GRE Exam 2023: Pattern changed with Shorter Duration from Sep 22, 2023; Registration Opens; Check Revised Pattern, Fee, Syllabus, Top Colleges
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is widely used as an admission requirement for various graduate programmes including MBA by business schools, primarily in the United States, as well as some universities and institutions in other countries. The GRE aims to assess the readiness of students for graduate-level academic work and evaluates their verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
GRE 2023 Latest Updates
- GRE Shorter Duration Exam: Effective September 22, 2023 GRE will be of 1 Hr 58 Minute Exam
- Fewer Questions: GRE will have 46 Fewer VR and QR questions
- Only 1 Essay: Instead of present two, the shorter GRE to have only one Analytical Writing Essay
- Faster Official Scores: Test takers to receive their official scores much faster, in just 8-10 days.
- Two Testing Modes: GRE Exam can be taken as CBT at test centers and Online Test from home
Read the Table of Contents below to know all about the present and revised GRE exam pattern, syllabus, how to prepare, how to apply, key changes and more
Table of Contents
1. What is GRE?
2. GRE 2023 Key Highlights
3. Current GRE Exam Pattern 2023
4. Overview of GRE Shorter Test
5. Current GRE Exam Vs Shorter GRE Exam
6. GRE Syllabus 2023
7. GRE 2023 Preparation: GRE Books, Best Coaching, Official
Guide
8. GRE Registration: How to Register and Apply for GRE 2023?
9. GRE 2023 Eligibility Criteria
10. GRE Colleges 2023: Top MBA Colleges Accepting GRE in India with
Cut off
11. GRE 2023 Exam Centers
12. GRE 2023 Result
13. GRE Vs GMAT
14. GRE FAQs
What is GRE?
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. Conducted by US-based Education Testing Service (ETS), GRE is a standardized, computer-based, multichoice exam accepted by all top US Universities for MBA, MS, Law and other graduate programs. GRE exam scores are accepted by more than 1,300 business schools including Harvard, Wharton, Chicago and almost all other Top 50 B-schools as ranked by Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Financial Times and U.S. News & World Report. According to information shared by GRE, more than 75,000 test takers take the GRE exam from India. GRE exam has 3 sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section, Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning. GRE Exam 2023 can be a good alternative to GMAT, particularly for students who have good English language skills. Also, taking GRE exam cost less than GMAT exam. GRE score validity is for a period of 5 years.
The GRE is a computer-based test, and the order of the sections may vary for each test taker. It is adaptive in nature, meaning the difficulty level of the questions may adjust based on the test taker's performance. The present GRE test duration is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks. Present format of GRE is viewed as causing fatigue to the test takers. To overcome and address the growing exam fatigue amongst the test takers, and to match the short GMAT exam format (GMAT Exam Focus Edition), ETS has announced a shorter GRE Test with effect from September 22, 2023. The shorter GRE will cut down test taking time from about 4 hours currently to just 2 hours. To achieve this, GRE has made important changes in exam structure. Till September 2023, existing GRE test format will continue to remain valid.
GRE 2023 Key Highlights
The GRE aims to assess the readiness of students for graduate-level academic work and evaluates their verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Key highlights of GRE Exam 2023 are:
|
GRE 2023 Key Highlights
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GRE Exam Details
|
|
GRE Full Form
|
Graduate Record Examination
|
|
GRE Exam Conducting Body
|
Education Testing Service (ETS)
|
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GRE 2023 Official website
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ets.org
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|
Type of GRE Exam 2023
|
Computer Adaptive Test with subsequent question
based on performance on previous answer
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|
GRE 2023 Testing Mode
|
1. Computer Based Test at Exam Centre
2. Online Proctored Test (Can be Taken from Home)
|
|
GRE Question Paper 2023: Total Sections
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3
|
|
Total Questions in Present GRE Exam
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82 Including 2 Essay Tasks
|
|
GRE Question Paper 2023: Sections with number of
questions
|
Analytical writing: 2 Essay Tasks
Quantitative Reasoning (QR): 40 Qs
Verbal Reasoning (VR): 40 Qs
Unscored Section: Varies
Scheduled Break: 10 Minutes
|
|
Sectional Individual Time Limit to Attempt the
Questions
|
Analytical writing: 60 Minutes
Quantitative Reasoning (QR): 70 Minutes
Verbal Reasoning (VR): 70 Minutes
Unscored Section: Varies
Scheduled Break Time: 10 Minutes
|
|
Current GRE Exam Duration
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3 hrs 45 minutes
|
|
Type of Questions in GRE
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QR-MCQs
VR-MCQs
Analytical Writing-Descriptive
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|
Section wise GRE Scoring Scheme
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Quantitative Reasoning (QR): 130-170
Verbal Reasoning (VR): 130-170
Analytical writing: 0-6 (In half Point Increments)
Total Score: 340+6
|
|
Sections Responsible for Arriving at Merit Score in
GRE 2023
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Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning,
Analytical writing
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|
GRE Exam Syllabus & Pattern 2023 at A Glance
|
QR: Focuses on problem-solving and
data interpretation using basic arithmetic, algebra,
geometry, and data analysis skills
VR: Assesses reading
comprehension, text completion, and sentence
equivalence skills
Analytical Writing: Requires
writing essays expressing and supporting
perspectives on given topics
|
|
Negative Marking in GRE Exam Pattern 2023
|
The GRE 2023 pattern does not have any negative
marking
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GRE Test Centers 2023
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GRE 2023 Exam Centers are located across the
countries in almost all the major cities. In India
alone, GRE is conducted in all the metro cities and
many other cities.
Besides, GRE can be taken as Online Test from home
without opting for a test center.
|
|
Validity of GRE Scores
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5 Years
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|
GRE 2023 Application Process
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Online Application Submission
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GRE Exam Fee Payment 2023
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GRE Exam Fee Payment 2023 can be done through
Internet Banking, Debit/Credit Card/NEFT
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GRE 2023 Result
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In 8-10 Days from the Date of Taking Exam.
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GRE Cutoff 2023
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GRE cutoff is decided by the respective B-school
where you plan to take admission
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GRE Colleges 2023
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All the top MBA colleges across the Globe accept
GRE score for MBA admission. Top GRE Colleges 2023
include HBS, Stanford, INSEAD, LBS, ISB among others
|
Exam Pattern 2023
The GRE 2023 exam pattern tests the readiness of students for graduate-level academic work and evaluates their verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The exam is conducted round the year and you can apply and appear in GRE five times a year to improve your GRE score and percentile. GRE is conducted in two testing modes – Computer based test at Exam Centres and Online Proctored Test which you can take from the convenience of your home. Below is shared the GRE Exam Pattern and Sectional composition
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Section
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Number of Questions
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Time Limit
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Score Range
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|
Analytical Writing
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2 Essay Tasks
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60 Minutes
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0-6
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Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
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40 Questions
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70 Minutes
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130-170
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Verbal Reasoning (VR)
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40 Questions
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60 Minutes
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130-170
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Unscored Section
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Varies
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Varies
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--
|
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Scheduled Break
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--
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10 Minutes
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--
|
|
Total
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80 MCQs + 2 Essay
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3 Hours, 45 Minutes
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340 + 6 (In half Point Increments)
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GRE Shorter Test Overview
Here’s what to expect for tests starting September 22, 2023.
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Section
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Test Structure
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Sectional Time
|
|
Analytical Writing
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1 section, 1 essay task
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30 minutes
|
|
Quantitative Reasoning
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2 sections, 27 questions total
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47 minutes
|
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Verbal Reasoning
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2 sections, 27 questions total
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41 minutes
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Total Time
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--
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1 hour, 58 minutes
|
Highlights of Shorter GRE Test:
- Will take less than 2 hours to complete
- Have 46 fewer Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning questions
- Have only one Analytical Writing essay, versus two in the current version.
- “Analyze an Argument” essay task from Analytical Writing section will be eliminated
- All other GRE General Test question types will remain the same
- In addition to test changes, test takers can expect to receive their official scores much faster, in just 8-10 days.
Current GRE Exam Vs Shorter GRE Exam
ETS has announced to launch new version of shorter GRE Exam WEF September 22, 2023 with fewer questions and many other changes. The current version of the GRE exam will continue to be available until September 2023. Key comparison between current GRE pattern Vs Shorter GRE exam is shared below:
|
GRE Exam Sections
|
Current GRE General Test #
tasks/questions
|
Current GRE General Test Total
Time
|
Shorter GRE General Test # tasks/
questions
|
Shorter GRE General Test Total
Time
|
|
Analytical writing
|
2 essay tasks
|
60 minutes
|
1 essay task
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30 minutes
|
|
Quantitative Reasoning
|
40 questions
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70 minutes
|
27 questions
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47 minutes
|
|
Verbal Reasoning
|
40 questions
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60 minutes
|
27 questions
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41 minutes
|
|
Unscored Section
|
Varies
|
Varies
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None
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None
|
|
Scheduled Break
|
--
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10 minutes
|
--
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None
|
|
Total
|
--
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3 hours, 45 mins
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--
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1 hour, 58 mins
|
GRE Syllabus 2023
GRE exam syllabus is clearly defined for each of its three sections. However, the GRE syllabus will change in Sept 2023 with the launch of revised format of shorter GRE Exam. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) consists of three main sections that assess different skills and abilities. GRE is conducted in two testing modes – Computer based test at Exam Centres and Online Proctored Test which you can take from the convenience of your home. The GRE syllabus for both testing modes is same. Shared below is the GRE section wise syllabus:
GRE Syllabus for Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension: Assessing the ability to understand and analyze written passages across various subjects.
- Text Completion: Evaluating the ability to complete sentences by selecting the appropriate words or phrases.
- Sentence Equivalence: Testing the understanding of sentence structure and the ability to identify words with similar meanings.
GRE Syllabus for Quantitative Reasoning
- Arithmetic: Topics include properties and types of integers, operations with integers, and concepts of factors and multiples.
- Algebra: Covers topics such as operations and properties of algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, and functions.
- Geometry: Focuses on concepts of lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, and three-dimensional figures.
- Data Analysis: Involves interpretation and analysis of data presented in tables, graphs, and charts.
GRE Syllabus for Analytical Writing
- Issue Task: Requires the test taker to present a position on a given issue and support it with relevant examples and evidence.
- Argument Task: Involves critiquing an argument by identifying its logical flaws and providing a well-structured analysis.
Important Note on GRE Exam & Syllabus
- It's important to note that the GRE General Test also includes an unscored research or experimental section that can appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section.
- The Unscored section in GRE is used for ETS research purposes and does not count towards your score.
- GRE Syllabus covers the major areas as tested in the GRE exam. Familiarizing yourself with these topics and practicing relevant questions will help you prepare effectively for each section of the exam.
GRE 2023 Preparation: GRE Books, Best Coaching, Official Guide
You should be clear about what is your GRE goal? A good GRE score is 135-150, from a total of 340+. But if you want to get into IVY League B-schools like Harvard Business School, INSEAD, London Business School etc…then you must target 180-200. You can achieve this with a 12-weeks of GRE study plan for GRE 2023 preparation which involves thorough understanding of GRE Question Pattern, Preparing as per GRE Exam Pattern and Syllabus, Opting the best GRE Coaching, Reading right GRE Books and practicing with GRE official Guide 2023, taking as many as GRE 2023 Mock tests and attempting previous GRE question papers.
Key GRE 2023 preparation tips, as shared by experts are:
- Check Section wise GRE preparation guide and tips
- Get Right GRE Study Material
- Join Best GRE Coaching like TIME, CL among others
- Read online from best GRE websites like Magoosh, Kaplan among others
- Read official GRE guide and attempt with practice and previous GRE questions
- Attempt as many GRE Mocks as possible
GRE Registration: How to Register and Apply for GRE 2023?
GRE Registration process and GRE exam fees for different services is shared below:
GRE 2023 Registration: Step by Step Process
The step by step process for GRE 2023 Registration and to fill GRE 2023 application form is explained below.- Step-1: Login to GRE official website ets.org and click on ‘Register for GRE’
- Step-2: Create a GRE Account: Log in to your ETS account or create an account. If you haven’t already created an ETS account, review the ID requirements page. It’s essential that the name you register should match exactly the name as it appears on the ID you plan to use on test day. You are required to submit the Information like your First Name, Last Name, e-mail id, password
- Step-3: Find Test Center: On the GRE home page, select Register/Find Test Centers
- Step-4: Click on GRE Gen: Select the GRE General Test and Verify your email address, then continue.
- Step-5: Schedule Your GRE exam date and time: To select your test appointment, confirm your time zone, or select a new one. Choose the two-month window you want to search and then select your preferred date from the calendar. Select an available time/date to test and click “Register for this test.”
- Step-6: Make payment of GRE exam fees: Complete your registration and pay your GRE test fees as given below.
- Step-7: Confirmation on Mail: You will receive confirmation on email from ETS on completion of GRE registration
GRE 2023 Registration & Application Fees
GRE 2023 application process will remain incomplete till the GRE Exam Fee Payment 2023 is made. You need to pay for GRE 2023 Registration and exam fees for the various services like GRE registration, Exam Rescheduling, Cancellation among others as below:
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GRE Exam 2023 Services
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GRE Fees in India
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GRE General Test
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Rs.22,550
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GRE Subject Test
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Rs.14,500
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GRE Exam Rescheduling fee
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Rs. 5,000
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Changing the GRE test center
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Rs. 5,000
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Changing the GRE Subject Test
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Rs. 5,000
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Addition GRE Score Report
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Rs. 2,900
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Score Review
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Rs. 5,900
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Score Reinstatement
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Rs. 5,000
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Returned Payment
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Rs. 2,900
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GRE exam fees Payment 2023: Options Available
GRE Registration Fees can be paid through multiple options as below:Global: You can make payment online through Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards
India/Locally Issued: GRE Exam Fee payments in India can be made through
- Visa, MasterCard, Maestro credit and debit cards
- Rupay credit and debit cards
- UPI and Bharat QR payments including the following digital wallets FreeCharge, PayZapp, Airtel Money, Google Pay; MobiKwik; JioMoney; Ola Money; PhonePe; Amazon Pay; Paytm, WhatsApp, and all BHIM UPI enabled banking apps
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) for Visa and MasterCard cards issued outside India will also be supported.
GRE 2023 Eligibility Criteria
Anybody can take the GRE General Test. There is no specific eligibility requirement like age, academic qualification. However, the applicants should match their eligibility criteria with the respective institutes, universities, programmes and courses
GRE Colleges 2023: Top MBA Colleges Accepting GRE in India with Cut off
Here is the List of Top GRE Accepting MBA Colleges by Country
Top MBA Colleges accepting GRE Scores in USA
- Harvard Business School
- Stanford Graduate School of Business
- Wharton School
- University of Chicago – Booth
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Sloan
- Northwestern University – Kellogg
- Yale School of Management
- Columbia Business School
- Cornell University – Johnson
- New York University – Stern
- University of California Berkeley – Haas
- Dartmouth College – Tuck
- Duke University – Fuqua
- University of Michigan Ann Arbor – Ross
- Carnegie Mellon University – Tepper
- University of Virginia – Darden
- Emory University – Goizueta
- University of Texas Austin – McCombs
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill – Kenan Flagler
- University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Top MBA Colleges in India accepting GRE Scores
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B-school
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Program
|
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ISB Hyderabad/Mohali
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PGP
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IIM-Ahmedabad
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EPGP
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IIM-Bangalore
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EPGP
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Indian Institute of Management Lucknow
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IPMX
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IIM-Udaipur
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One-year MBA
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|
Indian Institute of Management
Visakhapatnam
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PGP-DGM & PGPEx
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|
IIM-Raipur
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FPM
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Top MBA Colleges accepting GRE Scores in UK & Europe
- London Business School – LBS, UK
- Oxford University – Said, UK
- University of Cambridge – Judge, UK
- Cranfield University, UK
- University of Manchester, UK
- HEC, Paris
- INSEAD, France
- IMD Lausanne, Switzerland
- IESE Business School, Spain
- Instituto de Empresa (IE), Spain
Top MBA Colleges accepting GRE Scores in Canada
- University of Toronto: Rotman
- University of Western Ontario – Ivey
- HEC Montreal
- University of British Columbia – Sauder
- York University – Schulich
Top MBA Colleges in Singapore accepting GRE Scores
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Nanyang Technological University
- INSEAD Singapore Campus
- SMU Singapore
Top MBA Colleges in Hong Kong & China accepting GRE Scores
- Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
- Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen)
- China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)
- Fudan University International MBA
Above list includes only Top MBA Colleges accepting GRE. There are more than 1300 Universities and B-schools that accept GRE. So, if you have a good GRE score, your options are endless!
GRE 2023 Exam Centers
GRE exam is conducted across the Globe in many countries and in each country there are many cities where GRE exam is conducted. GRE exam centers in India are also spread across the country and the exam is conducted in many cities in India like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Chennai, Gurgaon, Mysore, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad among others.
GRE 2023 Result
GRE exam result with score card is made available on your GRE account in 8-10 business days from the date of taking the exam. You will be notified via email once your Official GRE Score Report is available.
GRE Vs GMAT: Key Features, Similarities & Differences
GRE and GMAT both have many similarities and differences as below:
|
Parameter
|
GRE
|
GMAT
|
|---|---|---|
|
Purpose
|
General admissions test
|
Business school admissions test
|
|
Exam Structure
|
Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning,
Analytical Writing
|
Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning,
Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning
|
|
Verbal Reasoning
|
Assesses reading comprehension, text completion,
and sentence equivalence skills
|
Evaluates reading comprehension, critical
reasoning, and sentence correction skills
|
|
Quantitative Reasoning
|
Focuses on problem-solving and data interpretation
using basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data
analysis skills
|
Tests problem-solving and data sufficiency skills,
often in a business-oriented context
|
|
Analytical Writing
|
Requires writing essays expressing and supporting
perspectives on given topics
|
Includes one essay task analyzing an argument
|
|
Integrated Reasoning
|
Not included in the exam
|
Assesses ability to analyze and interpret data
presented in various formats
|
|
Score Validity
|
Valid for five years
|
Valid for five years
|
GRE FAQs
Q: What has changed in GRE?
A: GRE has become shorter from September 22, 2023 and
will be less than 2 hours exam instead of about 4 hours exam at
present. Number of questions will be reduced and the GRE score card
will be made available in 8-10 days instead of present about 15
days. Check details above
Q: Will the answering time to a question is also reduced in
GRE?
A: No, it remains the same
Q: Till when I can appear in present pattern of GRE
Exam?
A: You can apply and appear in current GRE exam pattern
till September 20, 2023. After this shorter GRE will only be
available
Q: When I can register and apply for Shorter GRE
A: Registration for shorter GRE is open. You need to
choose the exam date of Sept 22, 2023 or after