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GRE Revised General Test: Exam Pattern, Score, Preparation Tips
ETS conducts GRE, a standardised examination for graduate-level academic performance. GRE Revised General Test came into effect on 1st August 2011, in place of GRE General Test. It is a half-day examination for measuring the cognitive abilities of a candidate in terms of three meters.
GRE Revised General Tests are conducted as paper-based only in remote locations outside North America. For the rest of the places, the revised GRE test is available only as computer-based. It is to be noted that both the paper-based and the computer-based exams contain similar questions, and none of them provides any special consideration or advantage for the candidates according to the mode they opt.
GRE test scores are one of the many criteria while applying for admission to graduate courses in the United States, Canada etc. It is to be noted that GRE scores are not the sole eligibility requirement in these courses. Also, there are a few universities and courses which do not mandatorily require GRE scores.
Changes in the GRE Revised General Test
The revised GRE General Test which replaced the previous GRE General Test has undergone some significant changes in the exam format like
- Earlier it was computer adaptive test, now it is multi stage test (MST)
- It is more user-friendly and effective
- In the CAT format, there is a display of one question at a time, whereas in the revised MST format, the questions are answered as sections where candidates can navigate back and forth between questions in a section.
GRE Revised General Test Exam Pattern
GRE Revised General Test consists of six sections with a total duration of about 3 hours 30 minutes. At the beginning of each section, details regarding the number of questions in the section, time allotted and directions for answering will be provided.
Scores of the GRE Revised General Test will be available after six weeks from the date of taking the test.
| Cognitive Measure | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 2 Tasks - Analyze an issue & Analyze an argument | 60 minutes (30 minutes per task) |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 Sections - 25 Questions per section | 70 minutes (35 minutes per section) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 Sections - 25 Question per section | 80 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Total | 2 Tasks & 100 Questions | 3 hours 30 minutes |
GRE Revised General Test Syllabus
GRE Revised General Test measures the candidate using three skills as mentioned previously.
Analytical Writing
In Analytical Writing, the candidate is evaluated based on their skill to articulate themselves in writing. Usage of standard English and well-structured sentences along with relevant examples and evidence for your writing is measured in this section. The two tasks will be aimed at bringing out these skills.
Also Read GRE AWA Samples
Quantitative Reasoning
For Quantitative Reasoning, the questions will be analysing the candidate's ability to handle quantitative problems. Mathematical problems, interpretations, basic mathematical skills etc. are the abilities which are measured in this section. As per the revised GRE format, candidates can skip and later retry questions within a section, which makes answering the GRE Revised General Test more efficient for the appearing candidates.
Also Read GRE Quantitative Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning
The overall idea of verbal reasoning is to measure the candidate's ability to interpret and draw conclusions from data. The skills that help in this part of the GRE Test are interpretation, distinguishing points, summarising lengthy information, understanding the whole structure, meaning and concept of texts. As mentioned in quantitative reasoning, GRE revised format allows the candidate to navigate between questions of a section in the verbal reasoning part as well.
Also Read GRE Verbal Reasoning
GRE Preparation Tips
While preparing for the GRE Revised General Test, the most important thing is to understand the concept and aim of the test. By knowing the test structure and the skills measured in it, the candidate can work on themselves. Preparing for the GRE Revised General Test should be smart work instead of just hard work. Assessing yourself for the measured cognitive skills and improving where you lack is the key.
Check GRE Sample Papers
Suggestions for GRE Revised General Test Candidates
- Be familiar with the objective of the GRE test.
- Work and practise on the tested skills to improve efficiency.
- As per the official notifications, calculators for GRE tests will be provided at the centres. Become familiar with using similar calculators.
- Check and understand the marking scheme and time allotted for each section of GRE.
- Practise regularly, preferably online.
GRE 2024 : 6 Answered QuestionsView All
Ans. In case you are enquiring about the CAT percentile let me clarify that ISB Hyderabad does not take into consideration CAT scores. It accepts GMAT/GRE scores only. Most importantly, the ISB Shortlisting process is profile-based. This means even with a lower percentile you can manage to get shortlisted provided you have an excellent profile. There is no fixed cutoff for GMAT. However, a 700+ GMAT score isn't a must-have for ISB if your application is strong in other areas. According to an ISB spokesperson, candidates were admitted to the 2021 cohort with scores as low as 580, and as high as 780. So the GMAT score range for ISB is 580-780. Read more
Ans. ISB Hyderabad accepts both examination scores. So, you can opt for either of GMAT or GRE. Your chances of selection or rejection will remain the same. Go through the examination pattern and syllabus and choose the one in which you feel that you will be able to score better. Ultimately having a good score is what matters during admission. As per the recent trends, ISB Hyderabad cutoff for GMAT is 600, while for GRE it is 311. Read more
Ans. There are a few institutes that offer classroom coaching for GRE preparation in Bhubaneswar. Given below are information about a few such institutes: Offshore Education Academy This institute is a one-stop point for good counseling and preparation of GRE exams in Bhubaneswar. Merit scholarships are given to students who perform well in the online admission test. The minimum time to be devoted will be 4 months although it can be extended to 5 months in case an individual wants more time to prepare. Prajna Prep Prajna Prep offers comprehensive class sessions on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing. You can also take GRE Practice Tests to improve your preparation. Manya-The Princeton Review Manya-The Princeton Review is another excellent choice for GRE preparation. This institute offers different types of GRE courses and you can choose the one which suits you best. There is also an option for learning in groups or in one on one sessions. Besides classroom coaching, self-preparation is also a good option if your current academics are above average. Read more
Ans. Of the two entrance exams, GMAT and GRE, the former is a better option. ISB Hyderabad has recently started accepting GRE scores. This doesn’t mean that taking the GRE is a bad idea. Many business schools apart from ISB are now accepting GRE scores. The best part is that ISB won’t be converting your GRE scores to GMAT for comparison during the MBA admissions. GRE is suitable for students who are considering other PG options apart from MBA like MS or MA. For someone who is sure of their career in an MBA, the GMAT is a better choice because GRE is much more dynamic. GMAT shows your commitment to MBA and thereby increases your chances of admission in comparison to GRE which shows that you are open to various options. ISB Hyderabad prefers GMAT over GRE also because the former is a more quantitatively challenging exam than the latter. Certain firms may ask for your GMAT score before shortlisting you for your interview. These include the biggest firms in the corporate world like McKinsey So from these points, we can safely conclude that GMAT is a better option for MBA students provided that you are sure of your course. Read more
Ans. Firstly, GRE scores are not accepted for the PGP MBA program. Only CAT/GMAT scores are accepted. To apply through the GMAT route you need sufficient work experience in a foreign country. For the FPM program, like any other doctoral program, the quality of the application matters the most and there is no cut-off for the GRE scores. Other factors that are actually considered are Profile Past research Publications There is no specific GRE score that would guarantee a call-up from IIM Ahmedabad. Read more
Ans. There is a long list of countries that allow students to apply for Ph.D. without GRE or TOFEL scores. Some of these countries are as follows. France Singapore Malaysia Dubai Poland China Japan Thailand Latvia Georgia United Kingdom Malta However, you need to have a good academic record in English to show your proficiency. Some of these countries may also need other language proficiency test scores for admission. Read more
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College
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