Your Complete Guide to GRE Preparation: What, Why and How to Score Big

 Thinking about a master’s abroad? Then you’ve probably heard of the GRE. But what is GRE exactly, who can take it, and how do you build a GRE preparation plan that really works? Here’s a clear, student-friendly guide designed for Indian students exploring graduate study options overseas.

What is GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, especially in the USA, Canada, Germany, and Singapore. It measures skills like verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking — all the things universities look for in future postgraduates.

The GRE is computer-based and scores remain valid for five years.

GRE eligibility for Indian students

One question that often comes up is: “Who is eligible for the GRE?” The answer is simple — there’s no official eligibility based on age, degree, or percentage. Typically, Indian students take the GRE:

• After completing (or while finishing) an undergraduate degree

• When applying for master’s programs, PhD, or MBA abroad

• If the university or program specifically asks for GRE scores

Since each university has its own requirements, always double-check the course website.

GRE exam pattern

Understanding the GRE exam pattern helps you plan better. The test is divided into:

• Analytical Writing: 1 section with 2 tasks (analyze an issue & an argument); about 60 minutes

• Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections focusing on comprehension and vocabulary; around 41 minutes

• Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections covering arithmetic, algebra, and data analysis; around 47 minutes

Total test time: around 2 hours (with the new shorter GRE format introduced in 2023).
Scores range from:

• Verbal: 130–170

• Quant: 130–170

• Analytical Writing: 0–6

Why is GRE important?

A solid GRE score can:

• Help you get into top master’s and MBA programs worldwide

• Strengthen your application if your academic GPA isn’t perfect

• Make you eligible for scholarships or teaching/research assistantships

• Prove your critical thinking and analytical skills — important for graduate-level study

How to prepare for GRE from India

Building a GRE preparation plan is about quality and consistency rather than just hours. Here’s a practical approach:

1. Learn the syllabus & question types:
Get familiar with each section and its timing.

2. Take a diagnostic test:
This shows where you stand and what to focus on.

3. Strengthen basics:
Review core maths topics and improve English vocabulary (especially for text completion and sentence equivalence).

4. Practice regularly:
Daily practice builds speed and confidence.

5. Mock tests:
Do full-length timed tests every week to build stamina and reduce exam anxiety.

6. Analyse mistakes:
Learn why you got a question wrong — this step matters as much as practice itself.

GRE study schedule example

Here’s a sample GRE study schedule for three months:

Month	Focus Area
Month 1	Basics: Maths review, daily vocabulary, practice short reading passages
Month 2	Sectional tests, weekly mock test, focus on analytical writing
Month 3	Increase practice, two mock tests per week, focus on speed and accuracy

If you’re working or studying full-time, you can stretch this to four or six months.

Target GRE score for top universities

There isn’t an official “passing” score, but most top universities look for:

• Top STEM programs: around 320+ (with stronger Quant scores)

• Ivy League & competitive master's: 320–330+

• Business schools accepting GRE: around 310–320

• For Analytical Writing, a score of around 4.0–4.5 is generally considered competitive.

Always check your target university’s website, as score expectations can vary by program.

Final thoughts

Preparing for the GRE doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When you understand what is GRE, learn the GRE exam pattern, check your eligibility, and follow a practical GRE study schedule, the process becomes much easier. Focus on steady practice, keep track of your progress, and aim for a target GRE score for top universities that matches your course and goals.

If you’d like, I can also help create:

• A personalised GRE preparation plan

• Free and paid study resource list

• Last-month revision strategies

Thinking of starting your GRE journey? It could open doors to scholarships, top programs, and a truly global career. Start with a plan — and stick to it.