GRE Preparation — Score 320+.
The STEM Gold Standard.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test required by most graduate schools in the USA, Canada, and Germany. It measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The test is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and is accepted by 4,000+ universities worldwide. In 2024-25, over 206,000 students took the GRE globally, with India being the #1 country for test-takers.

GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. It's the most widely accepted graduate admissions test globally, used for Master's (MS/MA/MBA) and PhD programs.

You should take the GRE if you're planning to pursue a Master's (MS/MA/MBA) or PhD program abroad, especially in USA, Canada, Germany, UK, or Australia. In 2024-25, 206,004 students took the GRE globally, with India being the #1 country. Most STEM programs (Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering) require or strongly prefer GRE scores.

The GRE General Test costs ₹22,000 in India (approximately $220 USD). Additional fees include: Rescheduling (₹5,000), Additional Score Report (₹2,900), and Score Review (₹5,900). The fee includes 4 free score reports to universities of your choice.

The GRE is now just 1 hour 58 minutes (under 2 hours) since the September 2023 update. This includes: Analytical Writing (30 min for 1 essay), Verbal Reasoning (41 min for 27 questions), and Quantitative Reasoning (47 min for 27 questions). There are no breaks during the exam.

The GRE has 3 sections: (1) Analytical Writing - 1 essay task called 'Analyze an Issue' in 30 minutes; (2) Verbal Reasoning - 27 questions in 41 minutes covering reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence; (3) Quantitative Reasoning - 27 questions in 47 minutes covering algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and data analysis. Total: 55 questions in 1h 58m with no breaks.

You can take the GRE up to 5 times in any 12-month rolling period. You must wait at least 21 days between attempts. If you cancel your score, that attempt still counts toward your 5-test limit. Most students take the GRE 2-3 times to achieve their target score.

GRE scores are valid for 5 years from your test date. After 5 years, scores expire and cannot be reported to universities. For example, if you take the GRE in January 2026, your scores are valid until January 2031. Plan your test date based on your target application cycle.

Yes, the GRE at Home option is available in India 24/7. You take the test on your own computer with a human proctor monitoring via webcam. However, for visa purposes, we strongly recommend taking the test at a test center to avoid scrutiny during your visa interview. Visa officers may question home-based test scores.

You need a valid passport as your primary ID for the GRE in India. The name on your passport must exactly match your registration name - even a single letter difference can prevent you from taking the test. Carry your original passport (not a photocopy) to the test center.

Register at ets.org or etsindia.org. Create an ETS account, select your preferred test date and center (14+ cities available), and pay ₹22,000 via UPI, credit/debit card, or net banking. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance to get your preferred date and location. You'll receive a confirmation email with your test details.

The GRE General Test measures general skills (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing) and is required by most programs. GRE Subject Tests measure knowledge in specific fields like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Psychology and are required by some PhD programs. Most MS applicants only need the General Test.

A good GRE score depends on your target universities: 310+ is considered safe for most universities, 320+ is excellent for Top 50 universities, and 330+ is Ivy League territory. The global average is around 304 (Verbal 152 + Quant 152). Indian students average 151 Verbal and 158.6 Quant. For STEM programs, Quant score matters more.

GRE score requirements vary by university tier: Top 20 universities (MIT, Stanford, CMU) typically expect 325+; Top 50 universities need 315-320; Top 100 universities accept 305-315; Other universities may accept 295-305. For Computer Science and Engineering, Quant scores of 165+ are highly valued.

GRE scores are measured on these scales: Verbal Reasoning: 130-170 (in 1-point increments), Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170 (in 1-point increments), Analytical Writing: 0-6 (in half-point increments). The maximum combined score for Verbal + Quant is 340. AWA is reported separately.

The GRE uses section-level adaptive scoring. Each section (Verbal and Quant) is scored from 130-170 in 1-point increments. Your performance on the first section determines the difficulty of the second section. AWA essays are scored by both human raters and an AI system on a 0-6 scale. Scores are available 8-10 days after your test.

ScoreSelect is an ETS feature that lets you choose which GRE scores to send to universities. You can send your best scores from the last 5 years and hide lower scores. This means you can take the GRE multiple times and only report your highest scores. Universities only see the scores you choose to send.

During registration, you get 4 free score reports to send to universities of your choice. Additional reports cost ₹2,900 each. Scores are sent directly from ETS to universities - you cannot send them yourself. You can designate score recipients on test day or up to 72 hours after. Scores typically reach universities within 10-15 days.

For Research Assistantships (RA) and Teaching Assistantships (TA), professors typically look for Quant 165+ and Verbal 155+. Higher scores significantly increase your funding chances. For merit-based scholarships, aim for 320+ total. A strong GRE score can help you secure $10,000-$30,000 per year in funding.

According to official ETS data (2024-25), Indian test-takers average: Verbal 151.0 (slightly below global average of 152.0), Quantitative 158.6 (above global average of 156.9), and AWA 3.3 (below global average of 3.5). Indians excel in Quant but need to focus more on Verbal and AWA.

For Top 50 US universities, aim for: Total score of 315-325, Quant score of 165+ (especially for STEM), Verbal score of 155+, and AWA of 4.0+. Universities like Georgia Tech, USC, UIUC, and Purdue typically admit students with 315-320. Higher scores improve your chances for both admission and funding.

Focus on weak areas (spend 80% of study time on your bottom 20% of concepts), take regular mock tests to track progress, learn time management (2 min/question for Quant, 1.5 min for Verbal), and practice with official ETS materials. Most students improve 10-15 points with 2-3 months of dedicated preparation.

Follow a structured approach: (1) Take a diagnostic test to identify weak areas; (2) Study concepts systematically - Quant fundamentals, Verbal strategies, AWA templates; (3) Practice with official ETS questions daily; (4) Take full-length mock tests weekly; (5) Review mistakes and refine strategy. EEC's 4-hour daily program covers all this with expert guidance.

Typically 2-3 months with 2-4 hours daily study. Working professionals may need 3-4 months with evening study. Intensive preparation can be done in 30 days with 4-6 hours daily. Your starting level matters - if you're already strong in math, you can focus more on Verbal. EEC's 3-month program with 4 hours daily is designed for optimal results.

Yes, but it requires 4-6 hours of focused daily study. In 30 days, you can cover all Quant concepts, learn Verbal strategies, practice AWA essays, and take 4-5 full mocks. This works best if you already have strong math fundamentals. EEC's intensive batch covers 4 hours of live classes daily plus self-study assignments.

A proven 12-week plan: Week 1-2: Diagnostic test + fundamentals review; Week 3-6: Concept mastery (Quant topics, Verbal strategies); Week 7-10: Intensive practice + mock tests; Week 11-12: Final revision + test simulation. Study 2h Quant + 2h Verbal daily. Take one full mock every weekend starting Week 5.

Coaching is recommended if: you need structure and accountability, struggle with self-discipline, have weak math fundamentals, are targeting 320+, or have limited time. Self-study works if you're a strong self-learner with good math/verbal foundations and have 4-6 months to prepare. EEC's coaching at ₹7,500 offers 4 hours daily live classes - far more intensive than self-study.

The Official ETS Guide (4th Edition) is essential - it's the only source of real GRE questions. Also recommended: 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems for extra practice, vocabulary flashcard apps for word lists, and Barron's GRE for additional strategies. EEC provides 10 exclusive printed books (3000+ pages) covering all topics comprehensively.

Focus on reading comprehension (50% of Verbal section), learn high-frequency vocabulary (600-1000 words), practice text completion strategies, and read academic articles daily. For Indians, Verbal is typically the weaker area - dedicate 2 hours daily to Verbal practice. Learn to identify answer traps and eliminate wrong choices systematically.

Master all concepts (Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Data Analysis), avoid silly mistakes (the #1 barrier to 170), practice time management (2 min/question), memorize key formulas and shortcuts, and take 6+ full mocks. Focus on accuracy over speed initially. Review every wrong answer to understand the concept gap.

Focus on 600-1000 high-frequency words. Top words include: abate, aberrant, chicanery, cogent, disseminate, gainsay, laconic, latent, laud, pragmatic, recondite, specious, taciturn, venerate. Learn words in context, not just definitions. Use flashcards and spaced repetition. EEC's Verbal books include comprehensive word lists with usage examples.

Study the 328 official essay topics from ETS website, practice writing essays in 30 minutes, use templates for structure (intro, 2-3 body paragraphs, conclusion), and get feedback on your essays. Focus on clear argumentation, specific examples, and proper grammar. Aim for 4.0+ which is sufficient for most programs.

They test different skills. GRE has harder vocabulary but more straightforward math. GMAT has harder data sufficiency questions and integrated reasoning. Most students find GRE slightly easier overall. Choose GRE if you're targeting MS programs; choose GMAT if targeting top MBA programs. Many business schools now accept both.

Choose GRE if: you have strong vocabulary, prefer straightforward math, want more time per question, or are targeting MS programs. Choose GMAT if: you have strong logical reasoning, prefer data interpretation, or are targeting top MBA programs. GRE allows calculator; GMAT doesn't for most questions. Most students find GRE slightly easier.

Yes, they test completely different things. IELTS tests English language proficiency (reading, writing, speaking, listening). GRE tests analytical and reasoning skills (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing). Most US universities require both for international students - IELTS for English proficiency and GRE for academic aptitude.

For MBA programs, yes - most accept both. For MS programs, GRE is preferred and sometimes required. Many business schools now accept GRE for MBA admissions. Check your target program's requirements. If you're applying to both MS and MBA programs, GRE is more versatile as it's accepted by both.

TOEFL tests English language proficiency (reading, writing, speaking, listening) - it proves you can study in English. GRE tests analytical reasoning skills (verbal, quantitative, writing) - it proves you can handle graduate-level academics. International students typically need both: TOEFL for language requirement, GRE for academic requirement.

Yes, most top US universities have reinstated GRE requirements for 2026. Top-tier universities (MIT, Stanford, CMU, Georgia Tech) require or strongly prefer GRE. Even 'test-optional' schools prefer applicants with GRE for scholarships and funding. A strong GRE score (315+) also helps prove 'academic intent' during your visa interview.

GRE is not mandatory for most German universities but is highly recommended for top institutions. TU Munich requires Quant 157-164 for many programs. RWTH Aachen requires Quant 165 for competitive programs. A score of 315+ strengthens your application significantly. German universities focus more on Quant scores for STEM programs.

Most Canadian universities don't require GRE for MS programs. However, top programs at University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, and Waterloo may prefer or recommend it. GRE can strengthen your application and help with funding opportunities. Check individual program requirements as policies vary significantly.

Generally not required for Australian universities. Some research programs and PhD applications may prefer it. Focus on IELTS/PTE for Australia as English proficiency is the primary requirement. If you're also applying to US universities, taking GRE gives you more options.

Most UK universities don't require GRE for taught Master's programs. Some business schools and research programs may accept it. IELTS is the primary requirement for UK. However, if you're applying to both US and UK universities, having a GRE score gives you flexibility.

Over 4,000 universities worldwide accept GRE. Top US universities include: MIT, Stanford, Harvard, CMU, Georgia Tech, USC, Purdue, UIUC, UT Austin, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Columbia, Cornell, and many more. Almost all MS and PhD programs in USA accept GRE scores.

MIT doesn't publish official cutoffs, but admitted students typically have: Total 325+, Quant 167+, Verbal 160+. For STEM programs like Computer Science and Engineering, Quant is prioritized. MIT is highly competitive - focus on a strong overall application including research experience, recommendations, and statement of purpose.

Stanford's admitted students typically average: Total 325-330, Quant 168+, Verbal 162+. Requirements vary by department - Engineering and Computer Science focus more on Quant. Stanford is extremely selective, so GRE is just one factor alongside research experience, recommendations, and fit with faculty.

EEC's ₹7,500 GRE package includes: 4 hours daily live classes (2h Quant + 2h Verbal), 10 physical books (3000+ pages) delivered FREE to your home, 6 adaptive mock tests with detailed analysis, 800+ hours video library for revision, 3 months live classes + 6 months video access, free visa guidance and admission counseling. This is India's most comprehensive GRE program.

EEC offers Morning and Evening batches, Monday to Saturday (6 days a week). Each day includes 2 hours Quant + 2 hours Verbal. You can switch freely between batches and even attend multiple batches at no extra cost. Extra Math-skills batches and doubt-solving sessions are also available.

Yes! You receive 10 exclusive EEC printed books totaling 3000+ pages: 4 Quant books covering all math topics with solved examples and practice drills, and 6 Verbal & AWA books with reading comprehension strategies, vocabulary building, and essay templates. Books are delivered FREE to your home anywhere in India within 3-5 days of enrollment.

EEC includes 6 full-length computer adaptive mock tests that simulate the real GRE experience. After each mock, you get detailed score analysis, error-type reports identifying your weak areas, and a personalized refinement plan. The mocks are valid for 6 months, allowing you to practice throughout your preparation.

Yes! Free USA admission counseling, university shortlisting, and visa guidance are included with your GRE course. EEC partners with 300+ universities globally and has a high visa success rate. You get complete study abroad support - from GRE preparation to university admission to visa filing - all under one roof.