What is GRE? How to Prepare for the GRE in 3 Months: A Complete Guide

GRE he is known as Graduate Record Examination and Administrated by (Educational Testing Service). It is mainly used for admission into Graduate, Business and Law program across the 90 countries. A standard test that is used to fairly compare Graduate School applicants who have very different educational backgrounds the tasks measures the key skills needed to succeed in graduate level studies. GRE is mainly divided into two types. All kind of information about GRE is explain here so read article to know all about GRE Exam.

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GRE is a test to show you that you are ready for Graduate School. A good score can make your application more competitive and may be needed to get scholarship and fellowships.

  • Critical thinking an analytical writing abilities
  • Quantitative reasoning
  • Verbal reasoning
  • Logical reasoning

Not only your GRE is matter but recommendations, SOP play a very important role in admission decision

FeatureDetails
Conducting BodyEducational Testing Service (ETS), USA
Exam TypeGRE General Test (Computer-delivered in India)
Total Duration1 hour 58 minutes (approx. 118 minutes)
SectionsAnalytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning (2 sections), Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections)
Section Details1. Analytical Writing: 1 task – Analyze an Issue
– Duration: 30 minutes
2. Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections – 12 + 15 questions Duration: Section 1: 18 minutes, Section 2: 23 minutes
3. Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections – 12 + 15 questions Duration: Section 1: 21 minutes, Section 2: 26 minutes
ScoringVerbal + Quantitative: 130–170 each
Analytical Writing: 0–6 (scored separately)
AdaptivitySection-level adaptive:
Difficulty of the 2nd Verbal/Quant section depends on performance in the 1st section
Navigation FeaturesMove forward/backward within a section, mark/review questions, edit answers in-section, on-screen calculator for Quantitative section
Recent Updates (2025)Reduced total duration from 3h45m to 1h58m.
One essay for Analytical Writing (no Analyze an Argument)
– Unscored/Experimental sections removed
– Faster score reporting (8–10 days)
Mode of ExamComputer delivered (At home version also available globally; India: only computer-delivered)
Typical Question TypesVerbal: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence
Quantitative: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation, Problem Solving
BreaksNo scheduled breaks in new format (formerly a 10-minute break at midpoint)
Validity of Scores5 years from test date
Test FrequencyOnce every 21 days, up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period

There are two types of GRE Tests

1.GRE General Tests

  • Verbal reasoning quantitative reasoning and analytic writing.
  • Accepted for most Master’s and Ph.D programs.
  • Available in both Computer based and Paper-based formats.

2.GRE Subject Tests

  • Tests knowledge in special subjects such as:
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Psychology
  • Mathematics

The GRE General Test contains three scored sections and one unscored or Experimental section:

SectionNumber of tasksTimeScore range
Analytical Writing (AWA)2 tasks60 minutes0-6
Verbal Reasoning2 sections60 minutes130 – 170
Quantitative Reasoning2 sections70 minutes130 – 170

1. Analytical Writing

  • Tasks: You will write two Essays, one where you Analyze a topic and another where you Analyze an Argument.
  • Time: You have 30 minutes to complete each section. (Total 60 mins).
  • Purpose: Thinking ability, critical thinking, build a strong argument and communicate your ideas in writing.

2. Verbal Reasoning

  • Structure: This Section contain two with a of Total 27 Question.
  • Time: 2 Sections, 30 minutes each.
  • Content: Cover reading passages, completing sentences with missing board and finding sentences that have the same meaning.
  • Purpose: This action tests your vocabulary, ability to understand and your critical reading skills.

3. Quantitative Reasoning

  • Structure:  This section contains two sections, Total 27 questions.
  • Time: Total 70 minutes.
  • Content: This section covers Math subjects like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data analysis and Problem solving.
  • Purpose: Measures your ability two use numbers and analyze information, Often in real world situation.

Total Test Duration

  • Content time: Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes excluding breaks
  • Including breaks: Around 4 hours depending on the number of unscored sections and test administration logistics

Being familiar with these timings allows candidates to plan time allocation per question and section, ensuring they can pace themselves effectively during the exam. Proper timing practice is especially important for Verbal and Quantitative sections, where each question carries equal weight.

To Take GRE because of, To gain admission to graduate programs strengthen your application and demonstrate your aptitude for Graduate-level work. The Key Reasons are Given Below.

  • Strengthen Your application
  • Admission to Graduate programs
  • Compare applicant
  • Open up opportunities
  • Flexibility in application
  • long term validity

It is very Simple Process, and you can complete through the official site of ETS website. Below is a detailed explanation of each step along with important tips and requirements.

1.Go to Official Websites of GRE Websites.

2.Click on “Sign In/ Create Account“.

3.Select “Create an Account” And fill your Form.

  • Benefits full name exactly as on your passport ID
  • Date of birth
  • Email address
  • Contact number

4. Create a username and password to access your ETS dashboard.

After logging in, Select which GRE Test you want to take.

  • GRE General Test (for most programs)
  • GRE Subjects Test ( for specific like Physics, Chemistry etc )

1. Click Register / Final text center, Dates.

2. Choose between

  • GRE at a Test Center
  • GRE at Home (available in most countries)

3. Browse the available dates and test centers near you.

4. It is very important to choose the time and date according to your schedule.

Before confirmation of your payment Double check your details.

  • Name and personal details.
  • Test type and date.
  • Test center or At Home set up.
  • The GRE general test is $220 USD (Prize may vary by countries)
  • Payment methods: Credit Card or Debit Card, PayPal (Selected Countries) and ETS voucher.
  • Once a payment is successful, you will get a confirmation email from ETS.
  • Your Appointment Details, Reporting Time and Test Center Address
  1. Review the GRE ID requirements (passport or government issued ID).
  2. Check the GRE TEST Day policies on the ETS website.
  3. For GRE at Home: Test your Computer and Internet connection in advance.
  • You can reschedule or cancel your GRE test up to 4 days before the test date (10 days for China)
  • A Rescheduling fee is $50 USD.

This study plan is structured to maximize performance across Verbal Reasoning (VR)Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Analytical Writing (AWA) over 12 weeks. The plan balances content mastery, strategic practice, and full-length exam simulation.

Month 1: Build Your Foundation (Weeks 1-4)

Understand the GRE format and its question types, strengthen vocabulary, math concepts and writing basics and develop a consistent study routine.

1. Verbal reasoning

  • Learn 20-30 new Words Daily use
  • Practice reading comparison at least 1 passage per day
  • Do basic test completion and sentence Equivalence questions

2. Quantitative reasoning

  • Review basic math arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. Practice daily 15 to 20 questions and watch YouTube videos for tricky topics.

3. Analytical writing

  • At least Read two sample essays per week from the ETS pool
  • Practice writing 1 essay weekly

4. Weekend task

  • Take 2 many more test each weekend
  • Analyze your mistake carefully and write down for next time

Month 2: strengthen and practice (week 5-8)

Focus on accuracy and speed, Practice timed sets for each section, Analyze your performance after every test. This is our goal for month 2.

1.Verbal

  • Continue daily vocab
  • Practice 3 reading comparison passes + 10 text completion questions daily
  • Reviewing correct answers

2. Quant

  • Focus on data interpretation algebra and word problems
  • Solve three timed sections per week
  • Revive formulas and not shortcuts

3. Analytical writing

  • Write three essay weekly
  • Mainly focus on structure, examples and logical flow

4. Mock tests

  • Take 3 full length mock test this month
  • Review your performance add notice your mistakes

Month 3: Practice, Mock Tests & Revision (Weeks 9-12)

This is a three-month goal which simulate real test condition and master time management and stress control and finalize test strategies as your compatibility.

1. Full length test

  • Take one more test per week
  • Use official ETS power prep test for accuracy

2. Verbal

  • Focus on tricky questions type and hard reading passages
  • Revise your vocabulary notebook daily

3. Quant

  • Practice only high difficulty problems
  • And don’t forget to revise formulas and data analysis for questions

4. Analytical writing

  • Write one essay weekly and preview it critically and carefully

5. Revision week (last week)

  • Revise key concept and vocabulary
  • Review mistakes from previous mock test
  • Sleep well and stay calm

Daily Study time Recommendation

Daily study is very important but if you are working full time so focus on consistency even short, focused session matter.

  • Weekdays : 2-3 Hours/Day
  • Weekends : 4-6 Hours/Day

Important Links

Can I take the GRE at home?

Yes

How often can I take the GRE?

You can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any 12 month Period.

how long is the GRE exam?

GRE takes about one 1 and 58 minutes to complete.

What is a good GRE score?

310-319 strong score.

How long are GRE SCORES valid?

Your GRE scores are valid for five years from your test date.

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