GRE resources and study material

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. 

This increase has directly impacted the rising popularity of standardized tests like the GRE. The number of GRE test takers from India has gone so high that it even surpassed the number of U.S. students, breaking the records of the last 80 years. In the 2022-23 testing year, the strength of the GRE test-takers from India was 16% higher than that of the USA.

Despite these big numbers, scoring high on the test remains challenging. Even though most top international universities don’t specify the minimum score requirement for the GRE, 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 for the test can become highly improbable, if not impossible.

So, how can you get your hands on the right study materials? Are there any free study materials for the GRE that you can use? 

We will help you find the answers to all these questions and more. But before that, let’s quickly understand the different types of GRE tests, their sections, and the scoring methodology. 

Overview of the GRE 

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.

The General test assesses your overall readiness for graduate-level programs, like MBA, M.Tech, etc. On the other hand, subject tests assess your subject-specific expertise for STEM programs, like M.Sc Physics or MA Psychology, etc. The four subjects you can go for while taking the test are Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Psychology. 

Here’s a quick overview of the GRE General test, which is often required more by universities than the subject test:

Aspect	Details
Administered by	ETS (Educational Testing Service)
Required for	Admission to master’s or graduate programs at most universities abroad and India
Structure	Consists of three sections
Sections	The sections include:  Analytical WritingVerbal ReasoningQuantitative Reasoning
Delivery method	Computer-based and paper-based
Test duration	About 3 hours and 45 minutes, including 10-minute breaks between sections
Maximum score	340
Test frequency	Conducted year-round in different test centers across India
Top universities accepting the test	Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, BerkeleyYale University, University of California, New York University, etc.
Score validity	The GRE scores remain valid for five years from the test date.

Here’s more info on the different sections of the test:

Overview of the GRE Section – Analytical Writing

Aspect	Details
Tasks	This section includes two tasks: Analyze an IssueAnalyze an Argument
Duration	60 minutes (30 minutes for each task)
Maximum score	6

Overview of the GRE Section – Verbal Reasoning

Aspect	Details
Tasks	This section usually includes two sub-sections without about 20 questions each.
Question type	Reading comprehensionText completionSentence equivalence
Duration	60 minutes (30 minutes for each section)
Maximum score	170

Overview of the GRE Section – Quantitative Reasoning

Aspect	Details
Tasks	This section usually includes two sub-sections without about 20 questions each.
Covered topics	ArithmeticAlgebra GeometryData Analysis
Question type	Multiple choiceNumeric entryQuantitative comparison
Duration	70 minutes (35 minutes for each section)
Maximum score	170

Now that you are fully acquainted with what you need the GRE study materials for, let’s find out why the quality of these materials matters.

Also Read: GRE Exam Pattern in 2025: Latest & Updated

Why quality study material for the GRE matters

Here’s why quality study materials for your GRE test prep matter:

• 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, like The Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep, contain helpful information on graduate school admissions. This not only helps you prepare for the GRE but also helps you with your college applications. 
• Quality study materials include practice papers and questions that help you check your preparation progress. These practice tests come with answer keys and detailed explanations for the responses. This further enables you to clear the basic concepts and understand the knowledge application in solving questions. 
• Many GRE preparation books include customizable study plans for students. This helps you with time management and staying disciplined till the end. 

Top 10 GRE study books or materials in 2025

If you are aiming to ace your GRE test in 2025, here are the 10 prep books/materials you need to look into:

The Official Guide to the GRE Test – Fourth Edition

Authored by: ETS

Cost: $30.88 or ₹ 2,671

Link to buy: Click here

What makes this one of the best books among the GRE study materials?

• This book is authored by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) – the conducting authority for the GRE test. 
• It includes two full-length practice papers and over 150 new test questions from the previous editions.
• This edition also includes scored sample responses from the test takers and their actual comments. 

All the GRE: Effective Strategies & Practice from 99th Percentile Instructors – Sixth Edition

Authored by: Manhattan Prep

Cost: $57.50 or ₹4,904

Link to buy: Click here

What makes this one of the best books among the GRE study materials?

• As compared to the previous edition, this book has better content organization with more focus on the new GRE changes. 
• It includes advanced concepts like QCQ (Quotation-Comment-Question) questions and RTD (Rate-Time-Distance) problems. 
• The book also has six full-length tests following the latest GRE pattern. 

GRE Prep Plus 2024-2025 – Updated for the New GRE

Authored by: Kaplan Test Prep

Cost: $31.63 or ₹2,737

Link to buy: Click here

What makes this one of the best books among the GRE study materials?

• The book includes more than 1,500 practice questions and five full-length online tests. 
• The book has expert analysis of different GRE sections that break down fundamental principles into advanced topics.
• The practice sets in the book target every skill level. So, whether you’re a beginner or have advanced in your GRE preparation, this book is a great fit for all.

GRE Prep by Magoosh

Authored by: Magoosh, Chris Lele, and Mike McGarry

Cost: $18.99 or ₹1,643

Link to buy: Click here

What makes this one of the best books among the GRE study materials?

This book includes: 

• Well-crafted explanations for different practice questions
• Hundreds of easy-to-follow preparation tips and strategies for each section
• Thorough lessons to prepare for quantitative maths
• More than 130 up-to-date practice questions with answers and their explanations 

The Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep, 36th Edition

Authored by: The Princeton Review

Cost: $12.99 or ₹1,124

Link to buy: Click here

What makes this one of the best books among the GRE study materials?

• This book includes six full-length practice tests, of which four are online. 
• Each practice set has detailed explanations and in-depth score reports. 
• The content of the book is completely overhauled for the latest GRE pattern and extensively covers mathematics–from the fundamentals to real-world problems.
• This book also has helpful information about graduate school admissions in terms of application requirements and popular programs.  

Barron’s GRE Essential Words

Authored by: Philip Geer Ed.M. 

Cost: ₹2,439

Link to buy: Click here

What makes this one of the best books among the GRE study materials?

• The book helps you work on your vocabulary through 800 graduate-level words and their definitions. 
• It also has a pre-test to help spot the weak areas. 

Kaplan GRE Vocabulary Flashcards – Sixth Edition

Authored by: Kaplan Test Prep

Cost: ₹1,434

Link to buy: Click here

What makes this one of the best books among the GRE study materials?

• This set contains 500 flashcards to help you prep for the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE test. 
• This also gives you access to the web app for FREE full-length test video instructions on building vocabulary. 

GRE Complete 2024-2025

Authored by: Kaplan Test Prep

Cost: ₹6,612

Link to buy: Click here

What makes this one of the best books among the GRE study materials?

• From comprehensive content coverage to updated test patterns to customizable study plans, this book helps you master each part of the test. 
• Additionally, this book contains six full-length practice tests and more than 2,000 practice questions with answers. 

5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems – Third Edition

Authored by: Manhattan Prep

Cost: ₹874

Link to buy: Click here

What makes this one of the best books among the GRE study materials?

• The book includes more than 2,000 practice questions with easy-to-follow explanations prepared by top-scoring instructors. 
• You can access 15 interactive learning lessons made by GRE experts or top scorers for six months.

Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions – Second Edition

Authored by: ETS

Cost: ₹831

Link to buy: Click here

What makes this one of the best books among the GRE study materials?

• The book has arranged the questions by difficulty level and type to build your verbal reasoning skills. 
• Since it is authored by ETS – the authority that administers the GRE, the book offers reliability and accuracy. 

Also Read: How To Prepare For GRE in 2025 (Complete Strategy)

Free GRE study materials and how to access them?

Did you know that the GRE test fee in India is ₹22,550? On top of the high fees, buying study materials and books worth over ₹7,000 would just end up causing a bigger strain on your finances. 

But the great news is – buying the GRE study materials isn’t the only option. There are plenty of free and quality materials out there that can help you ace your test. 

Free Study Materials for GRE General Test Preparation by ETS

From analytical writing to verbal to quantitative reasoning, ETS offers free practice test papers and study materials on its official website. These practice tests include questions in the actual test format, answer keys, additional commentary, and an explanation of the paper pattern with the scoring methodology. 

Free GRE Practice Test by Mangoosh

Apart from ETS, you can also explore your options at mangoosh.com. Besides free access to practice tests, Mangoosh offers a free score assessment to help you identify your weaknesses and strengths. 

To access the free GRE study material, you can follow these steps:

• Click here.
• At the top of the blog, you’ll see a button titled “Start GRE Practice Test.” 
• Enter your email address on the blank field next to the button and proceed.

Other than ETS and Mangoosh, you can explore: 

• Manhattan Prep
• Khan Academy 
• POWERPREP® Online, etc.

Actionable tips to make your GRE study plan work in 2025

Here are 5 actionable tips that will help you maximize the effectiveness of your GRE study plan:

• Don’t just familiarize yourself with the GRE test pattern but also understand different types of questions and how to approach them. Each section and question type in the test is unique and is designed to assess the test-taker’s various skills. You must figure that out before you even begin your preparation. 
• Read a lot of analytical non-fiction. Be it the analytical writing or verbal reasoning section of the test, your ability to comprehend complex ideas will help you ace the test. 
• Self-assessment is crucial. As per your convenience, keep assessing your progress to pinpoint the weak and strong points. This will help you distribute your time to various topics accordingly and, in turn, improve your time management skills. 
• Practice tests are a must. Studying thoroughly for a test doesn’t automatically mean you know how to approach each question and apply your knowledge in solving it. Understanding the right application is crucial since the questions judge your reasoning and analytical skills. And that only comes with solving practice tests regularly. 
• Stay consistent. It sounds easy, but it’s not. Consistency requires a lot of hard work, which may sometimes feel challenging. But it’s crucial that you stay motivated and keep up with your progress. 

Note: 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.

How do you compare all these factors efficiently? That’s where GradRight’s university-search platform helps.

With GradRight’s university-search platform, you don’t just get a list of top universities. You get data-driven insights tailored to your profile, including:

• GRE score cutoffs from recent years
• Placement rates and salary expectations
• Program-specific funding options
• Alumni network strength
• Match scores based on your preferences

Here’s how it works:

• Create a profile with your academic background and career goals.
• Enter your criteria, like budget, location, or specialization.
• GradRight’s AI analyzes 8M+ data points across 40K+ programs.
• Get a personalized shortlist of the best-fit universities.
• Consult an expert to make your final decision.

The best part? It’s completely free.

Now, let’s dive into another big decision—should you self-study for the GRE or opt for coaching?

Self-study vs. coaching: which is better for GRE preparation?

Would self-studying or coaching classes to prepare for the GRE work better for you? The answer to that will vary for different people. To find an answer that works for you, ask yourself these questions:

Which Level of Preparation Have I Reached?

This question will help you understand if you have a good grasp of the test’s structure, strategies, and question types. If you feel that you have reached a level where you can self-study and achieve the desired results, you can avoid joining coaching classes. 

Do I Have the Discipline Required for Self-Studying?

Managing your time effectively, holding accountability, and putting in efforts consistently are crucial to executing a self-studying plan for GRE prep. If you lack discipline and constantly require external motivation, coaching may be a better option for you.

What is My Budget for the Test Prep?

The fees for GRE coaching are another important factor that people are often unaware of. The coaching classes, especially in cities like Delhi and Bangalore, can be as high as ₹60,000 or higher. 

So, if you can’t or don’t want to spend that much money on coaching classes, you can explore the affordable or free GRE study materials we have listed above. You can also access free videos through YouTube channels l and prepare for the test on your own.  

Other than some self-introspection, you should also take advice from your seniors or mentors who have gone through the same experience. 

Also Read: Best GRE Preparation Books: Which One Should You Buy?

Conclusion 

Quality study material for your GRE test preparation is what fuel is to your car. It’s impossible to make the latter happen/ run without the former. So, use the tips and recommendations in this blog and know that pre-preparation is as crucial as preparation. 

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