Acing the New GRE: What Indian Students Must Know About Shorter Format

Indian test-takers can benefit from the revised GRE with better accuracy and preparation

Acing the New GRE: What Indian Students Should Expect from the Shorter Format

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) has undergone a major overhaul, with the revised version being significantly shorter—just under two hours, compared to the previous nearly four-hour format. For Indian students aiming to pursue higher education abroad, this change offers both opportunities and challenges.

One of the key advantages for Indian test-takers is their traditionally strong performance in quantitative reasoning. The new GRE retains its core math concepts, which means students with solid fundamentals can still perform well. However, with fewer questions, each one carries more weight, making accuracy and time management more critical than ever.

What Has Changed in the New GRE?

• Total duration reduced to under 2 hours

• Fewer questions across all sections

• Analytical Writing now has only one essay

• Score reporting timeline remains unchanged

  
  

How Indian Students Can Adapt

Indian aspirants should consider fine-tuning their test strategies to align with the new structure. Some key tips include:

• Focus on precision: With fewer questions, even one error can significantly affect your score.

• Practice high-yield topics: Identify common GRE math topics like algebra, number properties, and data interpretation.

• Sharpen reading skills: Verbal reasoning remains challenging for many; focus on vocabulary and reading comprehension.

• Mock tests are vital: Simulate the new test format to build familiarity and confidence.

  
  

A More Manageable Testing Experience

For many, the shorter format reduces fatigue and anxiety, allowing better focus throughout the exam. It also offers more flexibility, especially for working professionals and students juggling competitive exams.

As universities continue to accept GRE scores for a range of graduate programs, Indian students must adapt quickly to stay competitive in a global admissions landscape. The new GRE may be shorter, but the expectations for precision, preparation, and performance remain high.