Graduate Record Examination
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a globally recognized standardized test conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service). It is a widely accepted assessment tool used for admission intoMaster’s, MBA, and Ph.D. programs across the United States, Canada, Europe, and several other international destinations. Over 1,000 business schools worldwide—including top-ranked ones—accept GRE scores as part of their admissions process, making it a versatile and future-ready exam for a wide range of academic and professional pathways.
The GRE is designed to assess a student’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. In fact, these are abilities that are not specific to any particular field of study; however, they are still essential for success in graduate school. Furthermore, the test’s adaptability makes it suitable for applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including science, engineering, social sciences, business, arts, and humanities.
The GRE is ideal for :
Unlike other exams that are domain-specific, the GRE instead provides a holistic view and therefore reflects a student’s aptitude as well as academic readiness. The flexibility of taking the exammultiple times a year, combined with theScore Select option (where students can choose which scores to send to universities), makes the GRE a student-friendly exam.
The GRE General Test is acomputer-based exam structured to evaluate students’ ability to succeed in graduate programs. The test is divided into three major sectionsVerbal Reasoning,Quantitative Reasoning, andAnalytical Writing with an unscored section that may be included for research purposes.
| Exam Structure | |||||
| Section | Duration | No. of Questions | Type | Skills Tested | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 30 minutes | 1 Tasks | Essay-based | Argument analysis, structured writing | |
| Verbal Reasoning | 41 minutes (2 parts) | 27 Questions | Multiple Choice | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, logic | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 47 minutes (2 parts) | 27 Questions | MCQs + Numeric Entry | Algebra, geometry, arithmetic, data interpretation | |
| Total Duration | 1 hour 58 minutes | ~61 Questions | Mixed | Multiple aptitudes tested across domains | |
| Key Features of GRE | |||||
| Feature | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible Navigation | Skip, review, and revise answers within each section for maximum control and efficiency. | ||||
| Section-Level Adaptive Design | Verbal & Quant sections adapt in difficulty based on your performance in the first module. | ||||
| On-Screen Calculator | A built-in calculator (Quant only) helps with basic functions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and square root. | ||||
| Review & Flag Tools | Mark and revisit questions with built-in review features to manage time effectively. | ||||
| Comprehensive Skill Assessment | Tests critical thinking, reasoning, and analytical writing—skills crucial for graduate success. | ||||
The GRE is asection-level adaptive test, which means your performance in the first module of each section determines the difficulty level of the second. Each question within a section carries equal weight, and there’s no penalty for wrong answers.
AtEthos, we help students break down this structure to build section-specific strategies for time management and accuracy improvement.
Understanding the GRE syllabus is crucial to effective preparation. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
Skills Tested: Vocabulary, inference-making, passage analysis, paraphrasing, tone interpretation.
Skills Tested: Mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, and data interpretation.
We offerdiagnostic testing at Ethos to identify which areas need the most attention and build a personalized learning path accordingly.
Registering for the GRE is a simple but detailed online process through the official ETS website. It’s important to follow every step correctly to avoid delays, missed test dates, or invalid registrations.
| How to Register for the GRE | |
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1. Create an ETS Account | Visit ets.org/gre and sign up with your email. |
| 2. Fill in Details | Enter your academic profile, ID verification, and nationality. |
| 3. Choose Test Date & Center | Select a suitable slot from year-round availability based on your timeline. |
| 4. Upload ID Proof | Upload a valid passport (mandatory for Indian candidates). |
| 5. Pay the Fee | Use a debit/credit card or any supported payment method. |
| GRE Exam Fee (India – 2025) | |
| Component | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| GRE General Test | $220 |
| Rescheduling Fee | $55 |
| Additional Score Reports | $40 per report |
Keep in mind: Fee amounts may vary based on currency fluctuations and ETS updates.
Ethos provides complete assistance in theregistration and payment process, ensuring that students don’t face hurdles at any step.
Unlike some standardized exams, GRE slot booking isintegrated into the registration process. Once you select your preferred date and center and make the payment, your slot is automatically confirmed.
Test Availability: GRE is conductedyear-round, and appointments fill up quickly in popular cities and during peak months (August–December). Ethos helps students choose optimal dates based on their application timelines and university deadlines.