The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardised test used for admissions to various graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral programs in fields such as arts and sciences, engineering, social sciences, and more. It’s a common requirement for applicants seeking admission to graduate schools and programs around the world.

The GRE assesses a range of skills that are considered important for success in graduate-level studies, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning (mathematical skills), and analytical writing. The test is designed to measure a test-taker’s ability to think critically, solve problems, analyse data, and communicate effectively in written form.

There are two main types of GRE exams:

1. GRE General Test: This is the most commonly taken GRE test. It assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The scores for the verbal and quantitative sections range from 130 to 170, and the analytical writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6.

2. GRE Subject Tests: These tests assess knowledge and expertise in specific fields such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, literature in English, physics, and psychology. Not all graduate programs require or consider GRE Subject Test scores, so it’s important to check the specific requirements of the programs you’re interested in.

The GRE is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), and like the GMAT, it’s usually computer-based and taken at authorised test centers. Many graduate programs use GRE scores as one factor in the admissions process, alongside other components such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, and relevant experience.

It’s worth noting that the GRE and GMAT are two different tests, each associated with specific types of graduate programs (GRE being more diverse in terms of fields) and having slightly different emphases in terms of the skills they assess.