The basics and to-do’s of GRE exam, by Abdur Rehman Wakeel

Jamia Millia Islamia alumnus Abdur Rehman Wakeel, discusses the basics of GRE exam. Abdur graduated from Patna University with a first class in Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology). Since then he has been shaping the future of engineering students as a mentor and is also a part time content developer. He has also qualified IIT Gate, NET Life Science and IELTS exam. From his personal as well as professional teaching experience of more than eight years, today Abdur shares the basics of GRE exam that every test taker should be aware about. a) What is the difference between GRE Revised General Test and GRE Subject Test? GRE General Test has three sections verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and Analytical writing. GRE subject test determines ones knowledge on subjects like Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics etc. One needs to get in touch with the graduate program to know if they will appear for GRE General Test or Subject Test .Even if the program doesn’t require subject test one can submit it for consideration. b) Who should take up GRE subject test? GRE subject test is meant for prospective candidates who want to study the following subjects in higher study program-Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Mathematics, English Literature, Physics and Psychology. GRE in Computer Science has been discontinued from the year 2013. GRE subject test is meant for candidates having extensive background in the mentioned subjects. c) How is GRE an extra benefit for MBA students? Though GRE is widely regarded as a test for PhD and graduate programs many business schools have started welcoming GRE score. For MBA students GRE is advantageous as it has no reasoning part, has more options, mark to review, easier math and it is a vocabulary focused test. d) How does GRE help non MBA aspirants? GRE is not a traditional business management test. GRE has some great benefits as it is easier for students of general stream who do not wish to undergo the vigorous preparation for a typical MBA exam. There is no reasoning part, English language question is based on vocabulary and logic and not on grammar and sentence structure. e) What subjects should a student prepare to clear GRE exam? To clear GRE exam, students should prepare Verbal Section (grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension skills), Quantitative Section (algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and data analysis skills) and Analytical Writing Section (writing skills). One needs to prepare prepare on the above mentioned subjects. f) What constitutes ‘verbal reasoning’ in GRE exam? Verbal Reasoning of GRE exam consists of - Reading Comprehension, Text Completion and Sentence Completion. Reading comprehension is meant to test the level of understanding of prose commonly you come across in graduate level class. Text Completion and Sentence completion are meant for checking the ability of the aspirant of vocabulary, grammar and sentence format of English Language. g) What are the GRE multiple choice questions about? GRE multiple choice question (MCQ) consist of a question followed by 5 options of which one is correct. The Analytical Writing section is the first section of the exam, followed by a 10 minute break. After the break, there are 6 sections: two verbal, two math, an unscored section, and a research section. The research section is always the last section, while the other sections can appear in any order. Therefore, you won’t be able to tell which section is unscored, so you must be sure to do your best on all sections. h) Does Indian as well as foreign institutes accept GRE score? Yes both Indian and foreign universities accept GRE score. Approximately 2100 Institutions across the World accept the GRE score. Some Important Indian business schools which accept GRE score are :  Asia Graduate School of Business  Global School of Management  IIKM Business School  Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore  Indian School of Business  Institute of Management Technology  International School of Management Excellence  Lovely Professional University & MBA  Myra School of Business  Peoples Education Society  Universal Business School  Varanasi College of Management Science  Aegis School of Business  Aryans Business School  Amrita School of Business, Amritapuri  Amrita School of Business, Bengaluru  Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore  Amrita School of Business, Kochi  Asia Graduate School of Business  Global School of Management  IIKM Business School For any further questions about IELTS and any of its exam section, you can connect with Abdur Rahman here.