GRE Exam 2025: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an internationally recognized test conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The GRE exam is organized for admissions to graduate and business schools across the world. The GRE General Test is available year-round in India, with flexible scheduling at over 46 test cities and an at-home option. This means candidates can book their slots for almost any date, if slots are available. Registration can be completed online through the ETS website, and candidates can register as late as two days before their chosen exam date for the General Test. The registration fee for the GRE General Test in India is INR 22,000–INR 22,550, while the Subject Test costs INR 14,500. There are no specific eligibility criteria: anyone can register, regardless of age or educational background, but a valid passport is mandatory for Indian candidates.
Furthermore, the exam pattern for the GRE General Test includes one Analytical Writing task (30 minutes), two Verbal Reasoning sections (12 and 15 questions, 41 minutes total), and two Quantitative Reasoning sections (12 and 15 questions, 47 minutes total), with a total test duration of 1 hour 58 minutes. The marking scheme awards scores from 130 to 170 for both Verbal and Quantitative sections (in 1-point increments), and 0–6 for Analytical Writing (in half-point increments). The GRE Subject Tests are offered three times a year—in April, September, and October—and focus on specific subjects like Math, Physics, and Psychology. For July 2025, there is no fixed last date to apply; candidates can book their slots as early as possible to secure their preferred date.
In India, candidates can take the GRE General Test all year, with test dates available almost every day in major cities. There is also a GRE Home Edition, which can be scheduled any day of the week. Candidates can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any rolling-year period. The GRE Subject Tests are conducted on fixed dates worldwide: 8 to 21 September 2025, 13 to 26 October 2025, and 20 April 20– 3 May 2026, with registration for these sessions opening in July 2025. Additionally, GRE scores remain valid for five years from the test date, allowing students flexibility in applying to graduate programs.
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GRE Exam 2025 Important Dates
There are no specific eligibility criteria for the GRE Exam 2025. Anyone can register for the GRE, regardless of age or educational background. This is because the conducting body of the GRE does not set any age limit or mandatory qualification for appearing in the GRE test. However, since the GRE is used for admission to master’s programs, candidates are generally expected to have completed or be in the final year of their UG degree. The only essential requirement for Indian candidates is a valid original passport, which must be presented as ID proof at the test center; no other ID is accepted.
GRE Exam 2025 Registration
For the GRE Exam 2025, interested candidates can apply any day through the official website. Meanwhile, the GRE registration for subject tests will open in July 2025. Candidates must create a user account to sign up for the GRE exam 2025. The application process includes choosing their preferred test type, selecting a date and test center, or opting for the GRE at home option, and completing the application form. The GRE General Test fee in India is INR 22,000 to INR 22,550, while the GRE Subject Test costs INR 14,500.
In other countries, the GRE General Test costs USD 220 (except in China, where it is USD 231.30), and the Subject Test is USD 150 in most countries. Indian applicants can pay the fee using a credit card, a debit card, UPI, or an online wallet. However, the UPI option is available only for Indian test-takers. In addition, candidates have to pay extra fees of INR 5,000 for changing test centers and INR 2,900 for score reports. The GRE fee cannot be refunded, but if a candidate cancels at least four days before the test date, they will get back 50% of the fee.
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The GRE Exam Slot Booking for 2025 is very simple. Candidates can schedule their GRE General Test almost any day of the week at GRE exam centers or 24/7 for the GRE at Home edition through the official ETS website. After creating an ETS account and registering for the test, they can select the preferred test date, time, and test center from available options based on location and date.
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GRE Exam 2025 Pattern & Marking Scheme
The GRE General Test 2025 includes three main sections, which are Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The test has a total of 55 questions and lasts about 1 hour and 58 minutes. First, the Analytical Writing section starts with one Analyze an Issue task that takes 30 minutes. Secondly, there will be two Verbal Reasoning sections and two Quantitative Reasoning sections.
Candidates should also know that the verbal and quantitative sections are adaptive in the GRE test. This means the difficulty of the second section changes based on how well they did in the first one. There is no negative marking in the GRE, and scores for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning range from 130 to 170 each, while Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6.
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The GRE exam syllabus covers three main areas, including Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Analytical Writing tests a candidate’s ability to present and support complex ideas clearly and effectively. Verbal Reasoning evaluates their reading comprehension, vocabulary usage, and ability to analyze written material. Lastly, the Quantitative Reasoning focuses on basic math skills, understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, and the ability to reason quantitatively using arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The test does not require advanced subject knowledge, but it checks skills needed for graduate-level academic work.
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GRE Exam 2025 Admit Card
The GRE admit card is an important document issued by ETS after successful registration and payment. Candidates can download their admit card from their ETS account a few days before the test date. It contains important details such as the test date, time, and test center address (for in-person tests) or instructions for the GRE at Home test. Test takers must carry a valid passport along with the admit card to the test center, as no other ID is accepted.
How to Download the GRE Exam 2025 Admit Card
On the official website, ETS candidates can download the GRE admit card a few days before the exam date. To download the car,d aspirants need to follow the instructions below:
Go to the ETS GRE website: Start by visiting the official website for the GRE, which is managed by ETS (Educational Testing Service).
Sign in to your account: Locate the "Sign In" button, usually in the top right corner of the homepage, and enter your username and password to access your account.
Navigate to "My GRE": Once logged in, find and click on the "My GRE" section, which is where you'll find your test details.
Download the admit card: Look for an option related to downloading your admit card or viewing your test details. Follow the instructions provided to download the admit card to your computer.
Print your admit card: After downloading, open the file and print a physical copy of the admit card. Make sure to keep it in a safe place until the exam day.
ETS does not release an official GRE answer key to test takers because the GRE is a computer-adaptive test, and questions vary by candidate. However, unofficial answer keys and explanations are often provided by coaching institutes and online platforms after the exam. Candidates can review their performance through their official score reports, which are available about 10–15 days after the test.
GRE Exam 2025 Results
GRE results are made available 8–10 days after the test date. Scores for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning are reported on a 130–170 scale, and Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Test takers can view their official scores online through their ETS account, and can choose up to four institutions to send their scores for free at the time of the test. Additional score reports can be sent for a fee.
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Here are the simple yet effective GRE exam preparation tips to help candidates pass the test:
- Take a complete practice test first to see your current level and find weak areas. For example, if you score low in Quant, focus more on math practice.
- Set weekly goals for each section (Verbal, Quant, Writing).
- Build your vocabulary with flashcards. Use free Magoosh vocab flashcards or "Word Power Made Easy."
- Read newspapers and magazines like The Economist or academic journals to improve reading skills and learn new words.
- Practice essays for the Analytical Writing section. Write about topics like "Should technology be used in classrooms?" and compare your response with sample essays from the official GRE book.
- Use the official GRE guide by ETS for real practice questions and explanations.
- Practice math both with and without a calculator. For example, solve 25 × 16 in your head and then check with a calculator.
- Take online practice tests to get used to the computer-based format. Try to mimic real test conditions, with no breaks, timed sections.
- Review every practice test to spot mistakes.
- There is no negative marking, so never leave a question blank.
- Manage your time during the test. For example, if you get stuck on a tough verbal question, skip it and return later if you have time.
Recommended GRE Preparation Books
- Official GRE Guide by ETS
- Manhattan Prep's 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems
- Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus
- Barron’s GRE
- Magoosh GRE Prep
- Word Power Made Easy
- Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep
Frequently Asked Questions
The GRE is a standardized test that checks candidates' verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. It is used for admission to graduate, business, and some law schools worldwide.
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination.
The GRE General Test fee in India is around INR 22,000–INR 22,550.
A 90th percentile GRE score means you scored higher than 90% of test-takers. For the GRE General Test, this is around 165 in Verbal Reasoning and 170 in Quantitative Reasoning.
The GRE is accepted in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many other countries for admission to graduate, business, and some law programs.