GRE Exam Pattern 2025
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test taken for admission to many graduate schools, especially in the United States and Canada. The GRE exam considers analytical writing, verbal reasoning skills, and quantitative reasoning. The GRE is available in two prior formats: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. The General Test is the most widely recognized and is required for most graduate programs.
GRE General Test Pattern
Perfect for Students applying to graduate and business schools. The test considers skills mandated for academic success at the graduate level, including analytical writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking in mathematics and English.
Recommended Preparation: Candidates are advised to dedicate 4–6 months of focused preparation, depending on their baseline proficiency.
| Section | No. of Questions | Tasks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 Task | Analyze an Issue essay | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 sections ( 12+15 Qs) | Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence | 41 minutes (18+23 min) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 sections (12+15 Qs) | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis | 47 minutes (21+26 min) |
GRE Subject Test Pattern
Suitable for Applicants to specialized programs who hope to exhibit expertise in a particular subject (e.g., Physics, Mathematics, Psychology).
| Section | No. of Questions | Tasks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | ~66 | MCQs in undergraduate math | 2 hours 50 min |
| Physics | ~100 | MCQs in undergraduate physics | 2 hours |
| Psychology | ~205 | MCQs in undergraduate psychology | 2 hours |
Key Differences: GRE General vs Subject Test
Verbal & Quantitative Sections Comparison
| Aspect | GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Different Verbal and Quant sections | Single subject-concentrated section |
| Source Material | Academic passages, real-world circumstances | Discipline-specific content |
| Question Types | MCQs, text fulfillment, numeric entry | MCQs |
| Focus Areas | Reasoning, comprehension, problem-solving | In-depth subject knowledge |
| Skills Assessed | Analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills | Mastery in the selected subject |
Analytical Writing Section
| Aspect | GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test |
|---|---|---|
| Task | Examine an essay | Not included |
| Assessment | Clarity, logic, evidence, and writing quality | Not applicable |
| Skills Tested | Argument construction, critical thinking | Not applicable |
GRE Scoring Overview
| Aspect | Scoring Range | Scoring Details |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 0–6 (in 0.5 increments) | Evaluated by trained raters on critical thinking and writing |
| Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 (1-point increments) | Based on correct answers, adaptive by section |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 (1-point increments) | Based on correct answers, adaptive by section |
| Subject Test | 200–990 (10-point increments) | Raw score transformed to scaled score |