GRE Exam Duration: Check section-wise GRE Exam duration

GRE Exam Duration and Structure

The GRE duration is 3 hours and 45 minutes for computer-based GRE (at Home and at a Test Centre). This timing is allotted to include all the GRE sections and breaks in between the sections. The sequence of the GRE exam is such that the analytical writing section needs to be attempted at first, after which the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and unidentified/unscored sections come in no specific sequence. In addition, an identified research section comes at the end of the GRE exam. 

While discussing GRE duration, you must know that GRE or the Graduate Record Examination is taken by those who wish to pursue a master's, a specialised master's in business, an MBA, a law degree, or a doctorate from any country in the world. Your undergraduate records, recommendation letters, and other requirements for graduate-level study are supplemented by your GRE scores in the admissions or fellowship selection process. 

GRE scores give schools a standard yardstick for evaluating all applicants. Thousands of graduate, business, and law schools recognise the GRE General Test as a prerequisite for granting admission to masters.

Highlights of GRE Duration

Let us now walk you through the different sections of the GRE and an estimate of the time required to attempt the GRE exam:

Computer Based GRE Duration vs Paper Based GRE Duration

Though it is difficult to accurately ascertain the GRE duration for each section, be it in the computer-based or paper-based mode, we have listed down the time taken for various sections. You must note that the GRE paper-based exam is not available for Indian aspirants. Look at the comparison between computer-based GRE duration and paper-based GRE duration below:

How Many Hours is GRE Exam?

As mentioned above the GRE takes 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete. It has six sections, and the third section is followed by a 10-minute break. Apart from that, around 45 minutes are required for an administrative procedure which includes confirming the identity of candidates, getting them seated and setting up the assigned computer.

Following are the sections in GRE and the recommended time to complete them:

Biographical Information

The test's initial portion asks for all of your biographical data. If you submit this, programmes that purchased your name from ETS will start sending you mail. You can check a box that instructs ETS not to share your information if you do not want them to sell your name or do not want to spend the time answering their inquiries. It is recommended to devote roughly 10 minutes to this part.

The Essays

The GRE's scored portion begins with two consecutive essays. The first is the Issue Essay where you will be required to make a compelling case for your position on a topic. The next is an Argument Essay where you will be asked to analyse the logic of another author's argument. Each essay has a 30-minute time limit.

Multiple-Choice Sections

There will be a total of five multiple-choice sections (MCQs), out of which only four will be taken into consideration. The fifth section is an "experimental" one. It is important to remember that the math, verbal, and experimental sections can appear in any order. At the end of the exam, you will know whether the experimental section was math or verbally based on the number of math or verbal sections. That said, you will not know which section will not count toward your score.

It is advised to spend about 30-35 minutes on each multiple-choice section.

GRE Breaks

You are given 1 minute between sections except for the second multiple-choice section when you get a 10-minute break.

Research Section

You may also have an unscored research section at the end of the test that will only be used to help develop and test GRE questions. You have the option of skipping it if you so desire.

Timing Tips for GRE

Any timed test will create some measure of anxiety. To be confident on test day, use these GRE timing strategies:

Accuracy is Preferable to Speed

Slow down and concentrate on accumulating as many points as possible. Trying to work quickly leads to thoughtless blunders and poorer grades. Apart from that, do not allow the paucity of time to push you to make blunders. 

Take Everything in

Answer the questions that you know you can answer correctly. This implies that you must allow yourself to see every question. After all, question 30 may be the simplest on the test for you.

Make a Note of it and Go on

If a question does not come to you right away, it does not always mean that you cannot answer it. In the Reading Comprehension questions, for example, you may struggle with a question that deals with the passage's core theme. You may have even eliminated some response options. Don't quit up just yet! If you've spent time and effort on a particular question, mark it and move on.

If You are Stuck, Try Another Question

If you are stuck on a GRE math question, take a break. Do a few other issues to divert your attention away from the problem question, and then return to it.

Use Breaks Wisely

You should grab a quick snack during this time to refuel yourself. You can also stretch your body to let the blood flow.