GRE Exam Pattern: Section-Wise GRE Exam Format

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a globally recognized aptitude test designed for students seeking admission to graduate or professional programs. It assesses essential skills such as reasoning, quantitative ability, and analytical thinking, which are critical for success in advanced studies. Renowned universities like Harvard, Yale, and Oxford consider the GRE a key component of their admissions process. Whether you are aiming for a master’s degree, an executive program, or a Ph.D., gaining a clear understanding of the GRE exam pattern can help you prepare effectively. This blog explores the different types of GRE exams and their respective exam patterns.

GRE Exam Pattern 

The GRE is a globally recognized aptitude examination for students aspiring to join graduate programs. By understanding the latest GRE exam pattern, you can effectively prepare for your upcoming exam. The GRE exam is offered in two main types: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. 

The following section explores the exam pattern for each of these exam types.

GRE General Test Pattern

The GRE General Test assesses a candidate’s critical thinking, verbal reasoning, quantitative analysis, and analytical writing abilities. This ensures that a candidate is thoroughly prepared to cope with a challenging graduate program. The question paper is divided into 5 segments with the total allotted time being 1 hour 58 minutes. The following section outlines the GRE General Test question paper pattern:

1. Analytical Writing:

The analytical writing or the ‘essay section’ tests a student’s ability to assess complex situations and come up with valuable solutions. You would have to write your answers in an essay format keeping it both logical and rational. You are required to construct arguments and provide examples to support your argument.

i.  Number of Questions: One “Analyze an Issue” task

ii. Allotted Time: 30 minutes

2. Verbal Reasoning: 

The verbal reasoning section evaluates your ability to synthesize information from written materials. Additionally, you would be required to assess relationships between the parts of sentences and assess their relationship between words and sentences.

i. Number of Questions: Section 1: 12 questions, Section 2: 15 questions

ii. Allotted Time: Section 1: 18 minutes, Section 2: 23 minutes

3. Quantitative Reasoning:

The quantitative reasoning assesses a candidate’s basic mathematical skills and their ability to solve problems using quantitative methods. Moreover, it includes various geometric, arithmetic, algebra, and data analysis topics like the Pythagorean theorem, integers, and linear and quadratic equations.

i. Number of Questions: Section 1: 12 questions, Section 2: 15 questions

ii. Allotted Time: Section 1: 21 minutes, Section 2: 26 minutes

Also Read: GRE Syllabus

GRE Subject Test Pattern

A GRE Subject Test measures a student’s expertise in a particular subject. These exams are intended for students who have done their undergraduate program or have an extensive background in either maths, psychology, or physics. A GRE Subject Test is an excellent exam to take if you are applying to STEM-related programs. The total test time for mathematics is 2 hours 50 minutes, whereas for psychology and physics is 2 hours. The following section outlines the GRE Subject Test exam format:

1. Mathematics:

The GRE Mathematics exam consists of almost 66 multiple-choice questions. These questions range from basic to slightly advanced levels. Out of these 66 questions, 50% are calculus-based, which is common to students from mathematics major backgrounds. The other 25% consists of elementary algebra, number theory, linear algebra, and abstract algebra. The remaining questions are studied at the undergraduate level and consist of common mathematical-related problems, and assess your problem-solving skills.

Content Area: Algebra: 25%, Calculus: 50%, Additional Topics: 25%

2. Physics:

The Physics Test comprises approximately 70 multiple-choice questions, each with five answer options. These questions are based on materials such as diagrams, graphs, experimental data, and descriptions of physical situations. The test is designed to assess examinees’ understanding of fundamental physics principles and their ability to apply these concepts to solve problems.

Most questions require knowledge typically acquired during the first three years of undergraduate physics study. The test primarily uses the International System (SI) of Units, and a reference table of physical constants and SI unit conversion factors is included in the test booklet.

The test content and its relative emphasis on major physics topics are determined by a committee of examiners based on input from a nationwide survey of undergraduate physics curricula. These proportions reflect the typical focus of an undergraduate program. Each major content category includes subtopics listed roughly in order of their importance for the test. While the majority of the questions align with this outlined material, occasional questions may cover topics not explicitly listed.

The GRE question paper pattern is made up of three key areas of physics:

• Classical Mechanics
• Electromagnetism
• Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics

Questions contributing to these subscores are distributed throughout the test and are not separately labeled, although related questions may sometimes appear consecutively.

Content Area: Electromagnetism: 18%, Classical Mechanics: 20%, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: 10%, Optics and Wave Phenomena: 8%, Special Relativity: 6%, Quantum Mechanics: 13%, Atomic Physics: 10%, Laboratory Methods: 6%, Specialized Topics: 9%

3. Psychology:

The Psychology Test comprises approximately 144 multiple-choice questions, each with five answer options. Test-takers must select the correct or best answer for each question. Some questions are based on shared stimulus materials, such as experimental descriptions or graphs, which may serve as the foundation for multiple related questions.

The content of the test is drawn from the core knowledge typically covered in undergraduate psychology courses within the broadly defined field of psychology. Questions assess a variety of skills, including recalling factual information, analyzing relationships, applying psychological principles, interpreting data, and evaluating research designs.

The test aligns with the terminology, criteria, and classifications outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).

In addition to a total score, the test provides six subscores based on the percentage of correct answers in the following areas:

• Biological Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Measurement, Methodology, and Other Topics.

Content Area: Cognitive (29 questions), Biological (30 questions), Social (19 questions), Developmental (18 questions), Measurement/Methodology/Other (25 questions), Clinical (23 questions)

Also Read: What is a Good GRE Score?

How to Schedule the Test?

Scheduling a GRE exam is quite hassle-free and an easy thing to do. If you are unsure how to schedule your appointment, we have listed a step-by-step guide to scheduling your exam. When selecting your GRE exam date, ensure it aligns with your application deadlines. Keep in mind that it typically takes 8-10 days to receive your GRE score report.

Here’s how you can schedule your GRE exam.

Step 1: Choose the Exam: 

Select the test you want to undertake. This includes the GRE General Test, GRE General at Home, GRE Mathematics Test, GRE Physics Test, GRE Psychology Test, GRE Mathematics Test at Home, GRE Physics Test at Home, and GRE Psychology Test at Home. Now, click on ‘Schedule Your Test.’

Step 2: Enter Your Details:

Once you have successfully selected the exam, choose the city and date range when you would like to take your exam. 

Step 3: Choose the Date and Location:

Before choosing the date, cross-check with the information provided on the website to see the exam date range available for your preferred test. Based on that information, pick the date and location most convenient for you.

Step 4: Register for the Test:

You would have to log into your account to register for your test. If you don’t already have an existing account, you must create an account before starting the scheduling process.

Step 5: Pay the Fee:

Complete your registration process by paying the fee. This will help you confirm your slot. The fee will differ depending on the exam you choose. The GRE General Test costs ₹22,500, whereas the GRE Subject Test costs ₹14,500.

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Tips for Preparing for a GRE 

Since the GRE is a highly competitive and challenging exam, it is important to prepare thoroughly to score good marks. By familiarizing yourself with the GRE question paper pattern, you can strategically prepare your answers and the appropriate time required to complete each section. We have listed a few additional tips that will help you prepare well in advance.

• Download the Bulletin: Make sure you download the GRE Information Bulletin (2024-2025) before your test day. This will help you familiarize yourself with the marking structure and testing pattern, and give you insights into each section. The Bulletin also includes information regarding the essential documentation you are required to carry for your GRE. Lastly, it also outlines behavior or activity that can lead to an immediate termination of your exam.
• Research About the Test Content: Whether you are taking the GRE General Test or the GRE Subject Test, familiarize yourself with the contents of each exam. Make sure you go through the official GRE website and study the content that will be covered during each examination at length. You can also take practice tests, which are available on the GRE website. Make sure to pay particular attention to the directions provided during the practice exam. This will help you save more time during the actual test and focus more on the questions.
• Use the ‘Mark and Review’ Feature: The ‘Mark and Review’ feature essentially helps students to keep track of the questions they have attempted and the ones they need to come back to. Since some questions might be more difficult than others, it is common for students to skip the difficult ones and focus on the ones they already know. The ‘Mark and Review’ will keep track of this and ensure you do not miss out on any questions by the end of the exam. 

• Answer Each Question: In case you answer incorrectly, there is no subtraction of marks. Therefore, make sure you answer each question to maximize your total score.
• Keep Track of Time: Make sure you have allotted the time you need to spend on each section in advance. This will help you avoid any unnecessary rush during the exam.
• Use Online Resources: ETS provides a wide range of free and premium resources to practice for your upcoming GRE exam. This can help you familiarize yourself with the exam content, scoring techniques, and exam guidelines.

Conclusion

By understanding the GRE exam pattern, you can thoroughly prepare for your upcoming exam. Since GRE exams are a vital standardized aptitude test for both Indian and overseas universities, a high GRE score can significantly help you secure a place at the university of your choice. During the exam, you will be tested on your verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning abilities. The test scores will be evaluated based on your performance in each category. You can also check out both free and premium resources on the GRE website to prepare for your upcoming exam. 

Besides a GRE exam, several universities also look for a standardized English proficiency exam score. Check out our guide on TOEFL vs IELTS to find the most suitable exam for yourself.

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