It depends on your strengths. GRE has tougher vocabulary in the verbal section, while GMAT emphasizes grammar. GRE quant is generally a bit easier than GMAT quant. Check your university’s requirements before choosing.
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The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is commonly required by universities and colleges abroad for admission to graduate programs. Whether you’re applying for a master’s, Ph.D., or MBA, the GRE may be necessary depending on your target university. Additionally, strong GRE scores can enhance your chances of securing merit-based scholarships for graduate studies.
Let us take a quick check about the GRE General Test in India from the table below:
| Specifics | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Graduate Record Examination |
| Official Website | https://www.ets.org/gre |
| Popular For | MS programs in the US |
| Conducted By | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer and Paper - Delivered Test |
| GRE Fee | INR 22,000 for the General Test in India |
| Score Range (Maximum Score Possible: 340) | |
| Time Limit | EUR 300 – 500 per year1 hour 58 minutes (from September 22, 2023) |
The GRE is a crucial exam for international admissions. Here are some key points students should know:
Accepted globally for MS, MBA, and PhD programs.
Open to all nationalities with no restrictions.
Often used to determine eligibility for merit-based scholarships.
| Test Section | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 question related to the analysis of a situation, incident or issue. | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning (Section 1) | 12 questions | 18 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning (Section 2) | 15 questions | 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Section 1) | 12 questions | 21 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Section 2) | 15 questions | 26 minutes |
The ETS GRE scores range between 260 and 340. Here’s a breakdown of scores by section:
Verbal Reasoning: 130 – 170 (1-point increments)
Quantitative Reasoning: 130 – 170 (1-point increments)
Analytical Writing: 0 – 6 (0.5-point increments)
320+ is generally considered competitive for top universities.
310 to 320 is a solid score for mid to upper-tier universities.
Below 300 may be accepted by some programs, but retaking the test is often recommended for better chances
| Feature | GRE | TOEFL | IELTS | GMAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Graduate, MBA, and PhD admissions | English language proficiency | English language proficiency | Business school admissions |
| Accepted In | US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia | US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more | US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more | Global MBA and business schools |
| Sections | Verbal, Quant, Analytical Writing | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Verbal, Quant, Integrated Reasoning, AWA |
| Scoring Range | 260 - 340 (total) | 0 - 120 | 0 - 9 band | 200 - 800 (total) |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 2 years | 2 years | 5 years |
| Test Duration | about 2 hours | about 2 hours | about 2 hours 45 minutes | about 3.5 hours |
| Conducted By | ETS | ETS | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Stanford University
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of Virginia
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
No, the GRE is not mandatory for all programs. Many universities have made it optional, so it’s best to check the specific requirements on your target university’s official website.
No, the GRE is not mandatory for all programs. Many universities have made it optional, so it’s best to check the specific requirements on your target university’s official website.
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your GRE test through your ETS account. Make sure to do it at least 4 days before the test date (10 days if you’re in mainland China). Keep in mind that rescheduling comes with additional fees.
No, there is no negative marking for wrong answers, so it’s best to attempt all questions.
It depends on your strengths. GRE has tougher vocabulary in the verbal section, while GMAT emphasizes grammar. GRE quant is generally a bit easier than GMAT quant. Check your university’s requirements before choosing.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is commonly required by universities and colleges abroad for admission to graduate programs. Whether you’re applying for a master’s, Ph.D., or MBA, the GRE may be necessary depending on your target university. Additionally, strong GRE scores can enhance your chances of securing merit-based scholarships for graduate studies.
Let us take a quick check about the GRE General Test in India from the table below:
| Specifics | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Graduate Record Examination |
| Official Website | https://www.ets.org/gre |
| Popular For | MS programs in the US |
| Conducted By | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer and Paper - Delivered Test |
| GRE Fee | INR 22,000 for the General Test in India |
| Score Range (Maximum Score Possible: 340) | |
| Time Limit | EUR 300 – 500 per year1 hour 58 minutes (from September 22, 2023) |
There are no strict age or educational qualifications required to take the GRE. However, it is advisable to complete your undergraduate degree before appearing for the exam, as it is primarily intended for admission to graduate-level programs.
| Test Section | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 question related to the analysis of a situation, incident or issue. | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning (Section 1) | 12 questions | 18 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning (Section 2) | 15 questions | 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Section 1) | 12 questions | 21 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Section 2) | 15 questions | 26 minutes |
| Feature | GRE | TOEFL | IELTS | GMAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Graduate, MBA, and PhD admissions | English language proficiency | English language proficiency | Business school admissions |
| Accepted In | US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia | US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more | US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more | Global MBA and business schools |
| Sections | Verbal, Quant, Analytical Writing | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Verbal, Quant, Integrated Reasoning, AWA |
| Scoring Range | 260 - 340 (total) | 0 - 120 | 0 - 9 band | 200 - 800 (total) |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 2 years | 2 years | 5 years |
| Test Duration | about 2 hours | about 2 hours | about 2 hours 45 minutes | about 3.5 hours |
| Conducted By | ETS | ETS | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
No, the GRE is not mandatory for all programs. Many universities have made it optional, so it’s best to check the specific requirements on your target university’s official website.
No, the GRE is not mandatory for all programs. Many universities have made it optional, so it’s best to check the specific requirements on your target university’s official website.
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your GRE test through your ETS account. Make sure to do it at least 4 days before the test date (10 days if you’re in mainland China). Keep in mind that rescheduling comes with additional fees.
No, there is no negative marking for wrong answers, so it’s best to attempt all questions.
It depends on your strengths. GRE has tougher vocabulary in the verbal section, while GMAT emphasizes grammar. GRE quant is generally a bit easier than GMAT quant. Check your university’s requirements before choosing.
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