📅 Published on: 27.10.2025
If you are planning to study in the United States, a great GRE score can open the doors to some of the best universities in the world. Whether you’re aiming for MIT, Stanford, or the University of Pennsylvania, your performance in the GRE exam will play a big role in your admission process.
And what’s the best way to prepare? — By solving GRE previous year papers.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything about the GRE, how to download GRE previous year paper PDFs, which universities accept GRE scores, and tips to make your preparation smarter and more effective.
Introduction - GRE Sample paper 2025
Every year, thousands of students from across the globe appear for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) — a test that measures your analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills.
If you’re preparing for the GRE, practicing with previous year question papers can give you a real feel of the actual exam. These papers help you understand the question pattern, improve time management, and boost your overall confidence.
Whether you’re targeting a top US university or a mid-tier program, this one resource — GRE Previous Year Paper — can make a big difference in your preparation journey.
About GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The GRE is a globally recognized entrance exam conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service). It is mainly required for admission into master’s and doctoral programs in the USA and other countries.
There are two types of GRE tests:
- GRE General Test – For most graduate programs (like MS, MBA, or PhD).
- GRE Subject Test – For specialized subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Psychology.
GRE Exam Structure
Section | Type | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
Analytical Writing | 2 Tasks (1 Issue + 1 Argument) | 2 | 30 mins each |
Verbal Reasoning | Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence | 40 (2 sections) | 41 mins per section |
Quantitative Reasoning | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis | 40 (2 sections) | 47 mins per section |
Total Duration: Approximately 1 hour 58 minutes (Computer-based test).
The exam evaluates:
- Analytical Writing: Ability to express complex ideas clearly.
- Verbal Reasoning: Vocabulary and reading comprehension.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Problem-solving and numerical analysis.
📂 Download GRE Previous Year Paper PDF
Solving GRE previous year papers is one of the smartest ways to prepare. It gives you insight into question difficulty, section weightage, and time management.
Below is a table containing reliable sources where you can download GRE previous year paper PDFs for free or with registration.
Paper Type | Download Link |
GRE General Practice Set | |
GRE Quantitative Practice Paper | |
GRE Verbal Reasoning Paper | |
GRE Analytical Writing Topics | |
Full-Length Mock Test |
Top USA Universities That Accept GRE Scores
If you’re planning to study in the USA, the GRE can help you get into many top-ranked universities. Here’s a list of well-known US universities that consider GRE scores as part of their admission process.
University Name | Average GRE Score (Range) | Popular Courses |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 320+ | Engineering, Computer Science |
Stanford University | 325+ | Management, Science, Humanities |
University of Pennsylvania | 315-325 | Business Analytics, Economics |
Georgia Institute of Technology | 310-320 | Data Science, Civil Engineering |
Duke University | 315-325 | Biomedical Engineering, Economics |
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | 310-325 | Robotics, Mechanical Engineering |
Columbia University | 320+ | Computer Science, Journalism |
University of California, Berkeley | 325+ | Environmental Engineering, Physics |
New York University (NYU) | 310+ | Finance, AI, Marketing |
Carnegie Mellon University | 320-330 | Machine Learning, Computer Science |
Why Practicing GRE Previous Year Paper Is Essential
Practicing GRE previous year paper helps in more ways than one:
- Understand Real Exam Pattern – The question style, difficulty, and wording become clearer.
- Improve Time Management – You’ll know how much time to spend per question.
- Identify Weak Areas – Helps you track sections that need more focus.
- Boost Confidence – The more you practice, the more confident you feel on exam day.
- Measure Progress – Compare scores from one test to another and see improvement.
Pro Tip 💡
While solving previous papers, simulate actual exam conditions — set a timer, avoid distractions, and evaluate honestly. This habit trains your brain for the real exam environment.
🧠 How to Prepare Effectively with GRE Previous Year Papers
Here’s a step-by-step preparation plan using GRE previous year papers:
- Download 3–5 sets of GRE papers (official + sample).
- Attempt one paper every week to track progress.
- Review mistakes after each test. Create a “Mistake Log.”
- Focus on weak areas using targeted study material.
- Take full-length mock tests before the actual exam.
- Analyse timing per section – especially Quant and Verbal.
- Revise vocabulary daily for Verbal improvement.
Remember, consistency is key. Even 1–2 hours daily, if done regularly, can push your score beyond 320+.
🏁 Conclusion
Preparing for the GRE is not just about studying hard — it’s about studying smart. And one of the smartest moves you can make is to download GRE previous year paper and practice regularly.
By working on these papers, you’ll gain confidence, sharpen your analytical skills, and get used to the test pattern. Combine that with a solid strategy, mock tests, and revision — and you’ll be ready to achieve your dream score.
Your GRE score can open doors to top universities in the USA — from MIT and Stanford to NYU and Michigan. So, start early, practice consistently, and aim high.
FAQs
Q1. Where can I download GRE previous year paper for free?
You can download it directly from the ETS official website and from educational portals like Shiksha, AllexamPyqs, GeeksforGeeks, or Manhattan Review.
Q2. Are GRE previous year papers the same as current exams?
They are very similar in pattern and difficulty but not identical. However, they give the most accurate practice experience.
Q3. How many previous papers should I practice before the GRE?
At least 5–7 full papers and 10+ sectional tests are recommended for effective preparation.
Q4. What is a good GRE score for USA universities?
A score above 320 is considered excellent for top-tier universities, while 300+ is good for mid-level programs.
Q5. Does the GRE score alone guarantee admission?
No. GRE is only one component. Universities also evaluate your academic record, SOP, LORs, and extracurricular achievements.
