1
The Official Guide to the GRE General Test
ETS · McGraw Hill
Real GRE questions from the test maker.
Check priceAffiliate link · price on Amazon.in
InternationalInternational Reviewed September 2026
Best Books & Mock Tests for GRE 2026
Graduate Record Examinations (General Test) · Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Standardised test for master's and PhD admissions worldwide.
Best books for GRE — in the order to buy
Start at #1 and work down. The first books cover the full syllabus; later books add depth for scoring subjects.
2
Word Power Made Easy
Norman Lewis · Penguin
Builds vocabulary systematically — useful for CAT, GRE and bank exams.
Check priceAffiliate link · price on Amazon.in
Best mock tests & practice sets for GRE
Take a full mock every week in the early months and every alternate day in the last 30 days. Analyse every test — that is where marks improve.
Official
Official GRE Mock Test / Sample Paper
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
The exam body's own practice interface — take it once to get familiar with the real screen.
Visit official site Official
Official GRE notification, syllabus & papers
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Always confirm dates, eligibility and syllabus on the official website before applying.
Visit official siteGRE at a glance
Conducted by
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Level
International
Frequency
Year-round
Mode
Online (CBT)
Eligibility
No formal eligibility; valid passport required.
Official website
https://www.ets.org/greDates, vacancies, fees and age limits change every cycle — always confirm in the latest official notification.
Exam pattern
- 1Single computer-adaptive test (~2 hours)
Syllabus — key subjects
Verbal ReasoningQuantitative ReasoningAnalytical Writing
How to prepare for GRE
STEP 1
Month 1 — Foundation
Read the official syllabus and solve one previous GRE paper to see where you stand. Start book #1 and #2 from the list above.
STEP 2
Months 2–3 — Concepts
Finish one standard book per subject. Solve topic-wise practice sets the same day you finish a chapter.
STEP 3
Month 4 — Mock phase
Start full-length mocks weekly. Maintain an error log and revisit weak topics after every test.
STEP 4
Last 30 days — Revision
Mocks every alternate day, revise short notes and previous year questions. No new books.
GRE — frequently asked questions
Which is the best mock test for GRE 2026?
Start with Educational Testing Service (ETS)'s previous year GRE papers, solved under real exam timing. Also attempt the official mock test published by Educational Testing Service (ETS) to get familiar with the real exam screen. Aim for at least 15–20 full mocks before the exam and analyse every test.
Which are the best books for GRE preparation?
The most recommended books for GRE are: The Official Guide to the GRE General Test by ETS; Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. Read one good book per subject multiple times instead of many books once.
What is GRE?
Graduate Record Examinations (General Test) (GRE) is conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Standardised test for master's and PhD admissions worldwide.
What is the eligibility for GRE?
No formal eligibility; valid passport required. Always verify the latest criteria in the official notification at https://www.ets.org/gre.
What is the GRE exam pattern?
GRE is conducted in the following stage(s): Single computer-adaptive test (~2 hours). Mode: Online (CBT).
What is the GRE syllabus?
The main subjects/sections of GRE are: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing. Download the detailed syllabus from https://www.ets.org/gre.
How often is GRE conducted?
GRE is held year-round. Dates are announced by Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the official notification.
How to crack GRE in the first attempt?
(1) Download the official syllabus and previous papers. (2) Build concepts from one standard book per subject. (3) Practise topic-wise sets daily. (4) Start full-length mock tests at least 3 months before the exam and analyse each one. (5) Revise weak areas and keep a short-notes register. (6) Take the last 15 days only for revision and mocks.
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