The GRE General Test is a crucial step for students aspiring to pursue graduate studies worldwide. It is designed to assess critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative skills and serves as a key benchmark for admissions. With updates in 2023, the test now has a shorter duration while maintaining its rigorous evaluation standards. Additionally, GRE Subject Tests allow candidates to showcase their expertise in specific disciplines.
This guide provides an overview of what is GRE, a breakdown of each section, test format, and essential features to help you go about the graduate record examination syllabus effectively.
Let’s now understand the structure, as it is essential for adequate preparation, so let’s explore each component in detail.
GRE General Test Breakdown: Analytical, Quantitative and Verbal
There are three sections: Analytical Writing (AWA), Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning in GRE. As of September 2023, changes have been made to the test structure, including revised section durations and a reduced overall test time of approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Below is a detailed breakdown of each section, including the time allotted, the number of questions, key skills assessed and the GRE test syllabus.
Analytical Writing (AWA)
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) measures your ability to think critically and communicate complex ideas effectively. In the Issue task, you present a perspective on a general topic, supporting your stance with logical reasoning and examples. Strong analytical writing skills, clarity, and logical structuring are essential for a high AWA score.
| Section | Analytical Writing (AWA) |
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 1 task |
| Tasks/Skills Tested | Analyze an Issue: Articulate complex ideas, support arguments with evidence, and maintain standard written English. |
Below, we have highlighted what you can expect in this section.
| Task | Description |
| Analyze an Issue | Present a perspective on a general issue, supporting your position with relevant reasons and examples. |
| Analyze an Argument | Assess the logic of an argument, identify underlying assumptions, and provide evidence to support your analysis. |
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE General Test assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, synthesize information, analyze relationships among sentence components, and recognize relationships among words and concepts. This section is divided into two parts, each containing a mix of question types.
| Section | Verbal Reasoning |
| Duration | Section 1: 18 minutesSection 2: 23 minutes |
| Number of Questions | Section 1: 12 questionsSection 2: 15 questions |
| Tasks/Skills Tested | Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence. |
Below is a breakdown of the Verbal Reasoning syllabus.
| Question Type | Description |
| Reading Comprehension | Read passages and answer questions about main ideas, supporting details, and the author’s purpose. |
| Text Completion | Complete sentences or paragraphs with appropriate words or phrases. |
| Sentence Equivalence | Choose two answer choices that create sentences with the same meaning. |
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE General Test evaluates your mathematical skills and ability to reason quantitatively. It assesses your understanding of basic mathematical concepts, your capability to solve problems using mathematical methods, and your proficiency in analysing and interpreting quantitative data.
| Section | Quantitative Reasoning |
| Duration | Section 1: 21 minutesSection 2: 26 minutes |
| Number of Questions | Section 1: 12 questionsSection 2: 15 questions |
| Tasks/Skills Tested | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation. |
Here’s the GRE syllabus for Quantitative Reasoning
| Topic | Description |
| Arithmetic | Basic operations, fractions, decimals, number properties. |
| Algebra | Equations, inequalities, functions, coordinate geometry. |
| Geometry | Lines, angles, triangles, circles, solids. |
| Data Interpretation | Graphs, tables, and statistical concepts. |
Beyond a General Test that evaluates broad academic abilities, the GRE also offers Subject Tests for candidates looking to demonstrate specialised knowledge in specific disciplines.
GRE Subject Test Breakdown
The GRE Subject Tests are designed to assess your knowledge in specific fields. As of 2025, these tests are administered solely in a computer-delivered format. The tests include Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Many students find that using a GRE Test Book can help them prepare effectively for these specialised tests.
| Subject | Duration | Number of Questions | Topics Covered |
| Mathematics | 2 hours 50 minutes | 66 multiple-choice questions | – Calculus: 50% – Algebra: 25% – Additional Topics: 25% (Discrete Mathematics, Geometry, Statistics) |
| Physics | 2 hours | 70 multiple-choice questions | – Classical Mechanics: 20% – Electromagnetism: 18% – Optics and Wave Phenomena: 8% – Thermodynamics and Statistical – Mechanics: 10% – Quantum Mechanics: 13% – Atomic Physics: 10% – Special Relativity: 6% – Laboratory Methods: 6% – Specialized Topics: 9% (Nuclear and Particle Physics, Crystal Structure, Astrophysics) |
| Psychology | 2 hours | 144 multiple-choice questions | – Biological Psychology: 30 questions – Cognitive Psychology: 29 questions – Social Psychology: 19 questions – Developmental Psychology: 18 questions – Clinical Psychology: 23 questions – Measurement/Methodology/ Other: 25 questions |
Now that we have covered the GRE syllabus for both General and Subject Tests, let’s look into the practical features that enhance your test-taking experience.
GRE Test Features
The GRE General Test offers several features to enhance flexibility and test-taking efficiency. Here are some key features you should know:
- Computer-Delivered Test: The GRE is primarily computer-based, allowing flexibility and ease of use. It includes features like an on-screen calculator for Quantitative Reasoning sections.
- Section-Adaptive Format: The test is adaptive within sections, meaning you can skip questions and return to them later within a section. This allows for better time management and review of answers.
- No Negative Marking: The GRE does not penalize you for incorrect answers, so you can attempt all questions without worrying about score deductions.
- On-screen calculator: Available for Quantitative Reasoning sections to aid in calculations.
Preparing for the GRE portion requires a structured approach, focusing on each test section, practicing consistently, and familiarising yourself with question formats. By understanding the GRE syllabus thoroughly, you can develop an effective study plan that maximizes your performance. Whether you are taking the General Test or a Subject Test, early preparation and strategic practice are key to achieving a high score.
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FAQs
What is the GRE mathematics syllabus?
The GRE Mathematics syllabus includes calculus (50%), algebra (25%) and additional topics (25%) such as discrete mathematics, geometry, and statistics. The test lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes and comprises 66 multiple-choice questions assessing fundamental mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills.
What is the GRE quantitative syllabus?
The GRE Quantitative syllabus covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation, testing your ability to reason quantitatively and analyze numerical data. The section consists of two parts, lasting 21 minutes and 26 minutes, with 27 questions, assessing skills such as basic operations, equations, coordinate geometry, and statistical analysis.
What is the GRE examination syllabus?
The GRE examination syllabus includes three sections: Analytical Writing (AWA), Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning, assessing critical thinking, language proficiency, and mathematical skills. Additionally, GRE Subject Tests in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology evaluate in-depth knowledge in specific disciplines.
Does the GRE exam have a penalty for incorrect answers?
No, the GRE does not penalise incorrect answers. Since there is no negative marking, attempting all questions, even if you are unsure, is recommended to maximize your score.
How many times can a student take the GRE examination?
A student can take the GRE examination up to five times within 12 months, with a mandatory 21-day gap between attempts.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the GRE syllabus. To know more about related fields, do check out our other blogs.
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