GRE Exam Guide: Steps to Register & Preparation Strategy

By the MasterMan editorial team • Further Studies • Updated August 2026 • 9 min read • Editorial policy

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is the most widely accepted test for Master’s (MS/MEng/research) admissions abroad — across the US, Germany, Canada, Australia and beyond. It’s run by ETS, can be booked almost year-round, and a good score plus a solid profile can win you scholarships. Here’s the full picture.

1. Quick facts

Conducted by: ETS — available at test centres and as an at-home test, round the year.
Duration: roughly 1 hour 58 minutes (shorter GRE format).
Score: Verbal 130–170 + Quant 130–170 = 260–340, plus Analytical Writing 0–6.
Validity: 5 years.

2. Exam pattern

Analytical Writing (AWA): one “Analyze an Issue” essay.
Verbal Reasoning: two sections — reading comprehension, text completion and sentence equivalence.
Quantitative Reasoning: two sections — arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data interpretation (high-school level, but tricky and time-pressured).

Good news for engineers: the Quant content is basic maths — with practice most Indian engineering students score very high on Quant, so Verbal usually decides your total.

3. Step-by-step: how to register

Create an ETS account on the official GRE website.
Choose your test type — at a test centre or the at-home option.
Pick a date & slot that gives you enough prep time and fits your application deadlines.
Pay the registration fee online.
Prepare (see the plan below) and take official practice tests.
Take the exam — you’ll see unofficial Verbal/Quant scores immediately.
Send your scores to universities (you get free score recipients on test day; more can be sent later for a fee).

4. A proven 3-month preparation strategy

Weeks 1–4 — Diagnose & build

Take one official practice test cold to find your baseline. Start daily vocabulary (high-frequency word lists) and revise core Quant concepts. Learn the question types for Verbal and Quant.

Weeks 5–8 — Practice by section

Drill Verbal (text completion, sentence equivalence, RC) and Quant (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation) with timed sets. Write 2–3 AWA essays and get them reviewed against the official rubric.

Weeks 9–12 — Full mocks & polish

Take a full-length mock every week using the official PowerPrep tests. Review every mistake, keep a word + error log, and lock your pacing. Book your real test near the end of this phase.

5. Free & high-quality resources

Official PowerPrep practice tests from ETS — the closest to the real thing.
ETS official guide and the free POWERPREP question bank.
Popular prep platforms (Magoosh, GregMat) and vocabulary apps for spaced repetition.

6. Smart tips

Build vocabulary in context (sentences), not just flashcards.
On Quant, watch for traps — the maths is easy, the wording isn’t.
Use the on-screen calculator sparingly; mental math is faster for simple steps.
Practise the mark-and-review feature so you never get stuck on one question.

Deciding between MS and MBA abroad? Compare the GRE with the GMAT and see all your options in our Further Studies overview.

Format, fees and score policies are set by ETS and can change. Always confirm the latest details on the official GRE website before booking.