home test conditions mimic the scenario of the test condition in the test centres. They get the option to skip questions, review,  preview and change answers even in this version of the GRE exam. However, as the test is taken from home, candidates must ensure the equipment and environment requirements laid down by the testing agency, ETS.

Through this page, you will receive all the valuable information related to the GRE exam and students must keep checking them from time to time.

GRE Full Form

The GRE full form is Graduate Record Examination. During its inception, the GRE as a measure of assessment was adopted by four graduate schools of Ivy League and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a joint experiment in higher education in 1936. Princeton University, Yale University, Harvard University and Columbia University were some of the pioneer schools that adopted the GRE in the beginning.

Why GRE Exam is Taken?

The GRE exam can be taken by any student who aspires to study postgraduate courses. The reasons behind its popularity are given below:

  • ETS aims to test the suitability and compatibility of the candidates to study masters in the university. GRE scores also help to determine if they are prepared for programmes like MBA, Juris Doctor and other doctoral degrees. It also examines critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

  • Thousands of masters and doctoral programmes across the world accept GRE scores for admission including MBA programmes.

  • With GRE scores one can not only get admitted for masters, but can also get scholarships and fellowships. It provides credentials for the student's letter of recommendation (LOR) and other qualifications for graduate schools. 

  • GRE provides a quantifiable way of measuring the performance of the candidates as Grade Point Averages (GPA), Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR) help to understand students; merit for the masters courses.

Apply to Top Universities Abroad Based on Your GRE Score!

Types of GRE Exam

The GRE exams can be divided into two types: GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests. Candidates may choose any one or both according to the requirement of the university to which they are planning to apply. The two types of GRE exams are explained in detail below:

GRE General Test

The GRE General Test is a requirement for master’s and doctoral programmes in almost all universities across the US and other countries like the UK, Canada, Germany and Australia. The exam is also taken for business and law courses. Notably, GRE scores must be valid at the time of application and admission. 

The test can be taken in both computer and paper mode. It assesses candidates' verbal, mathematical and writing skills. For the GRE General test, your academic qualification must be at least undergraduate (meaning holding a bachelor’s degree) and there is no need for specialisation in any particular subject.

GRE Subject Tests

While most universities require GRE General exam scores, some may require aspirants to submit GRE Subject test scores. The GRE Subject Tests measures and analyses your knowledge of a particular subject or field of study. With the help of this GRE test, you can show your in-depth understanding of a specific subject which will allow the schools properly quantify your skills and knowledge. 

You will be able to stand out from the crowd and it is absolutely necessary for today’s competitive scenario where the acceptance rate for popular programmes are less and the number of candidates is high.

Recommended Reads: 

GMAT vs GRE: Which Exam to Take for MBA in Abroad Universities? Here's Why You Should Take Expert Guidance for Achieving a 'Good' GRE Score
6 Reasons Why You Should Choose GRE Over GMAT 10 Mistakes You Should Avoid Making on Tests like GMAT and GRE

GRE Eligibility Criteria 2023

Candidates should check the GRE eligibility criteria for each type of GRE test before starting the registration process. Also, they should check the GRE scorecard requirement of each university.

Some universities may require GRE scores while others may waive the requirement. Therefore, one should be thoroughly aware of what the GRE eligibility criteria are for the particular university to which the candidate is seeking admission for the preferred graduate programme.

Students now also have the liberty to take GRE at Home which is a new version introduced in response to the Covid-19 situation.

Although the GRE test can be taken across various countries, test-takers must register and follow the procedures set by ETS in order to secure a slot. Depending on the country's policies, test-takers may be able to take the test anywhere.

GRE Eligibility Criteria

They just need to register and reserve a date for the GRE exam. Given below are the general eligibility criteria for the GRE:

Age Limit: One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the eligibility of test-takers, is the age limit. In most cases, the age limit of 21 does not apply to the test. Although there is no minimum age limit for the GRE exam, it's possible that some schools and universities have specific requirements for graduate students. Also, there is no upper limit to taking the test.

Documents: While you do not have an admit card, you must have a valid ID card to take the GRE test. If you fail to follow the second part of the requirements, you may not be able to take the test. You can only take the test if you can secure a slot at the designated testing centre by submitting the necessary documents. The documents that you will be present at the testing centre should contain a recent photograph and a signature. Passport and Aadhar cards are the accepted IDs at GRE test centres.

Number of Attempts: The GRE Subject Tests are usually conducted throughout the year. They can also be taken as often as desired. However, the GRE General Test can only be taken once every 21 days. It can be done in batches of up to five times per year.

Note: Even if you cancel your scores from the previous GRE test, this rule will still apply to you. The paper-delivered GRE General Test is more beneficial than the computer-delivered test, in this regard as it can be taken as often as desired.

GRE Test Dates 2023

Like all international tests, the GRE exams are offered year-round. You can register for GRE to attempt the test at any of the test centres operated by Prometric in India. It should be noted that there are limited GRE test dates available at some test centres outside of the Prometric network.

In response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, ETS has announced the launch of the GRE test at home, an option aspiring students can take when the GRE test centres were closed. Additionally, the ETS now allows test-takers to use their Aadhar cards as proof of ID during the registration process for GRE exams.

When Should You Take the GRE?

Often students wonder when they should take the GRE test. Ideally, it should be taken at least 60 to 90 days before the university deadlines. Now, with the provision of the GRE Test at home option, aspirants also have the luxury to take the GRE exam can be taken at home. Aside from being one of the most widely-accepted exams for admission to various graduate programmes abroad, the GRE exam can also be required for admission to various professional degree programmes like MBA.

Also, you should take the test only when you are well prepared for it or else the GRE exam fees will be wasted if you score low. You should consider taking the GRE when you are still in college. This will determine the level of your preparation and also if you need to take a re-test.

GRE Test Dates 2023 in India

The computer-based version of the GRE test is also known to happen every month. In India, it does so on all days except for weekends and public holidays. To ensure that they get the most convenient test date, candidates are advised to book their test slots in advance. Booking at the last moment may reduce the possibility of getting the desired date.

How to Cancel or Reschedule Your GRE Exam?

If a candidate wishes to cancel or reschedule their slot for the exam, they would be required to pay a GRE cancellation fee of USD 50. For those who need to cancel or reschedule their registration, they would also need to do so within four days of the scheduled GRE exam. In addition to this, candidates who wish to change their subject will be asked to pay a USD 50 fee. The rescheduling or cancellation process has to be done through the website of ETS.

GRE Test Centers 2023

The GRE Exam is available in both paper and computer versions. However, in India, only computer-delivered tests are conducted. Also, candidates have the liberty to choose to take the test from their homes by registering for  GRE at Home.

GRE Test Center Rules

It is crucial that test-takers attempting the test this year abide by the rules and regulations set by GRE Test Centers in India. The rules and regulations to be followed at the GRE test centres have been compiled on the official website of the test centre, some of which have been outlined below. It is mandatory for all applicants to follow all rules in order to attempt the test in a transparent and lucid manner.

  • All candidates must bring with them a valid identification document and a signed confidentiality agreement.

  • They would also be required to provide their details in a log maintained by the GRE test centre.

  • For the entire test, the candidates would be provided with scratch paper to carry out additional workings while answering a question in the GRE paper. This scratch paper would be returned to the test centre after the end of the session.

  • The candidates would also be provided with only an onscreen calculator for the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section.

  • As part of the test, the candidates are asked to raise their hands to raise any questions or doubts they may have during the exam.

  • After the test, the candidates can either report their scores or cancel them depending on their performance.

  • Although test-takers are allowed to see their unofficial scores, analytical writing scores would not be available due to the scoring method used.

  • To select recipients of their GRE scores, the candidates must book their desired universities or institutes through their ETS GRE account. One has to pay additional fees to be able to send extra score reports to universities.

Changing GRE Test Center

In this section, we will talk about the process of changing the test centres for the GRE exam. Generally, candidates have the right to do so no later than four days before the scheduled GRE test date and pay a USD 50 cancellation/rescheduling fee. Aside from this, they also have to provide proof of their GRE test centre renewal.

GRE Test Cities

Candidates can take the GRE General Test in India across cities like Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mysore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, and Trivandrum.

Explore Top GRE Accepting Universities Worldwide!

GRE Registration 2023

The GRE registration process can be completed in multiple ways. Students can book the test online, over the phone or via mail if they are planning to sit for the GRE test. Additionally, a slot can be booked by uploading a copy of a valid passport and payment of USD 228 as the GRE exam fee.

How to Register for GRE Online?

The GRE registration process online is very simple and can be completed by following a few simple steps:

Step 1: Candidates need to create an account on the official ETS website, the administrator for the test. 

Step 2: Select the type of GRE test.

Step 3: Select the appropriate test date and test centre.

Step 4: Pay the GRE fee.

How to Register for GRE Over the Phone?

To get in touch with the Regional Registration Centre for GRE, candidates must connect with the centre at least two days before their test date. To avoid having to call the centre again, candidates can register online using different acceptable payment methods such as credit or debit cards. They can also pay the GRE application fee by using their bank account.

Things to Remember Before Registering for GRE Exam

It is necessary to remember certain things before GRE exam registration. The same are given below:

  • The details you provide on the GRE application form should match those mentioned in your passport or any other accepted identification card. The GRE test centres have the right to bar you from entering the facility if any discrepancies are found with the details.

  • Before applying for the GRE exam, make sure that the test format chosen works for you and your aspirations. It is advisable to read the exam policies before you complete the GRE registration process.

GRE Exam Fee 2023

The GRE exam fee is the fee that test-takers have to mandatorily pay in order to complete the booking of the test date and test centre. In India, the GRE fee is USD 228 for General Test. Apart from that, students who are interested to sit for GRE Subject Test have to pay an additional fee of USD 150 per subject. To change the test centre or reschedule the exam to another date, candidates have to pay USD 50. 

Here are the GRE exam fees that are applicable to all test-takers in India:

Category

GRE Fees

GRE General Test in India

USD 228

GRE Fee to View Scores Online or Print Official Examinee Score Report Online

No Charge

Score Reinstatement Fee for GRE 

USD 50

GRE Exam Special Handling Requests

GRE exam special handling requests are the services that test-takers can ask from the ETS before or after taking the exam. The additional support services include late registration, changing test dates or centres or sending additional score reports. Candidates would be required to pay an additional fee for such services. The special handling charges for GRE Exams have been mentioned below:

Services

Fee (in USD)

GRE Exam Late Registration Fee

25

GRE Test Centre Changing Fee

50

GRE Standby Testing Fee

25

GRE Subject Change Fee

50

GRE Exam Rescheduling fee (rest of the world)

50

Note: The costs mentioned above for GRE exams are subject to change without notice. Therefore, candidates are advised to go through the official website or connect with us to receive the latest updates regarding the GRE tests.

Planning to Study Abroad?

GRE Slot Booking 2023

The GRE exam takes place at numerous GRE test centres in the country throughout the year on multiple dates. Students must book their test slots as early as possible as the seats get filled up quickly. 

Before selecting the test slots, the applicant must be aware of the eligibility criteria. One has to be at least 18 years old and should hold a bachelor’s degree to be eligible to sit for GRE. Besides that, one must also check the requirements of the universities before appearing for the exam. 

There are test centres across the major cities in India. Students can select the test centre that is in their vicinity. Since the GRE exam is a requirement for admission to graduate courses at various universities abroad, ETS has taken various measures to ensure that it is available to all students. 

The GRE at Home version allows students to take exams from their homes. However, before booking test slots for the home version, one must check the eligibility and equipment requirements.

GRE Exam Pattern 2023

GRE exam is conducted by ETS in two types - General Tests and Subject Tests. The General Test can be attempted by all candidates whereas the Subject Tests are only for students who have specialised subjects or have done bachelors in a particular subject. 

The GRE General Test consists of three parts, that is, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment. To complete the same, students get a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes or approximately 118 minutes.

The GRE Subject Tests check the knowledge of students in a particular subject with a focus on the undergraduate syllabus. Let us discuss the details of the computer-delivered GRE test below:

GRE Exam Pattern for Computer-Delivered Test

The computer-based GRE pattern contains two variable sections along with the usual quant, verbal and analytical writing sections. There is a 10-minute break after the quantitative portion. The two other sections are not scored, are mostly research-oriented and do not get added to the final scores. Given below is tabular data presenting details of the GRE computer-delivered test:  

GRE Sections

No. of Sections

Duration (in minutes)

Analytical Writing

One essay task; One section

30

Quantitative Reasoning

Two sections; a total of 27 questions

47

Verbal Reasoning

Two sections; a total of 27 questions

41

Total Duration

-

1 Hour and 58 minutes

GRE Syllabus 2023

It is crucial to understand the GRE syllabus and exam pattern before diving deep into preparing for it. The content of the GRE syllabus is focused on skills that students develop over time and are not unique to one discipline of study. It is required for all study fields.

GRE Syllabus: Analytical Writing (AWA) Section

The GRE analytical writing section checks if candidates can clearly and effectively articulate ideas. It also gauges whether they can use all the common elements of the English language. There are two tasks in this section:

  • Analyse an Issue
  • Analyse an Argument

GRE Syllabus: Verbal Reasoning Section

The Verbal Reasoning section of GRE is focused on the test-taker's ability to draw conclusions from discourses, reasons from the data that is incomplete, and understand the author’s perspectives and multiple layers of meaning in the text. The goal of the test is to help the test-taker summarise a text and understand its structure and its various meanings.

The GRE verbal syllabus includes:

GRE Verbal Syllabus

Basic Sentence structure: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives

Verb Tense

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

Pronoun Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement

Modifiers

Parallelism 

-

GRE Syllabus: Quantitative Reasoning Section

The quant section deals with the analysis, interpretation and understanding of quantitative information and solution to numeric problems with mathematical models. It also includes the application of foundational knowledge of mathematics. The detailed quant syllabus is given below: 

GRE Quantitative Reasoning Topics

Ratio and proportion

Profit and loss

Permutation and combination

Linear equations

Simple and compound interest

Speed, distance and time

Statistics

Powers and roots

Quadratic equations

Sets theory

Lines and angles

Triangles

Probability

Pipes, cisterns, work, time

Circles

Coordinate geometry

Polygon

Quadrilateral

Percentage

Number properties

Order of operations

Volume and surface area

GRE Preparation Tips 2023

To score high on GRE, it is necessary to have a well-grounded preparation strategy. You can prepare by yourself or enrol in coaching centres for guidance. As the preparation methods will be different, you have to decide which one will be more conducive to their situation. Besides, GRE coaching is available in both online and offline modes. 

How to Prepare for GRE Analytical Writing?

The preparation tips for GRE Analytical Writing are given below:

  • Create formats and templates for analytical writing tasks. This will help you to save time during the exam and sail through it with ease.

  • The Official Guide contains instructions to complete the tasks. These will contain six instructions for the issue task and eight for the argument task. Follow them to understand how to answer the questions.

  • In the argument task, do not discuss or agree with the statements in the argument. You are only required to evaluate the arguments according to the instructions given to you.

  • It is a good idea to complete all the tasks given on the GRE website. It will enable you to understand the type of questions that you can expect and improve your skills.

How to Prepare for GRE Verbal Reasoning?

The following preparation strategies will help with GRE Verbal Reasoning:

  • Learning proper GRE vocabulary helps to ace this section. You should also memorise the meaning of the words so that you can apply them in a relevant context. You can maintain a journal for the same where you will write the new words as you find them.

  • Read several newspapers and journals along with scientific studies. See if you are able to grip the main message of the passage and provide supporting evidence.

  • Instead of trying to solve the questions by plugging in the answers, focus on coming up with a word or phrase that you can then remove using the elimination process.

  • Time management is key to solving verbal reasoning questions smoothly. Learn to read the questions first and then skim through the passages.

How to Prepare for GRE Quantitative Reasoning?

Here are the important tips to create a master plan to prepare for GRE Quant:

  • Give emphasis on the fundamentals of GRE quant. Even though there are only a few questions that are based on mathematical fundamentals, it is still important to practice basic math skills for GRE.

  • Prioritise the topics that mostly come in the examination. Here, seeking expert guidance from experienced faculty will help you understand the most commonly asked questions in the GRE syllabus. Also, take a look at the list of topics that may appear on the test and make sure that you master each one.

  • Though mathematical concepts are not tested, still there are questions that are based on the understanding of basic concepts.

  • While calculators can be used in the quant section, make sure that you only use the basic maths operations provided by them.

Best Books for GRE

GRE books help students prepare for the three sections of the exam namely, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment. They provide a detailed understanding of the topics and also have test papers that speed up the learning process. For those planning to take the GRE exam, the following books may prove helpful:

GRE Official Guide

The Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test, Second Edition features two full-length tests, over 340 authentic GRE questions, and plenty of helpful tips and strategies. The book and eBook feature two full-length tests, as well as hundreds of authentic GRE questions. It also includes sample essay responses and helpful tips.

GRE Official Guide App

It is the most accurate and authentic that is designed by the test-makers. The Official GRE Guide app features detailed test questions and answers, as well as helpful tips and strategies. There are 125 Quantitative Reasoning and 125 Verbal Reasoning questions and four Analytical Writing tasks for students to practice. 

Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice

The Official GRE Verbal Reasoning practice questions, Volume One, provide an overview of the analytical writing measure. There are sample writing tasks and sample scored essays. It contains valuable hints and suggestions to go about with the test.

Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice

This book features over 150 Quantitative Reasoning practice questions, and it includes detailed explanations. The Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning practice questions in Volume One are never-before-published questions.

ScoreItNow! Online Writing Practice Service for the GRE

ScoreItNow! is a web-based practice tool that helps prepare for the analytical writing section of the revised General Test. The site features a variety of analytical writing practice questions and provides detailed advice on how to prepare for the section.

GRE Practice Papers 2023

For securing a good GRE score, GRE practice papers serve as powerful tools. However, not all the test papers available on the market adhere to the standards of the real GRE exam. Practising from such papers will do more harm than good. Students can miss important sections or be misguided. Taking the help of study abroad experts to avail free GRE mock test papers is the best way for practicing.

The purpose of taking GRE practice sets is to understand the syllabus and exam pattern of both the GRE General Test and Subject Tests. Once students have practised a few mock papers, they will grow confident and can receive a good GRE scorecard.

PowerPrep 2

If you only have time to take a couple of GRE mock tests, then these are the ones that you should choose. PowerPrep II is a great study material that will give you complete access to both the test and the software.

Pros:

  • The most realistic and up-to-date experience you can get on the actual GRE. These tests are section-adaptive, so your final score will be higher than if you took a non-adaptive exam.

  • Each test is section-adaptive, so it will give you a better score than the one you got from a non-adaptive test. 

  • The computer interface is also identical to what you'll see on exam day.

Cons:

  • The test does not provide explanations for how to solve problems, nor does it provide analytical writing scores.

ETS Paper Exams

ETS, the maker of the GRE, has released retired questions in the form of GRE practice tests. These are similar to the PowerPrep tests, but they're not as challenging. These are official tests that were taken several years ago and often are similar to the questions that you are likely to find on the GRE exam day.

Pros:

  • They are official tests, and hence are quite similar to the real GRE.

Cons:

  • For those who take the PowerPrep exams, there are multiple paper exams.

  • They will not give you the same exact answers as the computer.

GRE Question Papers

GRE question papers can help students prepare for the actual test by improving their skills to solve different types of questions. Students practice GRE mock tests on various platforms and organisations in both online and offline modes.

The GRE sample papers help in improving the skills and knowledge of students. The practice papers focus on multiple levels of difficulty and thus make students adept at a wide variety of questions. Also, they can practice online GRE question papers free of cost.

Students will be able to improve their chances of getting a high score on the GRE by understanding the exam pattern and different sections of the test well.

The GRE exam, being extremely challenging in nature, needs ample preparation and practice. It is accepted for admission to postgraduate courses in top universities across the world. Therefore, GRE exam papers help exam-takers improve their knowledge base and reduce stress during the real exam.

GRE Result 2023

Test-takers generally receive GRE results within 10 to 15 days after the test date which is notified by the testing centre via email. Besides, the GRE at Home results is available within the same time span.

Students must set a target score before starting with their preparation strategy. They must also note the score required for their specific programme. Check out the following table to understand the average GRE scores for various subjects that are considered good for admission purposes abroad.

Subject

GRE Quant Score

GRE Verbal Score

Education

147.3

150.8

Business

152

149.5

Humanities and Arts

149.2

156.5

Engineering

158.9

148.7

Social Sciences

150.1

152.9

Natural Sciences

153.1

150.8

Other Fields

148.9

149.7

Total

145.8

150.8

How to Receive GRE Score Report?

Test-takers will receive their GRE scorecard or report by registering to their account on the official website of ETS. After the registration process is complete, an email notification will be sent to the email address given. Later, candidates can visit the website to check their GRE scores.

What is a Good GRE Score?

Most of the time, candidates are confused about the exact details of their GRE scores. As a result, many of them get confused and end up with low scores, which can affect their chances of being admitted to their desired university. However, to understand what a good score GRE total score is, check out either one of the two tables here.

What is an Average GRE Score?

Every university sets its own GRE cut-off score which test-takers must be aware of. If their score exceeds the cut-off, they would be automatically considered for admission whereas the same might not be true if they score lower than the cut-off.  To calculate the average score out of the total GRE score, candidates can visit the official website of the university to check the score received by candidates in previous years.

Sending Your GRE Scores - GRE Score Reporting

One of the most important steps related to GRE tests is sending in your scores to the relevant universities, also known as GRE score reporting. When you register for the test, you are required to mention four graduate schools or fellowships that will receive your GRE scores.

GRE Scores and Statistics

The average GRE score requirements for different subjects will vary between the subjects and universities. For instance, an engineering student may need higher marks in the Quantitative section than in the Verbal section.

Therefore, before you start preparing for the GRE test, you need to identify what kind of score you need for your desired programme. You can use this table to get a rough idea about the average GRE score for required different subjects.

Subject

GRE Quant Score

GRE Verbal Score

Business

152

149.5

Engineering

158.9

148.7

Education

147.3

150.8

Natural Sciences

153.1

150.8

Humanities and Arts

149.2

156.5

Other Fields

148.9

149.7

Social Sciences

150.1

152.9

Total

145.8

150.8

GRE Cutoff 2023

GRE cutoff is not pre-determined and hence students must check with their desired course and university before appearing for the test. It is well-known that the higher the GRE scores, the better the chances of admission and getting scholarships from a university or college abroad.

What is a GRE Cutoff?

The GRE exam is organised annually in over 10,000 test centres by ETS. The GRE scores are accepted by all major institutions abroad for admission to various graduate programmes.

The verbal and analytical skills of candidates are adjudged and these are the crucial skills that universities require to admit prospective students. The GRE cut-off can vary depending on programmes and universities. ETS does not specify any particular cut-off for students.

GRE Exam Cutoffs For Top Universities Abroad

Listed below are some of the GRE cut-off scores that a few of the top universities in the world commonly require from their applicants for graduate admissions. Students can use these scores as a reference when applying to their desired institutions and universities abroad:

GRE Scores for USA: The USA is reputed for its universities that accept GRE scores. The acceptance rate at US universities is extremely competitive and hence a decent GRE score is required to be eligible for admission to graduate programmes. Some factors that are taken into account while shortlisting candidates are transcript records, language proficiency, extracurricular, and test scores. Top universities in the US accepting GRE scores include Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Virginia, The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and many more.

GRE Scores for UK: Most UK universities do not require students to study GRE scores for graduate admissions. However, students may submit the scores to increase their chances of getting offer letters. Some of the top universities in the UK that find GRE scores valid include, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Cambridge University, Oxford University and many more.

GRE Scores for Canada: Canada is a popular study-abroad destination among international students and universities accept GRE scores for students' admission to masters. Some of the top universities in Canada that deem GRE scores valid for graduate admissions include the University of Calgary, the University of Ottawa, HEC Montreal, and many more.

Apply to Popular GRE Accepting Across the World!

GRE Scholarships 2023

A good GRE score is often a stepping stone for aspiring and prospective international students who want to study abroad. While there are no specific GRE scholarships for international students, many universities may provide a number of scholarships based on a student's GRE scorecard. The purpose of GRE exam-based scholarships is to help meritorious candidates enrol in their desired programmes without worrying about any financial constraints.

What is a GRE Scholarship?

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Scholarships, like any other scholarships, are financial rewards conferred to meritorious students at a given university to study in their desired programme without facing any financial hassles. Since studying abroad can be relatively expensive, it is beneficial to secure a high score to become eligible for GRE exam-based scholarships offered by top universities around the world.

Having a good academic record along with a good GRE score are helpful factors that can help increase the chances of becoming eligible for scholarships for international students. It should be noted that not all universities offer GRE exam-based scholarships, awards and grants to international students.

Deciding Factors for GRE Scholarships

The following factors are the key factors that determine the amount of GRE scholarships available in top universities in the world.

  • A candidate's previous academic record and work experience are also taken into account to see how they would excel in the university.

  • Although a GRE exam scorecard is often regarded as the most important factor when it comes to applying for scholarships, many students with a low score or inadequate score on the test may find themselves ineligible for the programmes and grants offered by universities.

  • If a candidate has a high score on the GRE test and an insufficient score on the undergraduate test, they may be found not eligible for any scholarship programmes or grants offered by universities.

University-Based GRE Scholarships

Some graduate schools abroad will have specific requirements defining the minimum GRE scores required which may exclude a few candidates who do not meet these requirements from availing of such scholarships.

  • Scores in various entrance examinations and the language proficiency test.

  • All these components must be scored in order to get into the scholarship pool. 

  • The language proficiency test and GRE scores can be used to determine the highest possible award.

It should be noted that the university may not offer scholarship awards to students from all courses, even if the university offers GRE scholarships. Therefore, students should check the official website of their desired university to see if there are any scholarships available for international students.

Organisation-Based Scholarships:

These types of GRE exam-based scholarships will have different eligibility requirements than scholarships offered by universities. Aside from academic requirements, these scholarships may also highlight demographic requirements along with other requirements unique to the organisation or institution offering the scholarship based on GRE scores.

Aside from GRE exams, these types of scholarships also include requirements that are university, programme and/or country-specific. Students should also be aware that these types of scholarships will vary depending on the institution and the courses accepted.

Universities Accepting GRE Test Scores 2023

If you are applying for a master's or graduate degree anywhere in the world, then a GRE test score would generally be required. Universities across top study-abroad destinations such as the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and other destinations may require candidates to present GRE scores valid at the time of graduate admissions.

List of Top Universities Accepting GRE Scores 2023

GRE scores are used as part of the admission process for graduate programmes offered by some of the top universities globally. Therefore, any individual wishing to pursue graduate programmes in any one of the top countries abroad should take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Many of the top universities in the world accept GRE scores for admission to their MA/MS/MEngg and other professional graduate programmes.

One of the reasons behind universities and colleges in different countries accepting GRE scorecards is to help them analyse the aptitude of a prospective student. If you're applying to get into some of the top graduate schools abroad, then presenting GRE scores may be an important requirement.

Even if universities do not require their applicants to submit GRE scores, these scores can help you get an edge over other candidates as they help quantify your skills, knowledge and understanding, thus benefitting you for your admissions abroad.

The USA: The USA has earned a reputation for being a top study-abroad destination among international students. Some of the top universities in the country accept GRE scores of 310 and above. The US has been known for its top-quality education. Some of the schools that accept higher than 300 are Auburn University, Columbia University, and Dartmouth College.

Canada: If you're thinking of moving to Canada, then you have plenty of opportunities to enrol in one of the top universities that accept GRE scores. Some of these top Canadian universities that accept GRE scores include Concordia University, Algoma University, Dalhousie University, British Columbia University, York University, and many more.

The UK: The UK is known for its traditional, yet modern courses, which are highly renowned around the world. In addition, many of the country's top universities accept GRE scores of over 295 for admission to their graduate courses. Some of these include the London School of BusinessBoston College and many more.

Switzerland: In Switzerland, the country's beautiful mountains and ice-covered lakes can be seen in the backdrop of one of its universities. Many universities in Switzerland find GRE scores valid for graduate admissions. Some of these include the International University in Geneva, Webster University, The University of St. Gallen and many more.

Germany: Around 3 million international students study in Germany each year. Many of them choose to study graduate programmes in German universities since they offer top-quality programmes. TU Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University, and Technische Hochschule Deggendorf are some universities in Germany that accept GRE scores.

Australia: Australia is another country that has been a popular destination among international students for graduate studies. There are numerous top-notch universities in Australia that accept GRE scores. Some universities include the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, and Monash University.

The GRE is also considered one of the more prominent entrance examinations for MBA programmes as well as other graduate courses abroad. By scoring well, you can choose between a sea of options across different disciplines at the graduate level. With good GRE scores, you might be able to enrol in some of the top universities that find GRE scores valid for MBA programmes, as listed below:

Institution Name

GRE Score Range

Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania

162-167

Columbia Business School, University of Columbia

161-166

Harvard Business School, Harvard University

163-168

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

161-166

Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University

163-168

GRE Coaching Classes

Preparing for one of the more globally renowned and difficult tests is among the most crucial steps to studying abroad. Your GRE prep strategy will determine your chances of being enrolled in one of the top universities in the world.

Therefore, while it is entirely possible to prepare for GRE exams by yourself, your chances of earning a good GRE score can only be achieved through expert guidance offered by experienced GRE tutors.

There are several different GRE exam coaching classes and institutes you can choose from to prepare. However, the best coaching institutes for GRE tests in India will offer you the following services:

  • A personalised Study Plan that works around your requirements and commitments.

  • Personalised evaluation sessions to help you gauge your progress in preparing for the test.

  • Additional classes and result-oriented strategies that help you improve your scores.

  • Customised questions and quizzes to help you enhance your aptitude for the test, along with question banks to help you revise everything you have learnt during your classes.

  • More importantly, you should be connected with experienced faculty that can help you tackle challenges that are unique to you.

GRE Conducting Body

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) which was founded in 1947. Today, it is the largest private educational testing organisation in the world, known to develop, administer and evaluate GRE tests and other tests such as TOEFL, TOEIC and Praxis Tests.

In total, ETS conducts over 50 million tests across the board in over 180 countries at more than 9,000 locations, including numerous major cities in India.

It has been certified to the ISO 27001:2013 standard by National Quality Assurance (NQA) for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS); ISO 9001:2015 standard by DEKRA Certification, Inc; and National Quality Assurance (NQA) for its Business Continuity Management System (BCMS).

Planning to Pursue Your Higher Education Abroad?

FAQs on GRE Overview

What is GRE full form?

The GRE full form is Graduate Record Examinations. The exam is conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is accepted for master’s admission by various graduate and business schools across the world. The ability of a test-taker is measured through verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing sections.

What is cost of GRE exam?

The cost of the GRE Exam is USD 213, while the GRE subject test costs USD 150. This is equivalent to around INR 15,912 for Indian students. If the applicant wants to change the test date or location, they will have to pay an additional fee of USD 50, also called as rescheduling fees. To avoid forfeiting the fee, candidates must reschedule for the test no later than four days before the scheduled date.

What is a good GRE score?

A good GRE score could be considered anywhere around 300 or above. However, since a score of 260 is the minimum requirement for admission to most of the universities abroad, anything below this level is not considered as a good GRE score. The minimum score required for admission abroad varies from university to university. Hence, it is important to note down the scores that are set by the institution for the programme you aspire to pursue.

How can a candidate opt for a paper copy of the GRE Score Report?

Candidates opt for a paper copy of the GRE Score Report though the official website. The GRE General Test scores are provided on the ETS account of test takers within 15 days after the test. Students also receive an email notification when the GRE Score Report is released. A paper copy of GRE Score Report can be printed from the official website. ETS does not send hard copies of Score Reports to the test takers.

What if I entered incorrect information during the registration process?

Most of the information that students enter can be corrected except for their Birthdate and Name. Before proceeding, students should make sure to double-check the details that they enter. Candidates must also ensure that the details on their registration is exactly the same as on their passports. If the issue persists, they can always contact the helpdesk and request assistance.

What all details will be there on the score report?

A GRE Score Report contains two kinds of details. One is the candidate's contact information, including their email address and phone number. Another details is about their associated percentiles. The scores are computed on the GRE General Test's three scales: a verbal reasoning score, a quantitative reasoning score, and an analytical writing score. The official score reports of GRE are sent to the institutions selected by the test takers.

Why choose GRE over other exams?

Indians aspiring to study abroad should choose GRE over other exams for the following reasons:

  • It is widely accepted exam that helps test takers to secure admission to top universities.
  • GRE Test measures skills that most schools and graduates need to excel in academic success.

Additionally, the test helps recruiters identify the potential students who can excel in their chosen fields.

What documents do candidates need to carry to the exam centre on the day of the exam?

The documents that candidates need to carry to the exam centre on the day of the exam are very limited. These incude an identity card and a mask that students bring with themselves. No other personal items, including smartphones and tablets, are allowed inside the testing room.

GRE vs LSAT: Which Exam is Better?

Out of GRE and LSAT exams, GRE is definitely a better exam for those aspiring to study abroad as it opens up more options. It is practical to sign up for GRE as it allows students to apply to many other graduate programmes available worldwide other than just the ones offered by international law schools. However, for students interested in pursuing law programmes only, holding an LSAT score might give them an edge over the GRE score holders.

What is the GRE General Test used for?

The GRE General Test is used to apply to graduate schools abroad. It is designed to test your abilities and skills of overcoming with challenging of demanding graduate curriculum. The test acts as a stepping stone towards admission into rigorous programmes in any field. Hence, it is widely popular among prospective students from all around the world who are looking to enrol into master's degrees.

What is the difference between the GRE General and Subject test?

The main difference between the GRE General and Subject tests is that the GRE General test is required by most universities for admission to almost any masters programme. Whereas the GRE Subject test allows students to pursue their higher education in a particular subject. A GRE Subject test score helps students specify their field of study at the time of admission increasing their chances of being enrolled into their chosen specialisation. While most graduate programmes do not require the GRE Subject test, it is still beneficial for many students to take this test to demonstrate this level of expertise in their chosen field. Coming to exam structure, the General test includes Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing Assessment while GRE Subject test only includes multiple choice questions. It eliminates the need for students to provide numerical responses.

Is the GRE better than the GMAT?

While the GRE is the only graduate admission test common for all graduate programs including an MBA, GMAT might be preferred by some b-schools. So, it entirely depends on your post-MBA goals and the requirements of the school you are applying to.

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.

In what all modes is the GRE test conducted?

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

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.

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.

What is the total duration of GRE Subject Test?

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

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.

Who conducts the GRE?

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

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.

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