GRE Exam Pattern - Marking Scheme, Duration, Section-wise Test Pattern

  • Mode

    Both

vector vector vector vector vector
Samarpita Goswami logo

Samarpita Goswami
Updated on Feb 03, 2023 2:39 PM IST

Want to ace GRE exams this year? Go through this page to learn everything you need to know about GRE exam patterns and how you can ace the tests this year. One of the key elements to your success in the exam will be your knowledge of the GRE exam pattern, which include the exam sections, tasks, types of questions, time allotted to each section and question, and much more.

This page will highlight the section-wise exam pattern for GRE General Tests as well as the GRE Subject Tests. You can also find out the exam pattern for GRE Test at Home and learn about the exam structure, questions and duration you need to be mindful of when attempting the tests this year.

GRE Exam Pattern

The GRE is a globally popular standardised examination for entrance to master’s degree programmes abroad. The GRE pattern consists of three important sections including quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning and analytical writing assessment. Before beginning with GRE preparation, it is important to acquaint yourself well with the GRE exam pattern. 

The testing agency ETS is behind in determining the pattern of GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test. The GRE General Test and Subject Test patterns are different. 

82 questions are asked in GRE General computer-based test where 80 questions are MCQ and two are descriptive. The time allotted for this paper is 3 hours and 45 minutes. In the case of the GRE paper-based test, there are 102 questions in 3 hours and 30 minutes. The GRE Subject Test contains 66-230 questions to be answered within 2 hours and 50 minutes. 

Interested to learn more about the GRE exam? Check out the following links to get acquainted with GRE preparation in advance:

What is a Good GRE Score & How is it Calculated? Here's Why You Should Take Expert Guidance for Achieving a 'Good' GRE Score
Top 100 MBA Programs With GMAT/GRE Waiver GRE Subject Test

Need Expert Help for GRE Preparation?

GRE General Test Exam Pattern

There are two formats of GRE General Test- GRE computer-based and GRE paper-based. Both tests are similar with slight variations in formats. Refer to the table to know the difference:

GRE General (Computer-Based Test)

Section  

Number of Sections 

Number of Questions 

Duration 

Verbal Reasoning 

Two

20 questions per section

60 minutes (30 minutes per section)

 

Quantitative Reasoning

Two

20 questions per section

70 minutes (35 minutes per section)

Analytical Writing (One section with two separately timed tasks)

One

Two (one Analyze an Issue & one Analyze an Argument task  

60  minutes (30 minutes per task)

 

One unidentified unscored section

-

Varies 

Varies 

One identified research section 

-

Varies 

Varies 

 

Total Sections: Six

Total Questions: 82

Total Duration: Three hours and 45 minutes

NOTE: 

  • The computer-delivered test comprises six sections with a 10-minute break. 

  • The test may include an ‘unscored’ section which does not contribute to your score. The questions asked in this section might be used in future tests.

  • Another ‘research’ section might be included in place of the unscored section. This section also does not contribute to your scores and is used for ETS research purposes.

  • The first section is of average difficulty. The difficulty level of the second section adjusts itself as per the performance in the first section.

GRE General (Paper-Based Test )

Section  

Number of Sections 

Number of Questions 

Duration 

Verbal Reasoning 

Two

25 questions per section

70 minutes (35 minutes per task)

 

Quantitative Reasoning

Two

25 questions per section

80 (40 minutes per task) 

Analytical Writing (One section with two separately timed tasks)

Two

2 (1 Analyze an Issue &1 Analyze an Argument task  

60 (30 minutes per task) 

One unidentified unscored section

-

Varies 

Varies 

One identified research section 

-

Varies 

Varies 

Total Sections: Six

Six

Total Questions: 102

Total Duration: Three hours and 30 minutes

NOTE: 

  • The Paper-delivered test comprises six sections with a 10-minute break. 

  • The first section is always the Analytical Writing section.

  • The rest of the sections from Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning may appear in any order. 

  • One unidentified unscored section and one identified research section are present in paper-based tests also.

GRE Subject Test Exam Pattern

The GRE Subject Tests are designed to test one’s expertise in undergraduate discipline to study graduate courses. These can only be taken by those who have a bachelor's degree in a particular subject or vast knowledge of it. Students must note that GRE biology and literature papers have been discontinued in May 2021. 

  • The GRE Subject Tests are delivered in a paper-based format only. 

  • The duration allotted for all the tests is 2 hours and 50 minutes, i.e. 170 minutes. 

  • The tests do not have separately timed sections.

  • The exams are offered three times a year that is in September, October and April.

The GRE Subject Tests are taken for four subjects and the structure and content vary for all of them. 

1. Physics 

2. Chemistry

3. Mathematics 

4. Psychology 

You can check the sections and content for each of the subject tests of GRE here. The following table will help you understand the structure of these GRE Subject Tests.  

GRE Subject Test

Total Number of Questions Asked (approx)

Type of Questions

Testing Time

Chemistry 

130

Multiple-Choice Questions

Two hours and 50 minutes

Mathematics 

66

Multiple-Choice Questions

Two hours and 50 minutes

Physics 

100

Five Choice-Based Questions

Two hours and 50 minutes

Psychology 

205

Five Choice-Based Questions

Two hours and 50 minutes

GRE Test at Home

GRE at Home was first launched during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that students can safely take the test from their homes instead of going to test centres. Also, it was designed to encourage the maximum number of test-takers to appear for the exam and apply to foreign universities using their GRE scores.

Test-takers from all over the world, except China and Iran, can avail of the GRE at Home version. They get the option to select GRE at Home while booking the test.

The pattern and syllabus of the GRE Test at Home are identical to the original GRE Test. Also, the marking scheme of the GRE Test at Home also remains the same. To maintain the integrity of the test, the online test is monitored by artificial intelligence technology and trained human proctors. 

Check the following link for the detailed GRE Test at Home option:

GRE Test at Home -  Eligibility, Registration, Requirements

GRE Test at Home- Disability Accommodation Request

Candidates who need disability accommodation facilities while taking the GRE Test Home can request the same at the time of the registration process. One can request extra time, breaks, screen magnification, or colour selection while applying for GRE. For other accommodation requests, one can register through the ETS Disability Services.

Get Expert Guidance for the Preparation of GRE! 

FAQs on GRE Exam Pattern

For how many subjects are GRE Subject Tests administered?

The GRE Subject Tests are administered for only four subjects which are Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Psychology. The test is taken in pen and paper mode in various test centres across the globe. It is conducted three times a year in April, September and October and lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes.

In which format are the GRE Subject Tests delivered?

The GRE Subject Test is conducted in paper-delivered format. An online version of the test is unavailable. GRE Subject Tests measure the extensive knowledge of test-taker in a subject and are only taken by those who have done their bachelors in that particular subject.

How many questions will be asked in the GRE Subject Test for Physics?

In GRE Subject Test for Physics, 100 questions will be asked. They are multiple-choice questions with no timed parts. The questions are divided into different sets and are based on materials like diagrams, graphs, experimental data and physical situation descriptions. Some of the topics covered are classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics and etc.

Is there any break in between the GRE test?

Yes, there is a break in between the GRE test. Its duration is 10 minutes and is the same for both GRE computer-based and paper-delivered tests. Students can utilise this gap to use the washroom, drink water or take some refreshments. The break is beneficial considering the stressful exam environment.

How much time will be allocated for each section of the GRE General Test?

The duration allotted for each section of the GRE test is as follows:

  • GRE Analytical Reasoning contains two tasks that are separately timed. One is “Analyse an Issue” and the other is “Analyse an Argument”. Each task is of 30 minutes.

  • GRE Verbal Reasoning contains 20 questions per section and the time allotted is 30 minutes. 

  • GRE Quantitative Reasoning section has 20 questions per section, where each is of 35 minutes. 

What is the total duration of the GRE General Test?

The total time duration of GRE General test is 3 hours and 45 minutes. The analytical writing task and verbal reasoning task is of 1 hour each and the GRE quant section is of 70 minutes. It also includes a 10-minute break for test-takers to refresh themselves. 

How many questions are under GRE Quantitative Reasoning?

The GRE quantitative reasoning section contains 20 questions per section. There is a total of two sections which means 40 questions will be asked. Apart from these two compulsory sections, there is the probability of a third option quant section to come in the exam. 

 

How many questions are under GRE Verbal Reasoning?

The GRE verbal reasoning section contains 20 questions from each of the two sections. The sections are of 30 minutes each. Therefore, students will get 1.30 minutes to answer each question and they require high speed and efficiency to complete all the questions on time. 

How many tasks are in GRE's Analytical Writing?

GRE's Analytical Writing section has one writing task. The one writing task in the analytical writing section of the General Test will be timed for 30 minutes.

Is the GRE a computer-delivered or paper-delivered test?

The GRE is a computer-based test that is taken throughout the year. It can be retaken anytime after 21 days. The paper-based test is available only in case students are unable to take the computer-delivered test, which is also offered multiple times a year.

Colleges accepting GRE

GRE Related Articles

View all Articles

Preparing for GRE?

Interested in Studying Overseas?

Connect with us and kickstart your learning journey for a rewarding experience!

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekhoAbroad Terms of Use & Privacy Policy.