What's the difference between "GRE General test" and "GRE Subject test"? Can i appear for both exams?

Hello Sreenanda Sharaf,

Graduate Record Examination or GRE is a compulsory examination which needs to be taken by every candidate aspiring for postgraduate studies abroad. GRE is an examination which you need to give no matter what. GRE Subject Test, on the other hand, is not a mandatory examination. Once you shortlist your university and programme you can see whether the university actually requires you to appear for the GRE Subject Test and then accordingly give the subject test.

What is GRE?

• GRE is a standardized examination which is required by universities abroad and is suppose to be taken by every student who aspires of taking up post-graduate studies abroad.
• The scores of these examinations are used to evaluate your compatibility with the universities you apply to and to use them as a common ground to compare you with other applying candidates.
• It is accepted in universities in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Europe and UK.
• In this test the candidate is evaluated in his quantitative ability, analytical writing skills, and verbal reasoning skills.
• To give this test an individual should have a huge control over mathematics and English. You need to have a huge English vocabulary and should know basic mathematics.
  
  

What is GRE Subject Test?

• GRE Subject is not a mandatory examination. It is not usually required by most of the universities. However, some universities need scores to further evaluate a candidates ability to fit well with the programme offered.
• The test evaluates the applying candidate in six subjects namely - Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Literature, Psychology and Physics. It is based on your choice and requirements, that you choose which subject test will you appear for from amongst these six.
• Even though universities do not specify the test you must take, it is always advised that you take one which is closely related to the subject you wish to pursue. In order to improve your profile you might have to give an examination on a particular subject you plan on studying abroad.

What is the difference between both of these examinations?

• The GRE General test has MCQ type questions, writing portions, and numeric entry portions. It can either be taken as a computer based test or a paper based test. The test is usually broken into sections of of 30-35 minutes.
• The GRE Subject Test has only MCQ type questions and it can only be taken as a paper based examination. It has a single section only. The examination lasts for three hours.

I would suggest that you decide upon which examination/s you need to give based on your college and programme preferences. However, your main priority needs to GRE General Test.

Along with GRE you will have to give examinations like IELTS or TOEFL in order to test your profeciency in English.

All the best!

I hope this answers your queries.

Do revert back in case of any further doubts.

Hey buddy, the main difference between the two exams is the content, but there are also differences in the structure. the GRE General Test has multiple-choice questions, numeric entry questions, and a writing portion. You also have the option to take it as a computer-based or paper-based exam. Because there are 3 different sections verbal, quantitative, and writing and the test is also broken up into 30-35 minute periods. whereas the GRE Subject Test is multiple-choice only and can only be taken as a paper-based exam. The test has only 1 section and the total testing time is about 3 hours. the GRE General Test is normally required by most graduate programs, so you will most likely have to take it. the GRE Subject Test  is often not required. If your program mentions it as a requirementthen take the test and yeah you can appear for both the exams. good luck