Best GRE Study Material for 2025: Books, Online Resources & Prep Tips

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized exam accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide. It measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills that are essential for success in postgraduate programs.

In 2025, with many universities placing greater weight on test scores for scholarships and admissions, a high GRE score has become more critical than ever. Whether you’re targeting top U.S. universities or applying to international programs, competitive scores can make your application stand out.

Choosing the right GRE study material is the first and most crucial step in your prep journey. From official ETS resources and best-selling prep books to interactive online platforms and mock tests, having access to the right tools can significantly boost your performance.

Curious if you're eligible for the GRE? Check the complete GRE eligibility criteria before applying.

GRE Study Material 2025 Overview

Preparing for the GRE in 2025 requires a well-rounded strategy and access to reliable, up-to-date resources. Below is a summary of the essential study tools used by successful candidates:

• Official GRE prep guides and textbooks published by ETS and reputable academic publishers
• Comprehensive online learning platforms offering structured GRE preparation modules
• Full-length mock tests and performance analytics for assessing progress and readiness
• Mobile applications and flashcard tools are designed for vocabulary and concept revision
• Downloadable study materials including PDFs, formula sheets, and quick-reference guides
• Personalized study planners, trackers, and scheduling tools to ensure consistent preparation

Looking for structured GRE study support? Explore upGrad’s comprehensive GRE prep resources now.

Official GRE Study Material

When it comes to GRE study material, official resources from ETS offer the most accurate and exam-aligned preparation tools. These are widely used by top scorers and are designed to match the real test format, helping students build familiarity and confidence.

ETS Resource Name	Key Features	Best Use Case for Students
The Official Guide to the GRE	Real GRE questions, 2 full-length tests, proven strategies	Best starting point for structured and authentic GRE preparation
POWERPREP Online Practice Tests	Simulates GRE interface; includes 2 free and multiple paid full-length tests	Ideal for building pacing and test-day familiarity
GRE Official Mobile App	Flashcards, mini quizzes, intuitive interface for mobile use	Great for reviewing vocabulary and concepts on the go

Want to know what’s on the test? Dive into the detailed GRE syllabus to plan your prep better.

Best Books for GRE Self-Study

Self-preparing for the GRE? Choosing the right books can make all the difference. The titles below are trusted by top scorers for their expert strategies, real practice questions, and section-wise breakdowns—perfect for mastering the exam at your own pace.

Book Title	Key Features	Ideal For	Approx. Price (USD)
The Official Guide to the GRE (Educational Testing Service)	Authored by GRE creators; includes real test questions, analytical writing samples, and two full-length tests	All GRE aspirants	25–40$ (2,080–3,330 INR)
Manhattan Prep 8-Book Set (Manhattan Prep)	Section-specific volumes, advanced strategies, 1000+ practice problems, and in-depth concept reviews	Experienced or high scorers	$90–130 (7,470 – 10,790 INR)
Kaplan's GRE Prep Plus (Kaplan Test Prep)	Includes five full-length practice tests (online + in-book), quizzes, and access to Kaplan's online portal	Intermediate to advanced	$35–50 (2,905 – 4,150 INR)
Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep (The Princeton Review)	Structured study plans, six full-length practice tests, online drills, and essay scoring guidance	Beginners to intermediate	$25–45 (2,075 – 3,735 INR)
GRE Prep by Magoosh (Magoosh)	Clear explanations, 1,000+ practice questions, access to online video lessons, and study plans	Fast-paced or app learners	$20–25 (1,660 – 2,075 INR)

GRE Online Study Material & Resources

Online GRE prep platforms offer flexible, expert-designed resources ideal for today’s busy learners. From video lessons and mock tests to personalized dashboards, these tools help you study efficiently—anytime, anywhere.

Magoosh GRE Prep

• Offers structured 1- and 6-month plans with 200+ video lessons.
• Includes smart study schedules, a vocabulary builder, and progress tracking tools.
• All content is accessible via desktop or mobile app for flexible learning.
• Ideal for budget-conscious self-learners seeking a comprehensive, user-friendly platform.

Manhattan Prep Online Course

• Live, instructor-led classes with advanced adaptive learning modules.
• Features a detailed analytics dashboard to personalize your prep.
• An extensive question bank and interactive drills simulate real GRE challenges.
• Best suited for ambitious students aiming for top percentile scores.

upGrad GRE Programs

• Full-length mock tests, recorded video lectures, and one-on-one mentorship.
• Additional support with Statement of Purpose (SOP) writing and university applications.
• Designed to help working professionals balance GRE prep with job or academic commitments.
• Bonus: Integrated profile-building tools for graduate school readiness.

 Get clarity on GRE prep, universities, and applications with upGrad’s free 1:1 counselling help.

Free vs Paid GRE Courses

Before committing to a study path, it's essential to understand the trade-offs between free and paid GRE preparation resources.

Free GRE tools are great for developing fundamental ideas, particularly in verbal and quantitative. They frequently lack structure and tailored feedback, though. For students who want to get high marks, paid courses like Magoosh or Kaplan offer professional advice, customized strategies, and real-time support. For many, the best of both worlds is provided by combining premium platforms for strategy and structure with free resources for revision.

Feature	Paid GRE Courses	Free GRE Resources
Structure	Highly organized with guided study plans and milestones	Flexible, but may lack structured progression
Content Depth	Covers full syllabus with updated strategies and exam patterns	Focuses on basic concepts; may not reflect latest GRE updates
Support	Dedicated mentors, one-on-one doubt-solving, and peer support	Forum discussions and self-resolved queries
Assessment	Regular mock tests with analytics and scoring feedback	Practice questions are available, but they lack performance tracking
Platforms	Magoosh, Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, upGrad	ETS Free Resources, GregMat (YouTube), Khan Academy
Suitability	Ideal for students aiming for top scores or competitive programs	Best for exploring GRE basics or supplementing paid prep

Are Free Courses Worth It?

Free GRE prep courses offer strong foundational support, especially in quantitative reasoning and vocabulary building. However, they often lack the structure, personalized feedback, and mentorship found in paid programs. They’re best used to complement structured paid courses or for students with prior test experience.

Tips and Strategies to Crack the GRE Exam

Knowing the material isn't enough to ace the GRE; you also need to plan ahead, practice regularly, and keep up with the most recent test trends. You can achieve your academic objectives and raise your score considerably with the correct combination of tools, approach, and discipline.

The following are the best expert-recommended strategies to help you confidently and effectively pass the GRE:

• Choose credible and up-to-date study materials
• Create a detailed and realistic study plan
• Take regular mock tests to benchmark progress
• Blend book learning with visual content like videos and apps
• Revise consistently using flashcards and error logs
• Participate in GRE forums (e.g., Reddit, GradCafe) for peer insights

How Can upGrad Help You?

• Access to structured GRE prep with mock tests, video modules, and live mentorship
• Personalized help for SOP writing, application strategy, and university selection
• Enrichment through Global Business Management certification for holistic profile development

Ready to accelerate your study abroad journey with expert-led prep and global admissions support?

Visit upGrad Study Abroad to get started today and book a free counseling session.

Conclusion

The right GRE study material serves as the foundation of your exam strategy. Leverage official ETS resources, premium prep books, and structured online courses to enhance your preparation. Whether you’re a self-learner or prefer guided mentorship, consistent practice and reliable resources will help you reach your target GRE score.