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Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Jun 20, 2024
Highlights:
- Sections: GRE General Test format consists of three core sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
- Section Length and Questions: Each Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning section consists of 27 questions and allows 41 and 47 minutes, respectively.
- Adaptive Format: Both Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections are adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance on previous questions.
- Score Range: Scores for Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning range from 0 to 130. The Analytical Writing section score ranges between 0 and 6.
GRE Exam Pattern is different for General Tests and Subject Tests. The general GRE test syllabus includes verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Physics, Psychology, and Mathematics are three different types of subject tests that are conducted.. GRE exam pattern was updated in September 2023 and made changes to its format and exam time. GRE new format consists of 54 questions, and you will be allocated 1 hour and 58 minutes. Both the Verbal and Quantitative tests are divided into 2 sections. These sections follow an adaptive format, which means the difficulty level of the second section depends on your first section’s performance. GRE administrator, ETS provides a wealth of information about the exam pattern, including scores and practice tests.
Old GRE Vs GRE New Pattern
Understanding the differences between the old GRE exam format and the new pattern is important. Before starting your GRE registration, you must visit the official website for detailed information. Below described is the comparison between the old format and for GRE new format. Go through the table to know the details for the exam pattern of GRE.
| Component | Old GRE Pattern | New GRE Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| GRE Analytical Writing tasks | Two essay tasks (60 minutes) – Includes “Analyze an Argument” and “Analyze an Issue” tasks | One essay task (30 minutes) – “Analyze an Issue” task only |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning questions | 40 questions (70 minutes) | 27 questions (47 minutes) |
| 40 questions (60 minutes) | 27 questions (41 minutes) | |
| Unscored Section | Varies | Removed |
| Scheduled Break | A 10-minute break after the 2nd hour | No scheduled break |
| Total Test Time | 3 hours, 45 minutes | 1 hour, 58 minutes |
| Score Delivery Time | 10-15 days | 8-10 days |
GRE Exam Pattern Overview
Candidates enquire “What is the format of the GRE?” The exam pattern for GRE Exam online or offline are same. GRE General Test measures the Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quant Aptitude skills of the candidates. While GRE Subject Test evaluates subject-specific knowledge. Further, the GRE General Test is extended as a Computer-based test and a Paper-based test. While the GRE Subject test is only offered as a Paper-based test.
Difference Between GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test
Below is a table stating about GRE General Test v/s GRE Subject Test. Candidates can go through the table to know the major differences in the exam pattern of GRE.
| Factors | GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Comprises Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning | Tests based on different subjects like Mathematics, Psychology, Physics |
| Mode of test | Computer or Paper-based | Only paper-based |
| Duration | 1 hours 58 minutes long | 2 hours 50 minutes long |
| Time-Period | Taken year-long | Only taken in September, October, and April |
| Score range | 130-170 score range for reasoning 0-6 for writing | 200-990 score range |
GRE Exam Pattern and syllabus cover all 3 sections. GRE exam syllabus for the General Test measures the applicant’s ability in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing. Below mentioned is a table illustrating the GRE exam syllabus in detail. Applicants can go through the table to have a better understanding and knowledge of the pattern of GRE exam.
| GRE Exam Pattern | Question Type | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analyze an Issue task | 1 | 30 Minutes | |
| Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence. | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes | |
| Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometrym and Data Analysis | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes |
GRE General Test Scoring Pattern
ETS has provided the GRE scoring pattern for each section of the GRE. You can go through the below table and have a better idea about the GRE scores. Achieving a score of 320+ on GRE test syllabus is considered a good score for top universities.
| GRE Section | Score Pattern |
|---|---|
| GRE Verbal Reasoning | 130-170 with 1 point increment |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning | 130-170 with 1 point increment |
| GRE Analytical Writing | 0-6 with 0.5 point increment |
| Total | 260-340 |
GRE Subject Test Pattern
From September 2023 the GRE Subject Tests will be administered in a computer-based pattern. The total test duration will be 2 hours and 50 minutes for Mathematics and 2 hours for Physics and Psychology Tests.
The subjects included in the GRE test will be:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Additionally, Biology, English, and Chemistry tests were discontinued after the April 2023 administration. GRE scores on the exam continue to be reportable for 5 years after the exam date.
| Subjects | Questions | Content Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 66 MCQs | Calculus: 50% |
| Physics | 70 | Classical Mechanics: 20% |
| Psychology | 144 MCQs | Biological (30 questions) |
GRE Subject Test Scoring Pattern
GRE subject test score is measured on a 200 to 900 score scale in 10-point increments. Each of the individual test scales for GRE Exam Pattern total marks occupies the 200 to 900 GRE score range.
- From September 2023, Physics and Psychology tests taken will be reported on 0-100 percent correct subscores and 1-point increments
- Before September 2023, equated sub-scores for Physics and Psychology are on a 20-99 score scale, in 1-point increments
GRE Preparation Tips
GRE preparation tips will help you to effectively prepare and increase your time management abilities. Following a proper study plan, and practicing with the best books and resources helps the candidates to achieve their desired results. Below mentioned are a few GRE general test preparation tips and GRE subject test preparation tips.
- Know the mathematical concepts
- Go through vocabulary
- Construct grammatically correct sentences
- Build a GRE study plan
- Think analytically
- Practice typing to improve the speed
- GRE preparation can be done through GRE coaching centers
- Understand the subjects from a basic level
- Know about the difficult part through graduate-level books
- Learn time management
- Utilise GRE question papers for practice
GRE Exam Books
The best way to prepare for the GRE is through the GRE prep book. Below are a few prep books - Manhattan prep GRE, Kaplan GRE prep, and Magoosh GRE prep for GRE test prep. Also, the books help to do GRE preparation online.
GRE Question Paper PDFs
Regular practice with the question papers helps to understand the exam pattern. Solving the previous year's questions and regular mock test scores gives proper feedback on your preparation. You can go through the various GRE exam question papers for preparation through these PDFs. Below are GRE Question paper PDFs for each section.
GRE Verbal Practice Test
Below in the table is the GRE Verbal Practice Paper PDFs. Candidates can go through these PDFs to get a better understanding of the GRE verbal questions.
GRE Quantitative Practice Test
Below in the table is the GRE Quant Practice Paper PDFs. Candidates can go through these PDFs to get a better understanding of the GRE quant questions.
GRE AWA Practice Test
Below in the table are the GRE AWA Practice Sample Essay Papers. Candidates can go through these to get a better understanding of the GRE argument sample essays and issue essays.
| GRE Argument Sample Essay | Sample GRE Issue Essay |
|---|---|
GRE General exam always starts with Analytical writing, followed by Verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. You can go visit the ETS site to have a comprehensive idea about GRE syllabus. You need to understand GRE question paper pattern to aim for a high score.
FAQs
Ques. What is GRE?
Ans. GRE stands for graduate record examination and is conducted by ETS. There are two types of GREs; GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests.
Ques. What is the order of the sections for the GRE?
Ans. The GRE General exam always starts with Analytical writing, followed by Verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and un/scored sections in any order.
Ques. How many sections are there in the GRE Exam?
Ans. In total, the GRE General test consists of six sections.
Ques. What does the GRE verbal reasoning section test?
Ans. The GRE verbal reasoning section tests your ability to understand the meaning of entire texts, sentences, and words.
Ques. Can I give a paper-delivered GRE Exam?
Ans. Yes. However, it is only offered in locations where the computer-delivered test is not available.
Ques. How much is the GRE fee in India?
Ans. The GRE fee in India is a little expensive, around 213 USD.
Ques. Can we clear GRE without coaching?
Ans. Well, it is possible to clear GRE without coaching.
Ques. Can I reduce GRE fees?
Ans. ETS provides GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers for people who can show financial need, for those who are unemployed and receive unemployment compensation.
Ques. When can we take GRE?
Ans. There are no specific dates, candidates can take GRE whenever they want throughout the year.
Ques. What are the two optional sections in the GRE paper pattern?
Ans. The 2 optional sections in the GRE paper pattern are- research and unscored.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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Comments
2 Comments
The Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections of the GRE test are scored on a scale of 130 to 170. The mean score for Verbal Reasoning is 151, and the mean score for Quantitative Reasoning is 153. The Analytical Writing Assessment is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments, and the mean score is 4.0. There is no negative marking in the GRE.
The paper-delivered GRE section has 102 scored questions. There are 82 total scored questions on the computer-based GRE. However, on test day, you may find yourself taking 102 questions (or some other number greater than 82) depending on if you get an experimental or research section. The experimental GRE section is an unmarked, unscored section of your GRE exam.