The GRE full form is Graduate Record Examinations.
The Graduate Record Examinations is a standardized test that plays a big role in graduate, business, and even law school admissions around the world. Whether you’re aiming for an MS in the U.S., an MBA in Europe, or a PhD in Canada, the GRE helps universities assess your readiness for advanced academic work.
So, if you’re an Indian student planning to apply to international universities, understanding the GRE and how to prepare for it can open doors to top-ranked institutions across the globe.
More About the Full Form of the GRE
There are two main types of GRE exams: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. The full form of both of those is the same: the Graduate Record Examinations General Test and the Graduate Record Examinations Subject Test.
GRE General Test vs. GRE Subject Test
GRE General Test
This is the most common version of the GRE and what is typically referred to when only “GRE” is written by itself. It assesses three core skill areas:
- Verbal Reasoning: your ability to understand and analyze written material
- Quantitative Reasoning: your skills in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation
- Analytical Writing: how well you can articulate and support complex ideas in writing
GRE Subject Test
This version focuses on specific subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. This test is only required for a few specialized programs and schools, and its purpose is to showcase your deep understanding of a subject area. This test lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours.
💡 Most Indian students applying for MS or MBA programs abroad will only need the GRE General Test. Always double-check with your target program before signing up for the Subject Test.
Is the GRE General Test Required for Indian Students?
The short answer: it depends on the university and program.
If you’re applying from India to top universities abroad—especially in the U.S. or Canada—the GRE may be required, particularly for programs in STEM fields, Business, and Social Sciences. However, admissions policies vary, and some schools have made the test optional in recent years. Always check the specific requirements on each university’s official website.
GRE Availability in India
The GRE is widely available in India:
- You can take it at physical test centers in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
- Or you can choose the GRE at Home option, which enables you to take the exam just about any day or time.
Quick GRE Facts
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Graduate Record Examinations |
| Duration | 1 hour 58 minutes (new shorter format) |
| Total Marks | 260–340 (Verbal + Quant), 0–6 (AWA) |
| Score Validity | 5 years |
| Administered By | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Number of Indian Test Takers | 60,000+ per year (India is 2nd after the U.S.) |
| Averages for Indian Students vs. Overall | AWA: 3.3 India vs. 3.4 Overall Quant: 160 India vs. 158 Overall Verbal: 150 India vs. 151 Overall |
Averages data via ETS’s Snapshot of the Individuals Who Took the GRE General Test
Exam Pattern (Latest Format)
In late 2023, the GRE General Test significantly change, making it shorter—its duration is now less than 2 hours—and more focused. Here’s a breakdown of the current structure so you know exactly what to expect on test day:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 Essay | 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 |
| Total | 55 Questions | 1 hour 58 minutes |
GRE Format Comparison: Old GRE vs New GRE
Though the full form of the GRE has always been Graduate Record Examinations, the test goes by some other nicknames. The GRE today is sometimes called the New GRE or the Shorter GRE. That label isn’t really important; it just helps to distinguish between the current exam pattern and the old one.
| Aspect | GRE (Pre-Sept 2023) | GRE (Present Day) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Test Time | ~3 hours 45 minutes | 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Total Questions | 82 | 55 |
| Analytical Writing | 2 tasks (Issue + Argument) | 1 task (Issue only) |
| Verbal Reasoning Sections | 2 × 20 questions | 12 + 15 questions |
| Quant Reasoning Sections | 2 × 20 questions | 12 + 15 questions |
| Unscored/Experimental Section | Yes (random) | None |
| Score Range (V/Q) | 130–170 (same) | 130–170 (same) |
| AWA Score | 0–6 | 0–6 |
💡 For more details on the current GRE—including question types and how many you can expect to see on each section—see our article GRE Exam Pattern.
Syllabus Overview
Knowing the GRE syllabus is the first step toward building a smart study plan. The GRE tests skills in three key areas—each designed to assess how well you think, reason, and communicate. Here’s what you need to prepare:
1. Verbal Reasoning
This section checks your understanding of written English, vocabulary, and critical reading. Expect questions in three formats:
- Reading Comprehension: Analyze short and long academic passages
- Text Completion: Fill in blanks using context clues
- Sentence Equivalence: Choose two words that complete a sentence with the same meaning
💡 Focus on building your vocabulary with GRE word lists and daily reading from sources like The Economist or Scientific American. Learn more in our GRE Verbal Review.
2. Quantitative Reasoning
This part tests basic math and problem-solving. You’ll need to brush up on:
- Arithmetic (fractions, percentages, ratios)
- Algebra (equations, inequalities)
- Geometry (lines, angles, area, volume)
- Data Interpretation (graphs, tables, charts)
💡 You don’t need to know advanced math such as calculus, but accuracy and time management are key! Learn more in our GRE Math Review.
3. Analytical Writing
You’ll write one essay:
- Analyze an Issue – present your view on a topic and support it with logical reasoning
💡 Practice structuring your essays clearly. You want an introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, and—most importantly, a thesis. Learn more about GRE Issue Essay Strategies.
Complete Guide to the GRE Test eBook PDF
Giving each of these sections a full discussion is more than we can do in this article. So, we’ve put together a comprehensive resource here:
That eBook goes into great detail about each of the sections and all their question types. We discuss recommended strategies and walk through several practice questions for commonly tested concepts and question types. Also included are suggested resources to get the most out of your studies.
We hope you find this PDF helpful! Print it out, or download it to your phone. Use it as an introduction to the GRE as you’re starting out, or reference it throughout your GRE journey.
Scores and Percentiles
Once you take the GRE, you’ll receive separate scores from its three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Here’s a look at the total marks for each of those sections.
GRE Scoring Scale
| Section | Score Range | Increment |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 | 1-point steps |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 | 1-point steps |
| Analytical Writing (AWA) | 0–6 | Half-point steps (0.5) |
So, the GRE total marks (Verbal + Quant) ranges from 260 to 340. AWA is scored separately from 0 to 6.
How Is the GRE Scored?
- Verbal and Quant Scores are based on the number of correct answers and then scaled to account for test difficulty.
- Analytical Writing is graded using a combination of a trained human rater and an AI scoring engine. If their scores closely match, the average is taken; otherwise, a second human evaluator is brought in.
GRE Score Percentiles
Percentiles show how your score compares to others. For example, a Verbal score of 159 means you scored better than approximately 80% of test takers.
| Competitiveness | Percentile | Verbal | Quantitative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 50% | ~152 | ~160 |
| Above Average | 50-59% | 152-153 | 160-162 |
| Good | 60-69% | 154-155 | 163-165 |
| Very Good | 70-79% | 156-158 | 166-167 |
| Great | 80-89% | 159-162 | 168-169 |
| Excellent | >90% | 163-170 | 170 |
Score data via ETS’s GRE General Test Interpretive Data
💡 Ultimately, a “good” score depends on your target universities and programs. Competitive STEM programs may expect higher Quant scores, while top humanities programs focus more on Verbal and AWA. Learn more about what’s a good GRE score for you.
Exam Fee Structure
Before registering for the GRE, it’s important to understand the costs involved—not just for the test itself, but for optional services like rescheduling and sending additional score reports.
We cover all of this in full—and provide a handy calculator for summing up your total cost—in our How Much Does the GRE Cost? article, but the quick highlights are:
- Exam fee: ₹22,000
- Rescheduling fee: ₹5,000
- Additional score reports: ₹2,900 each
GRE Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
There are no special requirements needed to take the GRE. Students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds can take the test.
Who Can Take the GRE?
No minimum educational qualification required
You don’t need to have completed a specific degree or course to appear for the GRE. While most test takers are pursuing or have completed a bachelor’s degree, there’s no formal academic requirement.
No age limit
Whether you’re a final-year student or a working professional planning a career change, you’re eligible to take the GRE at any age.
No restriction based on stream or background
Arts, Science, Engineering, Commerce, Business—students from any stream can take the GRE.
ID Requirement for Indian Students
The only mandatory document you need to take the GRE in India is a valid passport. It must:
- Be original (no photocopies)
- Be valid (not expired)
- Include your full name, photograph, and signature
💡 Make sure the name on your passport exactly matches the name you use to register for the test.
Registration Process
Registering for the GRE is simple—but you’ll want to follow each step carefully to avoid delays or mistakes. Whether you choose to take the exam at a test center or at home, here’s how to get started:
Step-by-Step GRE Registration Guide
- Create an ETS Account
- Go to the official GRE website: www.ets.org/gre
- Click on “Sign In” and create a free ETS account using your email address.
- Choose Your Test Type
- GRE General Test (most common)
- GRE Subject Test (only for specific programs)
- Choose Your Test Style
- At a center
- At home
- Select Test Date & Location
- Use the calendar tool to pick a convenient test date. If you’re testing at a center, you’ll also need to choose a city
- For GRE at Home, you can choose a time slot based on availability.
- Enter Your ID Details
- You must enter passport details exactly as they appear on the document.
- Choose Score Recipients
- You can send your scores to up to 4 universities/programs for free.
- Pay the Registration Fee Online Via
- Credit/Debit Card
- UPI
- Netbanking
- Or digital wallets (Paytm, etc.)
Test Dates and Test Centers vs. At Home
GRE Test Dates in India
Generally, you have a lot of flexibility as far as when you can, in theory, take the GRE, especially given that you can choose to take the GRE online at home. When you should take the GRE depends on how much time you plan to study and what your application deadlines are.
Lastly, when exactly you’ll be able to take the GRE does depend on various factors. Even if you’re taking the GRE at a test center, you’ll likely have many options to choose from given that testing seats are available on many different days, in many different locations throughout big cities.
However, popular testing times—weekends, dates during application seasons—can fill up quickly, so you may not be able to get your ideal time. Thus, it’s best to sign up at least a couple months ahead of time to ensure that you get the time and date that works best for you.
GRE Test Centers in India
ETS partners with several authorized test centers across major Indian cities. Some of the most popular locations include:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Ahmedabad
- Kolkata
- Pune
To find current information on your nearest available test centers and the dates and seats they have available, visit the ETS Test Center Locator.
GRE at Home Option
Taking the GRE at home is certainly more flexible. However, more responsibility does fall upon you since you will need:
- A quiet, private room
- A reliable internet connection
- A desktop/laptop with camera, mic, and approved browser
- Download and install the ETS Test Browser before test day
It really comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer convenience, testing at home is likely the way to go. But if you prefer not having to worry about setting up a controlled environment, then testing at a test center may be simplest.
Score Validity and Reporting
Your GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the date you took the test. For example, if you took the GRE on July 1, 2025, your scores will be valid until July 1, 2030. This gives you flexibility if you want to take a gap year, gain work experience, or apply to multiple universities over time.
As far as sending your scores, on test day, you can choose to send the scores from your current test (or a previous test of your choosing) for free to up to 4 schools.
After your test day (or if you wish to send more than 4 score reports), you’ll have to pay an additional fee. You’ll also have the option to send the test scores from any GRE that you’ve taken in the past 5 years.
💡 Universities receive your official GRE score report electronically, usually within 5–10 days of your test date. For more on that as well as other important dates, please see Your Full GRE Timeline.
GRE Preparation Tips
Success on the GRE isn’t just about studying hard; it’s about studying prudently and efficiently. With the right plan, tools, and mindset, you can hit your target score and make your study-abroad dream a reality.
In broad terms, your preparation will involve a steady cycle of:
- Studying content and strategies (such as through lessons)
- Doing practice questions and taking practice tests
- Learning from your mistakes
For more specific advice, be sure to look at:
💡 One key thing is to start your prep early. Preparing for at least 2-3 months often yields the best results.
FAQs about the GRE Full Form
Have more questions about the GRE? Here are answers to the most commonly asked queries by students in India:
Is GRE accepted for MBA programs?
Yes, over 1,300 business schools globally—including top names like Harvard, Stanford, and ISB—accept GRE scores for MBA admissions. Always check with your specific business schools, however, to ensure they accept the GRE.
Learn more by reading GMAT or GRE for MBA: Which Exam is Best for Business School.
GRE vs. GMAT: Which is better for me?
It largely depends on your goals as well as your own personal strengths and weaknesses. If you’re applying to more than just MBA programs, choose the GRE. If you’re only applying to business schools, then you’ll want to examine both tests (or even take a practice test in both) to see which fits better with your test-taking style and your abilities.
Learn about all the different factors to consider in our article GMAT vs GRE: Which Should I Take.
How long should I prepare for the GRE?
Most students spend 2 to 4 months preparing, depending on their schedule and target score. If you’re working or in college, you can expect around 1–2 hours of studying daily.
Can I retake the GRE? How often?
Yes, you can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to 5 times in a 12-month period.
What is the minimum GRE score for top universities?
Top universities don’t usually list “minimum” scores, but they do provide ranges of scores that they accept. It greatly varies by school and program, so be sure to visit your specific schools’ websites.
With that said, in general, if you score in the low 160’s in Verbal and the high 160’s in Quant, you have a very competitive score.
GRE vs. GATE vs. CAT – Which one should I take?
Take the GRE if you plan to study abroad outside of India (MS/MBA/PhD). Take the GATE for Indian MTech/PSUs. And take the CAT for Indian MBA programs (IIMs, etc.).
Next Steps after Learning about the GRE Full Form
Now you know that the GRE full form is Graduate Record Examinations and that it’s your gateway to top graduate, business, and even law programs across the world. For Indian students, especially those applying to universities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and beyond, a strong GRE score can open doors to world-class education and global career opportunities.
Where should you go from here? Try out some sample GRE questions to see what they’re like or get an estimated score with a free GRE mock test.
Or if you’re ready to get started studying, take a look at a Magoosh GRE Premium plan to go beyond the full form of the GRE to being fully prepared for the GRE.
