GRE Exam 2025: Check Dates, Syllabus, Fees, Registration, Cut-off for 2025

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a widely recognized standardized test accepted by numerous graduate and business schools around the globe. Conducted by ETS, the GRE evaluates your preparedness for advanced education by measuring abilities in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

If you’re seeking admission into a Master’s, MBA, PhD, or certain law programs, obtaining a solid GRE score can greatly enhance your prospects for acceptance. It is particularly favored among those aiming for programs in the United States, Canada, Europe, and an increasingly growing number in India.

This guide will navigate you through every facet of the GRE from the test structure and curriculum to sign-up, studying methods, costs, and expectations for high scores. Additionally, it provides links to more comprehensive resources that allow you to explore each section in depth.

Feature	Details
Exam Name	Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Conducting Body	ETS (Educational Testing Service)
Exam Type	Standardized test for graduate and business school admissions
Mode of Exam	Computer-based (at test centers or at home)
GRE Exam Sections	Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing
Duration	Approx. 1 hour 58 minutes
Total Score Range	260 to 340 (Verbal + Quant); 0 to 6 (AWA)
Number of Questions	Verbal: 27, Quant: 27, AWA: 1 task
Validity	5 years
Test Frequency	Throughout the year
Registration Fee	Varies by country (e.g., ₹22,550 in India / $220 in the US)
Who Should Take It	Aspiring candidates for MS, MBA, PhD, or law programs

GRE full form

The full name of GRE is the Graduate Record Examination, which is administered by ETS. GRE scores are necessary for those seeking to enroll in MS programs at international universities. Achieving a strong GRE score can help applicants differentiate themselves during the admissions process. More than 1,300 business schools accept GRE scores for admission into one or more of their MBA programs.

GRE Registration

For GRE Online registration, applicants must establish a My GRE Account on the official site. There are three methods for registering for the GRE exam, which are:

• Online Registration
• Phone Registration
• Mail Registration

The procedure for GRE Registration 2025 is outlined below:

1. Begin by creating a My GRE Account on the official GRE platform, ets.org/gre.html

2. In order to set up a profile, applicants need to accurately input their information. Required details include Name, Date of Birth, Address, Phone Number, Communication Preferences, and so forth. After completing this, candidates can access the ETS portal using their newly established Username and Password.

3. Next, candidates must select the type of test: (i) GRE General Test, or (ii) GRE Subject Test.

4. Candidates can then choose from the list of available GRE test centers and dates for 2025.

5. Finally, the GRE exam fee of US $228 can be settled using a credit or debit card.

Note: GRE Registration is also available by phone by dialing 1-800-473-2255. All essential details will be provided during the call.

GRE Exam Pattern/Structure

Comprehending the GRE exam structure is vital for devising your study approach. The examination is segmented into three core sections, focusing on reasoning, analytical writing, and data analysis capabilities.

GRE General Test Pattern (Updated 2024 Format)

Measure	Number of Questions	Time Allotted
Analytical Writing	1 task (Analyze an Issue)	30 minutes
Verbal Reasoning	Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions	18 minutes 23 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning	Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions	21 minutes 26 minutes
Total Duration	—	1 hour 58 minutes

• You have the option to take the GRE at a testing location or online from your residence.
• The sections are presented in a consistent sequence, starting with Analytical Writing, and then followed by the Verbal and Quantitative sections.

Main Features

• The updated format does not include any experimental or unscored segments.
• Your total GRE score, excluding the AWA, is calculated from the Verbal and Quant sections, with each ranging from 130 to 170, which combines into a total score between 260 and 340.
• The AWA, or Analytical Writing Assessment, is evaluated separately, on a scale from 0 to 6, increasing in half-point intervals.

GRE General Test Structure

You may frequently encounter references indicating that the GRE General test employs a comprehensive method for evaluating candidates. But what does this comprehensive method truly mean? Simply put, the GRE evaluates your proficiency in the English language, your analytical abilities, and your quantitative skills.

The GRE General exam consists of three primary areas: two sections for Verbal Reasoning, two sections for Quantitative Reasoning, and two sections for Analytical Writing Assessment. In addition to these core sections, there are also two supplementary sections, specifically Unscored and Research.

Difference Between GRE Paper-Based and GRE Computer-Based Exam

Yes, we recognize your eagerness to discover the distinctions between the GRE computer-based assessment and the GRE paper-based version. Let’s enrich your understanding with this vital information:

GRE Computer-Based Exam

Sections	Duration	No. of Sections	No. of Questions
Verbal Reasoning	30 minutes	2	20
Analytical Writing	60 minutes	1	2
Quantitative Reasoning	35 minutes	2	20
Research	Variable	1	Variable
Unscored	Variable	1	Variable
Total	3 hours 45 minutes	7	82

GRE Paper-Based Exam

Sections	Duration	No. of Sections	No. of Questions
Verbal Reasoning	35 minutes	2	25
Analytical Writing	40 minutes	2	2
Quantitative Reasoning	30 minutes	2	25
Total	3 hours 30 minutes	6	102

GRE Subject Test Structure

If you aim to impress universities by showcasing your knowledge in a specific discipline, the GRE subject test is your ally! Although less prevalent than the GRE General test, the GRE subject test evaluates an applicant’s skills in specific areas of study. This test is taken concurrently with the GRE General test rather than as a replacement. Similar to the GRE General test, students interested in pursuing graduate programs sit for the GRE subject test.

The GRE Subject Exam is available only in a paper-based format across four fields:

• GRE Chemistry
• GRE Mathematics
• GRE Physics
• GRE Psychology

Spanning 2 hours and 50 minutes, the GRE subject test provides an excellent chance to highlight your strengths in a particular subject. We will present the specifics clearly in a tabulated format:

Discipline	No. of Questions	Top Content Picks
Mathematics	86	Algebra Calculus Number Theory Probability and Statistics Discrete Mathematics Real Analysis
Chemistry	130	Physical Chemistry Organic Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry
Physics	100	Classical and Quantum Mechanics Electromagnetism Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Special Relativity Atomic Physics
GRE Psychology	205	Biological Cognitive Social Clinical Developmental Methodologies/Measurement

Subject	GRE Subject Test Syllabus	No. of Questions
Chemistry	Analytical ChemistryInorganic Chemistry Organic Chemistry Physical Chemistry	130 MCQs
Physics	Classical Mechanics Electromagnetism Optics and Wave Phenomena Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Quantum Mechanics Atomic Physics Special Relativity Laboratory Methods Specialised Topics	100 Five choice questions
Mathematics	Algebra          CalculusAdditional Topics	66 MCQs
Psychology	Biological Cognitive Developmental Social Clinical Measurement/Methodology	205 MCQs

GRE Syllabus 

Crafted to assist countless colleges and universities in identifying the best candidates, the GRE curriculum is straightforward rather than overly intricate. It encompasses essential high school mathematics and fundamental English communication and grammar concepts.

GRE Test Syllabus 

Here’s a brief overview of what the GRE test syllabus entails:

GRA Verbal Reasoning Syllabus

Topics Covered	Types of Questions	Analyses
Basic sentence structureIdioms Subject-verb agreement Pronoun agreement Verb tense Modifiers	Reading Comprehension Text Completion Sentence Equivalence	The way you analyse sentence relationships, your word-play, understand text structure, author’s assumptions and perspectives

GRA Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus

Topics Covered	Types of Questions	Analyses
Arithmetic- percentage, ratio, decimal representation Algebra- intercepts, slopes of lines, coordinate geometry, equationsGeometry- parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, triangles, circlesData analysis- line and bar graphs, scatter plots, permutations & combinations, venn diagram	Quantitative comparison questionsNumeric entry MCQs	The way you analyse quantitative situations, also checks your mathematical aptitude

GRA Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus

Topics Covered	Types of Questions	Analyses
Argument analysis Sustain coherent discussions General topics Grammar	Analyse an issue Analyse an argument	The way you construct and evaluate arguments, tests your critical thinking

What is GRE Cutoff?

GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination, commonly referred to as the GRE exam, which is necessary for students aiming to enroll in prestigious graduate schools. Those intending to pursue a Master of Science or an MBA overseas will need to provide GRE results as part of their application.

As noted previously, there is no standard cutoff score for the GRE set by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Each year, more than 500,000 candidates from 160 nations participate in the GRE General Test, conducted at approximately 1,000 test locations. More than 1,200 business schools internationally recognize GRE scores for their graduate programs.

The assessment is designed to measure the verbal, analytical, and quantitative abilities of those taking the GRE exam. Candidates can choose to take the GRE in a computer-based format either at designated testing centres or from their homes using the GRE at Home option, which is straightforward to navigate. Those applying for a Master’s degree in Science or an MBA must complete the GRE exam.

GRE Total Marks

GRE Sections	Minimum GRE Scores	Maximum GRE Scores
Analytical Writing	0	6
Verbal Reasoning	130	170
Quantitative Reasoning	130	170
GRE total marks	260	340

GRE Cutoff for the Top Universities in the World

This section will present the GRE cutoff scores for some of the leading universities worldwide.

Below is a range of GRE cutoff scores from esteemed institutions. Applicants aiming to enroll in the universities listed can use these GRE cutoff scores as a reference point. For additional details on acceptable GRE scores, candidates should visit the official university website for specific requirements.

GRE Exam Eligibility Universities	GRE Eligible Verbal Scores	GRE Eligibile Quantitative Scores	GRE Eligibile Writing Scores
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	158	159	5.3
Stanford University	159	158	4.8
University of California, Berkeley	153 – 156	167	4.5
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	155	167	5.0
University of Virginia	163	166	4.5
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor	160	167	5.0
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill	158	160	4.5
Georgia Institute of Technology	158	167	4.3
University of California – San Diego	162	160	5.5
University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign	155	165	4.0
University of Wisconsin – Madison	163	163	4.5
University of Washington	156	167	4.0
Pennsylvania State University	150	165	3.0
University of Florida (UFL)	154	165	3.0
The University of Texas, Austin	155	165	4.0
Ohio State University	156	165	4.0
California Institute of Technology	160	157	5.0
Duke University	160	160	4.5
The University of Chicago	158	167	4.0
Northwestern University	160	160	5.0
Washington University in St. Louis	161	160	5.0
Johns Hopkins University	163	164	4.8
Rice University	160	167	5.0
Emory University	153	163	4.0-6.0
University of Notre Dame	165	165	5.3
Vanderbilt University	157	166	4.8
College of William and Mary	158	160	4.5
Johns Hopkins University	159	162	4.2

What qualifies as a Good GRE Score?

The definition of a good GRE score varies based on the specific college or university you are targeting. Applicants need to check the GRE cutoff scores for their chosen program at their prospective school, information which is typically found on the university’s department webpage.

After obtaining the cutoff score, candidates should aspire to exceed this number to enhance their applications and demonstrate their capabilities through strong scores. This approach helps to clarify what constitutes a good GRE score.

Candidates may also refer to the table below for guidance. Keep in mind that the score ranges included are not necessarily specific to any one institution but are intended to offer a general idea of what constitutes a competitive GRE score.

Best GRE Score Range 2025

These GRE scores will position you among the top 10% of all individuals who have taken the GRE.

GRE Verbal Section: 163 – 170

GRE Quantitative Section: 165 – 170

GRE Analytical Writing: 5.0 – 6.0

Competitive GRE Score Range 2025

With these GRE scores, you will be in a strong position for admissions, ranking in the top 25% of all test-takers.

GRE Verbal Section: 158 – 162

GRE Quantitative Section: 159 – 164

GRE Analytical Writing: 4.5

Good GRE Score Range 2025

These GRE scores place you above the majority (50%+), although they may not provide as much of an edge when applying to especially competitive programs.

GRE Verbal Section: 152 – 158

GRE Quantitative Section: 153  -158

GRE Analytical Writing: 4.0

What is the Typical GRE Score for Universities?

As previously mentioned, the typical GRE score varies significantly according to the admission policies of different universities or programs. To help candidates approximate their average GRE score, the table below provides relevant information.

Average GRE Score for Universities 2025

GRE Section	Average GRE Score
GRE Verbal Reasoning Section	149.97
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section	152.57
GRE Analytical Writing Section	3.48

Candidates curious about what constitutes a good GRE score should explore information regarding GRE cutoffs. The Graduate Record Examination, often known as the GRE, is the largest assessment program globally for admissions to prestigious colleges and universities. Those aspiring to attend top institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others, must take the GRE exam.

GRE Exam Fees

After completing your GRE registration, you will need to pay the GRE application fee. The cost for the GRE exam is 228 USD, while in India, it amounts to 18,854.80 INR. In addition to the GRE exam fee, there are other associated costs related to the GRE exam that you should be aware of:

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

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