Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing are three sections GRE Exam Pattern 2026. Graduate Record Examinations aim to assess advanced critical thinking and reasoning skills related to these sections. These are essential for success in graduate and business school programs.
As detailed in the current GRE pattern, exam consists of a total of 54 questions. Structure is evenly divided. There are 27 questions each in GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. This balanced GRE paper pattern ensures a fair evaluation of both linguistic and mathematical capabilities.
Additionally, test takers will face a single 'Analyze an Issue' task in the Analytical Writing section. The total duration of the exam is highly streamlined, lasting just under 2 hours (specifically 1 hour and 58 minutes) for the computer-based GRE General Test.
Conducted by ETS, the GRE is one of the most widely recognized graduate exams for candidates worldwide. ETS has made several candidate-friendly changes in the GRE test pattern recently to make the testing experience shorter and more efficient.
Understanding the scoring pattern of Graduate Record Examinations is an important part of your preparation. There is no negative marking in the GRE Exam. It means you don't need to worry about score deductions.
The difficulty of the second section in (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning) depends on the performance in first section. GRE Analytical Writing measured on a scale of 0 - 6 in half-point increments.
Here is the section-wise range of GRE score:
Section | GRE Score Range |
|---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 130–170, in 1-point increments |
Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170, in 1-point increments |
Analytical Writing | 0–6, in half-point increments |
The test is fast now. Less than 2 hours. Three parts. Analytical Writing, Verbal, and Quant. There are no breaks. You just keep going. Math has algebra. Verbal has tricky words. It finishes quickly.
GRE Exam or GRE General Test duration is 1 hour 58 minutes. While the duration of GRE subject test is 2 hours to 2 hours and 50 minutes (Depending on subjects). Check the subject-wise duration:
- For Maths: 2 hours and 50 minutes
- For Physics and Psychology: 2 hours.
ETS recently reduced the duration of GRE General Test.
Yes, some graduate schools have preferences depending on their programs. Universities prefer GMAT scores over GRE scores for business studies. For STEM courses, universities' admission committees accept the Graduate Record Examination.
In short, checking the university website is a smart decision to see the exact eligibility.
- GRE Exam Pattern 2026
- GRE Sample Paper Pattern
- GRE Subject Test Pattern 2026
- GRE Preparation Tips
GRE Exam Pattern 2026
Students face 55 questions distributed across three sections of the exam. They will have only 118 minutes to answer all these questions of GRE Test. Questions in these sections assess the candidates's readiness for post-graduate studies.
The GRE exam has three main sections. These sections are split into five sub-sections in total. ETS, the test maker, does not use negative marking for the GRE. This means you can answer all questions without fear of losing marks for incorrect answers. Below, we have mentioned the GRE test pattern 2026.
| Sections | GRE Exam Pattern 2026 | GRE General Test Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing (One Section) | One "Analyze an Issue" task |
30 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Two Sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning (Two Sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes |
| Total | 5 Sections: 55 Questions |
1 hour 58 minutes |
Check out the comparison between Old GRE vs New GRE 2026 in this video
GRE Computer-Based Test Pattern
The GRE Exam pattern for the General test is the same for the GRE at Home and at the centre. The Educational Testing Service introduced GRE at home facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this facility is to make tests accessible for those students who are not able to visit the centre physically. Students can take the GRE from the safety of their homes.
GRE Scores are widely used by graduate schools and business schools to evaluate applicants and make admissions decisions. Students who want to pursue MS abroad from USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other popular study destinations should appear for the exam on the upcoming GRE dates 2026.
GRE Exam Pattern: Then vs Now
| Aspect | GRE (Pre-Sept 2023) - Old Pattern | GRE (Present Day) - New Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Total Test Time | ~3 hours 45 minutes | 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Total Questions | 82 | 55 |
| Analytical Writing (AWA) | 2 tasks (Analyze an Issue + Analyze an Argument) | 1 task (Analyze an Issue only) |
| Verbal Reasoning Sections | 2 sections × 20 questions each | 2 sections (12 + 15 questions) |
| Quantitative Reasoning Sections | 2 sections × 20 questions each | 2 sections (12 + 15 questions) |
| Unscored/Experimental Section | Yes (randomly placed) | None |
| Score Range (Verbal/Quant) | 130 -170 (same) | 130 - 170 (same) |
| AWA Score | 0 - 6 | 0 - 6 |
Commonly asked questions
There is no negative marking in the GRE exam. This means you do not need to worry about deductions to your score for incorrect answers. We will not recommend random guessing. Difficulty level of your next question totally depends on your answer to present question.
GRE General Test is a computer delivered exam. It assesses skills in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. It consists of five total sections. Including one essay task. GRE test duration is 1 hour and 58 minutes. Less than 2 years.
| GRE Exam Sections | GRE Exam Pattern | Section-Wise Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing (One Section) | One "Analyze an Issue" task (30 Minutes) | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Two Sections) |
|
|
| Verbal Reasoning (Two Sections) |
|
|
| Total | 5 Sections: 55 Questions |
It stands for Graduate Record Examination. GRE is good for getting into masters programs. It tests your math and English. ETS conducts it. Score is valid for 5 years. Good for MBA too.
GRE exam structure is not complex. All the questions are related to Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Students will have only one hour and 58 minutes to complete the exam. Note that the score of the Analytical Writing section does not count toward the final GRE score.
GRE Sample Paper Pattern
There are three sections in GRE Exam 2026. Question patterns and question types of these exams are different from each other. Below, we have mentioned an image that will help you to know types of questions in GRE exam:
Commonly asked questions
To download GRE Exam sample papers, you can visit official website of ETS. You can check other reliable websites also. You can download subject wise GRE question papers too. Practicing regularly will help you to understand exam patterns and question types.
If you do not want to take the GRE exam. You can take GMAT instead. GMAT is a popular choice for business programs. Many universities around the world now prioritize a student’s overall profile such as academic performance, work experience, and LOR, over standardized test scores.
Harvard University does not have a fixed minimum GRE score requirement for every course it offers. Some of its popular programs, have set minimum required GRE scores. STEM programs like Engineering and Computer Science are some demanding courses at Harvard.
You can take GRE test again after 21 days. You can appear in the test a maximum of 5 times. This 5-time limit applies within any 12 months. There is no limit on total lifetime attempts.
GRE Subject Test Pattern 2026
Candidates looking to understand GRE Subject Test pattern can know more about the same here. This article solely focuses on the GRE paper pattern of the GRE general test. It is important to pay attention to the GRE format of the paper as well as keep an eye on the time dedicated to each section. Here we have mentioned the GRE Subject Test pattern, so you can have an idea of the exam:
| GRE Subjects | No. of Questions | Test Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 66 MCQs (UG-level content) | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Physics | 70 MCQs (with graphs/diagrams) | 2 hours |
| Psychology | 144 MCQs | 2 hours |
Question Distribution By Subject
| Subject | Topics | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Calculus | 50% |
| Algebra | 25% | |
| Additional Topics* | 25% | |
| Total | 100% | |
| Physics | Classical Mechanics | 20% |
| Electromagnetism | 18% | |
| Optics and Wave Phenomena | 9% | |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics | 10% | |
| Quantum Mechanics | 12% | |
| Atomic Physics | 10% | |
| Special Relativity | 6% | |
| Laboratory Methods | 6% | |
| Specialized Topics | 9% | |
| Total | 100% | |
| Psychology | Biological | 17–21% |
| Cognitive | 17–24% | |
| Developmental | 12–14% | |
| Social | 12–14% | |
| Clinical | 15–19% | |
| Measurement/Methodology/Other | 15–19% | |
Commonly asked questions
The GRE Subject Test evaluates the candidates’ ability in Mathematics, Physics and Psychology subjects. It is a computer based test. Generally, the GRE Subject Test is required for getting admission to specialised courses/technical programmes. The GRE Subject test is primarily held three times a year in September, October and April months. The total duration of the GRE Subject test is 2Hrs and 50 minutes and candidates are required to appear for only one of the subjects from the list mentioned below:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
ETS has set up test centres in multiple Indian cities for GRE Subject Test. Students can select a center near their location during registration. Always check for slot availability first. Make a booking at their desired test center.
You should book your slot at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Seats vanish in September. If you wait, you lose. You might get a bad time like 8 AM. Or a center far away. Don't be lazy.
GRE Preparation Tips
If money is a consideration and one is quite confident of being able to prepare well without supervision, then self-study may be the better option to prepare for GRE. You could save money on personal tuition and classes, but you need to keep in mind other factors too. To be able to study on your own effectively, you need a few best books for GRE, along with motivation and self-discipline.
Candidates can also check out our customized 4-week GRE Preparation plan to better their exam performance. On the other hand, if time is a constraint and one needs professional guidance to ensure a competitive edge in GRE exam preparation, then coaching classes are the better option. You will have access to a better resource of study materials and will have a team of experts guiding you. Here, we have mentioned some tips to prepare for Graduate Record Exam:
- Start preparation early.
- Gather every single information related to the exam.
- Create flashcards and notes.
- Take GRE practice tests
- Expand your vocabulary
- Focus on weak areas more.
- Use authentic study materials.
- Take expert guidance or join GRE coaching institutes.
Your time will be better managed as being regular in classes will become part of your routine. Moreover, being around other students will increase their motivation levels.
Commonly asked questions
It is possible to cover the GRE syllabus in one month only if you have understood the basics information of Graduate Record Examination. Here is the 1-month GRE preparation plan.
- Join a class. It is really stressful to cover the syllabus in one month without guidance.
- Understand the GRE pattern and syllabus before you start the preparation.
- Create study plan and dedicate 10 hours daily for the preparation.
- Practice with different sets of GRE sample papers and identify your weakness.
- Create Flashcards to remember the lessons
This one month plan can help you to improve your score and not to become topper.
Indian students can use YouTube videos, official ETS books, and practice tests for preparation. It does not require expensive GRE coaching. You need a disciplined study plan and regular practice.
If you want to prepare for GRE then you must do these
- Read the entire GRE syllabus and know the topics it covers
- Make a schedule and give time to all sections for prep
- Practising questions from all GRE sections everyday
- GIve mocks and sample papers before giving GRE exam
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Hello Reshmi. If you are looking for assistance with university admissions, do reach out to our team of Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply You can know all about the University of Houston, here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/usa/universities/university-of-hous
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Hello Akshat. Yes, GRE dates for September to December have been updated on our GRE exam dates page: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/exams/gre/important-dates Please feel free to go ahead with your GRE slot booking.