GRE General Test: Content, Test Structure, and Scores
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GRE General Test: Content, Test Structure, and Scores

Shubhankar Das logo

Shubhankar Das

Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Jun 20, 2024

Highlights:

  • Indian Applicants: According to the recently published data, India recorded the highest number of GRE test-takers with 113,304 applicants, followed by 97,676 Americans and 57,769 Chinese.
  • Sections: GRE General Test comprises three core sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. 
  • Score Ranges: GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections scores range between 130 and 170, and the Analytical Writing Score ranges between 0 and 6.
  • Score Acceptance: GRE score report is widely accepted for MS and MBA programs. Achieving a score above 320 is recommended for top-ranked universities.

GRE General Test evaluates your verbal, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. GRE is considered one of the top 10 toughest exams in the world. The test contents and format were updated on September 22, 2023. The updated GRE general exam syllabus consists of fewer questions and took 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. Graduate record examination GRE general test is a computer-delivered test, with a friendly design. You can now submit your GRE scores to the top-ranked business schools worldwide. Starting from the academic year 2024-25, applications will be accepted with GRE scores at IIMs and other business schools in India. Indian students need to pay INR 22,500 to book a GRE General Test

GRE_General_Test

GRE General Test Syllabus

GRE general test syllabus comprises verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. GRE exam pattern of verbal reasoning consists of 40 questions which are to be solved in 60 minutes. GRE quantitative reasoning consists of 40 questions which are to be solved in 70 minutes. GRE analytical writing consists of two essay tasks. The GRE official guide's latest edition contains detailed information about the three sections of GRE.

Sections Number of Questions Time
GRE analytical writing One Essays tasks: GRE analyze an issue 30 minutes 
GRE verbal reasoning (2 sections)

Section 1: 12 questions

Section 2: 15 questions

Section 1: 18 minutes

Section 2: 23 minutes

GRE quantitative reasoning (2 sections)

Section 1: 12 questions

Section 2: 15 questions

Section 1: 21 minutes

Section 2: 26 minutes

GRE General Test Verbal Reasoning

GRE general syllabus of verbal reasoning tests your ability to interpret, and figure out conclusions from essays. GRE verbal reasoning consists of three sections: Reading Comprehension, Sentence Equivalence, and Text Completion. Understanding of literary figures, concepts, and meanings, find the difference between major and minor concepts, is important for a good verbal score. The three sections of GRE verbal reasoning are:

  • GRE Reading Comprehension: GRE reading comprehension tests the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret prose commonly found in graduate studies. GRE reading comprehension consists of different question types like MCQs with single and multiple answers, and select-in-passage.
  • GRE Text Completion: GRE text completion tests the writer’s ability to fill blanks with correct answers by studying the remaining passage. The passage comprises 5 to 6 sentences having 1 to 3 blanks.
  • GRE Sentence Equivalence: GRE sentence equivalence tests the candidate’s ability to finish a particular passage by studying the given information. GRE general test sentence equivalence questions consist of a single blank and the sentence has 6 answer choices.

GRE General Test Quantitative Reasoning

There are four concepts tested in GRE general test of quantitative reasoning. GRE quantitative reasoning tests your fundamental mathematical knowledge, and ability to solve basic mathematical problems.

  • GRE algebra,
  • GRE arithmetic,
  • GRE geometry
  • GRE data analysis

There are four question types of GRE quantitative questions: MCQ with one or more answer choices, quantitative comparison questions, and numeric entry questions.

GRE General Test Analytical Writing

GRE Analytical Writing section made some major changes on its exam pattern and timing. Now you need to write one essay within 30 minutes. GRE analytical writing tests the candidate’s critical thinking and analytical skills. 

  • GRE analyze an issue task: In GRE issue task, you are required to write an essay based on a general interest topic.

GRE General Test Score

GRE general test is scored out of 130 to 170 separately for verbal and quant sections in 1 point increment. GRE analytical writing is scored on a scale of o to 6 in a half-point increment. GRE test score is received after 10 to 15 days from the day of the test. Candidates will receive their GRE score in their ETS account. The average verbal GRE score is 149 and 160 for quant. Candidates can take help from ETS GRE book latest edition to know about the concepts as well as prepare.

GRE General Test Score graph

GRE General Test Score for Top-Ranked Universities

A good GRE score depends on the university and program you are applying to. GRE cut-off for the top-ranked universities ranges on a scale between 315 and 325. Taking GRE practice tests regularly or joining a coaching center can help you achieve a higher score.

GRE General Test for Business School

GRE general ETS GRE exam is majorly opted by candidates planning to pursue MBA, Ph.D., or other business programs. GRE general test for MS is also considered an important admission requirement. GRE general test examines the candidate’s abilities required for graduate-level studies. GRE general exam for business schools helps candidates by enabling them to:

  • Apply to top-ranked MBA programs and B-schools around the world
  • Candidates can take the GRE general test in more than 1,000 locations worldwide. GRE test centers are present in over 160 countries
  • GRE exam fee is lower than most graduate admission tests
  • Candidates can avail ETS GRE preparation materials as well

You need to pay proper attention during their GRE registration as well. During GRE test slot booking ETS, you need to select the date and center properly. Many universities have also made GRE test optional, therefore check the universities score requirements while applying.

FAQs

Ques: What is in the general GRE test?

Ans: GRE general test helps students to get admission to some of the top universities worldwide for master's programs. The candidate's academic knowledge is evaluated through verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing section.

Ques: What is the difference between the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests?

Ans: GRE General Test is required for most master's programs, such as Master of Arts, and Master of Science programs. GRE Subject Test evaluates the candidate's knowledge in a specific subject area, such as mathematics, psychology, or physics.

Ques: How much does GRE General Test cost?

Ans: GRE general test fee for the general test is INR 22,550 in India. Candidates can easily pay graduate record exam costs for GRE general test and subject tests through Visa, MasterCard, Maestro credit/debit cards, and Rupay credit/debit cards.

Ques: Who is eligible for GRE General Test?

Ans: Anyone can take GRE test, candidates need a graduate to take the exam. GRE is accepted for master's program admission, and acceptable by most of the top universities worldwide.

Ques: Is GRE compulsory for MS in USA?

Ans: GRE exam is required to get admission to master's in most of the top universities in USA. GRE score to get admission to a master's program in USA is ranged on a scale of 155 to 167 for both verbal and quantitative reasoning.

Ques: What is a good GRE score?

Ans: Achieving a GRE score above 318 out of 340 is considered a good score. With a good GRE score, you can get admission to some of the top universities worldwide.

Ques: How is the GRE scored?

Ans: GRE is scored on a scale of 260-340, and achieving a GRE score above 318 out of 340 is considered a good score. 

Ques: How long does the GRE General Test take to complete?

Ans: GRE general test took 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete, the exam is divided into three parts analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.

Ques: How can I register for the GRE General Test?

Ans: You can register for GRE general test by completing your registration process simply by online. Candidates need to pay INR 22,550 to take the exam.

Ques: How should I prepare for the GRE?

Ans: You can prepare for GRE by taking coaching classes for expert mentorship, practicing regularly with sample papers, and reading the best and updated study materials

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

Comments


2 Comments
N
nitika
What is the average GRE General test score for Indian students?
R
rubab

GRE scores are determined in a range of 260 to 340. The average (mean) GRE score for the Verbal and Quantitative parts, according to ETS (creators of the GRE), is 150 and 153, respectively. The median (or 50th percentile) Verbal Reasoning score is 151 on a scale of 100, while the median Quantitative Reasoning score is 154 on a scale of 100.

N
neha thasale
About how many students register for GRE General test every year?
R
rubab

Every year, more than 700,000 people take the GRE. You can take the GRE General Test at any of the more than 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries, or you can take it from the comfort of your own home. Choose the location where you will feel most comfortable, so you can do your best on test day. Through the GRE General Test, you will be evaluated on your analytical writing, quantitative ability, and verbal reasoning skills.


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