The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a globally accepted entrance test conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service). It is widely used for admissions to master's, MBA, and doctoral programs in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and Germany.
There is no specific eligibility to take the GRE. Candidates from any academic background or age group can apply. The test evaluates your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills, all essential for success in graduate studies. A high GRE score significantly improves your chances of admission and scholarships at top-ranked universities.
GRE 2025 Exam Dates and Schedule
The GRE General Test is available almost daily at authorized test centers and 24x7 as an at-home test. This offers unmatched flexibility to applicants.
GRE General Test Dates (July 2025):
3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31
GRE Subject Test Dates (2025-26):
- September 8–21, 2025
- October 13–26, 2025
- April 20–May 3, 2026
Paper-based GRE Dates (Tentative):
February, October, and November 2025
GRE Syllabus Highlights
The GRE exam tests candidates in three key areas:
- Analytical Writing:
Two tasks – Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument. Evaluated separately on a 0–6 scale.
- Verbal Reasoning:
Includes Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence. Scored from 130–170.
- Quantitative Reasoning:
Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Also scored from 130–170.
Understanding the structure and types of questions in each section is essential for strategic preparation.
GRE Cutoff Trends 2025
Cutoffs vary by university and program. Here's a broad trend:
| Program Type | Target GRE Score (Out of 340) |
| Top Business Schools | 325+ |
| Engineering Programs | 320+ (Quant ≥ 160) |
| Social Sciences | 310–315 |
| Humanities | Verbal ≥ 155 |
Top universities have become increasingly competitive, with rising average scores across recent admissions cycles.
GRE Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum Qualification: No official minimum, but most applicants hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Age Limit: None
- Documents Required: A valid passport or government-issued photo ID
GRE is open to all, but test-takers should meet the admission criteria of the universities they apply to.
GRE Exam Pattern 2025
The current GRE format is 3 hours 45 minutes long. ETS has indicated changes ahead, but the structure remains:
| Section | No. of Sections | Duration |
| Analytical Writing | 1 | 60 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 | 30 minutes each |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 | 35 minutes each |
| Research/Unscored | 1 | Varies |
The test is adaptive at the section level, meaning the difficulty of the second section depends on your performance in the first.
GRE Admit Card 2025
Admit cards are issued via your ETS account 7–10 days before the exam. It includes:
- Test center address
- Reporting time
- Candidate details
- Test date
Candidates must carry a printed admit card and valid photo ID. Report any discrepancies immediately to ETS support.
GRE Answer Key and Score Release
The GRE does not release a traditional answer key due to its adaptive structure. However:
- Unofficial scores (Verbal and Quant) are shown immediately after the test.
- Official score reports (including AWA) are released within 10–15 days via the ETS dashboard.
Scores are calculated using a scaled system that factors in both question difficulty and accuracy.
GRE Registration Process
To register for the GRE:
- Visit the official ETS website
- Create or log in to your ETS account
- Choose your test date and center (or home testing)
- Pay the exam fee and confirm
Note:
- You can take the GRE once every 21 days
- Up to 5 times in any 12-month period
- Early registration is advised during peak months (Sept–Dec)
Tip: Always check for updates on the official ETS GRE website to stay aligned with recent changes in schedule, format, or policies.