GRE Preparation Books: Best Resources to Prepare For GRE
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.
Perks Of Studying From GRE Preparation Books
Before we can learn about the best GRE books available, let’s understand why we need to access this source in the first place:
1. Better Practice
In order to ace the GRE exam, you should have adequate practice to get started. Thus the best way to enhance your skills and knowledge for this exam is to study from the best GRE preparation books. These books will improve your knowledge of the subject and share tricks that can benefit you during the exam.
Now that you have the knowledge, it’s better to put this all into practice. Yocket GRE Prep offers multiple mixed topic and full-length mock tests to help you analyse your performance for each GRE section.
The perk of doing this is you only study for sections requiring more attention. So basically, you’re saving time to study the whole syllabus when instead you focus on what sections you’re weak in. How convenient!
2. Trains you in multiple sections
Another great reason to invest in GRE preparation books is it provides the overall study training required for this exam. Here is the complete list of them:
Helps you work on your time management skills
Aligns your question attempting speed
Helps you analyse your strengths and weaknesses, etc.
While the GRE books provide knowledge, this still isn’t enough, you need to put this knowledge to the test. Luckily, Yocket GRE Prep offers practice tests for each section, such as verbal, quantitative and much more. Upon completion, you can see your scores for each and work on improving that from time to time.
Suggested: GRE exam pattern
3. Aligns your understanding
Another great reason to refer to GRE study material is how they form your understanding. If you’re attempting GRE for the first time, it helps curve how you access the information. Insightful GRE books provide detailed mock tests and information enough to quip you well in the set sections.
But the drawback here is that it will be time-consuming to time the mock tests conducted here. Yocket GRE Prep makes this whole process simpler. All you need to do is click on any mock tests you wish to undertake. There will be a timer on the top for you to see, and that helps you manage your time better for each question.
4. Increases your confidence
Lastly, GRE books can help reduce exam stress. When you tend to practice more from such sources, you understand which areas you’re good at and which you need to work on. So how does this process affect you? It slowly builds confidence that you have the knowledge to clear the GRE sections.
The GRE books curb your stress in one aspect. You also need confidence to ace the exam, don’t you? Just having theory knowledge isn’t enough, my friend. You need to walk into the GRE exam hall confidently, knowing that you can manage your time, etc.
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 |
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) |
Top Tips Considered The Best Way To Prepare For GRE
You now have everything you need to kickstart your GRE study plans. But wait, you’re aware that this process will be long, isn’t it? Have you noticed why most people give up in between and reschedule or cancel their exam?
While personal reasons are one aspect, a few give up because they are not prepared enough. The stress is real, but this doesn’t mean you cannot ace this exam. If you’re someone who is looking to do well in the GRE exam, refer below for the best ways to prepare for GRE:
1. Create a study plan
A good study plan will give you time to align your study pattern, complete the required syllabus, help you revise and do much more. A set study plan also keeps you aligned with your goal and motivates you to spend time studying for the exam.
If you are looking for a more aligned GRE prep study, get started with the priority diagnostic test from Yocket GRE Prep. Based on your performance analysis, the GRE prep plan will be curated accordingly.
2. Focus on your time
Time management is one of the most important aspects of writing a GRE exam. When you practice mock tests, you understand how much time is required for each question, which helps you plan how to manage your time during the exam. A good time management helps you deliver confident answers.
3. Keep practicing
The best way to achieve a perfect score on GRE is via practice. Make use of tools such as Yocket GRE prep to help you conduct your unlimited mock tests. Practicing daily makes it easier to solve multiple questions ahead of time, understand your knowledge of each section, etc.
4. Breathe
Lastly, when you start your GRE study preparation, always remember to breathe. There will be rocky roads where you will feel like giving up. Always trust yourself and learn to breathe in a stressful situation.
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


