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updated GRE exam pattern for the general test includes 3 different sections: Quant, Verbal reasoning, and Analytical writing assessment. GRE Exam patterns for GRE general and subject tests are different. Candidates can take the GRE general test either as a computer-based test or as a paper-based test. The total number of questions is 82 (80 MCQs and 2 descriptives). Candidates will attempt these questions in 3 hours and 45 minutes. GRE general test syllabus is different from that of the subject test. GRE subject test consists of only MCQs. GRE subject test comes with 66-230 questions and the duration of this test is 2 hours and 50 minutes.
GRE General Test vs GRE Subject Test
Apart from the duration and number of questions, there are several differences between GRE general test and GRE subject test:
| GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test |
|---|---|
| 3 sections: GRE quant, GRE verbal, and GRE AWA | No section - a test of one single subject and its different areas |
| Tests analytical knowledge | Tests the knowledge of the specific subject |
| - | GRE subjects are conducted on: Biology Chemistry Literature in English Mathematics Physics Psychology |
| Conducted in both computer-based and paper-delivered modes | Conducted only in a paper-based mode |
| Conducted throughout the year | Conducted thrice a year: April, September, and October |
| Fee: US$226 to US$255 | Fee: US$150 |
| Question types: MCQ and descriptive or essay questions | Question types: MCQ |
| Number of questions: 82 | Number of questions: 66-230 |
| Duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes | Duration: 2 hours and 50 minutes. |
| Score range: 260-340 | Score range: 200-990 |
Check GRE general test VS GRE subject test
Difference between Computer vs. Paper GRE Exam Pattern
- The time allotted for a paper-based GRE exam is 3hrs 30 minutes whereas for a computer-delivered GRE is 3hrs 45 minutes.
- GRE Paper-based exam pattern does not have Reading Comprehension.
- The number of Quant and Verbal questions for paper-based GRE is 25 whereas that of computer-based GRE is 20.
GRE Exam Pattern and Syllabus
GRE test syllabus for both tests is huge and both tests come with a certain level of difficulty. GRE General test through quant, verbal, and AWA checks the analytical ability of the candidates, and subject tests check the knowledge of the specific subject of the candidates. GRE paper pattern for GRE general test and GRE subject test is discussed in the next sections:
Overview of GRE General Test Pattern
The main components of the GRE general test are GRE verbal reasoning, GRE quantitative reasoning, and GRE analytical writing assessment. For higher studies in business, engineering, and many other fields, GRE score is one of the most important admission criteria. Here, the score of the GRE general test is accepted. GRE general test syllabus is huge and it checks the analytical skills of the candidates. GRE general test is conducted throughout the year in the locations where GRE computer-delivered tests are offered. It is conducted twice a year in the GRE test centers where only GRE paper-based exam is taken.
GRE General Test Syllabus and Question Types
The detailed GRE exam pattern for GRE general test is mentioned below in the table:
| Section name | Number of Sections | Number of questions | Sub-areas | Types of questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRE quantitative reasoning | 2 | 20+20=40 questions | 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 | Quantitative Comparison Questions Numeric Entry Questions |
| GRE verbal reasoning | 2 | 20+20=40 questions | - | Reading Comprehension Text Completion Sentence Equivalence |
| GRE analytical writing assessment | 2 | 1+1=2 questions | - | Analyzing an Issue Analyzing an Argument |
The sub-areas of GRE quantitative reasoning show the GRE exam syllabus of this section.
According to the GRE question pattern, in GRE general test:
- The total number of MCQs is 80
- Total number of descriptive questions is 2
- GRE verbal pattern includes 3 types of questions which comes with 3-5 answer options
- Each task of GRE verbal and GRE AWA needs excellent vocabulary
- The main areas of GRE quant are: algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and data analysis
- GRE analytical writing is the only section with descriptive questions
Check the task focus of each section in the table below:
| Section name | Task focus |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Point out the important and trivial |
| Understand the purpose of a particular word and its relation with concepts | |
| Draw conclusion accordingly | |
| Verbal Reasoning | Using mathematical formula |
| Solve mathematical problems and equations | |
| Analyze data | |
| Solve arithmetic sums and understand geometrical patterns | |
| Analyze quantitative information | |
| Analytical Writing | Think analytically |
| Representing ideas in words |
GRE Test Duration
| GRE section name | Duration |
| GRE quantitative reasoning | 1 hour and 10 minutes (35 minutes for each section) |
| GRE verbal reasoning | 1 hour (30 minutes for each section) |
| GRE analytical writing assessment | 1 hour (30 minutes for each section) |
| Total | 3 hours and 10 minutes |
Total duration is 3 hours and 45 minutes which includes a break of 30-35 minutes. A break is allowed after the completion of the first 3 sections of the total 6 sections.
GRE General Test Score Range
| GRE section name | Score range |
|---|---|
| GRE quantitative reasoning | 130-170 with 1 point increment |
| GRE verbal reasoning | 130-170 with 1 point increment |
| GRE analytical writing assessment | 0-6 with 0.5 point increment |
| Total | 260-340 |
Overall GRE Score consists of the scores of GRE quant and GRE verbal sections. An obtained score on GRE analytical writing test is not included in the overall GRE score. GRE general test has no negative marking system.
GRE Question Papers PDF
An ample number of GRE question papers will help the candidates to grasp the concepts of different topics. For regular mock tests, these GRE practice papers will help the aspirants a lot.
GRE Verbal Practice Test
GRE Quant Practice Tests
GRE AWA Samples
GRE Subject Test Pattern - Overview
GRE subject test is a paper-based exam and it is conducted only thrice a year. GRE subject tests are meant for candidates who want a higher degree in any specific subject. The subjects included in this test are:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Literature in English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Previously biochemistry was also a subject under the GRE subject test but from December 2016, it is excluded. It is possible for the candidates to take more than one subject test in GRE - they only need to pay for each subject they want to take. GRE subject tests are taken in the months of April, September, and October. Indian candidates are allowed to take GRE subject tests only in October.
GRE Subject Test Syllabus and Question Types
Check the table below to understand the GRE syllabus for subject tests:
| Subjects | Number of Questions | Sub-sections |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 190 | Cellular and Molecular Biology |
| Organismal Biology | ||
| Ecology and Evolution | ||
| Chemistry | 130 | Analytical Chemistry |
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Organic Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry | ||
| English | 230 | Literary Analysis |
| Identification | ||
| Cultural and Historical Contexts | ||
| History and Theory of Literary Criticism | ||
| Mathematics | 66 | Calculus |
| Algebra (Linear algebra, abstract algebra, elementary algebra, and number theory) | ||
| Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Real Analysis | ||
| Probability and Statistics | ||
| Additional Mathematics | ||
| Physics | 100 | Classical Mechanics |
| Electromagnetism | ||
| Optics and Wave Phenomena | ||
| Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Quantum Mechanics | ||
| Atomic Physics | ||
| Special Relativity | ||
| Laboratory Methods | ||
| Specialized Topics like Nuclear and Particle Physics etc. | ||
| Psychology | 205 | Biological |
| Cognitive | ||
| Social | ||
| Developmental | ||
| Clinical | ||
| Measurement/Methodology/Other |
GRE Subject Test Duration
The duration of GRE subject tests is 2 hours and 50 minutes. Unlike GRE general test, it has no break.
GRE Subject Test Score Range
GRE subject test score range is 200-990. It uses a 10 points increment system. Each sub-areas of GRE subject test has a score range of 20-99 with 1 point increment.
GRE subject tests have a negative marking system - 1 point is given for each correct answer and ¼ point gets deducted for each wrong answer.
GRE Preparation Tips for GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test
To prepare for GRE general test, candidates should:
- Understand the basic and complex mathematical concepts
- Learn vocabulary
- Learn to construct grammatically correct sentences
- Think analytically
- Practice typing to get a decent writing speed
To prepare for GRE subject tests, candidates need to
- Understand the subject from the grassroots levels school level books
- Understand complex concepts from the graduate-level books
- Learn time management
- Practice with GRE question papers
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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