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Graduate Record Examination Result 2026
Graduate Record Examination Result
GRE Score Range 2026
GRE scores for the 3 sections (Quant, Verbal, and AWA) are reported separately. There is no composite or total score range.
Universities that accept GRE scores mention their requirements for each section, not overall. For the GRE Subject Tests (used for PhD admissions for Physics, Psychology, and Math), the total score range is 200-990.
| Section | Score Range | Increment |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130-170 | 1 point |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130-170 | 1 point |
| Analytical Writing | 0-6 | 0.5 points |
How are GRE Scores Calculated?
GRE scores are calculated by converting raw scores to scaled scores. The Quant and Verbal sections are each divided into 2 modules.
The GRE is a section-level adaptive test. The difficulty in the second module of each section depends on your performance in the first module.
- Raw scores for each section are calculated first. These are the number of questions answered correctly.
- Raw scores are converted into scaled scores through a process called equating.
- Equating accounts for differences in the difficulty of the test for different test-takers.
- ETS uses data from pre-tested questions and historical performance to create conversion tables and formulas.
External GRE score calculators like Magoosh can be used to estimate the final score.
GRE Score vs Percentile 2026
The GRE percentile rank shows performance in the test compared with other test-takers. The table below shows the percentile for each scaled score range.
| Scaled Score | Verbal Reasoning Percentile | Quantitative Reasoning Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 165-170 | 95-99 | 67-91 |
| 160-164 | 84-93 | 50-63 |
| 155-159 | 65-80 | 37-47 |
| 150-154 | 39-60 | 24-34 |
| 145-149 | 21-34 | 12-21 |
| 140-144 | 10-18 | 5-10 |
| 135-139 | 3-8 | 1-4 |
Source: Latest ETS GRE General Test Interpretive Data
A score of 170 in each section means better performance than 99% of test-takers in the Verbal section and 91% in the Quant section. This also means 1% of test-takers secured 170 in the Verbal section and 9% secured 170 in the Quant section.
GRE Score Report 2026
GRE unofficial scores for the Quant and Verbal sections are displayed on the screen at the end of the test. The official score report is available 8-10 days later on the ETS GRE account.
The official score report remains valid for 5 years. An email is sent when the scores are ready.
What is a Good GRE Score?
GRE scores are used for MBA, MS, MA, M.Ed., and other Master's and doctoral programs abroad. The test has 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing (AWA).
As per ETS, the conducting body of GRE, scores of 153 in Verbal, 160 in Quant, and 3.6 in AWA are considered good for Business programs. For Engineering programs, scores of 161, 151, and 3.4 are considered good.
GRE Score Report 2026
Official GRE scores are usually available 8-10 days after the test. Unofficial scores for the Verbal and Quant sections are shown at the end of the test.
Test-takers can choose to cancel or report their scores. If reporting, up to 4 universities can be selected to receive scores for free.
- Free score reports must be selected on the test day itself.
- Cancelled scores can be reinstated within 60 days for a fee of INR 5,000.
- Sending scores to universities after test day costs INR 2,900 per report.
GRE Rechecking Process 2026
Rechecking is available only for the Analytical Writing section. Applicants can request a rescore within 90 days of the official score release for a fee of INR 5,900.
The new results are issued within 4 weeks. A free diagnostic service is available for the Quant and Verbal sections through the ETS GRE account for up to 15 days.
Score review rarely changes a score significantly. It is only recommended for unusually low AWA scores, such as 2.5 or below.
GRE Test Attempt Limits
The GRE can be taken once every 21 days. Test-takers can attempt it up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period.
There is no lifetime limit on the number of attempts.
How to Send GRE Scores to Universities
ETS is the only body that sends GRE scores to universities. Unofficial or self-reported scores are not accepted.
The ScoreSelect feature lets test-takers control which GRE General Test scores from the last 5 years are sent. Options differ between test day and after test day.
On Test Day
- Up to 4 free score reports are included in the GRE exam fee.
- Recipients are designated after viewing unofficial Verbal and Quant scores at the test center.
- Most Recent option sends only the current test administration scores.
- All option sends scores from all GRE General Test administrations in the last 5 years.
- No "Any" option is available on test day.
- Official reports are sent automatically 8-10 days later after Analytical Writing is scored.
After Test Day
- Reports can be ordered through the ETS account anytime during the 5-year validity period.
- The fee is INR 2,900 per recipient.
- Processing takes approximately 5 business days.
- Most Recent option sends only the latest test administration scores.
- All option sends all scores from the last 5 years.
- Any option allows selecting one or more specific test dates from the last 5 years.
- No cancellations, changes, or refunds are permitted once ordered.
What is a Good GRE Score in 2026?
A good GRE score depends on the target university and program requirements. Many universities abroad have become test-optional, but students still submit scores to strengthen their applications.
The table below lists top universities abroad and the average GRE score submitted by admitted students.
Average GRE Scores for Top US MBA Programs
The table below lists average GRE scores reported by select US universities for their MBA class profiles. These figures are for the MBA Co'27 batch of each university's business school.
| University | Average Verbal Score | Average Quant Score |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 164 | 164 |
| University of Chicago | 161 | 163 |
| Yale University | 163 | 166 |
| Columbia University | 163 | 163 |
| MIT | Not mentioned | 159-170 |
| Stanford University | 164 | 164 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 162 | 163 |
| Duke University | 164 | 164 |
Universities have different requirements for different programs. Check the entry requirements of the target program carefully before applying.
GRE vs GMAT for MBA Admissions
Most US B-schools now accept both GRE and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores equally. Some Indian applicants choose the GRE for flexibility if applying to both MBA and MS programs.
GRE scores are reported separately for Verbal, Quant, and AWA, and remain valid for 5 years. Universities assess section-wise performance, not a total score.
Score expectations vary by program. Students should review target requirements carefully and use percentile data to judge their competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GRE harder for Indian students because of Quant competition?
Many Indian students on forums like Reddit report that Quant percentiles are highly competitive due to strong math backgrounds of test-takers from India and China. Even a small drop in scaled score can significantly reduce your Quant percentile.
Is the GRE accepted by Canadian and European universities?
Yes, many universities in Canada and Europe accept GRE scores, but requirements vary by program. Always check the official program page before applying.
Can GRE scores be used for scholarships or funding decisions?
Yes, some universities use strong GRE scores to support scholarship or assistantship decisions, especially for MS and PhD programs. A higher Quant score can strengthen funding chances in STEM fields.
Is GRE required for US student visa approval?
No, the GRE is not required for a US visa. It is only for university admission. Visa decisions depend on documents like the I-20, financial proof, and interview performance.
Can Indian students send updated GRE scores after applying?
Yes, many universities allow you to upload updated scores before application deadlines. Use ScoreSelect through ETS to send improved scores if you retake the test.
GRE Difficulty for Indian Students
Many Indian students on forums like Reddit report that Quant percentiles are highly competitive. This is due to the strong math backgrounds of test-takers from India and China.
Even a small drop in scaled score can significantly reduce your Quant percentile.
GRE Acceptance in Canada and Europe
Yes, many universities in Canada and Europe accept GRE scores. Requirements vary by program.
Always check the official program page before applying.
GRE for Scholarships and Funding
Yes, some universities use strong GRE scores to support scholarship or assistantship decisions. This is especially true for MS and PhD programs.
A higher Quant score can strengthen funding chances in STEM fields.
GRE and US Student Visa
No, the GRE is not required for a US visa. It is only for university admission.
Visa decisions depend on documents like the I-20, financial proof, and interview performance.
Sending Updated GRE Scores
Yes, many universities allow you to upload updated scores before application deadlines. Use ScoreSelect through ETS to send improved scores if you retake the test.