Many of us dream of studying abroad but, due to a lack of knowledge regarding the procedures and funds, sometimes they are not fulfilled.
Well, we can pursue a Master’s degree and Doctoral degree in various esteemed universities in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries by undertaking the Graduate Record Examination, commonly known as GRE.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth lowdown on this examination – what is GRE, how to prepare for it, and the top GRE coaching institutes in the country.
Let’s get started.
What is GRE?
GRE is one of the most popular international examinations among Indian candidates. As per the latest available figures, over 130,000 candidates from India took this examination in 2021, more than double the figures from the previous year!
It is conducted worldwide by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and opens the portal to graduates seeking a higher education degree. More than 1,000 international universities accept GRE scores towards admissions, further highlighting its undisputed prominence.
Now, about the examination itself.
GRE is itself divided into two formats, the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test.
- The GRE General Test is the most popular one. Students are tested on their knowledge of Verbal Reasoning (VR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA).
The duration of the GRE general test is 3 hours and 45 minutes, which includes 1-minute breaks after each section and a 10-minute break after the third section. Questions are MCQ and descriptive essay type.
- GRE Subject Test, on the other hand, is for students who are interested in any particular subjects like Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, English literature, and Mathematics.
The duration of the GRE subject test is 2 hours and 50 minutes.
GRE can be taken online in both testing centers and at home (introduced after COVID 19). The GRE score is valid for 5 years.
How to prepare for the GRE?
While the exam itself can be availed from the comfort of your home, it also makes sense to start GRE preparation through online classes. After the pandemic, the mindset of people has changed, with many opting for online GRE classes rather than going to institutes.
In the words of Preyash Shah the Co-founder of LilacBuds “Using the right study resources and making an achievable study plan. Often students ignore the benefits of consistency. A 90-minute daily GRE study routine will help you increase accuracy, timing & confidence in your responses.”
Top 5 GRE coaching institutes
Here are the top 5 institutes for online GRE preparation.
- GREedge
- LilacBuds
- Magoosh
- Jamboree
- Manya Education
- GREedge
GREedge has been in the field of online education for more than 10 years and has helped 31,000+ students attain their target GRE scores.
Here are some of the top features of this institute:
- Personalized assistance from GRE experts
- Provision of mock tests
- Doubt resolution by the GRE experts within 24 hours
Various programs are provided – ranging from 15 days to 9 months for an individual to choose from according to their need.
Fee structure: Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 depending on the program.
Official website: https://www.greedge.com/
- LilacBuds
LilacBuds is India’s digital-first global study abroad consultant and has become one of the most sought-after studies abroad consultants in India.
Here are some glaring features of this institute:
- Highly qualified group of mentors
- AI-based portal makes student’s strength and weakness assessment quite effective
- Access to E-Books with 1500+ questions and practice tests.
- First-time takers – Their top faculty teaches a batch of 10 students only in a 10-12 week module. Ebooks are provided along with an extensive range of questions and practice tests.
Three mock tests are included in the package along with detailed attention to strengths and weaknesses on each topic.
Course fee: Rs 30,000 excluding taxes.
- Premium Plan – For receiving personal attention, this package is ideal. One will get all the features of the ‘First Timers’ and personal coaching is provided to 1-2 students.
The study schedule is customizable and an unlimited doubt solving facility is provided.
Course fee: Rs 65,000 excluding taxes.
Official website: https://lilacbuds.com/
- Magoosh
Magoosh is an online test preparation platform providing comprehensive coverage on all the topics pertaining to the exam.
Video lessons, practice tests and video explanations to all the practice questions are provided. An individual can opt for a self-study program of 1 or 6 months duration or a guided study program of 6 months.
Salient features of the institute include:
- Official GRE questions available for practice
- Up to 3 practice tests
- One week of the free trial
- 24/7 student support is provided through chat and mail
Fee Structure: The prices are in USD, ranging from $149 (Rs 11,500) to $429 (Rs 32,500).
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Official website: https://magoosh.com/
- Jamboree
At Jamboree, one can opt for both classroom coaching as well as online classes. Online classes are further divided into live classes, online training, and private tutoring. Classroom training is provided at 36 centers.
Some of the top features of this institute include:
- 60 hours of classroom or live training and practice questions
- Students are given access to webinars and doubt clearing sessions
- 250+ hours of pre-recorded videos of the concepts
- In private coaching, one is given 1 on 1 attention
Fee structure: Rs 5,000 (approx.) for the tests and Rs 9,000 (approx.) for the intensive study plan and 15,000 (approx.) for the comprehensive study plan
Official website: https://www.jamboreeindia.com/
- Manya Education
Manya Education is an official partner of the Princeton Review. Having various centers, they provide both offline and online coaching. A student is given access to extensive study materials and mock tests.
Salient features of the institute are as follows:
- 150+ videos and 3500+ practice questions
- 70+ hours of videos by GRE experienced trainers
- 8 full-length tests
- GRE WordsApp application available
Fee structure: Depending on the location they are likely to charge somewhere between Rs 25,000 to Rs 60,000 (approx.), depending upon the course structure for the offline classes. For online coaching, they are likely to charge between Rs 24,000 to Rs 28,000(approx.)
Official website: https://www.manyagroup.com/
Please note: The fee structure for all these institutes can vary depending on their current offers, discounts, and other such criteria.
The best part about these institutes is that they offer scholarships to students with outstanding results.
So, what are you waiting for?
Reach out to any one of these institutes and get one step closer to realizing your dream of earning an international degree in a prestigious foreign university.
Author Name: Akanksha Godbole
About the author: I am a full-time working ‘mom-writer’ who tries her best to let a rhythmic flow of creative juices to her grey matter amidst slogging to keep up with her little tyke’s whims and fancies!
