The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), commonly referred to as the GRE exam or GRE test, is a standardized test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), widely recognized for graduate and business school admissions worldwide. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the GRE exam 2025, covering its full form, fees, syllabus, pattern, test schedule, and coaching options, with a focus on India, including cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Vijayawada, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi.
What is the GRE Exam?
The GRE long form stands for Graduate Record Examination. Administered by ETS and GRE, it evaluates a candidate’s readiness for graduate-level studies through three key sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The GRE examination is accepted by thousands of universities globally, including top institutions in the USA, Canada, Europe, and even Indian schools like ISB and IIMs for MBA programs. Whether you're aiming for an MS, MBA, or other graduate programs, understanding the GRE exam test structure and costs is crucial for effective planning.
GRE Exam Fees in 2025
The GRE exam fee varies depending on the test type and location, but in India, the costs are standardized across cities. Below is a breakdown of the GRE exam fees for 2025:
GRE exam fee in India: The cost for GRE exam (General Test) is INR 22,550 for 2025, applicable in cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Vijayawada, Chennai, and Mumbai. This fee is consistent for both test center and GRE at Home formats.
GRE Subject Test fee: For those opting for the GRE Subject Test (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Psychology), the fee is INR 14,500 across India.
Additional costs:
Rescheduling fee: INR 5,000 if rescheduled at least four days before the test date.
Cancellation refund: Canceling at least four days before the test refunds 50% of the fee (INR 11,000 for the General Test).
Additional score reports: Beyond the four free score reports, each additional report costs approximately INR 2,900.
The GRE cost globally is around USD 220 (except in China, where it’s USD 231.30), but Indian candidates benefit from a fixed rupee-based fee structure. Payment can be made via credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Rupay), UPI, or digital wallets like Google Pay and PayZapp. The GRE Fee Reduction Program by ETS offers a 50% discount for candidates with financial hardship, accessible through the ETS website.
GRE Exam Syllabus and Pattern for 2025
The GRE exam syllabus for the General Test is designed to assess critical skills for graduate studies. The GRE exam pattern 2025 has been streamlined, with a reduced test duration of 1 hour 58 minutes since September 2023. Here’s a breakdown of the format of GRE exam:
Analytical Writing:
One section with two tasks: “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument.”
Tests your ability to articulate complex ideas and evaluate arguments.
Time: 30 minutes per task.
Syllabus: Writing coherent essays, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.
Verbal Reasoning:
Two sections, each with 20 questions (30 minutes per section).
Covers Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence.
Syllabus: Understanding and analyzing written material, vocabulary usage, and identifying relationships between words and concepts.
Quantitative Reasoning:
Two sections, each with 20 questions (35 minutes per section).
Includes Quantitative Comparison and Problem Solving questions.
Syllabus: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
The GRE Subject Test syllabus focuses on specific fields like Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology, testing advanced knowledge in those areas. The GRE exam score for the General Test ranges from 260 to 340 (Verbal and Quantitative sections, 130–170 each), with Analytical Writing scored separately from 0 to 6. A score above 160 in Verbal and Quantitative, and 4+ in Analytical Writing, is considered competitive for top programs.
Scheduling the GRE Exam
The schedule GRE exam process is flexible, with the GRE test offered year-round in India at test centers or via the GRE at Home option. Candidates can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in a 12-month period. Test dates in 2025 are available in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Vijayawada, and Pune, among others, but availability varies by center. The GRE at Home test can be scheduled as early as 24 hours after registration, offering appointments around the clock.
To book a test, candidates must create an account via GRE login on the official ETS website (www.ets.org) (www.ets.org). Select a test center or the at-home option, choose a test date, and pay the GRE exam fee. A valid government-issued ID (e.g., passport) is required on test day. For GRE Subject Tests, specific dates are set for September 2025, October 2025, and April 2026, with details to be announced by ETS.
GRE Coaching Options in India
Preparing for the GRE requires strategic study, and many candidates opt for professional coaching. Here’s an overview of GRE coaching options in India:
GRE coaching online: Platforms like Magoosh, Gateway Abroad jaipur, and ETS’s official PowerPrep provide online courses, practice tests, and study materials. These are ideal for flexible, self-paced learning.
GRE coaching near me: Local coaching centers are available in major cities:
GRE coaching in Hyderabad: Centers like Gateway Abroad Jaipur and Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd. offer classroom and online programs.
GRE coaching Bangalore: Institutes like Gateway Abroad jaipur-The Princeton Review provide comprehensive GRE prep with mock tests.
GRE coaching Chennai and GRE coaching centers in Chennai: ANCONS International and other local institutes offer personalized coaching.
GRE coaching in Pune: Centers like IMS provide classroom and online GRE prep with experienced faculty.
GRE coaching in Delhi: Merit and other institutes offer intensive GRE training with merit scholarships for high performers.
GRE coaching Vijayawada: Local centers like Texas Review cater to students in smaller cities with tailored programs.
Gre Coaching in jaipur: 
When choosing coaching, look for programs with official ETS materials, experienced faculty, and mock tests to simulate the GRE examination environment. Free resources, like ETS’s PowerPrep software and practice PDFs, are also valuable for self-study.
Why Take the GRE in 2025?
The GRE by ETS remains a critical step for students aiming for graduate programs abroad, with over 113,000 Indian students taking the exam in the last academic year, surpassing the U.S. Its flexibility, global acceptance, and shorter test duration make it an attractive option. Whether you’re in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Vijayawada, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, or Delhi, the GRE exam fee 2025 and test availability are consistent, allowing you to plan effectively.
To maximize your GRE good score, start preparing 2–3 months before your test date, aligning it with university application deadlines (e.g., August/September for November deadlines). Use official ETS resources, consider GRE coaching online or in-person, and budget for the GRE exam fees and additional costs like rescheduling or score reports.
For more details, visit the ETS website (www.ets.org) (www.ets.org) to access your GRE login, check test center availability, or explore the GRE Fee Reduction Program. With proper preparation and financial planning, the GRE test can be your gateway to top graduate programs worldwide
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