GRE Exam Pattern

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is one such entrance exam that thoroughly evaluates the indispensable skills needed for anyone aiming to pursue postgraduate study in any field or discipline from the reputed schools and universities across the globe. While preparing for this imperative exam, you must familiarize yourself with the GRE eligibility criteria, the content of the test, and the structure it incorporates. Read on to know about the GRE Exam Pattern through this detailed blog.

What is GRE?

Considered amongst the toughest exams in the world, the conducting authority of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is the Educational Testing Service (ETS) which organizes this exam in both online and offline modes, i.e. Computer-based and paper-based format that marginally varies in the structure in terms of the GRE exam pattern. However, the GRE syllabus remains totally unchanged. Moreover, there are two types of GRE tests, i.e. GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test, in which the former is used for all academic programs while the latter for specific subjects.

GRE Exam Pattern

Now that you know about what the exam entails, let’s explore the GRE exam pattern in further detail. The GRE test assesses candidates on three major sections, i.e.

• Analytical Writing
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning

In addition to these three sections, there are two variable sections that are also included and are referred to as:

• Unscored
• Research

GRE Covid – 19 Update

Considering the Covid – 19 situations globally. GRE has initiated GRE Tests at home. This is started to ensure the safety of all applicants & stop the spread of the virus. This is just temporary until the situation is under control. All applicants have to follow protocols & rules stated by ETS. The syllabus & exam structure will be the same for GRE at home.

GRE General Test Exam Pattern

There are two formats available for the GRE General Exam: computer-based and paper-based. Despite many similarities, the GRE exam format differs between the two editions. Also, not everyone can take the test that is presented on paper. It’s available in places where the computer-delivered GRE isn’t. Consequently, you cannot simply choose a paper test versus a computer-based test. The location of the exam will determine this.

GRE General Test Syllabus and Question Types

Section name	Number of Sections	Number of questions	Sub-areas	Types of questions
GRE quantitative reasoning	2	20+20=40 questions	Ratio and proportionProfit and lossSimple and compound interestSpeed, distance and timePermutation & combinationLinear equationsQuadratic equationsSets TheoryStatisticsPowers and rootsProbabilityPipes, cisterns, work, timeLines and anglesTrianglesPolygonQuadrilateralCirclesCoordinate geometryOrder of operationsVolume and surface areaPercentageNumber properties	Quantitative Comparison QuestionsNumeric Entry Questions
GRE verbal reasoning	2	20+20=40 questions	–	Reading ComprehensionText CompletionSentence Equivalence
GRE analytical writing assessment	2	1+1=2 questions	–	Analyzing an IssueAnalyzing an Argument

GRE Test Duration

GRE Section name	Duration
GRE quantitative reasoning	1 hour and 10 minutes (35 minutes for each section)
GRE verbal reasoning	1 hour (30 minutes for each section)
GRE analytical writing assessment	1 hour (30 minutes for each section)
Total	3 hours and 10 minutes

GRE General Test Score Range

GRE section name	Score range
GRE quantitative reasoning	130-170 with 1 point increment
GRE verbal reasoning	130-170 with 1 point increment
GRE analytical writing assessment	0-6 with 0.5 point increment
Total	260-340

GRE Subject Test Exam Pattern

The only format available for administering the GRE subject test is on paper. The overall testing period is 2 hours and 50 minutes, and there are no sections that are timed independently. Four academic fields—Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Psychology—offer topic exams.

GRE Subject Test Syllabus and Question Types

Subjects	Number of Questions	Sub-sections
Biology	190	Cellular and Molecular Biology
Organismal Biology
Ecology and Evolution
Chemistry	130	Analytical Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
English	230	Literary Analysis
Identification
Cultural and Historical Contexts
History and Theory of Literary Criticism
Mathematics	66	Calculus
Algebra (Linear algebra, abstract algebra, elementary algebra, and number theory)
Discrete Mathematics
Real Analysis
Probability and Statistics
Additional Mathematics
Physics	100	Classical Mechanics
Electromagnetism
Optics and Wave Phenomena
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics
Atomic Physics
Special Relativity
Laboratory Methods
Specialized Topics like Nuclear and Particle Physics etc.
Psychology	205	Biological
Cognitive
Social
Developmental
Clinical
Measurement/Methodology/Other

GRE Subject Test Duration

The duration of GRE subject tests is 2 hours and 50 minutes. It doesn’t break like the GRE general test does.

GRE Subject Test Score Range

Scores on GRE subjects range from 200 to 990. A system with increments of 10 points is used. The score range for each sub-area on the GRE subject test is 20–99 with 1 point increments.

GRE Computer Based Paper Exam

There are just some minor differences between the GRE computer-based & paper-based exam pattern. Here are all the differences

• The duration of both is different. The duration of the GRE computer-based exam is 3 hours 45 minutes whereas the duration of the GRE paper-based exam is 3 hours 30 minutes.
• The GRE paper-based exam does not include reading comprehension questions.
• Quant and Verbal questions in GRE paper-based are 25 & in computer-based are only 20. 

GRE Paper-based Exam Pattern

GRE Sections	Duration	Tasks/Questions	Sections
Analytical Writing	60 minutes	2	2
Verbal Reasoning	70 minutes	50	2
Quantitive Reasoning	80 minutes	50	2

GRE Computer-based Exam Pattern

GRE Sections	Duration	Tasks/Questions	Sections
Analytical Writing	60 minutes	2	1
Verbal Reasoning	60 minutes	40	2
Quantitive Reasoning	70 minutes	40	2

GRE Exam Pattern and Total Marks

Take a look at the following table elucidating the GRE exam pattern comprising of the bifurcations of sub-sections for each section as well as the number of questions and other features as per the two different modes. 

Section	Paper-Based GRE	Computer-Based GRE	Score Scale	Increments
Analytical Writing	2 Sections, 2 tasks [60 minutes]	1 Section, 2 tasks [60 minutes]	0-6	In Half-Points
Verbal Reasoning	2 Sections, 50 questions [70 minutes]	2 Sections, 40 questions [60 minutes]	130-170	In 1-Point
Quantitative Reasoning	2 Sections, 50 questions [80 minutes]	2 Sections 40 questions [70 minutes]	130-170	In 1-Point
Unscored	Uncertain & Unmarked	Uncertain & Unmarked
Research	Uncertain & Unmarked	Uncertain & Unmarked

Analytical Writing

Aimed at evaluating the critical thinking and analytical writing skills of the test-takers, this section of the GRE exam pattern comprises of 2 essays popularly termed as “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyse an Argument”. You have 30 minutes for each of these essays in which analysis an issue commonly includes a statement on an issue of general interest while analysis of an argument requires you to assess a paragraph-length argument of an author and provide a logically sound evaluation of it.

Type	Sections	Total Tasks	Time
Computer-Based	1	2	30 Minutes (per task)
Paper-Based	2	1 Task in Each	30 Minutes (per section)

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning Questions are framed based on reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence which aim to analyze your vocabulary and verbal skills. Furthermore, the GRE exam pattern of this section also focuses on how good the candidate is in determining the right sentence structure as well as their familiarity with words and concepts.

Type	Sections	Total Questions	Time
Computer-Based	2	20 in each section	30 Minutes (per section)
Paper-Based	2	25 in each section	35 Minutes (per section)

Quantitative Reasoning

Regarded as the trickiest section of the GRE exam pattern, Quantitative Reasoning contains intensive mathematical problems ranging from Algebra to Data Analysis. It evaluates the basic mathematical aptitude of the candidate as well as their familiarization of elementary mathematical concepts and how effectively one can solve problems using quantitative methods.

Type	Sections	Total Questions	Time
Computer-Based	2	20 in each section	35 Minutes (per section)
Paper-Based	2	25 in each section	40 Minutes (per section)

Unscored & Research Section

The Unscored and Research sections are often called as the GRE experimental sections. As the two variable sections in the GRE exam pattern, both of these comprise an extra section of the Verbal or Quantitative Reasoning (3 instead of 2 of which 1 would be experimental).

• The unscored section is commonly assumed to appear randomly at any part of the test, either at the beginning or middle. It is uncertain to understand whether it is not marked or indicated and hence it cannot be avoided.
• The main purpose of the unscored aspect is to help the ETS assess the level of difficulty of the exam for future tests.
• On the other hand, the Research section is always marked and appears at the concluding part of the test. The attempt of the section completely depends on the test taker and is completely optional.

GRE Subject Test Pattern

GRE Test Material

Here are some study material & practice books that will help you understand the GRE exam pattern better. It will give you insight into the pattern & marking scheme of the examination. It will help you to understand the format, types of questions in the GRE Examination. It will also help you to manage your time & evaluate your strong & weak points.

GRE General Test	GRE Subject Test
PBT GRE	Biology
Analytical Writing	Chemistry
Verbal Reasoning	Literature in English
Quantitative Reasoning	Mathematics
	Physics
	Psychology

GRE Books

There are plenty of books available in the market but it is essential that applicants refer to the right books. With the help of the right books, students can prepare better & ace their exams. With the number of books available, it becomes difficult to select the right one. Here are the books suggested by toppers for preparation & revision of the GRE examination. Here is the list of books.

The Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test, 3rd Edition	Click Here to buy
Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions & Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions	Click Here to buy
Barron’s 6 GRE Practice Tests	Click Here to buy
GRE Analytical Writing: Solutions to Real Essay Topics	Click Here to buy

GRE Preparation Tips from Toppers

GRE preparation is not a piece of cake but with the right books, study material & hard work you can even score a perfect. To inspire you & for some useful tips here are videos from GRE toppers. It is always a good idea to take help from toppers, they can motivate you, guide you in the right direction & share some useful exam & preparation tips as well. Here are some of the interview videos of GRE toppers sharing their success mantra, tips:

Sample Questions

For understanding the GRE exam pattern, here are some sample questions from different sections.

Reading Comprehension (Verbal Reasoning)

Reviving the practice of using elements of popular music in classical composition, an approach that had been in hibernation in the United States during the 1960s, composer Philip Glass (born 1937) embraced the ethos of popular music in his compositions. Glass based two symphonies on music by rock musicians David Bowie and Brian Eno, but the symphonies’ sound is distinctively his. Popular elements do not appear out of place in Glass’s classical music, which from its early days has shared certain harmonies and rhythms with rock music. Yet this use of popular elements has not made Glass a composer of popular music. His music is not a version of popular music packaged to attract classical listeners; it is high art for listeners steeped in rock rather than the classics.

Select only one answer choice.

1. The passage addresses which of the following issues related to Glass’s use of popular elements in his classical compositions?
   1. How it is regarded by listeners who prefer rock to the classics
   2. How it has affected the commercial success of Glass’s music
   3. Whether it has contributed to a revival of interest among other composers in using popular elements in their compositions
   4. Whether it has had a detrimental effect on Glass’s reputation as a composer of classical music
   5. Whether it has caused certain of Glass’s works to be derivative in quality

Answer – E

Text Completion (Verbal Reasoning)

It is refreshing to read a book about our planet by an author who does not allow facts to be (i)__________ by politics: well aware of the political disputes about the effects of human activities on climate and biodiversity, this author does not permit them to (ii)__________ his comprehensive description of what we know about our biosphere. He emphasizes the enormous gaps in our knowledge, the sparseness of our observations, and the (iii)__________, calling attention to the many aspects of planetary evolution that must be better understood before we can accurately diagnose the condition of our planet.

(i)	(ii)	(iii)
(A) overshadowed	(D) enhance	(G) plausibility of our hypotheses
(B) invalidated	(E) obscure	(H) certainty of our entitlement
(C) illuminated	(F) underscore	(I) the superficiality of our theories

Answer – (i) Overshadowed (ii) obscure (iii) superficiality of our theories

Sentence Equivalence (Verbal Reasoning)

Although it does contain some pioneering ideas, one would hardly characterize the work as __________.

1. orthodox
2. eccentric
3. original
4. trifling
5. conventional
6. innovative

Answer – C

Quantitive Comparison (Quantitative Reasoning)

Quantity A	Quantity B
The least prime number greater than 24	The greatest prime number less than 28

1. Quantity A is greater.
2. Quantity B is greater.
3. The two quantities are equal.
4. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given

Answer – Quantity A is greater

Numeric Entry (Quantitative Reasoning)

Rectangle R has length 30 and width 10, and square S has length 5. The perimeter of S is what fraction of the perimeter of R?

Answer –  20/80 (or any equivalent fraction)

FAQs

Thus, we hope that through this blog you have got an explicit view of the GRE Exam Pattern. Needless to say, a meticulous preparation strategy, as well as expert guidance, can effectively help you in acing the GRE exam with flying colours. Book a free online demo session with our Leverage Edu experts and we will guide you in devising the right preparation strategy as well as equipping you with quality study materials and exam tips to help you gear up for the final exam day and successfully crack the test with a higher score!