GRE & GMAT Study Materials 2025: Complete Guide to Books and Online Prep
Best Study Materials for GRE and GMAT PreparationGRE study materials include official guides from ETS, which are the most authoritative source, and a mix of concept-building resources such as the Manhattan 5 Ib or Magoosh 8-book set. The GRE is a standardized exam accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools across the world. It measures your verbal reasoning, analytical writing skills and quantitative reasoning that are significant for success in postgraduate programs. Choosing the right GRE study material is the first and most critical step in your preparation journey. From official ETS resources and best-selling preparation books to interactive mock tests and online platforms, having access to the right tools can relevantly boost your performance.
On the other hand, GAT study materials include official guidance from GMAC, comprehensive books such as Manhattan Prep’s strategy guides, and specialized resources like PowerScore’s Critical Reasoning Bible. Other valuable resources are online sites such as GMAT Club and Magoosh, which serve practice questions, courses and community support, as well as free resources like the official starter kit and GMAT Navigator.
What are the GRE Study Materials 2025?
Preparing for the GRE in 2025 requires a well-rounded strategy and access to reliable and upgraded resources. Below is a summary of the significant study tools used by successful applicants:
- Official GRE preparation guides and textbooks are published by ETS and reputable academic publishers.
- Full-length mock tests and performance analytics for assessing progress ad readiness.
- Comprehensive online learning platforms serving structured GRE preparation modules.
- Downloadable GRE study materialsincluding formula sheets, PDFs and quick-reference guides.
- Personalized study planners, scheduling tools and trackers to ensure consistent preparation.
What are the GMAT Study Materials 2025?
Applicants should not refer to too many GMAT books. It is always advisable to follow a limited number of resources and books to ace GMAT exam:
- Before buying any book, ensure you are thorough with the syllabus and the pattern of the GMAT 2025 exam. Once you go through a book, make sure that the book is in line with the exam pattern and syllabus. Do not buy books just because they look attractive.
- It is about solving complex questions and forming a GMAT preparation strategy to help you score well on all exam sections. It can be identifying the priority section that you will be solving first or related to time management.
- The GMAT exam follows a pattern of testing, so pick up books that follow the same pattern as the current version for practice or preparation.
- The GMAT study materials must offer answer keys to help students understand the correct method to solve various questions.
What are the Official GRE Study Materials?
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 scores and are designed to match the real test format, supporting students in building 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, Intuitive interface, mini quizzes for mobile use | Great for reviewing vocabulary and concepts on the go |
What are the GMAT Study Materials?
To help you with your GMAT exam preparation and cover the GMAT syllabus end-to-end a few GMAT books have been recommended. Moreover, it is extremely important to anlyse your performance on these GMAT study materials.
Particulars | Details |
GMAT Official Guide | Popularly called GMAT OG, it is the most important book for your GMAT preparation. This book must form the base of your preparation. Do not leave a single page of this book. GMAT OG contains nearly 1000 questions from past GMAT exams. Ensure you complete this book at least twice during your GMAT preparation. You can get the GMAT Official Guide Bundle ebook and online question band at $81.99. |
Manhattan Prep Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set | The Manhattan GMAT books cover every element of the GMAT exam. You have the option of buying these books in a bundle or individually. Apart from the books, one also gets one-year access to practice tests and web material. These GMAT books will help you strengthen yor skill set to perform excellently. The GMAT study materials and guides offered by Manhattan are considered the best GMAT preparation materials by reviewers. |
GMAT Official Advanced questions | Once you have completed the GMAT official guide and Manhattan GMAT books, you should move on to the GMAT official advanced questions. It has hard GMAT questions from past GMAT exams. This book will help you familiarise yourself with the tough GMAT questions. Note that if you keep on answering the questions correctly, the level of questions gets tougher on the GMAT. Hence, an applicant needs to practice hard GMAT questions. You can get the GMAT official advanced question ebook and online question bank at $29.99. |
Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus | This book offers a helping hand to those struggling with quant. Furthermore, the practice questions in the books are not only unique but also challenging. One of the drawbacks of this set is that it comes with only one online full-length practice test, whereas other publishers offer many more practice tests. Veritas offers hundreds of practice questions online, which can help the aspirants enhance their scores. |
Which are the Best Books for GRE Self-Study?
Self-preparing for the GRE? Choosing the right books can make all the difference. The titles below are trusted by top scores for their expert strategies, section-wise breakdowns, and real practice questions - perfect for mastering the exam at your own pace.
Book Title | Key Features | Ideal For | Approx. Price (USD) |
The Official Guide to the GRE (Educational Testing Service) | Authored by GRE creators; includes real test questions, two full-length tests, and analytical writing samples | All GRE aspirants | 25–40$ (2,080–3,330 INR) |
Manhattan Prep 8-Book Set (Manhattan Prep) | Section-specific volumes, advanced strategies, in-depth concept reviews, and 1000+ practice problems | 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) |
What are the GRE Study Materials and Resources?
Online GRE prep platforms serve flexible, expert-designed resources ideal for today’s busy learners. From mock tests and video lessons to personalized dashboards, these tools support you in studying effectively - anytime, anywhere.
Magoosh GRE Prep
- This online site provides structured 1- and 6-month plans with 200+ video lessons.
- It includes smart study schedules, a vocabulary builder, and progress tracking tools.
- All content is accessible via mobile app or desktop for flexible learning.
- Ideal for budget-conscious self-learners seeking a comprehensive, user-friendly site.
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.
upGrade 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.
What are the Popular GMAT Study Materials for Preparation?
Apart from the preparation books, you can also download GMAT study materials free of charge from different reputable online forums. Otherwise, you can join different forums, like the official GMAT forum, and post your queries there; experts will answer it. There are many online GMAT tests that you can take to enhance your skills. With little effort, you can get GMAT study materials that can also be useful. We recommend that you seek help from the following online resources:
- Beat the GMAT
- GMAT Club Forum
- Thursday with Ron
- Magoosh YouTube Channel
Conclusion
The right GRE study material offers the foundation of your exam strategy. Leverage official ETS resources, structured online courses, and premium prep books to increase your preparation. Whether you are a self-learner or prefer guided mentorship, reliable resources and consistent practice will support you to reach your target GRE score. On the other hand, the right GMAT study materials can make a huge difference in your preparation. They shape your understanding of concepts, teach proven strategies and help you practice with questions that mirror the real exam level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What is the best GRE study material in 2025?
Ans. ETS official guide, Magoosh, Kaplan, and Manhattan Prep are top-rated for 2-25 due to their authentic content and strategic practice tools.
Ques. Where can I find free GRE study material PDF?
Ans. I can find GRE study material PDF to visit ETS.org for sample questions, and use GregMat (YouTube) or Khan Academy for downloadable PDFs and free video-based GRE prep content.
Ques. Are paid GRE courses better than free ones?
Ans. Yes, Paid courses offer expert mentorship, structured lessor plans, personalized feedback and mock tests that free resources often lack.
Ques. Which online platforms offer GRE study materials?
Ans. upGrad, Manhattan Prep and Magoosh offer expert-designed online GRE prep tools with full-length tests, video lectures and adaptive dashboards.
Ques. How long does it take to prepare for the GRE?
Ans. Most students take 2 - 4 months of consistent preparation, depending on their target score, dedicating 2-3 hours daily and starting level.
Ques. How can I study for the GMAT for free?
Ans. You can use free question banks, practice sets, download free GMAT prep apps and follow free GMAT study plan.
Ques. Is it a good strategy to prepare for the GMAT through e-books?
Ans. Yes, preparing for the GMAT through e-books can be a very good strategy, but only if you use them wisely and combine them with active practice.
Ques. Can I crack the GMAT in one go if I prepare from GMAT books?
Ans. Yes, it is absolutely possible to crack the GMAT in one attempt using books alone. But only if you study strategically and practice effectively.
Ques. Which are the most important books for the GMAT exam?
Ans. The most important books for the GMAT exam are the Bible of GMAT preparation, GMAT Official Verbal Review, and GMAT Official Quantitative Review.
Ques. What are the trending GMAT books for preparation?
Ans. The trending GMAT books for preparation are All the GMAT, GMAT Official Guide 2025-26 Bundle and GMAT Official Guide 2024-25 Bundle.