GRE Exam Handbook: Fee, Pattern, Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus and more | GRE Mock Test Series 2024 PDF Download

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a crucial step in applying to graduate or business schools globally. This standardized, computer-based test is often a requirement for admission to various graduate programs, including MBA programs, and is even accepted by many law schools in the United States. Developed and administered by ETS, the GRE provides a common measure for assessing applicants' readiness and qualifications for advanced academic work. Candidates enquire “what is the format of the GRE?” The exam pattaern for GRE Exam online or offline are same. 

GRE General Test measures the Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quant Aptitude skills of the candidates. While GRE Subject Test evaluates subject-specific knowledge. Further, the GRE General Test is extended as a Computer-based test and a Paper-based test. While the GRE Subject test is only offered as a Paper-based test.

GRE Current Exam Pattern 

GRE New Exam Pattern

• ETS has implemented the following changes in the GRE test design. These changes in the GRE test ensure a smooth and hassle-free test experience for the test takers.
• Option of ‘Preview and Review’ in each section.
• Test takers can now ‘Mark’ and ‘Review’ their questions. This feature enables test takers to skip a question and return later if they have some remaining time in the section.
• The option to change/edit answers within a section is now available for test takers.
• Test takers can now use an on-screen calculator in the quantitative reasoning section.

What is the new GRE format for 2024?

• As per the new GRE pattern, there are a total of 5 sections in 3 measures namely analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. Below are the major highlights of new GRE format 2024.
• The GRE general test is a computer-delivered test, the test takers will now have the flexibility to choose which question with a section they want to attempt first.
• Test takers can skip questions within a section and can change answers as well.
• The Analytical Writing measure will appear first in the new GRE exam and the Verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections may appear in any order.

GRE New Pattern Syllabus 

Below is the outline of the GRE general test syllabus 2024.

1. GRE New Pattern 2024 for Analytical Writing

Earlier the analytical writing measure in the GRE syllabus comprised two writing tasks ‘Analyze an issue’, and ‘Analyze an argument’. Now, as per the new GRE pattern, there is only one writing task ‘Analyze an Issue’. The task can be from a range of topics from fine arts, and humanities to social and physical sciences. Test takers must note that they are not required to have any subject-specific knowledge. Rather, the task will evaluate the following points -

- If the test takers understood the task, they responded clearly and effectively.
- Test taker is supporting their answer with proper examples.
- Focused response and standard English writing.

2. GRE New Pattern 2024 for Quantitative Reasoning Measure

This section of the new GRE pattern evaluates the basic mathematics skills, and elementary mathematical concepts. There are two sections in the quantitative reasoning measure in which one section comprises 12 questions to be solved in 21 minutes, while the other section comprises 15 questions to be solved in 26 minutes. Test takers will also get an on-screen calculator. The following types of questions will be asked in the GRE quantitative section -

• Quantitative comparison questions
• Multiple-choice questions (Test takers have to select one answer choice)
• Multiple-choice Questions — (Test takers have to select one or more answer choices)
• Numeric entry questions

Major topics covered in the GRE quantitative reasoning measure are -

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Data analysis

3. GRE New Pattern 2024 for Verbal Reasoning

This measure comprises two sections which assess the reading ability of the test takers. There are 12 questions in section 1 and 15 questions in section 2, for which test takers will get 18 minutes and 23 minutes respectively. The questions will be MCQ bases or select-in-passage type. The verbal reasoning section majorly complies with three types of questions-

• Reading comprehension
• Text completion
• Sentence equivalence

GRE Registration

To register for GRE, candidates need to create a My GRE Account on the official website. GRE exam registration can be done in three ways, that includes:

• Online Registration
• Registration over Phone
• Registration over Mail

The steps for GRE Registration 2024 are given below:

1. Create a My GRE Account on the official GRE website-ets.org/gre.
2. To create a profile, candidates must fill in their data correctly. They need to fill in the following credentials Name, Date of Birth, Address, Phone Number, Communication Preferences, etc. Candidates can then log in to the ETS portal with their newly created Username and Password.
3. Then candidates need to choose the test type: (i) GRE General Test, or (ii) GRE Subject Test.
4. GRE Exam centers and GRE exam dates can be chosen from the available list of GRE exam dates in 2024.
5. Lastly, GRE exam fees of US $228 will be paid via credit or debit card.

GRE Exam Fee

The GRE registration fee in India rupees 2024 is about INR. 22,550. Here are the GRE exam fees for different GRE services given below:

GRE Test Dates 2024

Candidates can book GRE five times a year, once after 21 days. Both GRE at home and test centers facility are available. For GRE at home registration, candidates can get appoinments only after 24 hours of registration. GRE test dates 2024 for coming 2 months are listed below.

GRE Eligibilty

• The GRE exam, as per ETS, doesn't have specific eligibility criteria, making it accessible to individuals of any age or educational background.
• While open to everyone, candidates typically take the GRE when applying for master's programs.
• A crucial consideration is the requirement to present an original passport as identification at the testing facility.
• It's important for candidates to possess a current passport to register for the GRE.
• Starting from July 1, 2021, applicants can also use their Aadhar Card as part of their identity documentation during GRE registration.