🎯 Quick Answer

Edwise Foundation offers the best GRE classes in Kathmandu — score-focused preparation with a proven track record, 300+ high-frequency vocabulary drills, dedicated AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) training, concept clearance sessions, and expert instructors. The GRE General Test is now shorter since September 2023: approximately 1 hour 58 minutes total, with one AWA essay (Analyze an Issue only), two Verbal Reasoning sections, and two Quantitative Reasoning sections. The GRE exam fee in Nepal is USD 220. Scores are valid for 5 years and reported within 8–10 days. A score of 320+ is competitive for most strong US graduate programs.

🏅Nepal's First AIRC-Certified Consultancy
🎓7,000+ Students Guided Since 2005
📝300+ High-Frequency Vocab Drills
✍️Dedicated AWA Training
🎯320+ Score Focus
📍New Plaza, Kathmandu
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USD 220
GRE exam fee (Nepal)
⏱️
~1h 58min
Total test time
📊
260–340
Total score range
📅
5 Years
Score validity
🏅
Est. 2005
AIRC certified — first in Nepal

Best GRE Classes in Kathmandu — Why Choose Edwise Foundation?

Edwise Foundation has been preparing Nepali students for the GRE since 2005. As a specialised US graduate admissions consultancy, we understand exactly how GRE scores are evaluated at US universities — not just the test, but how your score connects to programme requirements, teaching assistantships, and scholarship eligibility.

Our GRE preparation is designed around one goal: moving your score to where it needs to be for your target universities. Whether you are aiming for a 300 baseline or a 330+ for top-tier programmes, the approach is the same — systematic, feedback-driven, and focused on the specific areas where you are leaving points on the table.

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300+ High-Frequency Vocab Drills

300+ most-tested GRE words, plus an additional 800-word extended vocabulary drill with synonyms — on a priority-first basis for maximum score impact.

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Dedicated AWA Training

Unique AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) training that makes scoring in the Analyze an Issue essay genuinely approachable — one of the most overlooked sections in GRE prep.

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Concept Clearance Sessions

Score-boosting drill sessions for students targeting 320+, focused on clearing conceptual gaps rather than just practising questions mechanically.

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Proven Track Record

Instructors with a track record of innovation and score improvement — using the most updated study materials that give our students a competitive edge.

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Score Improvement Strategy

Personalised diagnostic-driven coaching that targets the areas where you are performing below your potential — not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

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University Score Guidance

As an AIRC-certified US admissions consultancy, we connect your GRE score directly to real programme requirements and teaching assistantship eligibility at US universities.

Ready to start your GRE preparation in Kathmandu?

Talk to our team about your target score, programme, and timeline. Physical and online options available.

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What Is the GRE? 2026 Format Explained

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is a standardised, computer-delivered test administered by ETS (ets.org). It is the most widely accepted admission and scholarship test for graduate programmes in science, humanities, business, and law at universities in the USA and worldwide.

⚡ Important 2024 Format Update: The GRE General Test was significantly shortened on September 22, 2023. The test is now approximately 1 hour 58 minutes (down from 3 hours 45 minutes). The number of questions is reduced, one essay task was removed, and there is no longer an unscored experimental section. If you are using any preparation materials from before September 2023, they may reflect the old format.

❌ Old GRE (Before September 2023)

  • ~3 hours 45 minutes total
  • 20 questions per Verbal section
  • 20 questions per Quant section
  • Two AWA essays (Issue + Argument)
  • Unscored experimental section included
  • Scores in 10–15 days

✅ New GRE (Current — Sept 2023 onwards)

  • ~1 hour 58 minutes total
  • 12+15 questions per Verbal section
  • 15+15 questions per Quant section
  • One AWA essay (Analyze an Issue only)
  • No unscored section
  • Scores in 8–10 days

GRE Test Format & Structure 2026

The GRE General Test is section-level adaptive — your performance in the first section of Verbal and Quantitative determines the difficulty of your second section. A stronger first section unlocks harder (and higher-scoring) questions in the second module.

✍️ Analytical Writing

30 min
1 task — always first
  • "Analyze an Issue" task only
  • "Analyze an Argument" was removed in 2023
  • Scored 0–6 in 0.5-point increments
  • Graded by both human and AI rater

📖 Verbal Reasoning

~38 min
27 questions · 2 sections
  • Section 1: 12 questions, 18 min
  • Section 2: 15 questions, adaptive (20 min)
  • Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Reading
  • Scored 130–170

📐 Quantitative Reasoning

~47 min
27 questions · 2 sections
  • Section 1: 12 questions, 21 min
  • Section 2: 15 questions, adaptive (26 min)
  • Algebra, data analysis, geometry, arithmetic
  • Scored 130–170
Section Questions Time Score Range
Analytical Writing (AWA)1 essay task30 minutes0–6 (0.5 increments)
Verbal Reasoning — Section 112 questions18 minutes130–170 combined
Verbal Reasoning — Section 215 questions~20 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning — Section 112 questions21 minutes130–170 combined
Quantitative Reasoning — Section 215 questions~26 minutes
Total55 questions + 1 essay~1 hour 58 min260–340 total
📌 Section-level adaptive: The GRE is adaptive at the section level — not question by question. If you perform well in Verbal Section 1, you will receive a harder Verbal Section 2. Your final Verbal score takes into account both the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of the section you were routed to. This means starting strong in each first section is critical — you cannot "save" yourself with a strong Section 2 if you struggled in Section 1.

What Each Section Tests

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Tests your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly, construct and evaluate arguments, and sustain a focused discussion. In the Analyze an Issue task, you take a position on a given issue and support it with reasons and examples. The Analyze an Argument task — where you critique a given argument — was removed in September 2023.

Verbal Reasoning: Tests your ability to analyse and draw conclusions from discourse, reason from incomplete data, understand multiple levels of meaning (literal, figurative, author's intent), and understand relationships among words and concepts. Question types include Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension.

Quantitative Reasoning: Tests the ability to understand, interpret, and analyse quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. An on-screen calculator is provided.

What Is a Good GRE Score? 2026 Score Guide

The GRE is scored on two separate scales: 130–170 for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning (in 1-point increments), and 0–6 for Analytical Writing (in 0.5-point increments). Your total combined score is 260–340.

330+
Top programmes, Ivy League
320+
Competitive for most US programs
310+
Good for most grad schools
300+
Baseline for many programs
Field / Target Typical Score Range Notes
STEM / Engineering Masters320–335 (Quant 165+)Quant score weighted heavily
Business / MBA programmes310–325GRE increasingly accepted alongside GMAT
Humanities / Social Sciences310–325 (Verbal 155+)Verbal and AWA weighted more heavily
Top-20 US programmes (any field)325–340AWA 4.5+ also expected at this level
Good state/public universities300–315Often qualifies for teaching assistantships
📌 Score benchmarks are guidelines: Exact requirements vary by university, department, and applicant pool. Always check a specific programme's published GRE requirements on their official admissions page. Edwise counsellors help you identify the score range needed for your specific target programmes.
✅ ScoreSelect feature: The GRE's ScoreSelect feature lets you choose which test scores to send to institutions — you can send your best sitting only, rather than all attempts. GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.

Not sure what GRE score you need for your target programme?

Talk to an Edwise counsellor about your specific university list and programme requirements.

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GRE Exam Fee in Nepal 2026

The GRE General Test registration fee is the same for most countries worldwide. Nepali students register and pay directly through the ETS website (ets.org/gre).

GRE General Test Fee
USD 220
Standard fee for Nepal
Rescheduling Fee
USD 50
If changed 4+ days before test
Score Report (Additional)
USD 30
Per institution, beyond 4 free reports
Test at Home
Available
Same USD 220 fee, same score validity
📌 4 free score reports: Your GRE registration includes 4 free official score reports. You designate which institutions receive them on test day. Additional reports cost USD 30 each. Use ScoreSelect to choose which score sitting to send — you are not required to send all attempts.
⚠️ Payment note: ETS accepts payment via international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions before registering. Fees are set by ETS and subject to change — always verify the current fee at ets.org before paying.

GRE Test Centres in Nepal & How to Register

The GRE General Test is available year-round at ETS-authorised computer-based test centres in Nepal. You can also choose the GRE at Home option.

FormatAvailable LocationsNotes
Test Centre (Computer-based)Kathmandu, Lalitpur, ChitwanRecommended — universally accepted by all institutions
GRE at HomeFrom your home in NepalSame score validity — requires stable internet & webcam

How to Register for the GRE from Nepal

  • Create a profile at ets.org/gre
  • Select "GRE General Test" and choose test format
  • Pick your preferred test date and centre (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, or Chitwan)
  • Pay the USD 220 fee with an international-enabled card
  • Save your confirmation and admission ticket
  • Bring a valid, unexpired passport on test day — no other ID accepted
📌 Register 2–3 months in advance: Popular Kathmandu test centre dates fill quickly. ETS recommends registering at least 2 months before your target test date. For students targeting US graduate school admissions, plan to take the GRE 6–9 months before your application deadline.

Edwise GRE Classes vs. Other Institutes in Kathmandu

❌ Most GRE Centres

  • Outdated materials — old pre-2023 format questions
  • No AWA-specific training
  • Generic vocabulary lists without priority ranking
  • No connection to actual programme score requirements
  • One-size-fits-all curriculum regardless of your baseline

✅ Edwise Foundation

  • Fully updated 2024/2025 format materials and practice
  • Dedicated AWA training — a unique differentiator
  • 300+ priority-ranked vocab + 800-word extended drill
  • Score targets tied to your actual programme requirements
  • Diagnostic-based coaching that targets your specific gaps
✅ AIRC Certified Since 2005: Edwise Foundation is Nepal's first AIRC-certified consultancy. When you prepare for the GRE here, you get coaching from an institution that understands exactly how your score will be evaluated at the US graduate programmes you are applying to — not just how to pass the test.

Frequently Asked Questions — GRE Classes in Kathmandu

What is the best GRE institute in Kathmandu? +
Edwise Foundation is widely recognised as one of the best GRE preparation institutes in Kathmandu. As Nepal's first AIRC-certified US admissions consultancy since 2005, Edwise offers score-focused GRE coaching with 300+ high-frequency vocabulary drills, dedicated AWA training, concept clearance sessions for 320+ scorers, and diagnostic-driven personalised coaching. Our GRE programme uses fully updated 2024/2025 format materials and connects your score directly to your target programme requirements at US universities.
How much is the GRE exam fee in Nepal? +
The GRE General Test fee for Nepali students is USD 220, paid directly to ETS at ets.org/gre. This is the same fee as most countries worldwide (except India and China, which have different pricing structures). The fee includes 4 free official score reports and ScoreSelect access. Additional score reports cost USD 30 each. Rescheduling costs USD 50 if done at least 4 days before the test. Always verify the current fee on the official ETS website before registering, as fees are subject to change.
How long is the GRE exam in 2026? +
The GRE General Test takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes since the format was shortened on September 22, 2023. This includes: 30 minutes for the Analytical Writing section (1 essay task), approximately 38 minutes for the two Verbal Reasoning sections (27 questions total), and approximately 47 minutes for the two Quantitative Reasoning sections (27 questions total). There is no scheduled break and no unscored experimental section in the new format.
What is a good GRE score for US universities? +
A score of 320+ (combined Verbal + Quantitative) is considered competitive for most strong US graduate programmes. For top-20 programmes or highly competitive STEM fields, 325–335+ is typically expected, with a Quantitative score of 165+ for engineering and computer science. For humanities and social science programmes, a Verbal score of 155+ carries more weight. Business programmes generally expect 310–325. Exact requirements vary by programme — always check the specific admissions page of each university you are targeting.
How many times can I take the GRE? +
You can take the GRE up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period, with a minimum of 21 days between attempts. Your scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. ETS's ScoreSelect feature lets you choose which score reports to send to institutions — you can send your best sitting only. There is no official limit on total lifetime attempts beyond the 5-in-12-months rule.
What changed in the GRE in 2023? Is it easier now? +
The GRE was significantly shortened on September 22, 2023. Key changes: the total test time was cut from ~3h 45min to ~1h 58min; the number of questions was reduced in both Verbal and Quantitative sections; the "Analyze an Argument" AWA essay was removed (only "Analyze an Issue" remains); and the unscored experimental section was eliminated. The difficulty level and scoring scale remain unchanged — each question now carries more weight since there are fewer of them. It is shorter but not easier.
Is GRE required for all US graduate programmes? +
No — many US graduate programmes have moved to test-optional or test-free admissions policies, particularly after the COVID-19 period. However, a strong GRE score remains valuable for two reasons: it can strengthen an otherwise competitive application, and it is often required or strongly preferred for teaching assistantship and graduate fellowship eligibility. Some competitive STEM, business, and law programmes still require or strongly recommend GRE scores. Always check the specific admissions requirements of each programme you are targeting.
Can I take the GRE from home in Nepal? +
Yes. The GRE at Home is available in Nepal and carries the same score validity and fee (USD 220) as the test centre version. You need a reliable internet connection, a webcam, a microphone, and a suitable test-taking environment free from distractions. The test is proctored online by ETS. Most US universities accept GRE at Home scores, though a small number may specify test centre results — always confirm with your specific target institutions.
How long are GRE scores valid? +
GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. After 5 years, ETS automatically removes them and institutions cannot access expired scores. This means Nepali students can take the GRE well in advance of their intended graduate school application and still use those scores, as long as the scores fall within the 5-year window at the time of application.
How long does Edwise's GRE preparation course take? +
Edwise Foundation's GRE preparation is structured around your starting score, target score, and test date. The course combines structured classroom sessions (physical or online), vocabulary drilling, concept clearance, AWA practice, and diagnostic-based mock testing. Contact our team directly for current batch timing, class format, and enrolment details. As a general guideline, students typically benefit most from 6–10 weeks of focused preparation before their GRE test date.

🎓 Join the Best GRE Classes in Kathmandu

300+ vocab drills. Dedicated AWA training. Score-focused coaching. Updated 2024/2025 format materials. AIRC-certified guidance that connects your score to real scholarship opportunities.

🏅 AIRC Certified 📚 300+ Vocab Drills ✍️ AWA Training 🎯 320+ Score Focus 📍 New Plaza, Kathmandu
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