If you are someone wondering if at all there was a GRE paper-based test available then you should read on to know the details. The GRE paper-based test is offered in locations where the computer-based test is not available, though the count of those places is relatively less. The GRE paper-based test holds equal importance like the computer-based, therefore, let us study the differences between GRE PBT vs. GRE CBT.

GRE Paper-based Test: Overview

The GRE paper-based test in simple terms is the hard-copy adaptation of the GRE computer-based test. Though the GRE syllabus is mostly similar, only the candidates who cannot avail of the computer-based exam can take the GRE paper-based test. The other circumstance allowing the taking of a GRE paper-based test is if the candidate is allowed special testing situations.

Factors to be considered:

• Candidates cannot shift from GRE CBT to PBT without any rigid cause.
• The ETS data of 2013 - 2016 has shown that 98% of test-takers took the computer-based test, whereas only 2% took paper-based.

Should You Take the GRE Paper – based Test?

After studying the above-mentioned details, candidates might have confusion in understanding whether they should take the GRE paper-based test or not. To find out, check the following steps:

1. Log on to your ETS account using your details;
2. Check the registration process followed by your GRE exam dates and time;
3. Your selected GRE test center will show if you’ll be taking the GRE PBT or CBT

Another method,

1. Search for your city in the ETS test center PDF;
2. In certain cases, the paper-based version is offered in selected places;
3. Therefore, make sure to search for the exact or the nearest city.

Which is Better Computer-based or Paper-based GRE Test?

The following list of differences will provide an idea of GRE CBT vs. PBT:

From the above list of differences in the GRE computer-based test vs. paper-based test, we can see the major differences in the number of questions and the duration, availability of scratch papers, and section-level adaptivity.

GRE Paper-based Test Availability

As already mentioned, the GRE PBT is conducted three times a year but few of the places might also conduct it once among all three times. Therefore, make sure to check if your GRE test center is conducting the test once or thrice.

Factors to be remembered about GRE Paper-based test dates:

• If your GRE test center is conducting the paper-based test in February this year, it will not necessarily conduct it the same time the next year;
• Always keep a 2 to 3 months time before the GRE paper-based test date as this ensures you’ve ample time for preparation;

How to Select the Suitable GRE Paper-based Test Date?

As the GRE PBT tests are offered thrice a year, candidates need to carefully select the GRE test-dates which will be in alignment with the grad-school application dates:

1. Figure out your selected grad school’s application dates;
2. The time required for you to prepare for the GRE exam after carefully analyzing the GRE exam pattern;
3. Or if you are retaking the GRE, you need to calculate the difference between your target score and baseline score;

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