Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) - Overview

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised examination conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS), based in the US. The GRE measures candidates' aptitude for graduate school and universities abroad demand these test results for the purpose of admission in streams such as graduate studies, fellowships programs and research programs. The ETS representative in India is responsible for conducting the examinations. GRE scores happen to be one of several parameters graduate schools or universities use for assessing an applicant's qualification for study in many streams, with a notable exception in Management. For management streams, admission often favors the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

A high GRE score alone does not guarantee admission to any graduate school or university abroad, but the test can be looked upon as an important hurdle to be cleared in the admission process.

The GRE is administered by ETS worldwide in two separate tests. Only the computer-based test format is available in India.

GRE General Tests and GRE Subject Tests

The GRE General Test measures:

1. Critical thinking
2. Analytical writing
3. Verbal reasoning
4. Quantitative reasoning

The GRE Subject Tests gauge achievement in eight specific fields of study.

A candidate may take either the GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test or both, depending upon the course and school requirements. The eight subjects are:

1. Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
2. Biology
3. Chemistry
4. Computer Science*
5. Literature in English
6. Mathematics
7. Physics
8. Psychology

*Computer Science will only be held through April 2013. Scores are reportable for five years, but the test is being discontinued after April 2013.

 

 

Source

"About the GRE revised General Test," Educational Testing Service, 2013, https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about?WT.ac=grehome_about_b_121009