Overview
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam designed to assess analytical, quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation skills for admission into MBA, Master’s in Management (MiM), and other business-related postgraduate programs.
Administered by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), it’s accepted by over 7,000 programs across 2,400+ business schools worldwide — including top institutions in the United States, Canada, the UK, Europe, and Asia.
In 2024, GMAC introduced the GMAT Focus Edition, replacing the older version with a shorter, more streamlined format focusing on modern business reasoning skills.
Overview
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a globally recognized standardized test used for admission into graduate and business schools, primarily in the United States, Canada, the UK, and other English-speaking countries.
It assesses analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills — measuring readiness for postgraduate-level study.
The test is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and is accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, especially for master’s, MBA, and PhD programs.
Exam Structure __ The GRE is available in two formats
- GRE General Test (most commonly required
- GRE Subject Tests (for specific disciplines like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Psychology)
| Section | Content | Duration | Scoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 essay task (Analyze an Issue) | 30 minutes | 0–6 (half-point increments) |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 sections, 27 questions total | 41 minutes | 130–170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 sections, 27 questions total | 47 minutes | 130–170 |
| Total Test Time | 1 hour 58 minutes | - | - |
The GRE is adaptive by section, meaning the difficulty of later sections depends on earlier performance.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) before enrolling in a graduate program.
Universities may specify minimum GRE score requirements, but ETS itself does not impose cutoffs.
The test is open to all nationalities, age groups, and academic backgrounds.
Registration and Test Booking
Registration Methods
- Online via ETS Website: https://www.ets.org/gre
- By Phone: Through regional test centers
- At Home Edition: Available in most countries with live remote proctoring
Test Availability
- Offered year-round at authorized Prometric testing centers and via online at-home testing.
- Booking Window: Usually open months in advance; ideal to register at least 4–6 weeks before your intended test date.
Test Fee (approximate as of 2025)
- USD 220 globally
(₹22,000–₹25,000 for India, depending on exchange rate)
Score Reporting and Validity
- Scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.
- Score Range
- Verbal: 130–170
- Quantitative: 130–170
- Analytical Writing: 0–6
- Score Sending:
- 4 free score reports at the time of testing
- Additional reports cost USD 27 per institution
Score Use :Universities evaluate GRE scores alongside GPA, SOPs, recommendation letters, and work experience.
Application Relevance
- Business schools in the U.S., Canada, UK, Singapore, and Europe
- Scholarship decisions
- Career placements post-MBA in consulting and finance sectors
- Harvard Business School (Median: 730)
- INSEAD (Median: 710)
- London Business School (Median: 700)
- ISB Hyderabad (Median: 710)
Exam Preparation
Recommended Preparation Time
- Average: 2–3 months of focused study
- High scorers often dedicate 10–15 hours per week
Common Prep Tools
- ETS Official GRE Prep (free practice tests and guides)
- Magoosh, Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, Princeton Review for structured practice
- GRE Official Practice Tests (PowerPrep) — free via ETS
GRE Subject Tests (Optional)
| Subject | Duration | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 2 hours 50 minutes | 200–990 |
| Chemistry | 2 hours 50 minutes | 200–990 |
| Mathematics | 2 hours 50 minutes | 200–990 |
| Psychology | 2 hours 50 minutes | 200–990 |
These are offered three times a year (April, September, October) and focus on subject-specific knowledge.
How the Agency Assists
Test registration guidance
(including at-home test setup)
Profile evaluation
to align GRE scores with target universities
University shortlisting
based on score and academic background
Application assistance
for graduate programs
Visa and funding guidance
post-admission