27 May 2025
6 minutes read
What are the GRE Total Marks And Average GRE Score?

Key Takeaways
- Your GRE total marks range from 260 to 340, with separate scores for Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing.
- GRE percentiles help you understand where you stand compared to other test-takers, making them crucial for admissions.
- GRE scores are valid for five years, giving you flexibility in planning your graduate school applications.
Did you know the GRE total marks range from 260 to 340, combining verbal and quantitative reasoning scores? For many Indian students, understanding their GRE test scores feels confusing and overwhelming, especially when the analytical writing section adds complexity.
The average GRE scores often don’t reflect true potential, leaving applicants unsure about their chances. Realistically, mastering each section’s scoring system and focusing on incremental improvements is the key to boosting your overall GRE total marks and admission prospects.
What Are GRE Total Marks and How Are They Calculated?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) consists of two types of assessments for aspiring graduate students: the GRE General Test, which measures broad reasoning skills, and the GRE Subject Tests, which evaluate knowledge in specific academic fields. Understanding the differences helps Indian students plan their GRE prep effectively.
GRE General Test
The GRE General Test assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, which are essential for admission into most graduate programs worldwide.

This standardized test is designed to measure your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, solve problems using quantitative methods, and communicate complex ideas effectively.
Section | Score Range | Scoring Increments | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 130-170 | 1-point increments | Measures reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical reasoning skills. |
Quantitative Reasoning | 130-170 | 1-point increments | Assesses basic math skills, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. |
Analytical Writing Section | 0-6 | Half-point increments | Evaluates critical thinking and analytical writing abilities. |
Scores from the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections combine to give your GRE total marks, ranging from 260 to 340.
The analytical writing section is reported separately. After your test date, you’ll receive your official GRE score reports from ETS, which include percentiles to show your relative performance among all test takers.
These scores are valid for five years and are sent directly to universities along with your letters of recommendation and other application materials.
GRE Subject Tests
The GRE Subject Tests evaluate knowledge in specific areas, helping universities assess your expertise in particular disciplines. These tests complement the GRE general test by providing additional evidence of subject mastery for specialized graduate programs.
Subject Test | Score Range | Scoring Increments | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Biology | 200 – 990 | 10-point increments | Tests knowledge of cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, and ecology. |
Chemistry | 200 – 990 | 10-point increments | Covers physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry topics. |
Literature in English | 200 – 990 | 10-point increments | Assesses understanding of literary analysis and history. |
Mathematics | 200 – 990 | 10-point increments | Focuses on calculus, algebra, and other mathematical concepts. |
Physics | 200 – 990 | 10-point increments | Tests understanding of fundamental physics concepts and problem-solving skills. |
Psychology | 200 – 990 | 10-point increments | Measures knowledge in areas such as biological, cognitive, and social psychology. |
The GRE subject test scores help Indian students demonstrate strength in their academic field. GRE Score Validity is for five years and are sent by ETS to institutions as part of your application. Unlike the GRE general test, which focuses on reasoning skills, the subject tests emphasize specific knowledge within a discipline and are scored on a scale from 200 to 990.
Average GRE Score and Percentile Among Indian Students in 2024
In the recent GRE exam, Indian students typically achieved an overall GRE average score of around 304, with an average score of 153 in the GRE quantitative reasoning section and 150 in the GRE verbal reasoning section.
The analytical writing section usually averages around 3.5. This combined total score reflects performance across the key sections of the GRE, including verbal and quantitative reasoning skills.
A total GRE score of 304 generally places Indian students near the 50th GRE percentile, indicating median performance among all test takers globally. Understanding the GRE scoring system and how the score for the verbal section and quantitative section are weighted is essential.
After the test date, ETS sends the official score reports or GRE score cards to universities, which accept scores valid for up to five years. Indian students can use this insight to plan their GRE preparation time and set realistic goals to improve their marks in the GRE and overall admission prospects.
What Constitutes a Good GRE Score for Indian Students?
A good GRE score can significantly boost an Indian student’s chances of admission into competitive graduate programs. Since the GRE total marks combine scores from the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections, it’s important to understand the difficulty level and scoring priorities of your chosen field.
Different programs value scores differently, so tailoring your preparation can make a crucial difference.
Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Competitive Benchmark | Scores above 320 total (verbal + quantitative) align with the 75th percentile or higher, enhancing admission chances at top-tier institutions. |
Program-Specific Targets | Engineering and STEM programs often emphasize a higher score for the quantitative section, while humanities may weigh the verbal reasoning score more heavily. |
Score Validity and Reporting | After you take the test, ETS will send your official score and institution score report to universities. Scores are valid for five years from the recent test date. |
Additional Tests | Some programs may request GRE subject tests in physics, psychology, or other particular subjects to supplement your application. |
Understanding how the test is scored across the reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections and using this insight to focus your GRE preparation will help you target a possible score that fits your academic goals. ETS will also send an email notification with your scores after the test, which you can then send GRE scores to universities as part of your application to apply to graduate school.
Strategies to Improve GRE Score Range
Improving your GRE total marks requires focused effort on both the verbal and quantitative sections. For Indian students aiming to boost their score on the GRE, selecting the right study material and understanding your strengths in each section is crucial.

Remember, your performance in the first sections can influence the difficulty of subsequent questions, so consistent preparation is key to achieving a higher score within your target range. Here are practical strategies to enhance your GRE scores:
- Analyze Past Scores and Patterns: Review your scores from the past GRE tests to identify weaker areas in both the verbal and quantitative sections and tailor your study plan accordingly.
- Use Official Study Material: Focus on trusted GRE prep resources, GRE flashcards, and practice tests provided by ETS to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
- Practice Timed Sections: Simulate test conditions to improve pacing in both quantitative and verbal sections, which is critical to managing the difficulty level during the actual exam.
- Focus on Verbal Reasoning Skills: Enhance vocabulary, reading comprehension, and analytical skills to improve your GRE score for the verbal section.
- Strengthen Quantitative Skills: Build a strong foundation in math fundamentals, especially in algebra and data interpretation, to boost your score within the quantitative section.
- Consider Subject Tests: If applicable, prepare for physics and psychology tests to strengthen your application, especially for specialized graduate programs.
Consistent application of these strategies can help Indian students raise their GRE total marks and enhance their competitiveness for graduate school admissions.
How Total GRE Score Influence Admission and Scholarships for Indian Students?
The GRE total marks play a crucial role in shaping admission decisions and scholarship opportunities for Indian students. Universities, including the University of North Carolina, evaluate applications based on your performance in the GRE’s verbal and quantitative sections.
Strong scores enhance your profile by demonstrating readiness for rigorous graduate study. Since GRE scores are valid for five years, students can strategically plan test dates and applications to maximize impact. Higher GRE scores often increase chances for merit-based scholarships, making it vital for Indian students to aim for competitive totals to secure funding and admission.
Understanding GRE Score Validity and Reporting
After completing the GRE exam, Indian students can expect to receive their GRE total marks along with detailed section scores. Shortly after your test, you’ll receive an email notification from ETS containing your official score report.
This email notification from ETS confirms your scores have been processed and sent to the universities you selected. GRE scores are valid for five years, giving students flexibility in planning their applications and test dates. Understanding this process helps Indian students track and manage their scores efficiently during their graduate school application journey.
Conclusion
Mastering your GRE total marks is a game-changer for Indian students aspiring to study abroad. A strong score not only opens doors to top universities but also boosts your confidence throughout the admission process.
At Ambitio, we specialize in tailored profile building that highlights your strengths beyond just test scores. Ready to turn your GRE efforts into admissions success? Join Ambitio today and let our experts craft a winning application that makes you stand out. Don’t just take the test—own your journey with Ambitio by your side!
FAQs
What is the total score range for the GRE?
The total GRE score ranges from 260 to 340, combining Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections.
What is a good GRE score in 2024?
A good GRE score is generally between 310 and 320, depending on your target program and field of study.
How long are GRE scores valid?
GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.
What is the average GRE score for test-takers?
The average GRE score is around 300, with typical Verbal scores of 151 and Quantitative scores of 157.
How is the GRE percentile calculated?
The GRE percentile shows how your score compares to other test-takers, indicating the percentage of people you outperformed.
What are the main sections of the GRE?
The GRE consists of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and an Analytical Writing section.
Can I send my GRE scores to multiple universities?
Yes, you can send your GRE scores to multiple universities through your ETS account.

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