The number of Indians aspiring to study abroad has increased by almost 53% in the last five years. As of late 2024, over 1.3 million Indians are pursuing higher education abroad.
Despite these big numbers, scoring high on the GRE remains challenging. Even though most top international universities don’t specify the minimum score requirement, the unspoken truth is that you must score over 320 out of 340 even to have a chance. Without the right GRE study materials, preparing to score that high can become highly improbable.
Overview of the GRE (Revised Format – September 2023)
Most foreign universities, especially in the USA, require or highly recommend the GRE for admission to master’s and Ph.D. programs. There are two types of GRE tests – General and Subject.
Aspect | Details (Revised Sept 2023) |
Administered by | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
Required for | Admission to master’s or graduate programs at most universities abroad |
Structure | 3 sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning |
Delivery method | Computer-based (test center) and GRE at Home |
Test duration | |
Maximum score | 340 (Verbal 130-170 + Quant 130-170) + AW 0-6 (reported separately) |
Test frequency | Year-round in test centers across India + GRE at Home |
Score validity | 5 years from test date |
Analytical Writing Section (Revised)
Aspect | Details |
Tasks | |
Duration | 30 minutes |
Maximum score | 6 (0.5-point increments) |
Verbal Reasoning Section (Revised)
Aspect | Details |
Sub-sections | 2 sections |
Questions | Section 1: 12 questions | Section 2: 15 questions (total 27) |
Question types | Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence |
Duration | |
Maximum score | 170 |
Quantitative Reasoning Section (Revised)
Aspect | Details |
Sub-sections | 2 sections |
Questions | Section 1: 12 questions | Section 2: 15 questions (total 27) |
Covered topics | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis |
Question types | Multiple choice, Numeric entry, Quantitative comparison |
Duration | |
Maximum score | 170 |
Also Read: GRE Exam Pattern 2026: Complete Section-wise Guide
Why Quality Study Material for the GRE Matters
- ETS regularly updates the trends and patterns in the test. Quality GRE study materials help you update the strategies required to keep up with these trends.
- Many books contain helpful information on graduate school admissions – not just GRE prep.
- Quality materials include practice papers and questions that help you check your preparation progress, with answer keys and detailed explanations.
- Many GRE preparation books include customizable study plans for time management.
Top 10 GRE Study Books and Materials 2026
Edition note: Always buy the most recent edition available. Editions listed reflect the latest as of June 2026 – check publisher websites for newer editions.
1. The Official Guide to the GRE General Test – Fourth Edition
Author: ETS | Cost: ~$30 / ₹2,671
- Authored by ETS – the GRE’s conducting authority. Most reliable source.
- Two full-length practice papers and 150+ new test questions.
- Includes scored sample responses from actual test takers with commentary.
- Covers the revised Sept 2023 format including the single AW task.
2. Manhattan Prep GRE – Sixth Edition
Author: Manhattan Prep | Cost: ~$57.50 / ₹4,904
- Better content organization with focus on the revised GRE changes.
- Includes advanced concepts like QCQ questions and RTD problems.
- Six full-length tests following the latest GRE pattern.
3. Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2025-2026
Author: Kaplan Test Prep | Cost: ~$31 / ₹2,737 (check for 2025-26 edition)
- 1,500+ practice questions and five full-length online tests.
- Expert analysis of different GRE sections from fundamental principles to advanced topics.
- Practice sets targeting every skill level – beginner to advanced.
4. GRE Prep by Magoosh
Author: Magoosh | Cost: ~$19 / ₹1,643
- Well-crafted explanations for different practice questions.
- 130+ up-to-date practice questions with answers and explanations.
- Thorough lessons for quantitative maths preparation.
5. The Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep, 36th Edition
Author: The Princeton Review | Cost: ~$13 / ₹1,124
- Six full-length practice tests (four online).
- Detailed explanations and in-depth score reports.
- Content completely overhauled for the latest GRE pattern.
- Helpful information about graduate school admissions and application requirements.
6. Barron’s GRE Essential Words
Author: Philip Geer Ed.M. | Cost: ₹2,439
- 800 graduate-level words and their definitions.
- Pre-test to spot weak areas in vocabulary.
7. Kaplan GRE Vocabulary Flashcards – Sixth Edition
Author: Kaplan Test Prep | Cost: ₹1,434
- 500 flashcards for the Verbal Reasoning section.
- Free access to web app with full-length test video instructions.
8. Kaplan GRE Complete 2025-2026
Author: Kaplan Test Prep | Cost: ~₹6,612 (check for 2025-26 edition)
- Comprehensive content coverage with customizable study plans.
- Six full-length practice tests and 2,000+ practice questions.
9. 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems – Third Edition
Author: Manhattan Prep | Cost: ₹874
- 2,000+ practice questions with easy-to-follow explanations.
- 15 interactive learning lessons for 6 months from GRE experts.
10. Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions – Second Edition
Author: ETS | Cost: ₹831
- Questions arranged by difficulty level and type.
- Authored by ETS – maximum reliability and accuracy.
Also Read: Best GRE Preparation Books 2026: Which One Should You Buy?
Free GRE Study Materials and How to Access Them
The GRE General Test fee in India is $220 (~₹18,300). On top of this, buying study materials worth ₹7,000+ can strain your finances. But there are excellent free materials available:
1. Free Study Materials by ETS (Official)
ETS offers free practice test papers and study materials on its official website (ets.org/gre). These include questions in the actual test format, answer keys, additional commentary, and an explanation of the paper pattern with scoring methodology.
POWERPREP Online: Two free full-length practice tests that closely simulate the actual GRE experience. Available at ets.org/gre/prep.
2. Free GRE Practice Test by Magoosh
Magoosh (magoosh.com/gre) offers free access to practice tests and a free score assessment to identify your weaknesses and strengths.
3. Other Free Resources
- Manhattan Prep: Free practice test available at manhattanprep.com/gre
- Khan Academy: Free math and verbal foundation content
- GMAT Ninja (YouTube): Helpful study videos for both GMAT and GRE
Find universities that match your GRE score target – AI-powered search. Explore on GradRight
5 Actionable Tips to Make Your GRE Study Plan Work in 2026
- Know the revised format inside out: Since Sept 2023, the GRE is 1hr 58min with 1 AW essay. Your prep strategy should reflect the shorter, more focused test.
- Read analytical non-fiction daily: Be it AW or Verbal Reasoning, your ability to comprehend complex ideas will help you ace the test.
- Self-assess regularly: Keep assessing your progress to pinpoint weak and strong areas. Distribute your study time accordingly.
- Take full-length practice tests: Understanding the right application of knowledge is crucial since the questions judge your reasoning and analytical skills.
- Stay consistent: Consistency requires hard work. Stay motivated and keep tracking your progress throughout your prep period.
Planning your GRE prep with university cutoffs in mind is smart. But GRE scores alone don’t guarantee admission. Factors like ROI, job placements, tuition costs, and funding options also play a major role in finding the right university. GradRight’s university-search platform helps you find data-driven insights tailored to your profile – GRE score cutoffs, placement rates, program-specific funding options, and match scores based on your preferences. 40,000+ programs analyzed with 8M+ data points. Completely free.
Self-Study vs. Coaching: Which Is Better for GRE Preparation?
- Which level of preparation have I reached? If you have a good grasp of the test’s structure and strategies, you may not need coaching.
- Do I have the discipline for self-studying? Managing time, holding accountability, and consistent effort are crucial. If you lack discipline, coaching may be better.
- What is my budget? GRE coaching classes in cities like Delhi and Bangalore can cost ₹60,000+. Free and affordable materials are available as listed above.
Also Read: GRE Exam 2026: Complete Guide – Format, Fees, Syllabus and Registration
Also Read: How to Prepare for the GRE 2026: Complete Strategy
Also Read: GMAT vs GRE 2026: Which Should You Take?
