GRE Exam 2025: Registration, Exam Dates & Centres, Eligibility, Pattern, Results
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a globally accepted, computer-based standardized test used for admissions to graduate (MS/MA), business (MBA), and some doctoral programs—most commonly in the United States and Canada, and increasingly worldwide. The test evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, providing universities a common metric to assess readiness for graduate-level study. The GRE is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service).
Two formats are available:
- GRE General Test (most common): assesses reasoning and writing skills.
- GRE Subject Tests (selected disciplines): assess depth of knowledge in a specific subject (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Psychology).
You can take the GRE at authorized test centres or opt for GRE General Test at Home (proctored remotely).
The current GRE General Test duration is ~1 hour 58 minutes; Subject Tests run ~2 to 2.5 hours depending on subject.
GRE 2025 — Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Graduate Record Examinations |
| Acronym | GRE |
| Conducted by | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Official Website | https://www.ets.org/gre |
| Year Introduced | 1936 |
| Who Takes It | Applicants to MS/MBA/PhD and other graduate programs |
| Modes | Test Centre (computer-based) · GRE General Test at Home |
| General Test Duration | ~1 hr 58 min |
| Subject Test Duration | ~2–2.5 hours (by subject) |
| Sections (General Test) | Verbal Reasoning · Quantitative Reasoning · Analytical Writing |
| Question Types | Mostly multiple-choice; 1 essay task (Analytical Writing) |
| Scores | Verbal: 130–170 · Quant: 130–170 · AWA: 0–6 |
| Fees (India) | ₹22,000 (General) · ₹14,500 (Subject) |
| Centres (India) | Multiple centres across ~46 cities |
| Score Validity | 5 years |
| Result Timeline | Typically 8–10 days |
| Contact (India) | Phone: 1800-120-0371 · Email: GRESupport4India@ets.org |
GRE 2025 Pattern (General Test)
The latest, shorter GRE General Test keeps the same skills focus in less time.
Overall Structure
| Section | No. of Questions | Time |
| Analytical Writing (Analyze an Issue) | 1 essay | 30 min |
| Verbal Reasoning – Section 1 | 12 | 18 min |
| Verbal Reasoning – Section 2 | 15 | 23 min |
| Quantitative Reasoning – Section 1 | 12 | 21 min |
| Quantitative Reasoning – Section 2 | 15 | 26 min |
| Total | 54 MCQs + 1 Essay | ~1 hr 58 min |
Adaptive Design: Within each measure, your second section difficulty adapts based on performance in the first section. An on-screen calculator is available for Quant.
GRE Subject Tests (Overview)
- Subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Psychology
- Use: Programs that require evidence of subject-specific preparation
- Duration: Typically ~2 to 2.5 hours (varies by subject)
- Format: Multiple-choice; content tailored to each discipline
Syllabus Snapshot (General Test)
Analytical Writing (AWA)
- Task: Analyze an Issue (1 essay)
- Skills Assessed: Developing/organizing arguments, supporting ideas with reasons/examples, clarity and coherence of writing.
Verbal Reasoning
- Skills: Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, text completion, sentence equivalence.
- You should be comfortable with:
- Vocabulary in context
- Logical inference and argument evaluation
- Sentence structure (agreement, modifiers, parallelism, idioms) as it relates to meaning
Quantitative Reasoning
- Skills: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, quantitative comparisons, problem solving.
- Typical Topics: Percentages, ratios/proportions, exponents/roots, lines/angles, triangles/quadrilaterals/circles, descriptive stats, data interpretation.
Eligibility (2025)
- No official age or qualification requirement to sit for the GRE.
- Valid passport is typically required as ID at the test centre (and for registration details).
- Universities set their own program-specific admission criteria (minimum scores, prerequisites, etc.).
Registration & Slot Booking (India)
You can register anytime—popular dates fill fast, so book at least 4–6 weeks before application deadlines.
How to Register (Online)
- Create/login to your ETS account: https://www.ets.org/mygre
- Choose GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test.
- Pick test centre or GRE at Home, then select date & time.
- Enter personal details exactly as on your passport.
- Pay the fee (₹22,000 General / ₹14,500 Subject).
- Save the confirmation email and receipt.
Before You Book
- Ensure your ETS profile name matches your passport word-for-word.
- Read ETS policies (ID, postponement, rescheduling, cancellations).
- Check your target universities’ score requirements & deadlines.
Results, Scores & Validity
- Score Posting: Typically 8–10 days after test date to your ETS account.
- Score Range: Verbal 130–170, Quant 130–170 (1-point increments); AWA 0–6 (half-point increments).
- Validity: 5 years.
- You can send scores to institutions directly from your ETS account (some free score recipients may be included—check your ETS cart at booking).
GRE at Home (India)
- Same content, format, and scoring as the test-centre version.
- 24/7 availability on selected dates/times; remote human proctoring.
- Requires a compatible computer, stable internet, webcam, and a private, well-lit room.
Practical Tips
- Plan backwards from university deadlines (allow time for score delivery, potential retake).
- Take a diagnostic test, then build a study plan (8–12 weeks is common).
- For Quant: refresh algebra/data interpretation early; for Verbal: read dense editorials/journals and practice TC/SE.
- Write at least 4–6 full AWA essays under time.
- Do section-adaptive practice and review mistakes deeply—not just answers.
Quick FAQ
Is the GRE mandatory?
Many MS/MBA/PhD programs consider GRE; some are test optional. Always check each program’s current policy.
What is a “good” GRE score?
Depends on program competitiveness. Review each school’s class profile or published score ranges.
How often can I take the GRE?
Policy limits/intervals can apply—check ETS for the latest retake rules and waiting periods.