Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning are three sections of GRE exam syllabus 2026. It measures relavant skills to these subjects which are necessary for success in higher education. Candidates wanting to pursue graduate studies abroad are required to qualify for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and achieve good scores. To do so, candidates must be well-versed with the latest GRE syllabus, to begin with. Recently, ETS updated the syllabus of GRE 2026 and removed a few sections to make the test shorter than before.
Quantitative Reasoning syllabus covers advanced topics related to Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis. Similarly, GRE verbal reasoning syllabus focuses on Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension questions. It assesses advanced vocabulary, critical reasoning, and comprehension skills
Most notable recent change to latest GRE syllabus is in Analytical Writing section. There is only "Analyze an Issue" task..Removing "Analyze an Argument" component made the test shorter. This shorter test format, reflected in the official GRE syllabus 2026, ensures that while the exam duration is significantly reduced, the depth of content tested across these three core areas remains rigorous, demanding comprehensive preparation from all students aiming to achieve competitive scores for their graduate studies.
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.
Here are some important topics of GRE syllabus
| Verbal Reasoning |
|
Quantitative Reasoning |
|
Analytical Writing | Issue Task |
Check out preparation tips to cover GRE exam syllabus early
- Start preparation after your second year of graduation.
- Set a realistic goal to achieve within a fixed time.
- Build vocabulary and practice regularly.
- You can use official ETS materials.
These tips are tried and tested.
- GRE Syllabus for General Test in 2026
- GRE Subject Test Syllabus 2026
- GRE General Test Pattern
- Best Books for GRE Preparation
- GRE Syllabus FAQs
GRE Syllabus for General Test in 2026
GRE syllabus for General Test has been curated to measure test takers' skills. These skills are related to verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing. Check out GRE 2026 syllabus, which is broadly divided into three sections GRE Analytical Writing, GRE Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
List of Topics in GRE Verbal Syllabus
- Basic Sentence structure: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives
- Verb Tense
- Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions
- Pronoun Agreement
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Modifiers
- Parallelism
List of Topics in Quantitative Reasoning Section
| Topics of GRE Quant Syllabus | Sub-topics of GRE Quant Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
|
| Geometry |
|
| Data Analysis |
|
| Algebra |
|
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.
Yes, GRE General Test has same content everywhere in the world. Educational Testing Service (ETS) makes sure that everyone takes same kind of exam. This means parts about reading and understanding, math, and writing essays are same. This helps universities to compare scores of all students.
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 |
GRE Subject Test Syllabus 2026
GRE Subject Test syllabus covers specialized knowledge in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Unlike General Test, which focuses on Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing skills. Each subject test details specific topics, like Classical Mechanics or Electromagnetism for Physics, or Biological/Cognitive for Psychology, available on the ETS website. Generally, Math focuses on Calculus, Algebra, and other topics. Physics on core physics principles, and Psychology on its major branches.
GRE exam syllabus 2026 for the Subject Test consists of the following subjects:
| Subject Wise Topics | |
|---|---|
| GRE General Test Syllabus for Maths |
|
| GRE 2025 Syllabus Physics |
|
| GRE Psychology Syllabus |
|
Commonly asked questions
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.
The GRE Subject Test evaluates the candidates' ability in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology subjects. It is a computer based test. INR 14,500 is registration fee for GRE subject test in India.
ETS conducts GRE Subject Test three times a year: in September, October, and April. These computer based test is available during specific two week windows within those months. You can take a GRE Subject Test once every 14 days.
GRE General Test Pattern
Even though one is aware of the GRE Syllabus and knows all the answers, you need to be good at time management skills. With syllabus topics, you should know about the GRE Exam pattern. You will get only 1 hour and 58 minutes to solve questions related to these topics.
| Sections | GRE Exam Pattern | Test Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GRE Analytical Writing (One Section) | One "Analyze an Issue" task |
30 minutes |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning (Two Sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes |
| GRE Verbal Reasoning (Two Sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes |
| Total GRE Duration | - |
1 hour 58 minutes |
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.
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 |
Best Books for GRE Preparation
To perform well in your General Test, it is important to be updated with latest GRE Syllabus. Overall costs of studying, GRE preparation material, and application costs add up to a lot of expenses. So here are the best books for the GRE to cover the latest syllabus faster.
| Book Title | Author/Publisher | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Official Guide to the GRE General Test (4th Edition) | ETS | 1,039 |
| Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, Vol. 1 | ETS | 844 |
| 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems | Manhattan Prep | 1,932 |
| Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2025 | Kaplan Test Prep | 1,554 |
| Kaplan GRE Vocabulary Flashcards | Kaplan Test Prep | 1,741 |
Commonly asked questions
There are three sections in GRE exam so you need to buy separate GRE books to prepare for these sections.
Best Books for GRE Analytical Writing:
- GRE Analytical Writing - Solutions to the Real Essay Topics - Book 1 and Book 2 by Vibrant Publishers.
Best Books for GRE Quantitative Reasoning:
- Kaplan GRE Maths Workbook
- Barron’s New GRE
Best Books for GRE Verbal Reasoning section
- Manhattan Prep Complete Verbal Set
- ETS Official GRE Guide
These GRE books are easily available in the market.
The quantitative section of GRE exam has two 35-minute sections with 20 questions each. The test is adaptive. It means the difficulty of next question depends on the previous answer of students. Here are some pro tips to prepare for GRE Quantitative Preparation. These tips will be helpful for all test takers who want to score good in quant section.
- Do not ignore Math fundamentals
- Give due importance to the math topics
- Refer to the Official Guide
- Time Management
- Practice GRE Quant Sample Papers
GRE Syllabus FAQs
Check out the common FAQs related to the GRE Syllabus:
Commonly asked questions
You need to register for the GRE subject test separately. Each GRE Subject Test requires a separate registration and fee. Your GRE General Test registration can not be used for subject test. If you are planning to take more than one subject, you must register individually for each test date and subject.
No, GRE syllabus is same for students across the globe. No matter whether you are taking test in India or in USA, syllabus will be same. ETS (the test maker) does not create country-specific versions. All test takers face questions from three sections of GRE Exam, which are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and AWA section.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum VitaeComments
(506)
R
a year ago
A
a year ago
R
a year ago
R
a year ago
R
2 years ago
R
2 years ago
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
A
2 years ago
R
2 years ago
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.