GRE Exam Guide 2026 for International Students
The GRE General Test is a common admission requirement for master's, MBA, and doctoral programmes. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing rather than subject-specific curriculum knowledge.
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GRE Exam Format
Below is a simple breakdown of the GRE General Test structure to help you understand what to expect on test day.
| Section | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | One essay task (Analyze an Issue) that tests your ability to develop and support a clear argument. | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | Reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions (2 sections: 12 + 15 questions). | 41 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis questions (2 sections: 12 + 15 questions). | 47 minutes |
GRE at a Glance
- Total Test Duration: Approximately 1 hour 58 minutes
- Total Questions: 54 scored questions + 1 essay
- Mode: Computer-based test
- Section Order: Analytical Writing always appears first, followed by Verbal and Quantitative sections in random order
GRE fees, scores, and validity
- Exam fee: USD 220 (Nepal); fees vary by country
- Total duration: Approximately 1 hour 58 minutes
- Score range: Verbal and Quantitative: 130–170 per section; Analytical Writing: 0–6
- Score validity: 5 years
Candidates should check the official GRE website for the latest pricing before registering.
Where GRE Scores Are Accepted
The GRE General Test is widely accepted by graduate schools and institutions around the world for admissions to master's, doctoral, and selected professional programmes.
It is commonly used for admission to:
- US graduate schools and universities
- Canadian universities
- Select universities in the UK
- German universities
- French higher education institutions
- Universities in the Netherlands
- Universities in Ireland
- Australian universities
Note: GRE requirements vary by university and programme. Some institutions may require it, while others may consider it optional or not required.
Need help deciding if GRE is right for you?
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Preparation Tips for GRE
A focused preparation strategy can help you achieve your target GRE score across all three sections.
- Build vocabulary through regular revision and active usage in context.
- Strengthen math fundamentals before moving to advanced quantitative drills.
- Practise data interpretation and timed problem solving under exam conditions.
- Use official ETS practice materials consistently throughout your preparation.
- Review every error category rather than focusing only on your overall score.
- Write timed analytical essays and evaluate structure, argument quality, and clarity.
GRE Exam FAQs
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