The GRE or Graduate Record Examination is a standardized aptitude test offered by a private educational testing and measurement organization known as ETS (Educational Testing Services). This examination is designed to measure the candidate’s aptitude for graduate study. It is the most widely used test in the United States. There are two forms of the GRE:

• GRE General Test: The general test specifically measures the candidate’s verbal, quantitative and analytical writing aptitude. The test is now most commonly offered in a computer-based format instead of the older paper-based format. (See next question for a more detailed description)

• GRE Subject Test: The subject tests are designed to test a candidate’s knowledge of the subject matter in a particular discipline extensively. Subject tests are offered in the following 8 disciplines: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English Literature,
Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. Some universities require these subject test scores in addition to the general test when applying to the Ph.D. program. Even if the test is not required, getting a good score in this test will definitely strengthen your application.