GRE Exam Pattern and Syllabus, Section Wise test Format, How To Prepare

Individuals should be aware that, while the GRE exam pattern is offered in both computer-based and paper-based formats, candidates taking the GRE test in India can only use the computer-based format.

The GRE paper-based module is only appropriate for locations where computers are prohibited. Know about the differences between the GRE formats.

Computer-Based GRE: This GRE General Test is administered on a computer at a GRE-approved testing center. Candidates should be aware that GRE Computer Based Tests are available in any country with Internet access and computer technology. This online version of the GRE test is the most popular way to take the GRE General Test.

Paper-based GRE: This GRE test is taken offline in locations where access to the Internet or computers is limited. The GRE Paper-Based Test is a pen-and-paper version of the GRE. Candidates in India are needed to take the GRE Computer Based Test. In India, there is no GRE paper-based test.

Differences Between Computer GRE Exam and Paper GRE Exam

• The time limit for a paper-based GRE is 3 hours and 30 minutes, whereas the time limit for a computer-based GRE is 3 hours and 45 minutes.

• Reading Comprehension is not included in the GRE Paper-based exam pattern.

• The paper-based GRE has 25 Quant and Verbal questions, whereas the computer-based GRE has 20.

• The GRE General Test is not particular to any field of study, but it does evaluate fundamental skills such as verbal and numeric reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing. 

• The GRE example questions evaluates your knowledge of a particular subject. The GRE Subject Test covers mathematics, physics, chemistry, and psychology.

• The GRE General Test is for 3 hours and 45 minutes.

• The GRE Subject Test is for 2 hours and 50 minutes.

• For students registering from India, the GRE General Test costs US$213. 

• While the GRE General Test registration fee is US$205 worldwide.

• The GRE Subject registration fee is $150 worldwide.

• The GRE General Test can be taken online at a GRE test center or from the comfort of your own home using the new GRE at Home service. The GRE is offered at various times throughout the day and on most days of the month.

• The GRE Subject Tests are offered 3 times a year at paper-delivered test centers around the world. September, October, and April are the months when you can take the GRE Subject test.

Also Read: Frequently asked GRE math questions you should know

GRE Exam pattern 2024 comprises verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. GRE exam pattern of verbal reasoning consists of 40 questions which are to be solved in 60 minutes. GRE quantitative reasoning consists of 40 questions which are to be solved in 70 minutes.

GRE General Test Verbal Reasoning

The GRE verbal reasoning test has three sections:

Reading comprehension on the GRE: This exam measures a candidate's capacity to comprehend and analyze text that is frequently seen in graduate-level coursework. Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with single and multiple responses, as well as select-in-passage questions, make up the GRE reading comprehension section.

GRE Text Completion: This exam assesses a writer's capacity to examine the remaining passage and identify appropriate responses to fill in the blanks. Five to six sentences with one to three blanks make up the paragraph.

The GRE Sentence Equivalency test measures a candidate's capacity to complete a passage by carefully examining the provided material. There is only one blank and six possible answers in GRE general exam sentence equivalency questions.

GRE General Test Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning portion of the GRE assesses a candidate's foundational understanding of mathematics and problem-solving skills. In the GRE general test of quantitative thinking, four ideas are examined:

• GRE algebra,

• GRE arithmetic,

• GRE geometry, and

• GRE data analysis

Analytical Writing on the GRE General Exam

The GRE analytical writing exam assesses a candidate's capacity for analytical thought and reasoning. There are two tasks involved:

• GRE analyze an issue task: Applicants must compose an essay for the GRE issue task based on a broad interest topic.

• GRE analyze an argument task: Candidates must examine the argument and rationally consider the question before writing an essay for the GRE argument task.

The GRE Subject Tests will be given using a computerized format starting in September 2023. The combined time for the mathematics, physics, and psychology tests will be two hours and fifty minutes.

The GRE will cover the following topics:

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Psychology

Additionally, following the administration in April 2023, the examinations for Chemistry, Biology, and English were terminated. The GRE exam results are still subject to reporting five years after the test date.

Also Read: What is a good GRE score and which universities accept it?

You may improve your time management skills and prepare more efficiently with the aid of GRE preparation tips. Candidates can get their desired outcomes by practicing with the best books and resources and adhering to a comprehensive study schedule. Here are some preparation recommendations for both the general and topic exams for the GRE. 

• Understand the principles of mathematics

• Review the vocabulary.

• Construct sentences with proper grammar.

• Plan your GRE studies.

• Consider critically

• To increase your typing speed, practice.

• GRE tutoring institutes provide GRE preparation services.

• Know the material at a fundamental level.

• Learn about the challenging portion by reading graduate-level literature.

• Acquire time management skills

• Practice with GRE question papers.

GRE Exam in a Glance:

It's critical to comprehend how the current structure of the GRE differs from the previous one. For further information, you must consult the official website before beginning the GRE enrollment process. The contrast between the GRE's new format and its old version is explained here. Look over the chart to learn more about the GRE exam format.

The GRE exam pattern has been changed, and a few adjustments have been made starting September 22, 2023. Here are the most recent updates to the format of the GRE exam:

• The GRE test duration has been decreased from three hours and forty-five minutes to one hour and 58 minutes.

• The new GRE exam pattern consists of 55 questions.

• The "Analyse an Argument" task has been deleted from the Analytical Writing component of the GRE exam.

• The unscored part has been abolished from the new GRE format.

• The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning portions will have a combined question count of 54. 

• The new GRE design will only include one Analytical Writing essay.

•  The GRE topic tests are available in two formats: computer-based and at home, just as the GRE General Test.

• Beginning in September 2023, the GRE exam duration for Physics and Psychology will be decreased to two hours each. 

• Chemistry will no longer be available as a subject test.

The last test was in April 2023, and the results will be available for the next five years. Official GRE scores will now be available in 8 to 10 days, as opposed to 10 to 15 calendar days in the past.

Ques: What is the GRE Exam's format?

Ans: The Analytical Writing component of the GRE consists of two assignments, Verbal Reasoning consists of two sections of 20 questions each, and Quantitative Reasoning consists of two sections of 20 questions each.

Ques: What factors go into determining the GRE score?

Ans: To better comprehend how your GRE score will be determined, you should have a basic understanding of how the scoring pattern works. According to the official website, the GRE Score Report includes various components like number of questions answered, number of difficult questions answered and so on, along with their respective score ranges. 

Ques: Is it realistic to expect a student to prepare for the GRE in a month?

Ans: Candidates should prepare for the GRE before reserving a GRE test date. Therefore, students who have already taken the GRE or who are well prepared for the exam can use the one month to study and take the exam.

Ques: Can a student pass the GRE without any preparation?

Ans: Definitely. Self-study for the GRE examinations can be done using authentic GRE exam pattern from the official GRE website. Candidates are strongly advised to only use a reputable source for their study materials, such as our preparation guide or the official GRE website.

Ques: How much does the GRE test cost in India?

Ans: To register for the GRE test, Indian nationals will have to pay $213.  Special requests such as late registrations and rescheduling incur an extra fee.

Ques: How can I register for the GRE?

Ans: Applicants must go to the GRE's official website, which is listed above, and create a profile. After that choose a test center and date to complete the registration.

Ques: Can I retake the GRE?

Ans: Candidates can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, for a total of five times in any 12 months.

Ques: How can I register for the computer-based GRE?

Ans: Because the GRE is conducted all year long worldwide, candidates are recommended to register as early as possible to ensure they book their preferred test location and date. The GRE can be registered for either online or over the phone. There are two additional uncommon ways to register for the GRE: mail and fax. 

Ques: Can I apply for an MBA course after taking the GRE?

Ans: GRE results are accepted by universities and business colleges all over the world that offer MBA programs. 

Ques: Should You Take the GRE or the GMAT?

Ans: The major difference between the GRE and the GMAT is that the GRE is widely accepted by universities that offer master's degrees, whereas the GMAT is largely accepted by colleges worldwide that offer business degrees. A verbal and quantitative element is included in both the exams. GRE tests focus on vocabulary, whereas the GMAT focuses more on grammar otherwise the GMAT and GRE quantitative sections are very comparable.

Ques: Is the GRE a hard exam?

Ans: The GRE can be challenging, depending on one's preparation and familiarity with the test content.

Ques: What is the score pattern for the GRE?

Ans: The GRE score pattern includes three sections: Verbal Reasoning (130-170), Quantitative Reasoning (130-170), and Analytical Writing (0-6 in half-point increments).