Guide to GRE Exam 2025: Eligibility, Syllabus, Question Pattern

GRE EXAM 2025: Full Form, IBT Test, Dates, Fees, Registration

Updated on Jun 20, 2025
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Table of Contents

1 Eligibility

There are no specific eligibility criteria set by ETS for the GRE exam. Here are the key points to know:

  • No Age Limit: Anyone can take the GRE, regardless of age.

  • No Educational Qualification Required: You don’t need to submit any degree certificates to register. However, the GRE is mainly for those applying to master’s or PhD programs, so it makes sense to take it after graduation.

  • Valid Passport Required: A valid passport is mandatory as ID proof at the test center.

2 Syllabus

The GRE syllabus for 2025 is different for the General Test and Subject Tests. Here’s a breakdown:

GRE General Test Syllabus 2025

The General Test assesses skills in three areas:

  • Verbal Reasoning: Includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Texts cover a variety of topics like history, science, business, and more.

  • Quantitative Reasoning: Tests basic math skills in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Most topics are high school-level algebra and introductory statistics.

  • Analytical Writing: Involves one task where you “Analyze an Issue.” You must evaluate the issue and build an argument with examples, focusing on critical thinking and writing skills.

GRE Subject Test Syllabus 2025

These are the main subjects for the GRE Subject Tests:

  • Mathematics: Covers calculus, algebra, and other undergraduate-level topics.

  • Psychology: Includes cognitive, biological, social, developmental, and clinical psychology, along with measurement and research methods.

  • Physics: Focuses on classical mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, quantum mechanics, and other physics topics.

3 Exam Pattern

The GRE exam consists of various sections designed to assess your critical thinking, reasoning, and writing abilities. The test is divided into the General Test and Subject Test, each with different structures and time allotments.

Sections

Section-wise Questions

Time Allotted

Analytical Writing

1 "Analyze an Issue" task

30 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning

Section 1: 12 questions

Section 2: 15 questions

Section 1: 18 minutes

Section 2: 26 minutes

Verbal Reasoning

Section 1: 12 questions

Section 2: 15 questions

Section 1: 21 minutes

Section 2: 23 minutes

Total

5 Sections: 55 Questions

1 hour 58 minutes

GRE Subject Test Pattern 2025

Subject

Number of Questions

Duration

Mathematics

66

2 hours 50 minutes

Psychology

70

2 hours

Physics

144

2 hours

4 Preparation Ideas

Preparing for the GRE depends on the test format and the time you have available. Here are some key tips to help you prepare effectively:

1. Understand the GRE Structure

  • Familiarize yourself with the sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

  • Know the number of questions and the time allotted for each section.

2. Set a Realistic Study Plan

  • Plan your study schedule based on how much time you have until the exam.

  • Break your study plan into daily or weekly goals for better time management.

3. Focus on Core Areas

  • Verbal Reasoning: Improve vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning skills.

  • Quantitative Reasoning: Practice basic math concepts, including algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

  • Analytical Writing: Develop your writing skills by practising essays, focusing on analyzing issues and constructing logical arguments.

4. Practice Regularly

  • Practice tests are crucial. Take full-length practice exams to improve time management and identify areas for improvement.

  • Sample questions help you get familiar with the types of questions on the GRE.

5. Use Quality Study Materials

  • Invest in trusted books and online resources like GRE prep courses, apps, and guides from ETS (Educational Testing Service).

5 Exam Dates

The GRE exam in 2025 offers multiple test dates throughout the year, allowing candidates to choose a convenient date. It's recommended to schedule the exam at least 2-3 months before your university application deadline. You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within a 12-month period. The GRE at Home is available 24/7, with appointments as soon as 24 hours after registration. GRE Subject Tests are offered three times a year. Make sure to plan your test date accordingly to allow enough preparation time and the possibility to retake the exam if needed.

6 Results & Score

The GRE score includes a raw score that is converted into a GRE-scaled score. The scaled score is the final overall GRE score. There are three different scores on the test:

GRE Sections

GRE Score Range

Verbal Reasoning

130–170

Quantitative Reasoning

130–170

Analytical Writing

0–6

Total

260–340

Candidates may simply determine their GRE scores by utilizing a GRE score calculator online. The unofficial GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores are displayed immediately as the test is over. However, the official GRE results will be available 10–15 days from the date of your test.

7 Registration

There are multiple ways to register for the GRE exam, including online, over the phone, by mail, or via fax. The most common method is online, where candidates can pay the ₹22,000 registration fee using a debit or credit card.

How to Register for GRE Online:

  1. Create an ETS account on the official website

  2. Select the type of GRE test: GRE General or GRE Subject Test.

  3. Choose the test format (GRE at Home or Test Centre).

  4. Verify your email address.

  5. Select a convenient test date from the available two-month window.

  6. Complete registration and pay the ₹22,000 fee.

8 GRE Exam Update 2025

If you’re planning to take the GRE in 2025, here’s an important update for you. ETS (the official body that conducts the GRE) has revised the exam fees.

  • GRE General Test Fee: ₹22,000 INR

  • GRE Subject Test Fee: ₹14,500 INR

    Make sure to keep this updated fee structure in mind while planning your test registration and study schedule.

9 Practice Test

Taking a GRE practice test offers several benefits. It helps you assess your understanding of the GRE syllabus and gives insight into the time required to complete questions in the math and verbal sections. By analyzing your practice test results, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, which will help you create a more effective study plan.

In addition, practice tests allow you to review topics you might have missed during your preparation. Taking multiple practice tests, either online or through books, can also help reduce exam anxiety and build confidence for the actual test day.

10 GRE Exam in a Glance

GRE Exam Syllabus

GRE Exam Pattern

GRE Exam Registration

GRE Exam Preparation

GRE Result & Band Score

GRE Practice Test

11 FAQs

Question 1. Which GRE section is the hardest?
Answer. Each section has its challenges. The math section needs strong problem-solving skills, while analytical writing can be tough due to time limits.

Question 2. Is getting a 320 on the GRE easy?
Answer. A 320 is a good score, around the 80th percentile, but its importance depends on the universities you're applying to. Check their average GRE scores.

Question 3. Is the GRE difficult for Indian students?
Answer.
The GRE's difficulty depends on individual strengths. Indian students who are strong in math may find the quantitative section easier but might struggle with the format and question types.

GRE Exam Guide

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