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

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 the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test. The GRE General Test and Subject Test patterns are different. 

With less than 42 questions being asked in GRE General computer-based test the total time allotted for this paper is 1 hour and 58 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. 

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GRE General Test Exam Pattern

There are two formats of the 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:

NOTE: 

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

• From September 22, 2023, the test will not include an ‘unscored’ section in addition to the "analyse an argument" task. 

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

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 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. 

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.