π GRE β Graduate Record Examination
Your Gateway to Leading International Universities and Graduate Programmes
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an internationally recognised standardised entrance examination conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is widely accepted for admission to Master’s, PhD, MBA and other postgraduate programmes at universities and educational institutions worldwide.
The GRE General Test evaluates candidates’ abilities in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing, focusing on critical thinking, mathematical problem-solving, reading comprehension and effective communication.
The examination is suitable for graduates, final-year undergraduate students and working professionals aspiring to pursue higher education in management, engineering, economics, finance, data science, social sciences and other academic disciplines.
π GRE β Examination Structure & Syllabus
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) consists of three major assessment areas designed to evaluate candidates’ verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical thinking and written communication abilities.
Key Topics Covered:
- Verbal Reasoning β Reading Comprehension: Understanding passages, identifying central ideas, drawing inferences, evaluating arguments, interpreting information and analysing the author’s purpose and tone.
- Verbal Reasoning β Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence: Vocabulary in context, sentence completion, identifying logical relationships, selecting appropriate words and understanding equivalent sentence meanings.
- Quantitative Reasoning β Arithmetic: Percentages, ratios, proportions, fractions, decimals, averages, exponents, roots, number properties and numerical problem-solving.
- Quantitative Reasoning β Algebra: Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, algebraic expressions, functions, coordinate geometry and mathematical word problems.
- Quantitative Reasoning β Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, area, perimeter, volume and geometric properties.
- Quantitative Reasoning β Data Analysis: Statistics, probability, permutations and combinations, measures of central tendency, standard deviation, tables, graphs and data interpretation.
- Analytical Writing β Analyze an Issue: Essay writing, critical thinking, argument development, logical reasoning, supporting opinions with examples and presenting ideas in a clear, structured manner.
The GRE examination focuses on critical thinking, quantitative problem-solving, analytical reading, vocabulary application and effective written communication, assessing candidates’ readiness for postgraduate and research-oriented academic programmes.
π Eligibility Criteria
The GRE General Test is open to candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
General Eligibility Information:
- ETS does not prescribe a specific academic qualification for taking the GRE General Test.
- Candidates from Commerce, Science, Engineering, Arts and other educational backgrounds can appear.
- Undergraduate students, graduates and working professionals may take the examination.
- There is no general GRE minimum graduation percentage requirement.
- Candidates must fulfil applicable identification, registration and test administration requirements.
Individual universities and postgraduate programmes establish their own academic eligibility and admission criteria.
π Examination Pattern
The GRE General Test is a computer-delivered examination available throughout the year at authorised testing centres and through eligible at-home testing arrangements.
| Particulars |
Details |
| Examination |
Graduate Record Examination (GRE General Test) |
| Conducting Organisation |
ETS |
| Examination Mode |
Computer-Based |
| Assessment Areas |
3 |
| Total Timed Sections |
5 |
| Total Questions |
54 + 1 Essay |
| Examination Duration |
Approximately 1 Hour 58 Minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning |
27 Questions β 41 Minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning |
27 Questions β 47 Minutes |
| Analytical Writing |
1 Essay β 30 Minutes |
| Examination Availability |
Throughout the Year |
| Score Validity |
5 Years |
Important Examination Guidelines:
- Analytical Writing is always the first section.
- Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning each have two timed sections.
- Verbal and Quantitative sections use section-level adaptive testing.
- Candidates can review, skip and modify answers within a section.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
β
GRE Scoring System
GRE results are reported separately for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing.
| Section |
Score Range |
| Verbal Reasoning |
130β170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning |
130β170 |
| Analytical Writing |
0β6 |
| Combined Verbal + Quantitative |
260β340 |
Important Scoring Information:
- Verbal and Quantitative scores are reported in one-point increments.
- Analytical Writing is scored in half-point increments.
- There is no universal passing or failing score.
- Scores are accompanied by percentile rankings.
- Universities establish their own admission requirements.
- GRE scores remain reportable for five years.
π
Examination Attempts and Retake Policy
The GRE General Test offers flexibility in examination scheduling.
- Candidates may take the examination once every 21 days.
- A maximum of five attempts is permitted within any rolling 12-month period.
- Candidates can select test dates based on availability.
- ETS provides a ScoreSelect option, allowing candidates to choose which eligible test scores to send to institutions.
- Official scores are generally available approximately 8β10 days after the examination.
π International University Admission Opportunities
GRE scores are accepted by numerous universities and graduate institutions worldwide, including programmes at:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Columbia University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Yale University
- University of Pennsylvania
GRE acceptance varies by university, department and programme. Some programmes require GRE scores, others consider them optional, and some do not accept them.
University admission decisions may consider academic qualifications, GRE scores, statements of purpose, recommendation letters, research experience, professional achievements and interviews.
π Develop Strong Analytical and Academic Skills
The GRE General Test assesses important capabilities required for advanced academic and professional education, including mathematical reasoning, analytical reading, critical thinking, logical interpretation and written communication.
Strong performance in these areas helps demonstrate readiness for the academic demands of postgraduate and research-oriented programmes.
GRE is more than an entrance examinationβit is an assessment of the critical thinking, quantitative reasoning and communication skills essential for success in higher education.
π» Technical Requirements β Actuators Educational Institute (AEI)
To ensure a smooth and uninterrupted learning experience, students enrolling in courses offered by Actuators Educational Institute (AEI) are required to use devices that meet the minimum technical specifications supported by the AEI Learning Application.
π± Minimum Device & Operating System Requirements
| Device / Platform |
Minimum Technical Requirements |
| Android |
Android 9.0 or above |
| Windows PC / Laptop |
Windows 10 or above |
| iPhone / iPad (iOS) |
iOS 12.0 or above |
| MacBook / iMac (macOS) |
Apple M1 chip or above, with macOS 14 or later |
π Important Information for Students
- Students must ensure that their devices meet the above minimum technical requirements before enrolling in a course.
- A stable internet connection is recommended for accessing online lectures, study materials and other digital learning resources.
- Devices running older or unsupported operating systems may experience compatibility issues or may not support the application.
Note: These are the official minimum technical requirements for accessing courses through the Actuators Educational Institute (AEI) Learning Application. Students are advised to verify device compatibility before completing their course enrolment.