GRE 2024 Syllabus
The syllabus for both the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test is extensive, and both tests present a certain level of difficulty. The GRE General Test evaluates candidates’ analytical abilities through the sections of Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). On the other hand, the GRE Subject Tests assess candidates’ knowledge in specific subjects. These subject tests focus on evaluating candidates’ understanding and proficiency in a particular subject area.
GRE General Test Syllabus and Question Types
Please find the comprehensive GRE General Test exam pattern outlined in the table below:
| 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 GRE exam syllabus for the quantitative reasoning section is outlined below, highlighting its sub-areas:
In the GRE General Test, based on the question pattern:
- The total number of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) is 80.
- There are 2 descriptive questions in the test.
- The GRE verbal section comprises 3 question types, each offering 3-5 answer options.
- Strong vocabulary skills are required for both the GRE verbal and GRE analytical writing sections.
- The key areas covered in the GRE quantitative section are algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and data analysis.
- The GRE analytical writing section is the only part of the exam that includes descriptive questions.
Please refer to the table below for the task focus of each section:
| 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 |
The GRE exam has a total duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, which includes a break of approximately 30-35 minutes. This break is permitted after completing the first three sections out of the total six 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 |
The overall GRE score is determined by combining the scores of the GRE Quantitative and GRE Verbal sections. However, the score obtained on the GRE Analytical Writing test is not factored into the overall GRE score. It is important to note that the GRE General Test does not employ a negative marking system.
GRE Subject Test Syllabus and Question Types
Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive understanding of 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 GRE Subject Tests have a duration of 2 hours and 50 minutes. Unlike the GRE General Test, there are no scheduled breaks during the test.
GRE Subject Test Score Range:
The score range for GRE Subject Tests is 200-990. The scoring system employs a 10-point increment scale. Each sub-area within the GRE Subject Test has a score range of 20-99 with a 1-point increment.
GRE Subject Test Negative Marking:
GRE Subject Tests implement a negative marking system, where 1 point is awarded for each correct answer, and ¼ point is deducted for each incorrect answer.
GRE Preparation Tips for GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test:
To prepare for the GRE General Test, candidates should:
- Gain a solid understanding of basic and complex mathematical concepts.
- Enhance vocabulary skills.
- Practice constructing grammatically correct sentences.
- Develop analytical thinking abilities.
- Practice typing to improve writing speed.
To prepare for GRE Subject Tests, candidates should:
- Develop a strong foundation in the subject by studying school-level books.
- Expand knowledge by delving into complex concepts from graduate-level books.
- Learn effective time management strategies.
- Practice with GRE question papers to become familiar with the test format and question types.
