GRE Coachings: Your Complete Guide to Cracking the GRE for Global Admissions

In today’s globalized academic landscape, securing a good score in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) has become a crucial step for those aspiring to pursue graduate or business school programs, particularly in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other leading study destinations.

With competition rising year by year and universities setting higher benchmarks, structured GRE coaching plays a vital role in helping students achieve the score they need to unlock scholarships and secure admissions to top-ranked universities.

This detailed guide covers everything about GRE coaching—what it entails, who needs it, how to choose the right coaching, top institutes in India and globally, preparation strategies, costs, and much more.

📘 What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service). It is widely accepted for Master’s, MBA, and PhD admissions across top global universities.

There are two major types of GRE exams:

1. GRE General Test – Required for most graduate and business school programs.

2. GRE Subject Test – Required for specific fields like Physics, Psychology, or Math (less common).

GRE General Test Format:

GRE Scoring:

• Verbal Reasoning: 130–170

• Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170

• Analytical Writing: 0–6

• Total Score Range: 260–340 (Verbal + Quant)

🎯 Why GRE Coaching is Important

While some students prefer self-study, most find professional coaching for GRE to be a game-changer in their preparation. Here's why:

✅ 1. Expert Guidance

GRE coaching centers have expert mentors who understand the nuances of the exam. They provide personalized strategies and tips that are hard to get through books or online videos.

✅ 2. Time Management Training

The GRE is as much about speed and strategy as it is about knowledge. Coaching institutes train students to solve problems quickly and accurately.

✅ 3. Customized Study Plans

Based on your strengths and weaknesses, coaching centers tailor the study plan to ensure optimal preparation.

✅ 4. Practice with Realistic Mock Tests

Top institutes simulate the real GRE exam environment through regular timed mock tests and full-length practice exams.

✅ 5. Vocabulary and Analytical Writing Support

Specialized classes in vocabulary building, grammar, and essay writing help in improving both Verbal and AWA scores.

✅ 6. Access to Resources

Premium GRE prep materials, test banks, flashcards, and doubt-clearing sessions give students a competitive edge.

🏫 Types of GRE Coaching: Online vs Offline

Depending on your schedule, learning style, and location, you can choose from online GRE coaching or offline classroom coaching.

🏢 Offline GRE Coaching (Classroom-Based)

Ideal For:

• Students who need structure and peer interaction

• Those who live in metro cities with access to top coaching centers

Pros:

• Personal attention

• Peer group learning

• Easier doubt resolution

Cons:

• Less flexible timing

• Commute may take time

• Higher cost in major cities

💻 Online GRE Coaching

Ideal For:

• Working professionals

• Students in remote locations

• Self-disciplined learners

Pros:

• Learn from home

• Access to recorded sessions

• More affordable

• Flexible learning schedule

Cons:

• Requires strong motivation

• Limited personal interaction (unless live sessions are offered)

📚 GRE Coaching Syllabus Breakdown

A well-rounded coaching program should cover the following areas:

🗣️ Verbal Reasoning

• Vocabulary building (with high-frequency GRE words)

• Reading comprehension strategies

• Sentence equivalence

• Text completion

• Elimination techniques

➗ Quantitative Reasoning

• Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry

• Data interpretation and graph reading

• Word problems

• Probability, ratios, percentages

• Shortcuts and speed techniques

✍️ Analytical Writing

• Structure and formatting of essays

• Argument analysis techniques

• Issue essay planning

• Grammar and coherence

• Time management for writing

🧠 Test-Taking Strategies

• Time allocation

• Guessing strategies

• Eliminating incorrect options

• Handling tricky vocabulary

• Managing exam anxiety

🏆 Top GRE Coaching Institutes in India and Globally

Here’s a list of the most trusted GRE coaching centers, known for their results and quality of teaching:

1. Magoosh

• 100% online platform

• Affordable and flexible plans

• Access to over 1,200 practice questions and video lessons

2. Manhattan Prep

• Offers both online and classroom options

• High-quality course materials

• Known for its advanced strategies

3. Kaplan

• One of the oldest and most reputed GRE coaching brands

• Offers interactive online tools, practice tests, and mobile access

4. Jamboree Education (India)

• Leading GRE coaching in India

• Centers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major cities

• Personalized attention and doubt-clearing sessions

5. TIME Institute

• Popular for CAT prep, now also offers GRE coaching

• Affordable offline and online coaching options

• Practice test series included

6. Princeton Review

• Offers GRE Ultimate LiveOnline and self-paced options

• Great for working professionals

• Trusted brand in test prep

💸 GRE Coaching Fees in India (Approximate)

Some coaching centers offer combo packages with TOEFL or IELTS prep, university counseling, and SOP writing support.

📈 GRE Preparation Timeline with Coaching

A well-planned GRE preparation timeline, especially with coaching, helps balance academic or professional life alongside prep.

📅 Sample 3-Month GRE Study Plan:

Month 1:

• Take diagnostic test

• Start basic vocabulary (500–1000 words)

• Revise math fundamentals

• Begin essay writing practice

• Attend 3–4 classes per week

Month 2:

• Practice sectional tests

• Increase vocabulary to 2000+ words

• Attempt timed quant and verbal quizzes

• Evaluate writing with coaching feedback

Month 3:

• Full-length practice tests (1 per week)

• Analyze and revise incorrect answers

• Final revision of formulae and essay templates

• Take official GRE mock exams

📖 GRE Coaching Study Materials You Should Use

Top GRE coaching institutes typically offer:

• GRE Official Guide (by ETS)

• Wordlists (Barron’s 800, Magoosh, Manhattan Essential/Advanced)

• Quant formula sheets

• Topic-wise practice sets

• GRE prep books (Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, Princeton Review)

• Flashcards for vocabulary

• AWA sample essays and templates

📊 GRE vs Other Exams: Why It Stands Out