Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing are three sections GRE Exam Pattern 2025. Graduate Record Examination aims to assess skills related to these sections. There will be 54 questions: 27 each in GRE Verbal Reasoning and GRE Quantitative Reasoning. In addition, you will face an 'Analyze the Issue' task in the GRE Analytical Writing section. Total time given to complete the exam is 2 hours (1 hour and 58 minutes) for computer based GRE General Test.
Conducted by ETS, the GRE is one the most widely recognized graduate exams for candidates looking to pursue graduate studies abroad. Recently, ETS has made several changes in the GRE exam pattern such as reducing test duration and removing a few sections. The trick is to start your GRE preparation early to be able to ace all sections of the GRE test.
As of now, there is no change in the format of GRE questions. It is same like last year. Below, we have mentioned section-wise number of questions for different sections:
| Analytical Writing (One Section) | One "Analyze an Issue" task |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Two Sections) |
|
| Verbal Reasoning (Two Sections) |
|
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 ETS recently announced a major change in the GRE Exam Pattern. According to the latest GRE test pattern, there will be analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning topics in the exam to assess the skills of students. The duration of the updated GRE exam format is 1 hour and 58 minutes only.
Here is the updated duration of GRE exam sections.
- GRE Analytical Writing- 30 Minutes
- GRE Quantitative Reasoning - 41 Minutes
- GRE Verbal Reasoning- 47 Minutes
To prepare according to the new pattern, students need to create a strategy from scratch. Also, they can explore the GRE Study Plan for Beginners to get help in creating a preparation plan.
- GRE Exam Pattern 2025
- GRE Sample Paper Pattern
- GRE Subject Test Pattern 2025
- GRE Preparation Tips
GRE Exam Pattern 2025
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.
All three 3 sections of GRE exam are divided into five sub-sections. ETS does not use a negative marking system for the GRE, so you can answer questions without worrying about score deductions. Below, we have mentioned the GRE test pattern 2025.
| Sections | GRE Exam Pattern 2025 | 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 2025 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 upcoming GRE dates 2025.
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 wouldn't recommend random guessing. Difficulty level of your next question totally depends on your answer to present question.
Check the table below to know the about the latest pattern and syllabus of GRE :
| 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 |
The 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 2025. The question pattern and question type of these exams are different from each other. Below, we have mentioned an image which will help you to know the 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.
There is no single time frame or specific number of hours to prepare for the GRE Exam. It all depends on your preparation techniques. However, if you are preparing for the GRE exam from scratch, you may need to study for 2 to 3 hours a day for 5 to 6 months.
GRE Subject Test Pattern 2025
Candidates looking to understand the 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
According to the ETS, GRE Subject Test registration fee is INR 14,500 for Indian students. Applicants can pay this fee by using online payment methods (Credit/Debit card). Note that, you will have to pay separately to reschedule the test or change the centre. The registration fee amount does not include any other expenses.
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 preferred location during registration. Always check for slot availability first. Then, make a booking at their desired test center.
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.
Related Reads
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 a 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.
The validity of GRE scores is five years from the day of the exam. For example, any candidate who has taken the GRE exam on April 3, 2021, can report their scores until April 2, 2026. After this, ETS will not allow you to report the score to any university around the world.
No, you don't need to refer to so many GRE prep books for your preparation. However, you can try some alternatives such as Official GRE Materials by ETS (which administers the GRE), online prep courses, and other authentic study materials. Focus on your learning style and your weaknesses to improve them.
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