The GRE Exam Pattern for 2024, as per the latest announcement by ETS, will feature five sections. These sections will evaluate candidates’ skills in Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Here’s a breakdown of the updated GRE test pattern:
| Sections |
GRE Exam Pattern |
Test Duration |
| GRE Analytical Writing (One Section) |
One “Analyze an Issue” task |
30 minutes |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning (Two Sections) |
Section 1: 12 questions, Section 2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 18 minutes, Section 2: 23 minutes |
| GRE Verbal Reasoning (Two Sections) |
Section 1: 12 questions, Section 2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 21 minutes, Section 2: 26 minutes |
| Total GRE Duration |
– |
1 hour 58 minutes |
GRE Analytical Writing
The GRE Analytical Writing section consistently leads the test and features two distinct question types: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument. In this section, candidates are allocated 30 minutes to address one of these tasks, evaluating the logical coherence of the argument. Further practice can be gained by reviewing GRE AWA practice papers.
GRE Verbal Reasoning
The GRE Verbal Reasoning section assesses a candidate’s capacity to analyze written content and integrate information derived from it. Due to its intricate question types, candidates often perceive the GRE Verbal Reasoning section as challenging. This section comprises three question types: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence. The GRE Verbal syllabus encompasses topics such as Verb Tense, Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions, Pronoun Agreement, Subject-Verb Agreement, among others. Candidates are required to tackle 27 questions within a timeframe of 41 minutes. Additional practice can be gained by reviewing GRE Verbal Practice Papers.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning
With some practice, GRE Quantitative Reasoning can significantly impact candidates’ scorecards. The GRE quant syllabus includes Quantitative Comparison, Problem-Solving, and Data Interpretation. The questions in GRE Quantitative Reasoning are often presented in real-life or purely mathematical scenarios. Data interpretation questions are typically presented in tables, graphs, or other data formats. Candidates are required to answer 27 questions within a 47-minute timeframe. Further practice can be gained by utilizing GRE Quant Practice Papers.
Comparatively, the GRE Verbal section is perceived as easier than the content found in the Power Prep series, allowing candidates to potentially achieve higher scores than those typically attained in Power Prep practice tests. However, the initial section of the GRE Quantitative section is more challenging than its counterpart in Power Prep. Additionally, the final section of the Power Prep Quantitative section is more demanding than the actual test. Test-takers have concluded that although the GRE Quantitative section may seem straightforward, it is, in fact, tricky, with the experimental quant section being even more difficult.
In addition to the GRE General test, there is also the GRE Subject test, designed to assess candidates’ knowledge in specific subjects of their preference. The GRE Subject test covers six subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Literature, Psychology, and Biology. Aspirants take the GRE Subject tests to enhance their applications by demonstrating in-depth knowledge in a particular subject area. ETS provides GRE practice books for each subject as study materials. GRE Subject tests are only available in the paper-based format and are offered three times a year—in September, October, and April. Scores range from 200 to 990 with 10-point increments.
