Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Name of the Examination	Graduate Record Examination
Common Name	GRE
Conducting Body	Educational Testing Services (ETS)
Frequency of the Examination	Slots Remain Open for the Whole Year
Exam Level	International-Level Exam

What is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

The Graduate Record Examination or GRE is a world-renowned entrance examination conducted for postgraduate courses in colleges worldwide. 

The exam is conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS), which is the largest private non-profit educational testing and assessment organization in the world. 

• Exam Details
• Exam Dates
• Registration
• Exam Centres
• GRE Syllabus and Books
• GRE Exam Pattern
• GRE Preparation Tips
• Results
• Selection Process After GRE
• Eligibility Criteria

GRE is conducted in more than 1,000 test centres in more than 160 countries across the globe. Candidates can seek admissions in the world's renowned institutions with their GRE scores. 

ETS GRE can be taken by candidates for pursuing management, law, and other courses at these institutions. 

World-Renowned Institutions that Accept GRE Scores: 

1. Stanford University
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
3. The University of Texas
4. Boston University
5. Harvard University
6. Princeton University
7. Carnegie Mellon University
8. London Business School
9. University of Sheffield
10. University of Birmingham

Apart from institutions across the world, there are many colleges in Bangalore that accept GRE Scores. 

These colleges provide a dynamic pedagogy that candidates can explore and excel in their respective fields.

Candidates can seek admissions in Bangalore by checking out the respective cut off and other requirements of these institutions. 

Exam slots for ETS GRE are open throughout the year and candidates can book theirs conveniently. To undertake the exam, they have to complete their graduation in the relevant field. 

GRE Exam Details:

GRE Exam Dates: 

ETS conducts GRE on all days of the year. Candidates can register for any of the exam slots based on their suitability. 

ETS sends the exam scores to the designated recipients within 10 to 15 days; hence, candidates should select their slots in such a manner that it complies well with the respective institution's application deadline and GRE results. 

Candidates can take the GRE only once every 21 days. They can undertake the exam only 5 times in a period consisting of 365-days (12 months). 

It shall apply even after the candidate decides to cancel the scores of the test taken previously. 

GRE Registration:

Candidates can follow the below-mentioned process for ETS GRE registration.

Creating an ETS Account: 

Step 1: Candidates have to visit the official website of Educational Testing Services (ETS). 
Step 2: They have to click on the GRE Tab, which is on the upper half of the home page. 
Step 3: Candidates have to click on the "ETS Account" tab, which is located on the top right of the page. 
Step 4: They have to click on the tab for "Create an Account".
Step 5: Candidates have to provide the required information, which shall consist of the following: 

1. Personal Information
2. Communication Address
3. Phone
4. Communication Preference

Step 6: After filling in the information mentioned above, candidates have to move over to the next tab, which is "Username and Password". Here, they have to submit the following information: 

1. Username for ETS
2. Password
3. Security Question
4. Answer to the Security Question

Step 7: Candidates have to check the box of the Terms and Conditions for ETS. After doing this, candidates have to click on the "Next" tab. 
Step 8: Candidates have to review the information that they have provided for the GRE exam and hit "Submit".

Candidates have to log in using their Username and Password. Their ETS accounts will be used for the following processes:

1. The registration process for the GRE Exam.
2. Applying for GRE Test Centres and changing them if required. 
3. Candidates can use it for viewing, cancelling, or changing their GRE registration. 
4. The account can also be used for purchasing the preparation materials for GRE. 

How to fill the GRE Application Form?

Step 1: Candidates have to visit the official website of Educational Testing Services (ETS). 
Step 2: They have to click on the GRE Tab, which is on the upper half of the home page. 
Step 3: Candidates have to click on the "ETS Account" tab, which is located on the top right of the page. 
Step 4: They have to log in using their User ID and Password. 
Step 5: After logging in, candidates have to click on the tab "Register/ Find Test Centres and Dates"
Step 6: Candidates have to select "GRE General Test" from the dropdown menu. 
Step 7: After selecting the exam, candidates have to check for the nearest exam centres. For this, candidates have to choose the area or landmark which is nearest to them and the date on which they are willing to take the exam. 
Step 8: The list of exam centres on the given date and the available slots will be displayed on the candidate's screen. They have to select their preferred slots and begin their registration for the exam. 
Step 9: On the next page, candidates will be given the option to edit their GRE exam details. If they don't wish to do it, then they can check the "Testing Policies" box at the end of the page. 
Step 10: After that, candidates will be taken to another page. Here they can view their information and select to be a part of "GRE Search Service". 
Step 11: On the next tab, candidates have to enter their background information. After this, they will be taken to the test preparation tab, wherein they can buy test preparation material for free. 
Step 12: Candidates have to pay the GRE Exam Fee and checkout of the registration process. 

What is the GRE Search Service? 

Signing up for GRE Search Service will help the candidates to be a part of the search service database. 

Esteemed institutions around the world use this database to find potential candidates for their programs. 

If the candidates match the requirements of these institutions, then they shall be called for the admission process. 

Candidates can sign up for this process for free. Institutions shall have access to the background details, contact information, and scores of the candidates. 

GRE Exam Fees: 

GRE exam fees for candidates in India is $ 213. Other than this, exam rescheduling fee is $50 and exam centre change is $50.

GRE Exam Centres: 

GRE is conducted in more than 1,000 test centres in more than 160 countries across the world. Following are the Indian cities which have GRE centres: 

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, ETS has given candidates an option to take their exam from home, wherein candidates will have an on-screen experience, same as that of an ETS GRE test centre. 

ETS will employ a human proctor who will monitor the candidates through ProctorU to point out any illegal measures adopted by them. 

GRE Syllabus and Books:

A) Analytical Writing:

Following are the 2 tasks in this section: 

1. Analyze an Issue
2. Analyze an Argument

Candidates have to conduct a critical analysis of the issue and the argument that is given to them. They have to agree or disagree with the claims mentioned in the task with good reasons. 

For this section, candidates will be marked based on the following parameters: 

• Candidate's ability to simplify and bring clarity to the ideas and presenting them clearly and effectively. 
• Stating relevant reasons and examples for their views on the given situation. 
• The method in which the candidate has examined the claims, presented their evidence and shared their thoughts on those claims.
• Presentation of a discussion/ ideas focused on the main theme, which helps to conclude the given task. 
• Quality of English in which the answer has been written. 

Books for Analytical Writing: 

B) Verbal Reasoning: 

Following are the 3 parts in which this section:

Reading Comprehension: 

Candidates will be tested based on comprehensions that are either 1 paragraph or several paragraphs long. There will be approximately 10 passages for the examination. 

The comprehension passages will be accompanied by several MCQs. Candidates have to analyze, summarize, and infer the logic or data to answer the questions. 

Comprehension passages can belong to the following categories: 

• Physical Sciences
• Biological Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Business
• Arts and Humanities
• Other topics, which are both academic and non-academic.

Text Completion:

This section shall require candidates to solve questions by filling in the missing word or replacing words. 

They will be asked passage-type or sentence-based questions in this section. Candidates need to have a good understanding of grammar rules and vocabulary. 

They need to study Parts of Speech, Tenses, and Sentence Analogy to prepare well for this section.

Sentence Equivalence:

This section is the same as that of the Text Completion section, with the only difference being that the candidates will be given partial information. 

They have to complete the sentence by using the correct logic and the right words. 

Candidates have to answer single line-type questions for which they have to select the correct answer from the options provided. 

For this section, candidates will be marked based on the following parameters: 

• Ability to analyze and draw conclusions from the mentioned passage or sentence. 
• They will be marked based on their multiple levels of understanding of the author's view and his/ her intent.   
• Candidates will be marked on their understanding of grammatical concepts and vocabulary knowledge. 
• Ability to structurize the text to derive a robust meaning. 
• Candidates will be marked based on their understanding of the relationship and meaning among words and sentences. 

Books for Verbal Reasoning: 

Arithmetic:

Algebra:

Geometry:

Data Analysis:

Candidates will be provided with an on-screen calculator while solving this section. 

Books for Quantitative Reasoning: 

GRE Official Preparation Material by ETS: 

Other than the books by other publishers and coaching centre preparation materials, candidates can go for ETS's official preparation materials:

GRE Exam Pattern: 

Candidates will be given a 10-minute break, post the 3rd section. Apart from that, candidates will be given time to login into the portal and get ready for the examination. 

GRE Preparation Tips: 

Candidates can prepare for GRE strategically through the below-mentioned ETS GRE preparation steps: 

A) Analytical Writing:

1. Candidates should inculcate extensive reading and writing habits for this section. 
2. They should be well-read to present their opinions in a well-formulated manner. 
3. They should practise writing with the correct flow and proper presentation of ideas, as is needed for the exam. 
4. Candidates should practise writing with time as they will be given only 30-minutes for each task under this section. 

B) Verbal Reasoning: 

1. Candidates should have a clear idea of Grammatical Concepts and Vocabulary. They should prepare these topics properly as it forms the crux of this section. 
2. They should inculcate the habit of extensive reading to help solve the reading comprehension questions efficiently. 
3. Candidates should read the passage carefully and answer the questions. They shouldn't assume any answers for reading comprehension. 
4. Candidates should read Novels, Newspapers, and Magazines to improve their English and score good marks in this section. 
5. They should practise by keeping track of the time as they have only 30-minutes to answer the questions. 
6. Candidates should prevent spending too much time on questions, which they can't solve. They should move on to the next question. 
7. Candidates should practise various questions related to these topics as questions can be asked from various sources. 

C) Quantitative Reasoning: 

1. Candidates should prepare the basic concepts of the topics properly.
2. Practising this section's topics from various resources will help the candidates have a proper understanding of the kind of questions. 
3. Important formulas and concepts of the topics should be practised daily. This will help the candidates to get acclimated to the topics better. 
4. Candidates should develop shortcut tricks for solving the questions in these sections. This will help them solve the questions faster, given the time constraints. 

Apart from preparing for the sections in a well-strategized manner, candidates should keep calm and go about the GRE preparation process.

They should take good care of their health by keeping themselves physically as well as mentally fit.Also, candidates should answer ample amounts of mock tests before the GRE examination. It will help them devise a proper strategy to answer the questions. 

Documents to be Carried to the GRE Test Centres: 

Candidates have to provide identification information at the time of filling the GRE Application form. The information provided should be the same as what is provided on their Identity Card.

Also, they have to carry the Identity Card to the GRE Test Centre; otherwise, they won't be allowed entry. 

Candidates must ensure that the documents should be original and up-to-date. The Identity Card requirements of the candidates will vary according to different countries.

Candidates will not be issued any Admit Card for the process. They will be granted entry into the exam centres based on the Identity Card only.

Below are the general requirements of the Identity Card that should be carried to the GRE Test Centres: 

1. Candidates cannot carry a photocopied or digital version of the documents. 
2. It should be a Government-issued National, State, or Provincial approved Identity Card.  
3. The Identity Card should bear the first and last name exactly as what is provided for the registration process. 
4. The Identity Card should have a recent and recognizable passport-size photograph. Also, the identity card should carry the signature of the candidates. 

Candidates taking the exam in India can carry government-approved documents such as Passport, PAN Card, and others. 

They will have to go through several ID verification checks at the exam centres. Following are the checks that will be carried out at the test centres:

1. Biometric Voice and Photo Identification
2. Fingerprint Scanning
3. Videotaping
4. Signature Comparison

If the candidates refuse to participate in these verification checks, then they can be barred from entering the exam centre. 

What should a candidate do in case he/ she is unable to meet the document requirements?

Candidates who have been granted political asylum or are refugees in other countries will not be able to meet the document requirements. 

In such a case, they should contact the ETS Office of Testing Integrity (OTI). They should do it at least 7 days before registering for the GRE Exam. 

After the OTI's approval, these candidates can register for the exam. They should submit all the required documents that are needed for the process.

If the steps mentioned above are not followed, then the candidate won't be allowed to appear for the examination, and the exam fees will not be refunded. 

Candidates can contact the OTI through the following channels: 

Email ID: TSReturns@ets.org

Phone Number: 

• 1-800-750-6991 (Only for the United States of America, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Canada)
• 1-609-406-5430 (For all other locations)

Fax: 1-609-406-9709

Date & Time: Monday-Friday (7:30 AM to 5:30 PM) 

GRE Results: 

GRE scores will be available on a candidate's ETS account after 10 to 15 days after the exam has been conducted. They will be notified via email regarding the release of the results. 

Candidates can check their GRE results using the following steps:

Details on GRE Scorecard: 

Below are the details mentioned on the GRE Scorecard: 

• Contact Information such as Name, Phone Number, and Email ID
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Intended Graduate Major
• Test Date and Test Centre
• GRE Test Score and the Percentile Ranks
• Cumulative Record of Scores reported within the last 5 Years. 

Following information are sent to the designated institutions: 

• Contact Information such as Name, Phone Number, and Email ID
• Intended Graduate Major
• GRE Test Score and the Percentile Ranks

GRE Test Scores are valid for 5 years only. Also, candidates can choose to report or not report their GRE Scores to the designated institutions after the unofficial GRE score has been released. 

Those going for this option won't be able to view their Analytical Writing Scores.

Selection Process after GRE: 

A) Group Discussion or GD: For this process, candidates will be grouped to discuss a given topic. They should be well-versed with all the relevant topics. 

They will be judged on the following skills:

1. Communication Skills
2. Team Skills
3. Clarity of Ideas

B) Personal Interview or PI: Candidates will be facing a panel of 2 to 4 persons. The panel usually consists of professors and notable alumni of the college. 

Candidates will be judged in the PI based on:

1. Clarity of ideas
2. Communication skills
3. Overall personality
4. Confidence

C) Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Resume: Colleges shall require a Statement of Purpose or Resume for the admission process. 

Candidates have to prepare the documents and send them to the respective colleges before the deadline. 

For SOP, candidates can follow the structure mentioned below:

1. Introduction of the Candidate
2. Academic Background
3. Professional Background
4. Career Goals and Vision
5. Conclusion