GRE Syllabus

GRE General and Subject Tests

GRE Syllabus

GRE Syllabus 2026: Candidates wanting to pursue graduate studies abroad are required to qualify for their Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and achieve good scores. In order to do so, candidates must be well versed with the latest GRE syllabus, to begin with. Candidates can check out the latest GRE Syllabus 2026 and the GRE Exam Pattern as they read along. Candidates looking for GRE preparations tips, can opt for our GRE Preparation guide or follow our GRE 4-week study plan to ace their next GRE exam. Read on to know more about GRE Exam Syllabus 2026.

In response to the ongoing pandemic, COVID-19, ETS (Educational Testing Service) in their endeavour to make the GRE exam more accessible has launched the GRE at Home facility, where students can take the GRE exam from the safety of their homes. ETS has also allowed candidates to use their Aadhar Cards as part of their student ID starting July 1, 2021, during the GRE registration process. Candidates can know more about this as they read along.

GRE Test Formats

The GRE exam has two test formats – GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test. The GRE syllabus is different for each.

  • GRE General Test: General Test is the standard exam that tests students’ verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
  • GRE Subject Test: For more specific courses a GRE Subject Test might be required by the college, as the GRE Subject Test focuses on judging the candidate’s expertise in specific fields.

GRE Exam Syllabus 2026

GRE Exam Syllabus: Here is the GRE Syllabus 2026 covering the GRE writing syllabus, GRE verbal syllabus, and GRE quant syllabus:

GRE Syllabus 2026

GRE Exam Pattern Number of Questions Allotted Time
GRE Analytical Writing SectionQuestion type: Analyze an Issue task and Analyze an Argument task. 1 + 1(One “Analyze an Issue” task and one “Analyze an Argument” task) 60 mins(30 minutes per task)
GRE Verbal Reasoning SectionQuestion type: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence. 20 + 20(Two sections with 20 questions per section) 60 mins(30 minutes per section)
GRE Quantitative ReasoningQuestion type: Quantitative Comparison Questions, Multiple-choice Questions and Numeric Entry Questions 20 + 20(Two sections with 20 questions per section) 70 mins(35 minutes per section)

What are the Skills Tested in GRE?

  1. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
  2. Quantitative Reasoning
  3. Verbal Reasoning

GRE Exam Syllabus: Analytical Writing (AWA) Section

The GRE analytical writing section aims to measure the test taker’s ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, support ideas with relevant reasons and examples, examine claims and accompanying evidence, sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion and control the elements of standard written English. The syllabus for GRE Analytical Writing includes two separately timed analytical writing tasks of thirty minutes each:

  • Analyze an Issue
  • Analyze an Argument

GRE Exam Syllabus: Verbal Reasoning Section

The verbal reasoning section aims to measure the test taker’s ability to analyze and draw conclusions from the discourse, reason from incomplete data, identify the author’s assumptions and/or perspective, select important points, distinguish major from minor or relevant points, summarize text, understand the structure of a text, understand the meanings of words, sentences and entire texts and understand relationships among words and concepts.

List of topics covered under the GRE verbal syllabus includes

  • Basic Sentence structure: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives
  • Verb Tense
  • Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions
  • Pronoun Agreement
  • Subject-Verb Agreement
  • Modifiers
  • Parallelism

GRE Exam Syllabus: Quantitative Reasoning Section

The quantitative reasoning section aims to measure the test taker’s ability to understand quantitative information, interpret and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply basic mathematical skills and elementary mathematical concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics.

List of topics covered in the GRE Quant Syllabus includes the following

Ratio and proportion Profit and loss
Simple and compound interest Speed, distance and time
Permutation & combination Linear equations
Quadratic equations Sets Theory
Statistics Powers and roots
Probability Pipes, cisterns, work, time
Lines and angles Triangles
Polygon Quadrilateral
Circles Coordinate geometry
Order of operations Volume and surface area
Percentage Number properties

GRE Subject Test Syllabus 2026

GRE exam syllabus for Subject Test consists of the following subjects:

GRE Biology Syllabus (Discontinued since May 2021)

The test consists of approximately 190 five-choice questions related to Biology. The topics include:

  • Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Organismal Biology
  • Ecology and Evolution 

GRE Chemistry Syllabus

The test consists of approximately 130 multiple-choice questions related to the four fields into which chemistry has been traditionally divided

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry 

GRE Literature in English Syllabus (Discontinued since May 2021)

Each edition of the test consists of approximately 230 questions on poetry, drama, biography, the essay, the short story, the novel, criticism, literary theory, and the history of the language.

  • Literary Analysis
  • Identification
  • Cultural and Historical Contexts
  • History and Theory of Literary Criticism

GRE Math Syllabus

The test consists of approximately 66 multiple-choice questions drawn from courses commonly offered at the undergraduate level.

  • Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Additional Topics

GRE Physics Syllabus

The test consists of approximately 100 five-choice questions, some of which are grouped in sets and based on such materials as diagrams, graphs, experimental data, and descriptions of physical situations.

  • Classical Mechanics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Optics and Wave Phenomena
  • Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Atomic Physics
  • Special Relativity
  • Laboratory Methods
  • Specialized Topics 

GRE Psychology Syllabus

The test consists of approximately 205 multiple-choice questions. Each question in the test has five options from which the examinee is to select the one option that is the correct or best answer to the question.

  • Biological
  • Cognitive
  • Developmental
  • Social
  • Clinical
  • Measurement/Methodology/Other 

GRE General Test Pattern

GRE Exam Pattern: Even though one is aware of the GRE Syllabus and knows all the answers, failure to manage time can lead to an incomplete exam. This is where the importance of being familiar with the GRE Exam pattern is of utmost importance. The GRE exam syllabus is divided into three main sections, namely, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The total time given to complete the GRE computer-based test is three hours and 45 minutes.

GRE Exam Pattern for Computer-Delivered Test

For the computer-based pattern, each of these sections is further divided into two sub-sections with forty questions in total (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning). GRE Analytical Writing has only one section that contains two tasks with a time duration of one hour. Apart from these main sections, there are two other variable sections included in the computer-based pattern exam. This section is followed by a ten-minute break after the Quantitative Reasoning part is complete. However, these two variable sections- Unscored and Research section- are not included in the final GRE Scores.

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GRE Sections No. of Sections Duration
Analytical Writing 1 section- two tasks 60 minutes
Verbal Reasoning 2 section- 40 questions 60 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning 2 section- 40 questions 70 minutes
Unscored Varies Varies
Research Varies Varies

GRE Exam Pattern for Paper-Delivered Test

The paper-based GRE exam syllabus includes two sub-sections of each of the main categories- Analytical Writing, Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning. The analytical Writing part contains two tasks with a duration of one hour (60 mins). Verbal and Quantitative reasoning each contains two sections and 50 questions with a maximum time limit of 60 and 70 minutes, consequently. The variable sections of Unscored and Research are not included in the paper-based exam.

GRE Sections No. of Sections Duration
Analytical Writing 2 sections- 2 tasks 60 minutes
Verbal Reasoning 2 sections- 50 questions 70 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning 2 sections- 50 questions 80 minutes
Unscored NA NA
Research NA NA

Strategy for preparing for GRE

GRE preparation strategy: Candidates looking to prepare for their GRE syllabus can check out our detailed preparation guide on the various sections in GRE. Candidates can also benefit from downloadable sample GRE questions for the benefit of the test taker.

Best Books for GRE Preparation

In order to do well in your GRE General Test, it is important to be updated with the latest GRE Syllabus. The costs of studying and preparing for the GRE exam plus the application costs add up to a lot of expenses. The GRE Exam Fee for Indian students alone stands at US$213.  If you are taking coaching classes, even then you will need to purchase an official GRE guide and practice tests. So it doesn’t make a difference whether you will be taking coaching classes or you believe in self-studying; you will need to purchase a few resources to practice GRE sections. So here are the best resources to boost your studies that cover the latest syllabus of GRE. Read: GRE One Month Preparation Plan

GRE POWERPREP II Software – Preparation for the Computer-based GRE revised General Test – Along with the sample questions, strategies, and tips, this free software includes two full-length practice tests. They have timed tests, which simulate the test-taking experience including the user-friendly design features like changing answers within a section, as well as an on-screen calculator.

The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test, Second Edition – The second edition of the official test prep book includes a copy of the POWERPREP II, Software CD along with four complete practice tests, hundreds of test questions, explanations for answers, sample essay responses with user commentary, test-taking strategies and more. This guide is available in print and eBook versions.

GRE Sample Paper 2026

GRE Sample Test Paper: For the benefit of our readers, we have also collated a set of GRE question papers with answer keys that are based on past year GRE exam papers for the benefit of our readers. The following GRE exam question paper has been sourced from various authentic websites and ETS – the conducting body of the GRE 2026

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GRE Syllabus and Exam Pattern: The Ultimate Guide to Acing the Test

If you are planning to pursue a master’s, MBA, or PhD program abroad, chances are high that you will need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is a standardized test used by thousands of graduate schools globally to measure your readiness for advanced academic work.

ETS updated the GRE General Test layout to make it significantly shorter—cutting the testing time nearly in half.

Understanding the revised layout is essential for an efficient study routine. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the current GRE syllabus, exam pattern, and time limits.

The Shorter GRE Exam Pattern at a Glance

The current GRE General Test takes 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. It consists of three core measures, always starting with the writing section:

  1. Analytical Writing

  2. Verbal Reasoning

  3. Quantitative Reasoning

The test is completely computer-delivered and section-level adaptive. This means how well you perform on the first section of Verbal or Quant determines the difficulty level of your second Verbal or Quant section. The harder the second section, the higher your potential score ceiling.

Section Number of Questions Time Allotted Score Range
Analytical Writing 1 Essay Task 30 minutes 0 – 6 (in 0.5 increments)
Quantitative Reasoning (Section 1) 12 Questions 21 minutes 130 – 170
Quantitative Reasoning (Section 2) 15 Questions 26 minutes Included in above score
Verbal Reasoning (Section 1) 12 Questions 18 minutes 130 – 170
Verbal Reasoning (Section 2) 15 Questions 23 minutes Included in above score
Total 55 Questions + 1 Essay 1 hour 58 minutes 260 – 340 (Total Score)

Detailed GRE Syllabus: Section by Section

1. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The writing section measures your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, sustain a coherent argument, and evaluate evidence effectively.

  • The Task: Analyze an Issue (30 minutes). You are given an opinion on a topic of general interest and asked to write an essay evaluating the issue, providing reasons and examples to support your position.

  • What it tests: Critical thinking, logical flow, vocabulary usage, and grammatical control. The “Analyze an Argument” essay task is no longer part of the exam.

2. Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal sections evaluate your ability to analyze written material, synthesize information, and understand relationships between words and concepts. The vocabulary tested is advanced and contextual.

  • Text Completion (TC): You must fill in the blanks of a short passage with the most appropriate words from the choices provided. Passages can have 1, 2, or 3 blanks.

  • Sentence Equivalence (SE): You are given a single sentence with one blank and six answer choices. You must select two choices that complete the sentence in a way that gives it the same overall meaning.

  • Reading Comprehension (RC): You will read short and long passages across physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, business, and humanities. Questions test your ability to identify main ideas, infer underlying assumptions, and evaluate arguments.

A strong score here opens doors to major graduate programs. If your goal is studying abroad on a fully funded package, look over this detailed guide on how to successfully secure international scholarships to pair with your future GRE results.

3. Quantitative Reasoning

The math section measures basic mathematical skills, understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, and the ability to reason quantitatively to solve problems.

The math tested corresponds roughly to high school level mathematics. Calculus, trigonometry, and advanced proofs are not included.

The syllabus is divided into four main areas:

  • Arithmetic: Prime numbers, divisibility, percentages, absolute values, fractions, exponents, and roots.

  • Algebra: Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, coordinate geometry, functions, and simultaneous equations.

  • Geometry: Properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, perimeter, area, volume, and the Pythagorean theorem.

  • Data Analysis: Basic descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation), probability, permutations, combinations, and interpreting data from charts, graphs, and tables.

Key Strategies to Prepare for the Test

Because the exam is shorter, there is less room for error. A slow start on the first section can heavily penalize your score adaptive potential.

1.Take an Official ETS Diagnostic Test:Baseline.

Before buying heavy prep books, take a free PowerPrep mock test from the official ETS website to find your baseline score and pinpoint weakness areas.

2.Build Contextual Vocabulary Habits:Vocabulary.

Do not just memorize long word lists. Practice reading dense analytical publications like The Economist or Scientific American to see advanced words used in context.

3.Review High School Math Fundamentals:Quant Rules.

Re-learn forgotten math shortcuts, geometry formulas, and data interpretation rules. Speed is crucial since you have less than 2 minutes per question.

4.Simulate Full-Length Timed Conditions:Mock Exams.

Take at least 3 to 5 full-length timed mock tests. Building stamina is vital so that you do not lose concentration during the dense Verbal sections.

 

Managing Your Study Timeline

Balancing your GRE preparation alongside school, work, or your final year project can feel overwhelming. Many international students prefer starting their preparation 3 to 6 months before their target admission deadlines.

If you are currently juggling multiple academic responsibilities or looking into studying for local exams simultaneously, you might find it useful to check out our practical guide on how to create a spaced repetition study schedule to optimize your information retention and study efficiency.

Pro Tip: There is no penalty for incorrect answers on the GRE. Never leave a question blank! If you find yourself stuck on a hard Quantitative Comparison or Reading Comprehension question, select an educated guess, mark it for review, and move forward.

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