GRE Exam Structure Overview
The GRE General Test evaluates skills required for graduate and business school programs. It covers three main areas: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
The current exam lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes, but ETS is planning to reduce the duration soon. A detailed understanding of the GRE syllabus is essential for focused preparation.
Analytical Writing
Key Details
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Tasks: 2 essays
- Scoring: 0–6 (in 0.5 increments)
- Evaluated By: Trained raters and AI (e-rater)
Task 1: Analyze an Issue
- Express your stance on a topic
- Support it with evidence and examples
- Topics: education, science, politics, society, art, culture
Task 2: Analyze an Argument
- Examine the logic of a given argument
- Identify assumptions and flaws
- Assess reasoning and suggest improvements
What’s Measured:
- Coherence and organization
- Quality of argument
- Language clarity and grammar
Verbal Reasoning
Overview
- Time: 60 minutes (2 sections of 30 minutes)
- Questions: 40 (20 per section)
- Score: 130–170
- Adaptive Format: Second section depends on your first section’s performance
1. Reading Comprehension (50%)
Passages from:
- Science (biology, chemistry, physics)
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Business
Skills Tested:
- Identify main ideas and supporting points
- Infer meanings
- Understand structure and tone
Question Types:
- Single and multiple-answer MCQs
- Select-in-passage
2. Text Completion (25%)
- Fill-in-the-blank questions (1 to 3 blanks)
- Focus: vocabulary, logic, sentence flow
3. Sentence Equivalence (25%)
- Choose two options that give the sentence the same meaning
- Focus: synonyms, contextual understanding
Quantitative Reasoning
Overview
- Time: 70 minutes (2 sections × 35 minutes)
- Questions: 40
- Score: 130–170
- Calculator: Provided on-screen
Topics Covered
Arithmetic (25%)
- Number properties, fractions, decimals
- Exponents, roots, ratios, percentages
Algebra (25%)
- Linear and quadratic equations
- Inequalities, functions, coordinate geometry
Geometry (20%)
- Shapes, angles, volume, coordinate geometry
- Congruence and similarity
Data Analysis (30%)
- Statistics and probability
- Graph interpretation
- Counting methods, distributions
Question Types
- Quantitative comparison
- Single and multiple-answer MCQs
- Numeric entry
GRE Subject Tests
Offered in six areas, GRE Subject Tests assess deep knowledge in specific fields.
Available Subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Literature in English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Format
- Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Questions: Multiple-choice
- Scoring: 200–990 scale
- Conducted: Thrice a year
Score Weightage by Program
| Program Type | Verbal (%) | Quant (%) | AWA (%) |
| Engineering | 25–35 | 40–50 | 20–25 |
| Humanities | 40–50 | 15–25 | 30–35 |
| Business | 35–40 | 35–40 | 20–25 |
| Science | 25–30 | 45–55 | 20–25 |
Recommended Study Materials
Official ETS Guides
- GRE Super Power Pack
- Official Guide to the GRE General Test
- Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions
Trusted Third-Party Books
- Manhattan Prep
- Kaplan GRE
- Princeton Review
- Barron’s GRE
Online Resources
- Magoosh GRE
- Khan Academy
- PrepScholar GRE
- ETS PowerPrep
Key Updates in GRE 2025
What’s New
- Shorter test duration expected
- Enhanced adaptive algorithm
- Frequent question bank updates
- Broader availability of at-home testing
What to Focus On
- Time management strategies
- Adapting to computer-adaptive test format
- Practicing with updated official mocks
- Staying current with latest ETS changes
To ace the GRE in 2025, focus on core sections, understand the question formats, and build familiarity with computer-adaptive testing. Rely on official resources, practice regularly, and tailor your preparation based on your target program.