GRE Exam Preparation
Overview
The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a competitive test to analyze students’ analytical skills and English language proficiency. The GRE exam quantifies your ability to evaluate, think critically and solve problems. It is a standard computer-based test that encompasses multiple-choice type questions.
These test scores are required to secure admission to the best universities in the world. The GRE exam score is attached to the application, along with a letter of recommendation and statement of purpose. A good score may even help you land a scholarship. A GRE exam is popular among students planning to pursue MS or MBA Abroad.
The GRE exam is organized annually and is associated with the Educational Training Service (ETS). The test scores apply in approximately 160 countries and almost all B-schools and universities worldwide. The population of GRE takers has seen a whopping hike from 3.1% in 2020-2021 to 68% in 2021-2023, indicating the popularity of the exam.
Table Of Content
- What is a GRE Exam?
- Why Opt for the GRE Exam?
- GRE Exam Eligibility
- Book a GRE Exam Date
- GRE Exam Registration
- GRE Exam Pattern & Format
- GRE Exam Syllabus
- GRE Exam Fees
- GRE Score Chart
- GRE Scores For Different Universities
- How to Send GRE Results to Universities?
- Why Prepare for the GRE Exam with us?
- Tips to Prepare for the GRE Exam
What is a GRE Exam?
The GRE exam is a general test to analyze your skills and the academic excellence of candidates willing to pursue higher studies abroad. The standard test scores are accepted worldwide for admission to master’s programs. Moreover, the students looking to enroll in MS, MBA, or any other professional course may also appear for the GRE.
Why Opt for the GRE Exam?
- Here are some facts to understand why people opt for the GRE exam before applying.
The GRE contains 3 sections- Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. - The test has 2 formats, i.e., paper-based and computer-based. However, the computer-based test is more popular.
- The GRE in a computer-based system follows the section-adaptive policy, which is well-known to eliminate ineligible candidates. It keeps on getting tough as you proceed further. So, if the bar of questions is rising in every section, then just know that you are doing well in the test.
Example: The initial section contains verbal and quantitative segments with medium difficulty. Your performance in the previous section will decide the difficulty level in the next section. If you perform well, it gives you a chance to earn a better score. The candidates who did not score well in the first section will eventually be ruled out.
- Every section in the GRE should be assessed separately, as suggested by the ETS.
GRE Exam Eligibility
If you plan to pursue a master’s degree abroad, you can book a slot for the GRE. The GRE exam eligibility also depends upon the university you opt for. Moreover, a valid passport is the only document required to apply for the exam.
Note– The expired IDs accepted by ETS are up to 90 days after the expiration date.
Book a GRE Exam Date
Booking a GRE exam date is a vital step, and it only takes 15 minutes! Book a slot as soon as you decide to take the test because, due to last-minute bookings, the students face slot availability issues. You have a 2-month time to book the GRE exam date, but it is suggested that you book it in advance. This helps avoid any inconvenience; as an early bird, you can get a slot and an exam centre of your choice!
GRE Exam Registration
There are different ways to register for the GRE exam. The popular ways to write are either online or over the phone, and other ways are email and fax. You need to follow a 4-step process to register for the exam, and the steps are as follows:
- Create your GRE account through their official website: https://www.ets.org/mygre
- Fill in your details and credentials, such as name, contact number, username, password, etc.
- Select one of the two tests you want to take: GRE general or GRE subject test.
- Choose the time/date as per the availability of the slot and your suitability.
- Complete the registration by paying the fees, i.e., INR 16,180.
GRE Exam Pattern & Format
Before appearing for any exam, it is vital to understand the GRE exam pattern and format. So, GREs are of two types, i.e., GRE general test and GRE subject test. The available test is computer-based, and the subject test is paper-based.GRE General Test Format
The GRE general test format uses a holistic approach to analyse a candidate’s performance. In simple terms, the exam will test your analytical skills, command over the English language and aptitude.
The exam is divided into 5 categories: Quantitative reasoning, Verbal reasoning and Analytical writing. There are two more sections, namely, Unscored and Research.
GRE General Test Sections | Description |
GRE Verbal Reasoning | The most competitive section that deals with your understanding of complex English. |
GRE Quantitative Reasoning | Check your mathematical aptitude and how you measure or analyze critical problems. |
GRE Analytical Writing Assessment | This section carves out your personality traits regarding your written and verbal communication. |
Unscored & Research Sections | Both of these sections are experimental sections and are not scored. These sections are mixed between scored sections and designed as an experiment to understand the test-taker’s ability. |
Difference between GRE Paper-Based and GRE Computer-Based Exam
The GRE computer-based exam is different from the GRE paper-based exam. Let us give you a relevant difference between the two.
GRE Computer-based exam’s pattern is as follows:
Sections | Duration | No. of Sections | No. of Questions |
Analytical Writing | 60 minutes | 1 | 2 |
Verbal Reasoning | 30 minutes | 2 | 20 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 35 minutes | 2 | 20 |
Unscored | Variable | 1 | Variable |
Research | Variable | 1 | Variable |
Total | 3 hours 45 minutes | 7 | 82 |
Further, the paper-based GRE exam’s pattern is as follows:
Sections | Duration | No. of Sections | No. of Questions |
Analytical Writing | 40 minutes | 2 | 2 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 30 minutes | 2 | 25 |
Verbal Reasoning | 35 minutes | 2 | 25 |
Total | 3 hours 30 minutes | 6 | 102 |
GRE Subject Test Format
The subject-based test format shows your interest in a particular area. However, it is not a standard test compared to the GRE General test, which measures a student’s capabilities. The subject-based test is taken along with the general test and is also for students who want to pursue graduate programs abroad.
The GRE subject test is only available in paper-based format, which is divided into 4 categories: GRE Maths, GRE Physics, GRE Chemistry, and GRE Psychology. The time duration for this test is 2 hours 50 minutes.
Every section is assessed individually, which allows students to show their expertise in a particular area.
Discipline | No. of Questions | Top Content Picks |
Chemistry | 130 | Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry |
Mathematics | 86 | Algebra Calculus, Mathematics Real Analysis, Number Theory Probability and Statistics Discrete |
GRE Psychology | 205 | Biological Cognitive, Social Clinical Developmental Methodologies/Measurement |
Physics | 100 | Classical and Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Special Relativity Atomic Physics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
GRE Exam Syllabus
The GRE test syllabus is different for both general and subject-based tests. The general test is an exam that contains sections like quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Whereas, the GRE subject test is for students who want to pursue a particular subject from a specific university.
GRE General Test Syllabus
Here is a sneak peek of the GRE general test syllabus. Take a look at the table below.
GRE Verbal Reasoning Syllabus
Topics | Questions | Analysis |
Sentence structuring, Subject-verb agreement, Pronoun agreement, Verb tense Modifiers, Idioms | Reading Comprehension, Equivalence, Text Completion Sentence | The way you analyze relationships of paragraphs, word-play, understanding sentence structure also, author’s perspectives and assumptions |
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus
Topics | Questions | Analysis |
Venn diagram, Algebra- intercepts, coordinate geometry, equations, Geometry- parallel and perpendicular lines,circles, polygons,triangles, Data analysis- line and bar graphs, permutations & combinations, scatter plots Arithmetic- percentage, ratio, decimal representation | Quantitative comparison questions, Numeric MCQ | The way you analyse quantitative reasoning, and examines your mathematical aptitude |
GRE Analytical Writing Syllabus
Topics | Questions | Analysis |
Argument analysis, General Grammar, Coherent discussions | Analyze an issue and an argument | Your critical thinking skills are tested by the way you construct the sentences or arguments. |
GRE Subject Test Syllabus
The GRE subject test is not so common and is only offered to check the capability of a student in a certain area of study. It is taken along with the GRE General test and is usually 2 hours and 50 minutes long. Let us understand it in brief with the table given below.
Subjects | Subject Test Syllabus | No. of Questions |
Chemistry | Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry | 130 MCQs |
Physics | Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Optics and Wave Phenomena, Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Physics, Specialised Topics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Special Relativity Laboratory Methods | 100 Five choice questions |
Mathematics | Algebra, Calculus | 66 MCQs |
Psychology | Biological Cognitive Developmental, Social, and Clinical Methodology | 205 MCQs |
GRE Exam Fees
After registering for GRE exam, a registration fee is applicable. The application charges are USD 228 or INR 18,854. Apart from the exam fee, there are other charges that you must know about.
GRE Services | GRE Exam Fees (in USD) |
GRE Exam Fees | 228 |
GRE Rescheduling Fee | 50 |
Changing GRE Exam Centre Fee | 50 |
GRE Cancellation Fee (at least 4 days before the test date & 10 days for applicants in Mainland China) | 50% of the Registration Fee is refunded |
Additional GRE Score Report | 27 |
GRE Score Reinstatement Fee | 50 |
Note- Fee waivers are offered by ETS for students facing financial constraints. GRE offers a 50% fee exemption, and the program is also known as the GRE Fee Reduction Programme.
GRE Score Chart
You will hear people say that “A perfect GRE score does not exist”, and GRE is a way to filter out the candidates. Well, we cannot challenge the beliefs, but we can put forward the average score of different sections in the GRE. The average GRE scores in different sections are
GRE Scores | Quantitative Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning | Analytical Writing |
Competitive GRE Score | 159-164 | 158-162 | 4.5 |
Best GRE Score | 165-170 | 163-170 | 5.0-6.0 |
Good GRE Score | 153-158 | 152-158 | 4.0 |
So, the minimum score for the GRE is 130 and the maximum is 170 in every section. The total score depends upon the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections so the GRE score may be between 260-340.
GRE Scores For Different Universities
Apart from the standardized score criteria set by the ETC, there are different criteria in distinct universities. You can check the criteria on the website of a particular university. Now, the table below gives you a better understanding of GRE scores for the top-notch universities in the world.
University | Verbal (Average Score) | Quant (Average Score) |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 157 | 162 |
Stanford University | 158 | 163 |
University of California Berkeley | 155 | 161 |
University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign | 155 | 163 |
Carnegie Mellon University | 159 | 161 |
Georgia Institute of Technology | 155 | 161 |
University of Toronto | 150 | 150 |
Northwestern University | 154 | 161 |
Arizona State University | 154 | 162 |
University of California- San Diego | 162 | 160 |
University of Wisconsin- Madison | 163 | 163 |
How to Send GRE Results to Universities?
You can easily send your scores to the universities once the results are out. Now, the question arises, “How do you send the results to the universities you aim for?” The answer to your question is in this section.
- Computer-Based Test: The computer-based test gives you the privilege of receiving unofficial test scores right after taking the test but only in two sections, i.e., verbal and quantitative. All sections’ overall GRE scores appear on the ETS account after 10-15 days.
- Paper-Based Test: The results of this type of test appear after 5 weeks of attempting the test. You can check the scores on your ETS account.
Once the GRE score chart is official, you can send it to 5 universities directly from your ETS account. Moreover, if you want to ship your results to more than 5 universities, you must pay USD 30 or INR 2,500.
Why Prepare for the GRE Exam with the US?
The GRE exam is the globally used and widely recognised admission test for professional and graduate schools.
We have 8+ years of coaching and admission counselling experience! We are the best GRE coaching provider with a decade’s experience in coaching and admission counselling for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs.
GRE Exam Prep
The GRE exam prep class’s main features are
- 72 hours of Classroom Coaching
- Unlimited doubt-solving Sessions
- 1-year Validity
- Personalised Tutoring Available
GRE Exam Coaching Features:
➢ Student Centric Plan:
- Diagnostic test
- Constant monitoring of student’s performance
- Test registration assistance
- Customised study plan
- Small class size and personalised attention
➢ Comprehensive Study Material:
- Verbal and quantitative reasoning books containing 2000+ questions
- A vocabulary-building 2400 GRE words
- 24 topic-wise home assignments and 12 sectional tests
- Mock tests for simulating the actual test experience
- Top-quality and cutting-edge curriculum
➢ Holistic Support:
- Program Orientation
- Mentor support: a single point of contact between the student/parents and instructors
- Specialised instructors for analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning
- Individualised doubt-solving sessions with instructors
- Application assistance and post-arrival support services other than GRE prep.
Why Join GRE Exam Coaching at MOEC:
- Student Centric Plan
- Personalised Attention
- Comprehensive Study Materials
- Expert Trainers
- Practice Tests
- Unlimited Doubt-Solving
You will find solutions to all the problems you are facing in terms of scores, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, schedules and target scores, etc. Our experts help you through these difficult times.
Tips to Prepare for the GRE Exam
When you plan to prepare for the GRE exam, the field advisors provide some vital tips to make you a GRE exam expert. Here are some things to remember:
- Set a score goal and base your GRE prep plan on achieving it.
- Thoroughly understand the GRE exam pattern, format and syllabus. Start practising with mock tests and past years’ GRE exam papers.
- It is essential to understand your strengths and weaknesses, keep your target score in mind and then develop a prep plan.
- You can pick free and paid courses or books, but the resources must be relevant and reliable.
- You need to see the question type. Moreover, you must record the sections you are in and the weaker ones.
- Vocabulary is an essential part of theGRE exam prep because it directly impacts verbal reasoning and analytical writing sections.
Keeping track of time is vital when attempting the GRE exam. The time dedicated to each section should be well-managed, so try to improve your speed to solve questions.
What is IELTS?
The IELTS exam, the International English Language Testing System, is a highly recognised English language proficiency test jointly owned by IDP IELTS and Cambridge. It is required for students aspiring to study or work abroad in a place where English is the primary language.
Aside from being top-notch universities’ admission requirements, the IELTS exam increases your chances of visa applications and scholarships for your desired purposes. In addition to its perks, the IELTS exam charges you INR 17,000 when you register for it.
If your main aim is to study abroad, you must choose the IELTS Academic test. On the other hand, if your goal is to travel, work, or migrate to any English-speaking country like Canada, the UK, the USA, or Australia, you must take the IELTS General test.
Picking the IELTS exam confirms your English proficiency level and is a strategic step for your academic and professional pursuits worldwide. Opting for this opens the door to exceptional study opportunities along with the fact that a good band score can only meet your admission requirements and also to potential scholarships.
Further, the IELTS exam score adds a lot of value to your qualifications and also enhances your prospects. That’s why pursuing IELTS is not just about language assessment but also a forward-thinking approach.
Why is the IELTS Exam required?
The IELTS exam is essential for various purposes like education, profession, or migration in English-speaking countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s an English language test which has been approved by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department.
But have you ever given it a thought? Why is IELTS always the top priority? Why IELTS is so popular? And why is it so important? Well, yes, the primary reason is IELTS makes sure that you can communicate effectively. For academic concerns, students coming from non-English speaking countries going to a typical English-speaking country should be able to understand and communicate properly while studying there.
That’s where IELTS band scores jump in. IELTS scores help universities and visa authorities know your robust grasp of English and will not struggle with language issues during your time over there.
Whether pursuing higher studies or seeking residency, your IELTS band scores instil confidence in universities and authorities in your understanding and good command of English. It’s like a stamp of approval that ensures everyone’s language proficiency is needed to fit in and succeed in your host country.
IELTS Exam Eligibility 2024
The IELTS exam welcomes students regardless of their age, gender, race, nationality, or religion and showcases whether they are eligible or not. But make sure you are not under 16.
Now that IDP IELTS is the main conducting body of the IELTS exam, it imposes no specific age limit and allows flexibility for all demographics. Whether you study or work abroad, the IELTS exam serves as a language proficiency test accessible to a diverse range of aspirants.
As it maintains open IELTS Exam Eligibility criteria, you should be mindful of the additional policies set by your desired universities or organisations.
Qualification for the IELTS exam
IDP, the conducting body of IELTS, does not impose strict qualifications. Anyone who wants to study or work abroad should take the IELTS exam and consider both available versions – Academic and General.
Yet you must check out the detailed information on the requirements of your desired university or visa authority. Even though IELTS doesn’t have many rules, different places may have their own criteria.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to ensure you meet the standards of your desired university or organisation to help you smoothly go through the application process and meet your expectations.
IELTS Exam Registration 2024
For IELTS Exam Registration, you must visit the official website of IDP IELTS India and select one of the following options: register online or go to the nearest IDP branch (for offline mode).
When signing up for the exam, you must keep your passports handy as you will need to give your passport number during the time of IELTS Exam Registration. Also, you must carry your passport on the day of your test. When under 18, your parent or guardian must handle your IELTS exam booking for you. Once the IELTS Exam Registration is done, your test centre will send you a confirmation with details about the date and time of your IELTS exam.
Whether you choose online or offline registration, having your passport details in order is a key part of the process. So, be sure to keep it handy for a smooth and successful IELTS Exam Registration experience.
IDP IELTS Exam Slot Booking
If you are willing to take the exam, your first step is to find an IELTS exam centre at your preferred location. After that, you need to check the availability of dates for the test day.
Now, in order to secure a date, you are required to pay the fee for IELTS exam slot booking. Dates of the test day may vary per location and demand. So plan ahead and pick a date that suits your preference and allow sufficient preparation time.
Once you finish the registration and pay the fee, you’ll get an email or receipt confirming your test details—like the date, time, and where it’ll take place. Remember to keep this information safe for future reference. Henceforth, ensure to make your IELTS exam slot booking early to get the date and place you want, especially because popular dates can fill up quickly.
IELTS Exam Registration Process
Log in to the IDP IELTS India website.
Select ‘Register for IELTS’ to create your IDP IELTS Login.
Choose between computer-delivered or paper-based IELTS.
Select the test type/module (Academic or General Training).
Pick your preferred test location/city from available centres in India.
Choose a date and time slot based on availability.
Fill in your details and upload a clear, scanned copy of your passport.
Select colleges to send your Test Report Form (TRF).
Pay the IELTS exam fee of INR INR 17,000.
Review details before making the payment.
Once the test date is booked, receive an acknowledgement on your email/phone.
Make an IELTS exam slot booking online within the specified time for the Speaking test (only for Paper-based IELTS). If not, a slot will be automatically allocated.
IELTS Exam Dates 2024
The IDP IELTS India serves as the conducting body for the IELTS exam, offering the test multiple times throughout the year. Therefore, you need to carefully select IELTS exam dates that align with your convenience and consider university admission timelines.
In order to prevent last-minute issues, you must plan to schedule your IELTS exam 3 to 4 months prior to the application deadline. This proactive approach ensures ample time for preparation and minimises the risk of any unforeseen complications.
IELTS test centres are conveniently located across various major cities in India, providing you with accessibility nationwide. By strategically planning your IELTS exam dates well in advance, you can navigate the IELTS process smoothly, enhancing your chances of achieving the desired scores for successful university applications or other endeavours requiring English proficiency.
IELTS Centers in India
The IELTS exam Centre is majorly convenient in metro cities and offers 82 centres across the country for you to pick up from. Selecting an IELTS Exam Center wisely is crucial, considering the exam day shouldn’t be physically exhausting due to extensive travel.
Opt for an IELTS exam Centre with minimal commuting time to ensure you remain fresh and focused during the exam. With numerous locations, finding an IELTS exam centre near your residence becomes easier, enhancing convenience.
Remember, booking your IELTS exam centre in advance is essential, as it allows you to secure a spot at a time that suits you best. This thoughtful planning not only minimises travel stress but also ensures you can approach the exam with a clear mind, maximising your chances of success.
IELTS Exam Pattern 2024
To achieve success, you must grasp the intricacies of the IELTS Exam Pattern and syllabus. Specifically, the IELTS Academic exam is tailored to analyse English proficiency in academic settings, particularly for individuals aspiring to study in English universities.
The IELTS exam tests your ability to comprehend complex academic texts, effectively communicate in educational contexts, and actively participate in academic discussions.
Understanding the IELTS Exam Pattern is vital, as it involves tasks such as reading and analysing academic passages, writing essays, and engaging in a face-to-face interview to gauge verbal communication skills.
By delving into the nuances of the IELTS Exam Pattern, you can strategically prepare for the unique demands of the Academic module, ensuring they showcase the requisite language proficiency essential for success in academic pursuits.
Section | Time | Tasks |
Listening | 30 minutes | Multiple choice, Diagram labelling, Sentence completion, and Summary completion |
Reading | 60 minutes | Multiple choice, Sentence completion, Summary completion, Matching features, and Matching headings |
Writing | 60 minutes | Two writing tasks |
Speaking | 11-14 minutes | Three parts in this section |
IELTS Exam Syllabus 2024
The IELTS Exam Syllabus includes four sections – reading, listening, writing and speaking. Following these 4 sections, you will get marked on them and receive your IELTS band score as well.
Having a good knowledge of the IELTS Exam Syllabus makes you understand how to approach each IELTS section. The sum of all sections’ scores in total makes the final IELTS band score. The given test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Head over to the brief description of each section in terms of the IELTS Academic module.
Section | Time | Description |
Listening | Approx. 30 mins | Evaluate understanding of spoken English using diverse recordings (conversations, monologues, lectures) |
Reading | 60 mins | Evaluate reading comprehension through academic texts (articles, essays, graphs) sourced from various publications |
Writing | 60 mins | Task 1: Summarise, describe, or explain visual information (graphs, charts, diagrams) Task 2: Write an essay responding to a prompt on a given topic |
Speaking | 11-14 mins | Assess oral communication skills through a face-to-face interview with an examiner, covering personal experiences, opinions, and abstract topics |
IELTS Result
The good news is you do not have to wait for a long time for your results after the test day. They are typically available online within a week or offline within 13 calendar days after taking the test.
Once your IELTS scores are ready, you will receive an email notification. To view your scores, simply log into your account on the IDP website dedicated to IELTS Results. This efficient process allows quick access to your performance outcomes, whether you check online or wait for the offline release.
IELTS Cut-Off
The IELTS exam is designed to assess the English language proficiency of students at all levels, from the beginner to the expert level. Instead of losing the exam, you might get a lower band score.
The IELTS band score in total depends on each of the four parts score, which scales from 0 to 9. Marking each section and taking their average sum makes an overall IELTS score. Yet you must be aware of the minimum score set by universities and organisations as your eligibility or proficiency level in English.
Such a benchmark score is referred to as the IELTS cut-off score. You must know the IELTS cut-off of your desired institution beforehand to qualify for the IELTS exam. Henceforth, achieving a satisfactory IELTS band score is important for those planning to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country.
IELTS Preparation Tips
Well, IELTS exam preparation holds immense importance in achieving your desired band score. There are two ways to do it, one of which is self-study and the other one is coaching classes.
You can decide which way you want to study depending on your language proficiency and your comfort level. When your English skills are fluent enough, you can learn independently rather than picking coaching classes.
Whether you want to prepare independently or select one coaching class, you must figure out how to start your IELTS exam preparation properly. Even if you choose self-study, you should actively refer to the best IELTS exam preparation materials and resources, like the IELTS exam sample paper available at our Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) portal.
Nevertheless, joining coaching classes is a great choice when you are short on time and want proper expert guidance for preparation. Regularly attending these classes becomes a routine, helping you manage your time more effectively.
IELTS Mock Test
It’s crucial to track your progress during your exam preparation. In this regard, regularly taking IELTS mock tests and practice exams is a helpful strategy. These tests not only reveal your current skill level but also familiarise you with the exam format, reducing anxiety on the actual test day.
By simulating exam conditions, you can identify areas of improvement and refine your test-taking strategies. This proactive approach enhances your readiness, ensuring that you enter the IELTS exam with confidence and a comprehensive understanding of your strengths and areas for development.