Popular Branches
MBA
B.Tech
BBA
BSc
Updated on 20th December, 2023 , 13 min read
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 Exam Pattern | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
GRE Analytical Writing Section Question 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 Section Question 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 Reasoning Question 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) |
Also Read -
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.
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.
Also Read –
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.
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.
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 |
Also Read -
----- |
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 |
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.
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.
Arithmetic | Geometry | Data Analysis | Algebra |
Property and types of integer | Lines and angles | Descriptive statistics such as Median, Mean, Range, Mode, Percentiles, etc. | Exponents |
Power and roots | Circles | Interpretation of data based on graphs, circle graphs, scatter plots, etc | Algebraic Expressions – Factoring and Simplifying |
Statistics | Triangle | Probability | Equations and inequalities |
Estimation | Quadrilaterals | Permutation and Combination | Linear and Quadratic inequalities |
Number properties | Polygon | Venn Diagrams | Linear Equations |
Percentage | Three-dimensional figures | Sets Theory | Quadratic equations |
Exponents and Roots | Area, Perimeter, Volume | Word Problems | |
Ratio and proportions | Angle Measurements | Speed, distance, and Time | |
Simple and Compound Interest | Profit and Loss | ||
Arithmetic Operations | Coordinate geometry |
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 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 chemistry test comprises approximately 130 multiple-choice questions, which are categorized into the four traditional fields of chemistry.
The test comprises around 66 multiple-choice questions that are derived from courses frequently available at the undergraduate level.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pilot Salary in India 2024: Starting Salary, Requirements, Qualifications, Per Month Salary
By - Nikita Parmar 2024-09-06 10:59:22 , 6 min readThe Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE assesses reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence skills.
The Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates mathematical and quantitative problem-solving abilities, covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
The Analytical Writing section requires test-takers to write an issue essay and an argument essay, assessing their ability to articulate complex ideas and construct coherent arguments.
The GRE exam is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes long, including breaks.
No, the GRE syllabus is standardized for all test-takers, regardless of their academic background or intended graduate field.
The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130 to 170, and the Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6.
Effective GRE preparation involves a combination of self-study using official GRE materials, practice tests, and possibly enrollment in a test prep course.
Yes, the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that administers the GRE, provides official study materials, including the GRE Official Guide and PowerPrep software.
Yes, a basic calculator is provided on-screen for the Quantitative Reasoning section, and test-takers are not allowed to bring their own calculators.
The GRE syllabus is periodically reviewed and updated by ETS to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.
The order of sections in the GRE can vary. Some test-takers may start with Analytical Writing, followed by Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, while others may have a different sequence.
Yes, test-takers are allowed to retake the GRE, but there are certain limitations on how frequently it can be taken.
GRE scores are valid for five years from the date of the test.
Yes, there are short breaks between sections, and a longer break is provided after the third section.
Yes, the content and structure of the GRE syllabus are consistent for both computer-based and paper-based tests.
Yes, test-takers are required to analyze an issue and an argument, supporting their points with relevant examples and evidence.
Yes, the GRE offers a section-level adaptive format, allowing test-takers to choose the order of the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections.
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers on the GRE. Test-takers are encouraged to answer every question.
The GRE exam primarily tests three subjects: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
GRE Verbal Reasoning includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence, assessing language proficiency and critical thinking skills.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning evaluates mathematical and quantitative abilities, covering topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
GRE Analytical Writing focuses on assessing test-takers' ability to critically analyze issues and arguments, making it more skill-based than content-specific.
No, the GRE exam is intended to be a general assessment, and its subjects are not tailored to specific academic disciplines.
Verbal Reasoning assesses a test-taker's ability to understand and analyze written material, making it crucial for graduate programs that involve extensive reading and communication skills.
Quantitative Reasoning evaluates a test-taker's mathematical proficiency, which is important for programs that require a strong quantitative foundation, such as those in the sciences, engineering, and business.
Analytical Writing is included to evaluate a test-taker's ability to articulate complex ideas, construct and evaluate arguments, and communicate effectively in writing.
While a balanced performance is ideal, some flexibility exists as graduate programs may prioritize certain sections over others. However, a well-rounded performance is generally recommended.
No, the order of sections can be chosen by the test-taker. There is flexibility in deciding whether to start with Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, or Analytical Writing.
Strategies include active reading, understanding context, and practicing with a variety of texts to enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Effective preparation involves reviewing mathematical concepts, practicing problem-solving techniques, and taking timed practice tests to build speed and accuracy.
Develop a clear thesis, provide strong evidence to support your arguments, and focus on structuring your essay logically within the allotted time.
Yes, the ETS provides official study materials for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing, including sample questions and practice tests.
Yes, the content is standardized globally to ensure fairness and consistency across all testing locations.