GRE General Test: syllabus, pattern, fees, scores and preparation
Graduate Record Examinations General Test, run by ETS. Used for master's and phd admission, mainly in the us and canada; some european and uk programmes; increasingly optional.
What the GRE General Test is
Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE General Test) is a graduate admission test run by ETS. It is used for master's and phd admission, mainly in the us and canada; some european and uk programmes; increasingly optional.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Sections | Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning |
| Duration | 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Score range | 130 to 170 per section, 0 to 6 for writing |
| Fee | US$220 (US$228 in India) |
| Results | 8 to 10 days |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Formats | Test centre and at home |
Types of GRE General Test
GRE General Test
The standard test for graduate admission.
GRE Subject Tests
Mathematics, Physics and Psychology tests for specialist programmes, delivered on computer.
Who can take it
No minimum qualification or age limit. A valid passport is required. You can take it once every 21 days, up to five times in a rolling 12 months.
Not sure which test your course accepts?
Requirements differ by university and by visa route. We check before you book.
Talk to a counsellorSyllabus
| Section | What it tests | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | One 'Analyze an Issue' essay | 1 | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence in two sections | 27 | 41 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis in two sections | 27 | 47 minutes |
Exam pattern
Since September 2023 the GRE is under two hours with one essay and no unscored section. Verbal and Quantitative are section-adaptive: your second section's difficulty depends on the first. An on-screen calculator is provided. Scores can be sent selectively with ScoreSelect.
How to register
- Create an ETS account with your name exactly as on your passport
- Choose a test centre or the at-home option and a date
- Pay the fee; rescheduling costs US$50
- Prepare with the free POWERPREP tests
- Receive official scores online and send four free reports
Scores explained
| Score | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 165 to 170 Quant | Top 10 percent | Competitive for top engineering and computer science programmes |
| 160 to 164 Quant | Above average | Strong for most STEM master's |
| 155 to 159 Verbal | Above average | Competitive for humanities and business |
| 150 to 154 | Average | Meets typical minimums |
| 4.0 to 6.0 Writing | Adequate to outstanding | 4.0 satisfies most programmes |
Sit it once, with coaching
Small-group courses with weekly mock tests and one-to-one feedback.
See IELTS classesHow to prepare
- Build vocabulary daily; text completion depends on it
- Relearn school maths systematically; quant is about accuracy and pace
- Take POWERPREP tests under real conditions
- Practise the issue essay with a 30-minute timer
- Track error types and drill the weak ones
Books and resources
- The Official Guide to the GRE General Test: ETS's own book with real questions.
- Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems: Volume practice by topic.
- ETS POWERPREP Online: Two free and two paid adaptive tests.
Detailed guides
GRE exam pattern
The shortened format, section-adaptive design and timing.
GRE syllabus
Topics in Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing.
GRE scores explained
Score scales, percentiles and what programmes expect.
GRE registration
Booking, fees and rescheduling.
GRE vs GMAT
Which test suits business and other graduate programmes.
Questions about the GRE General Test
Do I need GRE for a US master's?
Fewer programmes require it each year, especially in computer science and engineering. Check each programme; a strong score still helps for funding.
Is GRE required for UK universities?
Rarely. Some finance and economics master's ask for GRE or GMAT.
What is a good GRE score?
320 or above combined is competitive for top programmes; 300 to 315 is solid for most.
How long is GRE valid?
Five years.
Can I take GRE at home?
Yes, the at-home GRE is accepted by almost all programmes.
GRE or GMAT for business school?
Most business schools accept both. GMAT signals commitment to business; GRE keeps other options open.
Fees, formats and dates are as published by ETS for 2025/26 and change; confirm on the official site before booking.
Preparing for the GRE General Test?
Tell us your target score and date. We match you with coaching or point you to the free resources that work.