GRE finds more takers, 30% rise in candidates in 2012

30% increase has been recorded in the number of candidates taking GRE in 2012across India compared to the year before. Close to 85,000 candidates took the test in 2012, compared to 65,000 in 2011.

Educational Testing Services, which administers GRE, said 2012 recorded the second highest number of test takers since the test began.

Experts estimate that one tenth of the candidates are from Chennai. Delhi and Hyderabad send most number of candidates, followed by Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai. Coaching institutes that train candidates said the test was popular among two segments-engineering, medical and pharmacy graduates, and those who want to pursue a management degree.

With more than 500 engineering colleges in the state, in addition to IIT-Madras, the numbers from the state are likely to keep increasing. At least 15% of students in an institution are looking to pursue higher education.

Over the last few years, there has been increased interest in GRE among working professionals between 21 and 28 years, he said. "The job market is tight. Professionals find that growth in the company is not as fast as it used to be, and that having a specialized degree makes it easier to find a job.