GRE Test Fee, Syllabus, & Preparation Plan for 2026: A Guide - Wikati Education

GRE Test Fee, Syllabus, & Preparation Plan for 2026: A Guide

GRE Test Fee, Syllabus, & Preparation Plan for 2026: A Guide

"The dream was clear. The path? Not so much."

Riya stared at her laptop screen. The cursor blinked on the ETS website. She wanted to study in the USA. But where should she even begin?

The GRE felt like a mountain. Fees, syllabus, preparation: everything seemed overwhelming. Sound familiar?

You're not alone. Every year, thousands of Indian students dream of pursuing a master's degree from a top university in the USA for masters. The GRE ETS exam is often their first checkpoint. Yet, most feel lost before they even start.

Here's the truth. The GRE isn't as intimidating as it looks. With the right plan, you can conquer it. This guide breaks down everything: fees, syllabus, and a solid 3-month strategy.

Whether you're eyeing an MS or exploring MBA colleges in the USA, this roadmap is for you. And with trusted partners like Wikati Education, your journey becomes smoother from day one.

Let's walk this path together. Starting now.

What is the GRE? 

Riya opened the ETS portal. She saw three words: Graduate Record Examination.

What exactly was this test? Why did every university ask for it?

The GRE ETS exam is a standardised test. It measures your readiness for graduate-level studies. Universities use it as a common metric. They compare applicants from across the globe.

Think of it as your academic passport. It shows universities where you can think critically. You can solve complex problems. You can communicate ideas clearly.

Who needs the GRE? Most students are pursuing a master's degree. Those applying to MBA colleges in the USA. Students targeting the best public universities in the USA. International candidates especially benefit from taking it.

The test opens doors. A strong GRE score strengthens your profile significantly. It complements your academic records and work experience beautifully.

Here's what makes it relevant. Many universities in the USA for master's programmes demand competitive GRE scores. Some programmes are more flexible. But a solid score never hurts your chances.

The bottom line? The GRE ETS exam is your starting point. Mastering it builds confidence for the entire application journey ahead.

GRE Test Fee and Registration

Fee Breakdown: What Will You Pay?

Riya checked the GRE test fee in India for 2026. For the GRE General Test, the fee is ₹22,550. The GRE Subject Test fee stands at ₹14,500. It doesn't matter which city you choose: the pricing remains the same across Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore.​

Planning to change your exam centre? Rescheduling costs ₹5,000 extra. Want to send your scores to more than four universities? Each additional score report is ₹2,269. Preparing your budget is crucial, as these add-ons can quickly raise your total costs.​

The GRE test fee covers your exam and free score reports to four institutions worldwide. This makes it a single-step investment for many students aspiring to join a university in the USA for a master's or to explore MBA colleges in the USA.

How to Register for the GRE ETS Exam

Registration is online, taking just a few steps. Visit the official ETS website. Create a My GRE account using your email. Choose a GRE test date and preferred location. Double-check your details before paying the GRE fees in India. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or other options.

After your payment, confirmation arrives by email. Keep this safe! Mark your exam date on the calendar and draft your study plan. With booking complete, you're one step closer to applying to the best public universities in the USA.

GRE Syllabus and Course: An Outline

The Three Pillars of the GRE

Riya realised the GRE examination syllabus wasn’t random. It was built around three core skills.

  • First comes Analytical Writing. One essay task tests how clearly you express complex ideas. You analyse an issue, take a position, and defend it logically.
  • Next is Verbal Reasoning. This section checks your comfort with English in an academic context. You handle reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions.
  • Then comes Quantitative Reasoning. It tests your comfort with numbers and logical thinking. Expect arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis concepts.

Together, these three areas form the GRE course outline. They mirror the skills needed in demanding graduate programmes.

What Exactly Gets Tested?

  • Analytical Writing focuses on clarity, structure, and strong arguments. You must think critically, not just write beautifully.
  • Verbal Reasoning tests vocabulary in context, not rote memorisation. You interpret dense passages and spot subtle meaning shifts.
  • Quantitative Reasoning checks whether you can reason with data. Word problems often feel like real-world scenarios. You learn to work quickly with limited time.

Understanding this structure transforms confusion into clarity. Riya no longer saw a mystery. She saw a map she could follow.

The How To: 3-Month GRE Preparation Plan

Month 1: Build Your Basics

  • Start with a diagnostic test to know your current level.
  • Note your strengths in Quant or Verbal, and your weak areas.
  • Revise arithmetic, algebra, and basic geometry.
  • Revisit grammar, reading skills, and common GRE vocabulary.

The Schedule

Study four to five days a week.

Aim for one to two focused hours daily.

End each study session by reviewing mistakes carefully.

Month 2: Practice with Purpose

Month two is about serious practice.

  • Alternate between Quantitative and Verbal practice days.
  • Do timed sets to simulate the real test pressure.
  • Write at least one Analytical Writing essay every week.
  • Track accuracy and timing after every session.
  • Focus more on recurring problem types and patterns.

Month 3: Simulate the Real Exam

The final month is about polishing.

  • Sit for weekly mock tests.
  • Simulate test conditions: fixed time, minimal breaks, no distractions.
  • Analyse each mock deeply, not just your total score.
  • Revise formulas, strategies, and vocabulary lists regularly.
  • Avoid learning completely new topics in the final week.
  • Use this month to build confidence, stamina, and calm.

How Wikati Edu Supports Your GRE Journey

Ready to move from confusion to clarity? At Wikati Education, we stand by your side for every step.

We help you shortlist the right universities in the USA for master's, keeping your scores and goals in mind. Our certified counsellors guide you through GRE registration, exam preparation, and documentation.\

At Wikati Education, we offer expert advice on SOPs, LORs, scholarships, and personalised strategy sessions. Our team ensures your application stands out: right from mock interviews to final visa support.

With our transparent approach, you never walk alone. Dream big, and let Wikati Education unlock those doors to a global future.​

Turn Your GRE Ambition to Reality: Let Wikati Education Help

Riya clicked the registration button. She was ready. The GRE test fee in India was paid. Her calendar was marked. The three-month countdown had begun.

Your story doesn't have to be different. The GRE examination syllabus is conquerable. The path from test-taker to accepted student is real. Thousands have walked it successfully. You can too.

Remember: the GRE ETS exam is just the beginning. It opens doors to the best public universities in the USA, MBA colleges in the USA, and universities in the USA for master's that align with your dreams. But you don't walk this path alone.

Connect with Wikati Education, one of the best abroad education consultants in India today. Let our experts guide you through the entire journey: from GRE preparation to student visa requirements in the USA. Your dream deserves the right support system.