For many Indian students, studying abroad isn’t just a dream, it’s a carefully planned mission, and the GRE is often a major checkpoint on that journey. Interestingly, in the 2022-23 testing period, India surpassed the U.S. for the first time in 80 years, with 113,304 Indian students taking the GRE compared to 97,676 American students. This surge reflects a growing ambition among Indian aspirants, with over 1.3 million students currently pursuing higher education overseas—Canada hosting around 427,000, the U.S. 337,630, the UK 185,000, and Australia 122,202. With competition fiercer than ever, a strong GRE score isn’t just another requirement; it’s a game-changer that can unlock top universities and scholarships, making all the difference in securing a spot at a dream institution.
Why Should You Read This Guide?
- Comprehensive yet easy to understand – Covers everything from GRE registration to preparation.
- Tailored for Indian students – Includes key insights on scholarships, financial aid, and visa impact.
- Smart money tips – Learn how to make international money transfers for applications and tuition without losing money on transfer fees.
- Actionable strategies – Step-by-step plans to ace the GRE and manage foreign remittances smartly with moneyHOP.
What is the GRE & Why Does It Matter?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that examines verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, constituting a key component of most graduate programs’ application process, particularly in the United States. In determining these capabilities, the GRE offers a uniform measurement to normalize the qualifications of aspirants across various educational and cultural backgrounds. Although institution and program dependent in its significance, a high score in the GRE can enhance a candidate’s profile, possibly making a point of difference in their prospects of getting accepted or qualifying for scholarships or assistantships.
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Key Reasons to Take the GRE:
- Required for admission to top universities in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, and Singapore.
- Helps secure scholarships and assistantships to reduce tuition costs.
- Some MBA programs now accept GRE instead of GMAT (Harvard, Stanford, ISB).
- Increases student visa approval chances by showing academic preparedness.
GRE Exam Structure & Format
Understanding the GRE’s format is crucial for effective preparation. The test is section-level adaptive, meaning the difficulty of later sections depends on your performance in earlier ones.
GRE General Test vs. GRE Subject Test
| Test Type | Purpose | Sections Included |
| GRE General Test | Required for MS/MBA/PhD programs worldwide | Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning |
| GRE Subject Test | Needed for specialized fields like Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology | Subject-specific questions |
Most Indian students take the GRE General Test for postgraduate studies abroad.
GRE Exam Format
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Score Range |
| Analytical Writing | 2 essays (Issue & Argument Task) | 30 min per task | 0–6 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 questions | 60 min | 130–170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 40 questions | 70 min | 130–170 |
Total duration: ~3 hours 45 minutes.
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What’s a Good GRE Score?
| Score Range | University Tier |
| 320+ | Ivy League & Top-10 Global Universities |
| 310–320 | Top 50 Universities |
| 300+ | Decent Universities with Scholarship Options |
Pro Tip: Indian students often struggle with Analytical Writing (AWA) – aim for 4.0+ to stand out!
How to Register for the GRE & Exam Fees?
Step-by-Step GRE Registration Process
- Create an ETS Account on the official ETS website.
- Choose a Test Date & Location – Book early as seats fill fast!
- Pay the GRE Exam Fee – $228 USD (~₹19,000 INR).
- Confirm Your Test Slot & Start Preparing!
GRE Fee Waivers for Indian Students
ETS offers GRE Fee Reduction Programs for financially challenged students. Some universities refund GRE fees upon admission.
GRE Preparation: Study Plan & Resources
Ideal Study Plan for Indian Students
| Study Mode | Recommended Duration |
| Full-time students | 4–6 hours daily (3–6 months) |
| Working professionals | 2–3 hours daily + weekend mock tests |
Best Study Materials
- Books:
1. ETS Official Guide (Must-have)
2. Manhattan 5lb Book (Best for Quant)
3. Barron’s 1100 Words & Word Power Made Easy (Best for Verbal) - Online Platforms: Magoosh, GREedge, Princeton Review
- Mock Tests: Take at least 6–8 full-length tests before the actual exam.
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Coaching vs. Self-Study
Self-study: Best for disciplined learners.
1. Online coaching: Good for structured learning (Magoosh, GREedge).
2. Offline coaching: Ideal for those needing expert guidance (Jamboree, TIME).
International Money Transfers for Education
Studying abroad involves international money transfers for application fees, tuition, and living expenses. Common challenges:
- High transfer fees – Traditional banks charge excessive costs.
- Bad exchange rates – Hidden markups cause financial loss.
- Slow processing times – Bank transfers can take days.
Why Indian Students Trust moneyHOP for Foreign Remittance?
moneyHOP is India’s #1 platform for hassle-free international transfers with:
- Zero forex markup – Save on every transfer!
- Ultra-low fees – No hidden charges!
- Superfast processing – Funds reach in 24–48 hours.
- User-friendly interface – Seamless experience!
Why pay more for international money transfers when moneyHOP is here?
- NO hidden fees
- ZERO convenience fees
- Real-time updates
- Lowest exchange rates
Conclusion: Take the Next Step!
Scoring well in the GRE is of crucial significance to Indian students pursuing studies abroad. With strategic planning and careful preparation, you can achieve your desired score and gain admission to high-ranked institutions.
Equally important is making wise use of finances in cross-border payments. Traditional banking transfer is costly and time-consuming, but moneyHOP is low-cost and easy to use for students.
Start your GRE preparation today and use moneyHOP for seamless foreign remittance to turn your study abroad dream into reality!
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