Your Guide To the Latest Syllabus & Pattern for GRE 2024

Ram Srinivasan

26/12/2024

10 min read

Last Updated: April 2026

GRE Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern, Sections & Topic-Wise Breakdown

If you are planning to study abroad for a master’s or doctoral programme, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is likely on your radar. Conducted by ETS, the GRE General Test is accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide — including top universities in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia.

This page gives you the complete GRE syllabus for 2026, including section-wise breakdowns, question types, time limits, scoring, and preparation tips. Whether you are searching for the GRE exam pattern, GRE exam syllabus, or a topic-wise list of what the GRE covers, you will find everything here.

> Note: ETS shortened the GRE in September 2023. The information below reflects the current, shorter format that is valid for 2026 test dates.

GRE General Test at a Glance

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Key changes from the older (pre-September 2023) GRE:

• Total test time reduced from about 3 hours 45 minutes to under 2 hours.
• The experimental/unscored section has been removed.
• The “Analyze an Argument” essay task has been removed; only “Analyze an Issue” remains.
• Fewer questions per section, but time per question is roughly the same.

For details on the GRE exam fees for Indian students, see our dedicated guide.

GRE Exam Pattern 2026

The GRE General Test is divided into three scored sections, and they always appear in the same order:

1. Analytical Writing (AW) — 30 minutes

You begin the test with a single essay task: Analyze an Issue. You are presented with a statement on a general topic and asked to evaluate it, take a position, and support your view with reasons and examples. This section tests critical thinking and the clarity of your written English.

2. Verbal Reasoning (VR) — Two sections, 23 minutes each

After the AW section, you face two Verbal Reasoning sections. Each contains approximately 12–15 questions. The questions are a mix of Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence (detailed below). The second VR section is section-adaptive — its difficulty adjusts based on your performance in the first VR section.

3. Quantitative Reasoning (QR) — Two sections, 26 minutes each

The final two sections cover Quantitative Reasoning with approximately 13–15 questions each. Question types include Quantitative Comparison, standard Multiple Choice, and Numeric Entry. Like Verbal, the second QR section adapts in difficulty. An on-screen calculator is provided.

There is no break between sections in the shorter GRE. The entire test is completed in one sitting of approximately 1 hour 58 minutes.

GRE Verbal Reasoning Syllabus

The Verbal Reasoning measure tests your ability to analyse written material, evaluate arguments, and understand the meanings of words and sentences. It does not test obscure vocabulary in isolation — instead, vocabulary is tested in context.

Question Type 1: Reading Comprehension

What it tests: Your ability to understand, interpret, and analyse passages of varying length (one paragraph to several paragraphs). Topics can range from science and humanities to social science and everyday subjects.

Sub-types:

• Multiple-choice — select one answer:Standard five-option questions.
• Multiple-choice — select one or more answers:You must select all correct answers; no partial credit.
• Select-in-passage:You click on a sentence in the passage that meets a specific description.

Tips:

• Read the passage actively — identify the main idea, author’s tone, and logical structure before looking at questions.
• For “select one or more” questions, evaluate each option independently against the passage.
• Practice with passages from academic journals and publications like The EconomistorScientific American.

Question Type 2: Text Completion

What it tests: Your ability to interpret incomplete passages and select words that logically complete them. Passages have one, two, or three blanks.

• 1 blank: 5 answer choices.
• 2 or 3 blanks: 3 answer choices per blank; you must get every blank correct to receive credit.

Tips:

• Read the entire sentence before looking at answer choices. Identify clue words and the logical direction (contrast, continuation, cause-effect).
• For multi-blank questions, start with the blank you feel most confident about.

Question Type 3: Sentence Equivalence

What it tests: Your ability to identify two words (out of six options) that both complete a sentence to produce the same overall meaning.

Tips:

• The two correct answers are not always synonyms of each other — they must each create a coherent, equivalent sentence.
• Read the completed sentence with each pair to verify that both versions convey the same meaning.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus

The Quantitative Reasoning measure tests basic mathematical skills, understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, and the ability to reason quantitatively. The maths does not go beyond what is typically covered by the end of Class 10 / secondary school, but the questions can be tricky in how they are framed.

Content Areas

1. Arithmetic

• Properties and types of integers (divisibility, factoring, prime numbers, remainders, odd/even)
• Arithmetic operations, exponents, and roots
• Concepts of estimation, percent, ratio, rate, absolute value
• Number line and ordering of numbers
• Decimal representation and sequences of numbers

2. Algebra

• Operations with exponents
• Factoring and simplifying algebraic expressions
• Relations, functions, equations, and inequalities
• Solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities
• Solving simultaneous equations and inequalities
• Setting up equations to solve word problems
• Coordinate geometry — graphs of functions, equations, and inequalities; intercepts and slopes of lines

3. Geometry

• Parallel and perpendicular lines, circles, triangles (including isosceles, equilateral, 30-60-90, 45-45-90), quadrilaterals, other polygons
• Congruent and similar figures
• Three-dimensional figures (volume, surface area)
• Pythagorean theorem
• Angle measurement in degrees, perimeter, area, and circumference

4. Data Analysis

• Basic descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, interquartile range)
• Interpretation of data in tables, graphs (line, bar, circle/pie, boxplots, scatter plots), and frequency distributions
• Elementary probability (compound events, independent events, complementary events)
• Combinations, permutations, and Venn diagrams
• Normal distribution (basic concepts)

Quantitative Reasoning Question Types

Tips for Quant:

• Use the on-screen calculator only when necessary; mental math and estimation are faster for most questions.
• For Quantitative Comparison questions, try plugging in numbers (including 0, 1, negatives, and fractions) to test the relationship.
• For Data Interpretation sets, read the axis labels and footnotes carefully before calculating.

For a breakdown of how the Quant and Verbal scores add up, see our guide on GRE total marks and maximum score.

GRE Analytical Writing Syllabus

Since September 2023, the Analytical Writing section contains one task only: Analyze an Issue.

Analyze an Issue

You are given a brief statement or claim on a topic of general interest. Your job is to:

• Consider the complexities of the issue.
• Take a clear position (agree, disagree, or qualify).
• Develop your position with reasons, examples, and evidence.

Scoring criteria (0–6 scale):

• Clarity and insightfulness of your position
• Development and support of ideas with relevant reasons and examples
• Organisation (logical flow, coherent paragraphs, transitions)
• Command of standard written English (grammar, vocabulary, sentence variety)

Tips:

• Spend 2–3 minutes planning your essay structure before you start writing.
• Use a clear thesis statement in your opening paragraph.
• Aim for 4–5 paragraphs: introduction, 2–3 body paragraphs with distinct supporting points, and a conclusion.
• Write at least 400–500 words. Longer essays that are well-organised tend to score higher.
• Leave 2–3 minutes at the end to proofread.

> The “Analyze an Argument” task — where you critiqued the logical soundness of someone else’s argument — was removed when ETS shortened the GRE. You no longer need to prepare for it.

GRE Subject Tests

In addition to the GRE General Test, ETS offers GRE Subject Tests in specific disciplines. These are separate exams taken on fixed dates (paper-based) and are required or recommended by some graduate programmes.

As of 2026, three Subject Tests are available:

Mathematics

• Calculus (about 50% of the test)
• Algebra and Number Theory (about 25%)
• Additional topics: real analysis, discrete mathematics, topology, probability and statistics, geometry, logic (about 25%)

Physics

• Classical Mechanics
• Electromagnetism
• Optics and Wave Phenomena
• Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Atomic, Nuclear, and Particle Physics
• Special Relativity
• Laboratory Methods

Psychology

• Biological bases of behaviour
• Cognitive psychology
• Social psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Clinical and abnormal psychology
• Measurement, methodology, and statistics

Note: The GRE Subject Tests are scored on a 200–990 scale. They are distinct from the General Test and are only needed if your target programme specifically requires them.

GRE Scoring System

How the GRE is Scored

• Your VerbalandQuantscores are determined by the number of correct answers across both sections, adjusted by the difficulty level of the second section (section-adaptive scoring).
• Your AWscore is the average of two independent ratings of your essay, rounded to the nearest half-point.
• There is no negative markingon the GRE. Unanswered questions count as incorrect, so always answer every question.

What is a Good GRE Score?

The answer depends on your target programme. Here is a general percentile guide:

• For top-50 US universities, aim for 320+ (combined Verbal + Quant) with an AW score of 4.0 or above.
• For top engineering and STEM programmes, a Quant score of 165+ is generally competitive.
• For humanities and social science programmes, a Verbal score of 160+ is a strong benchmark.

For a more detailed breakdown, read our guide on GRE total marks.

GRE vs GMAT: A Quick Comparison

If you are deciding between the GRE and GMAT (for MBA programmes), here is a brief comparison:

Is the GRE harder than the GMAT? Neither is objectively harder. The GRE tends to test vocabulary more heavily, while the GMAT emphasises data sufficiency and integrated reasoning. Most MBA programmes accept both, so choose the test that better suits your strengths.

Check the latest fees and discounts, including the GRE voucher code for Indian students.

How to Prepare for GRE 2026

1. Understand the Format First

Before you start solving questions, spend a day reading through the entire syllabus (this page is a good start) and taking a free diagnostic test. Know the question types cold before you begin drilling.

2. Build a Study Plan

Most students need 8–12 weeks of preparation. Divide your time roughly as follows:

• Weeks 1–3:Core concept review (Quant content areas, vocabulary building).
• Weeks 4–7:Practice questions by type, timed section practice.
• Weeks 8–10:Full-length practice tests (at least 4–5), review mistakes.
• Weeks 11–12:Final revision, weak-area focus, test-day logistics.

3. Use Official ETS Materials

The ETS PowerPrep practice tests use real, retired GRE questions and replicate the adaptive scoring algorithm. They are the single best predictor of your actual score.

4. Focus on Weaknesses

After each practice test, categorise your mistakes: was it a content gap, a time-management issue, or a careless error? This tells you where to direct your study time.

5. Do Not Neglect Analytical Writing

Many Indian students skip AW preparation and regret it. A score below 3.5 can hurt your application for competitive programmes. Practice writing at least one timed essay per week.

6. Get Expert Help

A structured coaching programme can save you weeks of trial-and-error. Start your GRE prep with Galvanize — expert coaching and practice tests designed for Indian students targeting top universities abroad.

Practice under real test conditions.

Take a free full-length GRE practice test with instant scoring. Start your free GRE mock test →