GRE Syllabus and Subjects 2024

GRE Syllabus 2024: The GRE exam syllabus is made up of three sections – GRE Analytical Writing, GRE Verbal Reasoning, and GRE Quantitative Reasoning. The GRE exam syllabus measures the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills of candidates that are necessary for success in higher education. 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 looking for GRE preparation 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 learn more about the GRE Exam Syllabus 2024.

GRE Syllabus 2024: Exam Pattern

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GRE Syllabus for General Test in 2024

GRE Exam Syllabus 2024: The GRE 2024 syllabus for General Test has been curated to measure the test takers' verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills — skills that have been developed over a period of time and aren’t related to a specific field of study but are important for all. Here is the GRE Syllabus 2024 which is broadly divided into three sections – GRE Analytical Writing, GRE Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.

GRE Syllabus: 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.

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GRE Syllabus: 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 Syllabus: 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- The Unscored and Research sections- are not included in the final GRE Scores.

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GRE Syllabus: 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.

Strategy for preparing for GRE

GRE exam 2024 syllabus: Candidates looking to prepare for their GRE syllabus can check out our detailed preparation guide on the various sections of GRE. Candidates can also benefit from downloadable sample GRE questions for the benefit of the test taker.

GRE Syllabus: Best Books for 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$228.  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. 

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 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. 

The GRE Quant Reasoning section tests your ability to solve problems using mathematical models. You are required to understand, analyze, and interpret quantitative information. To ace this section, you need to apply basic elementary concepts and skills of arithmetic, geometry, data analysis, and algebra.

You can use an on-screen calculator. However, if you are taking the paper-delivered test, a calculator will be provided at the test center.

GRE Syllabus: Topics in Quantitative reasoning:

GRE Syllabus: Analytical Reasoning

The GRE Analytical Writing section tests how well you can articulate complex ideas effectively and clearly. Are you able to support them with relevant examples and reasons? It requires you to provide focused responses based on the tasks presented.

The GRE syllabus for analytical writing is divided into two tasks:

• Analyse and Argument: This requires you to evaluate a given argument according to specific instructions
• Analyze and Issue: This requires you to present an option on the issue of general interest with specific instructions on how to respond to that issue.
• The tasks in the GRE Analytical Writing section is related to a broad range of topics such as fine arts, physical science, humanities, and more. You do not require knowledge on a specific topic. Regardless of your field of study or interests, you will be able to understand the task.

GRE Subject Test Syllabus 2023

The GRE Subject Test Syllabus for 2023 cover key concepts, theories, principles, and problem-solving skills within the chosen subject. It is important for test-takers to refer to the specific subject's syllabus provided by the official GRE website or study materials to understand the detailed content and topics covered in the Subject Test for their respective field of interest.

The GRE test syllabus for Subject Test consists of the following subjects:

GRE Syllabus: Chemistry

The chemistry test comprises approximately 130 multiple-choice questions, which are categorized into the four traditional fields of chemistry.

1. Analytical Chemistry
2. Inorganic Chemistry
3. Organic Chemistry
4. Physical Chemistry

GRE Syllabus :Maths

The test comprises around 66 multiple-choice questions that are derived from courses frequently available at the undergraduate level.

1. GRE Algebra
2. Calculus
3. Additional Topics

GRE Syllabus: Physics

The test includes approximately 100 questions with five choices each, some of which are presented in sets. These questions are based on materials such as diagrams, graphs, experimental data, and descriptions of physical situations.

1. Classical Mechanics
2. Electromagnetism
3. Optics and Wave Phenomena
4. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
5. Quantum Mechanics
6. Atomic Physics
7. Special Relativity
8. Laboratory Methods
9. Specialized Topics

GRE Syllabus: Psychology

The test includes approximately 205 multiple-choice questions. Each question presents five options, and the examinee must choose the correct or best answer from the given options.

1. Biological
2. Cognitive
3. Developmental
4. Social
5. Clinical
6. Measurement/Methodology/Other

Changes in the Syllabus of GRE Exam

From September 22, 2023, the duration of the GRE general test is reduced to two hours which is approximately half the time of the current test duration. The other changes to the GRE general test syllabus are:

• The “Analyze an Argument” task is removed in the Analytical Writing section.
• The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections will have a reduced question count of 54 in total.)
• There will be only one Analytical writing essay in the new GRE exam syllabus.
• The unscored section is removed.
• GRE subject tests are offered in two modes - computer-based and at home just like the GRE General Tests.
• The duration of the GRE exam for Physics and Psychology is reduced to 2 hours from September 2023.

Chemistry will no longer offered as a subject test. The last test was held in April 2023 and the scores for those tests will be available for the next 5 years. Consequently, there are no Chemistry topics in GRE exam syllabus.

The official GRE scores will now be available in 8 to 10 days which previously took 10 -15 calendar days.

Colleges Accepting GRE Score

1. Harvard University
2. Stanford University
3. University of Cambridge
4. University of Oxford
5. University of Toronto
6. Yale School of Management
7. London Business School
8. University of British Columbia
9. University of California
10. University of Chicago Booth School of Business
11. Northwestern University
12. Queen's University Belfast
13. University of Alberta
14. Western University
15. York University

Points to Remember for GRE Exam Subject Test

1. Students planning to appear for the GRE Subject test are advised to do so during the month of November.
2. The student should register six weeks before the exam date.
3. It takes another six weeks before the Subject test results are available to the test takers.
4. The advantage of appearing for the GRE Subject test in November is that the scores will be available to the student before the deadline for admission to most foreign institutes.

GRE Syllabus: Preparation Tips

Once the GRE syllabus is known, the candidate can start the preparation for the GRE exam. The candidate can start working on the GRE syllabus efficiently in less time. A few of the GRE preparation tips are mentioned below.

• Get familiar with the GRE syllabus and format and start preparing for the GRE.
• Fix a targeted score for the GRE exam and prepare accordingly.
• Try to start well before covering the entire GRE exam syllabus by assigning priority to individual sections.
• Check the GRE cutoff score of the universities shortlisted and then choose the target score.
• Practice the GRE mock tests to understand the exam format and learn about time management during the examination.
• Attempt every question in the test as there is no negative marking.
• Use the test features like mark and review, instead of wasting more time on a single question.

GRE Syllabus: Study Materials

It is important to know how to plan and prepare for the GRE exam syllabus, and achieve the scores required for respective institutes. For the GRE preparation, the candidates can check the best books for GRE such as Kaplan, Barron’s, and Vibrant education programs, etc. The best online GRE preparation materials are Power Prep, GRE Prep, etc. These study materials provide questions with answers covering the GRE syllabus and include tips, techniques, and GRE preparation strategies to score high on the test. For the GRE general preparation, the ETS GRE has also published free Test prep videos that provide an overview of the test.

GRE Syllabus: Best Books for Preparation

Several highly recommended books for GRE preparation cover a wide range of topics and strategies. Here are some of the best books for GRE preparation:

• The Official Guide to the GRE General Test by ETS-  
• Magoosh GRE Pre 
• Cracking the GRE by The Princeton Review
• GRE Prep Plus 2023 by Kaplan Test Prep
• Manhattan Prep GRE Series 
• Barron's GRE by Sharon Weiner Green and Ira K. Wolf 
• GRE Analytical Writing - Solutions to the Real Essay Topics - Book 1 
• ETS Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test 

When to start preparing for GRE?

Remember that it takes at least three weeks for official GRE scores to arrive at university mailrooms, and another week to reach the relevant departmental officials. The following points will help you plan your GRE preparation, avoid common logistical problems with your grad school application, and select the best time to take the GRE:

1. Know your application deadline

In a perfect world, you should give yourself four months to prepare for the GRE, but many people allow a window of only two or three months of study. In either case, your preparation period should be deadline-driven. For example, if your application is due in the beginning of December, you must take the GRE in November at the absolute latest.

Waiting until the last minute, however, is not a good idea – akin to the feeling of running into class the minute before it starts, which is stressful and overwhelming. It’s much better to give yourself a cushion of a few months. Ideally, if your application deadline is in December, you should take the GRE in October or even September.

In addition to alleviating stress, this will allow you to re-take the test if you’re unhappy with your score (see point #6). Depending on just a single test date right before you have to send out your application is too risky.

2. Make sure you have enough time, energy and resources

Successful performance on the GRE requires a great deal of preparation time. You will need the determination to stick to a rigorous study schedule consistently for at least a few months, so make sure you genuinely have the time, energy and resources needed to achieve a high score.

There may be reasons why taking the GRE at a certain time is not ideal, such as work or family obligations. No one knows your situation better than you, and if you don't have ample time available for GRE prep, it may be best to hold off until you do.

If you’re at a crossroads in your life and on the fence about taking the GRE, examine your circumstances and reflect on whether or not you can make time for an extended period of study. It may be possible to fit adequate GRE prep into your schedule by reducing other obligations.

3. Be sure you’re ready for grad school

This is a tricky one. Not everyone who decides to enroll in grad school is a recent college graduate. Many people become interested in grad school after spending some time gaining professional and life experience. You need to know what you really want, and how your chosen graduate program will help you get it.

College seniors commonly enroll in GRE prep courses, but it makes little sense to sign up for GRE prep as an underclassman, when there is no guarantee that you will even want to go to grad school. It’s better to give yourself some wiggle room and decide on grad school when you’re a senior.

Perhaps you haven’t had a chance to explore other areas of interest, or you want to go backpacking in another country before figuring out what to do. When the time is right, you will know. Decide to take the GRE when you are certain you’ve chosen your path and will stick to the plan. Follow effective GRE preparation strategies to ensure you're as ready as possible.

4. Don’t assume testing availability on your preferred date

The computerized GRE General Test can theoretically be taken on almost any day of the year, but each test center has its own order of operations and scheduling. Verify testing dates, and don’t assume either availability or flexibility. Time slots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Scheduling a GRE administration a day or two in advance is possible, but extremely unlikely. It is in your best interest to book a time and date that gives you several months to prepare. Check www.gre.org for a list of test center locations near you and to register online. Don’t approach GRE scheduling carelessly.

5. Know your window of opportunity

Some graduate programs only have one strict application deadline, but others may permit you to apply for admission in either the spring or fall semesters. Grad schools can also have application deadlines four times per year (for the spring, summer, fall, or winter terms) or admission deadlines on a bimonthly or monthly basis (known as “rolling admissions”, these programs are common for working adult professionals who want to transition back into school).

If you have several opportunities to apply, it might be wise to skip one deadline and spend more time studying for the GRE. The more times you can apply per year, the more freedom you have to improve your GRE scores. If your window of opportunity is limited to a specific time during the year, however, it is definitely worth your while to prepare several months in advance for a test date that accommodates that deadline.

6. Ensure you have time to re-take the GRE

Many people take the GRE more than once. If you can benefit from re-taking the exam, you should do so. Not giving yourself enough time to prepare for a GRE retake, however, can lead to similar results or even a lower score.

ETS, the administrator of the GRE, allows you to take the GRE once every 21 days and up to five times within any continuous 12-month period (365 consecutive days). Bear in mind that you won’t see your official GRE score until about 10-15 days later. Allow yourself some breathing room and time to get ready to tackle the GRE again, to avoid reproducing disappointing scores.