- Test Overview: The GRE assesses Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing skills.
- Sections: 2 Verbal, 2 Quantitative, 1 Analytical Writing task.
- Duration: 1 hour and 58 minutes.
- Subject Tests: Available in Math, Physics, and Psychology.
- Verbal Skills: Reading comprehension, sentence completion, vocabulary.
- Quantitative Skills: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Preparation Tips: Familiarize yourself with the format, create a study plan, and practice regularly.
- Top Scores: 320+ for admission to top universities.
- No Negative Marking: Answer all questions to maximize score.
- Study Resources: Recommended books and sample papers for practice.
Highlights:
Updated on, Oct 17, 2025
The GRE tests key skills for graduate school, including Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The general exam includes 2 Verbal sections (reading comprehension, sentence completion), 2 Quantitative sections (math topics like algebra and geometry), and 1 Analytical Writing task. The test lasts about 1 hour and 58 minutes.
In addition to the general test, there are subject-specific exams like Math, Physics, and Psychology. These cover specialized topics such as algebra and calculus for Math, mechanics and electromagnetism for Physics, and cognitive and clinical psychology for Psychology.
This article outlines each section and provides useful preparation tips to help you succeed.
GRE General Test Syllabus
The GRE syllabus evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. GRE general test skills have been developed over a long period and aren’t related to a specific field of study, but are important for all.
| Sections | Number of Questions | Allocated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning (2 sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes |
| Analytical Writing | One "Analyze an Issue" task | 30 minutes |
GRE Verbal Syllabus
The GRE Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to parse complex ideas, identify key points, and understand textual structures and vocabulary. Some of the syllabus requires you to read passages and answer questions on those passages, while the rest evaluates your skills in reading, interpreting, and completing existing sentences, groups of sentences, or paragraphs.
The table below gives the topics in the GRE Verbal syllabus.
| Topics | Parts |
|---|---|
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GRE Verbal ReasoningGRE Quantitative Reasoning
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your basic mathematical skills. The questions are posed in real-life settings, while others are completely based on mathematical settings. Solving Quant questions requires fundamental principles and abilities in arithmetic, geometry, data analysis, and knowledge of GRE algebra.
The table below gives the various topics under the GRE Quant syllabus.
| Arithmetic topics | Algebra topics | Geometry topics | Data analysis topics |
|---|---|---|---|
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GRE Quantitative ReasoningGRE Subject Test Syllabus
The GRE Subject Test syllabus covers key concepts, theories, principles, and problem-solving skills within the chosen subject. The Subject Tests have a total score in the range of 200 - 990. The GRE subject tests are offered in September, October, and April every year.
Also Read
GRE Test Dates 2025Math GRE Syllabus 2025
The GRE Maths syllabus comprises around 66 multiple-choice questions that are derived from courses frequently available at the undergraduate level. The duration is 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete the questions on the GRE mathematics syllabus.
| Algebra (25%) | Elementary Algebra, Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, and Number Theory. |
| Calculus (50%) | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Calculus Application and Connection with Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Differential Equations, and others. |
| Additional Topics (25%) | Differentiability and Integrality, Elementary Topology of R, Rn, Discrete Math, Geometry, Graph, Statics, and more. |
Physics GRE Syllabus 2025
The GRE Physics Subject test consists of questions based on diagrams, graphs, experimental data, and descriptions of physical situations. The topics on GRE physics exam covered are:
- Classical Mechanics (20%)
- Electromagnetism (18%)
- Optics and Wave Phenomena (9%)
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (10%)
- Quantum Mechanics (12%)
- Atomic Physics (10%)
- Special Relativity (6%)
- Laboratory Methods (6%)
- Specialized Topics (9%)
Psychology GRE Syllabus 2025
The GRE Psychology subject test consists of around 144 multiple-choice questions. Take psychology practice tests before the actual exam, and follow a proper GRE study plan for a higher score.
- Biological (30 questions)
- Cognitive (29 questions)
- Social (19 questions)
- Developmental (18 questions)
- Clinical (23 questions)
- Measurement/Methodology/Other (25 questions)
Read More
GRE Subject TestTop GRE Syllabus Preparation Tips
You can prepare for the GRE through coaching centers, practice papers, or self-study. The ETS website offers various preparation courses, or you can join coaching programs with high success rates. Here are some simple tips to help you prepare for the GRE:
- Get familiar with the GRE exam pattern.
- Review the GRE syllabus and understand what topics will be tested.
- Create a study plan and set aside time for each section.
- Consider taking a GRE prep course or getting a tutor if needed.
- Use reliable study materials like official practice tests and prep books.
- Practice sample questions to get used to the types of questions and improve time management.
- Focus on improving your verbal reasoning, math, and writing skills.
- Develop strategies for answering different types of questions.
- Spend extra time on areas where you struggle the most.
- Practice time management to make sure you can finish the test on time.
- Stay organized and track your progress to see where you need more practice.
Read More
GRE Preparation TipsBest Books to Cover the GRE Syllabus
Books are one of the best resources for studying the GRE syllabus in a structured way. The best GRE books help in independent study and progress self-evaluation anywhere through accessible lessons and skill-building exercises.
| GRE General Test Books | GRE Subject Test Books |
|---|---|
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Sample Papers for GRE Syllabus
You can improve your time management skills by taking regular GRE practice tests. GRE test subjects cover a wide range of topics and different types of questions. Here are some sample papers of general and subject tests that will help you understand the question pattern of the GRE syllabus:
| GRE General Test Sample Papers | GRE Subject Test Sample Papers |
|---|---|
| GRE Psychology Practice Test 1 GRE Psychology Practice Test 2 GRE Psychology Practice Test 3 |
The GRE syllabus for MBA and MS programs is the same, and you need to achieve higher scores for top-ranked universities. The GRE syllabus for MS in Computer Science and other programs required a score range of 310 to 325 for successful admission.
Key Summary
- The GRE tests Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing skills.
- The general exam includes 2 Verbal sections, 2 Quantitative sections, and 1 Analytical Writing task, lasting about 1 hour and 58 minutes.
- GRE Subject Tests cover specialized topics like Math, Physics, and Psychology.
- Verbal Reasoning tests reading comprehension, sentence completion, and vocabulary.
- Quantitative Reasoning focuses on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Subject Tests in Math, Physics, and Psychology cover topics specific to each field.
- The GRE syllabus requires strong skills in reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- Preparation tips include familiarizing yourself with the exam format, creating a study plan, and practicing sample questions.
- Recommended books and practice papers can help structure your study and improve time management.
- Top scores are needed for admission to top universities, with 320+ being a good target for MS programs.
Important Articles:
FAQs
Ques: What is the syllabus of the GRE?
Ans: The GRE syllabus for the general test consists of three sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The score for the quant and verbal sections ranges on a scale of 130 to 170, and the analytical writing score ranges on a scale of 0 to 6.
Ques: Is the GRE a hard exam?
Ans: Candidates with a good academic background and who do effective preparation under expert mentorship can easily achieve a good GRE score.
Ques: What subject is on the GRE?
Ans: GRE general test subjects include verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. GRE subject tests include Math, Physics, and Psychology.
Ques: Is GRE harder than IELTS?
Ans: GRE and IELTS are different exams and have their own difficulty levels. GRE is required to study in MS and MBA programs, while IELTS is a language proficiency test.
Ques: Is 330 a good GRE score?
Ans: GRE score ranges from 260 to 340, and achieving a score of 330 is considered a very good score and is accepted by the top-ranked universities worldwide.
Ques: Is the GRE tough for Indian students?
Ans: The GRE exam is taken by students worldwide for higher education purposes, and the syllabus is the same for all countries. Indian students with good preparation can easily achieve a good GRE score.
Ques: Is the GRE only enough for an MS in the USA?
Ans: GRE scores are accepted by most of the universities in the USA for their MS programs. You may be required to submit additional documents such as LOR, SOP, and language proficiency scores.
Ques: What is the pass mark for GRE?
Ans: There are no specific passing or failing marks in the GRE. The total score ranges from 260 to 340, and you need to achieve a 320+ score for top universities.
Ques: Does GRE have negative marking?
Ans: There is no negative marking on the GRE; you must answer all the questions you face. Your GRE score mainly depends on your performance in the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections.
Ques: What is the hardest part of the GRE?
Ans: The hardest part of the GRE varies from person to person and mainly depends on the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. Candidates with effective preparation and good academic knowledge easily achieve a good score.
*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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