About GRE

Please Note: GRE at home test day requirements, rules, tips and more!

What is the GRE?

A standardized test, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) measures verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills of students aspiring to undergo their graduate studies abroad. The test intends to aid graduate schools (of all fields other than business) in assessing an applicant’s potential for advanced study. Most universities in the US, while inviting applications for MS programs, ask for GRE® scores.

The examination is entirely a computer-based test, and no two students get an identical set of questions. The test is scored on a maximum of 340. The GRE® score alone cannot guarantee admission into a university or college - the test is only one of the major factors taken into consideration in the long process of an applicant getting admitted into the program that they desire.

The GRE® test has three parts - Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical Writing Assessment. The following is the GRE® test structure:

An unidentified un-scored section is included and will appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section. It is not counted as part of your score. An identified research section that is not scored may be included, and it is always at the end of the test.

The US-based "Educational Testing Service" (ETS), which works under the guidance of the Graduate Record Examination Board, develops and administers the GRE®. ETS is responsible for setting questions, conducting the test and sending score reports to each examinee. For detailed information about GRE®, please refer to the official website of GRE®.

What is the scoring scale for the GRE?

1. The AWA section grades are from 0-6 in 0.5-point increments.
2. The Quantitative Reasoning section scores are from 130-170 in 1-point increment.
3. The Verbal Reasoning section scores are from 130-170 in 1-point increment.
4. Total scores are from 260-340 in 1-point increment; AWA scores are separate.