The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised exam widely used among Indian students aiming for higher education abroad. Approximately 60% of Indian students who study abroad take the GRE, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being popular destinations. Each year, tens of thousands of Indian students register for the GRE. In 2023, it was reported that India was among the top countries with the highest number of GRE test-takers, followed by the US and China. The GRE is valid for five years and is increasingly accepted by universities globally, including for programmes in business and law. The GRE provides a standardised way to evaluate applicants from diverse educational backgrounds. For Indian students, the GRE exam can help differentiate them in competitive admissions processes. Let us understand more about GRE in today’s blog:
The full form of GRE is Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). It is a test taken by students who plan to apply to graduate or professional schools. Key details about GRE are summarised below:
|
GRE full form in education |
Graduate Record Examinations |
|
Administered by |
ETS – Educational Testing Service |
|
Types of Test |
2 – General & Subject Test |
|
GRE Validity |
5 years |
|
Regions |
There are around 1,000 exam centres in over 160 countries. |
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Used by |
Most graduate schools in the United States, and only a few in other countries |
|
Official Website |
Originally developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 1936, the Graduate Record Examinations, or GRE full form, has undergone several changes over the years. There are two types of GRE tests: the General Test and the Subject Test. The GRE General Test is widely accepted by graduate and business schools globally and is a standardised computer-based exam with multiple-choice questions. In contrast, the GRE Subject Test is a paper-based exam used to supplement undergraduate records, other qualifications, and recommendation letters for admissions or fellowship panels.
The GRE General Test, developed and administered by ETS, evaluates a candidate’s readiness for graduate school. It assesses analytical writing, numerical skills, and verbal reasoning abilities. The GRE General Test is offered throughout the year, allowing applicants to take it whenever they are ready. Students aiming for admission to MS programmes, some MBA courses, and other graduate-level professional programmes must take the GRE General Test. There are three formats for the GRE General Test:
● GRE Computer-Based Test: Administered on a computer at an ETS-approved test centre, this is the most common format. It is available in all countries with internet access and computer technology. In India, students must take the computer-based version.
● GRE Paper-Based Test: This offline version of the GRE is offered in locations with limited internet or computer access. It is completed using pen and paper.
● GRE at Home Test: Created during the pandemic to ensure safety, this version allows students to take the GRE from home, provided they meet the system requirements set by ETS and have a suitable environment.
The GRE Subject Test evaluates knowledge in specific subjects. Scores from these tests are valid for five years. This test is typically required for specialised or technical courses. The GRE Subject Test is administered on paper three times a year: in September, October, and April. It lasts for 2 hours and 50 minutes, and candidates must choose one of the following subjects from the GRE test syllabus:
● Chemistry
● Mathematics
● Physics
● Psychology
The GRE exam syllabus for the General Test evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. These skills are not specific to any field of study but are crucial for graduate school readiness. The GRE test syllabus is divided into three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
● Analytical Writing: Involves two tasks: analysing an issue and analysing an argument. This section measures the ability to present and support ideas effectively.
● Verbal Reasoning: Focuses on reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and text completion. It tests understanding of sentence structure, vocabulary, and relationships between words.
● Quantitative Reasoning: Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, testing the ability to understand and solve mathematical problems.
On the other hand, the GRE Subject Test assesses knowledge in specific fields like Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology, with questions tailored to each discipline's core topics.
● Math: Includes algebra, calculus, and additional topics.
● Physics: Covers classical mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, quantum mechanics, and more.
● Psychology: Tests knowledge in biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology, among other topics.
The GRE Exam has no specific eligibility criteria for candidates. Anyone, regardless of background, can register for the test. According to ETS, there are no official rules regarding age limits or educational qualifications for the GRE. It is a major assessment programme for students seeking admission to MS, MBA, and other graduate programmes worldwide. Those planning to study abroad at the graduate level are generally required to take the GRE. Some key points to consider for GRE exam eligibility for Indian candidates:
● No Age Limit: There is no age restriction for taking the GRE Test in 2024.
● No Educational Qualification Required: Candidates from any educational background can take the GRE.
● Valid Passport: A valid passport is essential to appear for the GRE exam in 2024.
The GRE General Test pattern includes 54 questions: 27 in Verbal Reasoning and 27 in Quantitative Reasoning. Additionally, students will complete an 'Analyse the Issue' task in the Analytical Writing section. The total time for the computer-based GRE General Test is 2 hours (1 hour and 58 minutes). Starting in September 2023, the GRE Subject Tests will also be conducted in a computer-based format. The Mathematics Test lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes, while the Physics and Psychology Tests are each 2 hours long. These tests do not have separately timed sections. Here is the GRE exam pattern for these two tests:
|
Computer-based |
No. of sections |
Total duration |
No. of questions |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
2 |
41 minutes |
27 |
|
Section 1: 18 min. |
Section 1: 12 ques |
||
|
Section 2: 23 min. |
Section 2: 15 ques |
||
|
Quantitative Reasoning |
2 |
47 minutes |
27 |
|
Section 1: 21 min. |
Section 1: 12 ques. |
||
|
Section 2: 26 min. |
Section 2: 15 ques. |
||
|
Analytical Writing |
1 |
30 minutes |
1 |
|
Total |
5 |
1 hours 58 Minutes |
55 |
|
Test |
No. of questions |
Content Covered |
|
|
Mathematics Test |
Approx. 66 questions |
- 50% of questions involve calculus and its applications. |
|
|
- 25% cover linear algebra, abstract algebra, elementary algebra, and number theory. |
|||
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- Remaining questions cover other aspects of mathematics. |
|||
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Physics Test |
Approx. 100 questions |
Focuses on fundamental principles and applying these principles to problem-solving. |
|
|
Psychology Test |
Approx. 205 questions |
Based on undergraduate psychology courses. Covers a broad range of psychological knowledge. |
The GRE exam full form is Graduate Record Examinations, which is an increasingly popular choice among Indian students, paving the way for numerous graduate programmes across prestigious institutions globally. Its broad acceptance, extended validity, and standardised assessment provide a fair platform for evaluating candidates from diverse backgrounds. Preparing for and performing well on the GRE can significantly enhance a student's chances of success in the competitive landscape of international graduate admissions. Understanding the exam’s structure, eligibility, and content is crucial for leveraging this opportunity effectively. Therefore, the Graduate Record Examinations, which refers to the GRE exam full form, stands as a pivotal examination for Indian students pursuing higher education overseas.
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