Everything About GRE Exam Pattern 2025

Preparation for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) begins with the proper understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus. In this article, we will break down the entire exam pattern for the GRE.

What Does the GRE Evaluate?

The GRE is a standard test conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This test is one of the most important tests that is used for admissions in graduate and business school programs globally. The test checks your skills in:

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  Verbal reasoning
• 
  Quantitative reasoning
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  Analytical writing
• 
  Critical thinking

Types of GRE Tests

There are two main types of GRE tests:

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  GRE General Test: This is an overall academic test to evaluate your skills across various disciplines.

• 
  GRE Subject Tests: Focuses on specific subjects like Physics, Psychology, or Mathematics. If you are going for specialised programs, then these tests might be your target university's admission requirement.

Most students take the GRE General Test, and we will focus on the details of the GRE General Test exam pattern.

GRE General Exam Pattern Overview

As per ETS, the testing body of GRE, the test duration has been reduced to 1 hour and 58 minutes. Let us take a closer look at the exam structure and sections with time limits:

Please note that the first section will be the analytical writing section. The verbal reasoning and quantitative sections can come in any order after the analytical writing section. Also, the test is section-level adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the second section depends on your performance in the first.

GRE General Exam Scoring System

Now, let us see how the scoring system works in the GRE for the 3 sections:

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  Verbal Reasoning: 130 - 170 (1-point increments)
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  Quantitative Reasoning: 130 - 170 (1-point increments)
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  Analytical Writing: 0 - 6 (half-point increments)

Please note that analytical writing scores are reported separately and do not contribute to the total score.

Watch this video to learn more about GRE scoring:

Tips for GRE Preparation

Preparation is, of course, required, but the difference comes when your preparation is effective and smart. The following are some of the strategies you can follow to get a high GRE score:

Understand the Test Format:

Make sure you are familiar with the test structure, question types, and timing. This will help you manage your time, keep your stress levels low and help you tackle the exam in an effective manner.

Use Official Study Materials:

Study from official ETS preparation material and make sure you work on the feedback. They are very important as they simulate real test-like situations.

Practice Regularly:

Practice regularly so that you can pick up speed, identify common structures and get good scores. Make sure you allocate specific times each day for GRE study sessions.

Focus on Weak Areas:

Identify sections where you struggle and dedicate extra time to improve in those areas. You can identify your weak areas by giving as many mock tests as possible.

GRE Score Improvement Techniques

The following are some of the proven methods by which you can increase your GRE score:

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  Time Management: Practice under timed conditions to get used to the pace of the test.

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  Vocabulary Building: Read diverse materials and use flashcards to improve your vocabulary.

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  Analytical Writing Practice: Write essays on various topics and work actively on the feedback to improve.

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  Review Mistakes: Always work on your mistakes and make sure you do not repeat the same in the future.

Mock Tests and Their Importance

Taking full-length mock tests is very important for several reasons:

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  Simulates Test Day: Helps you get familiar with the test's length and format.

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  Identifies Weaknesses: Reveals areas that need improvement.

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  Builds Stamina: Prepares you mentally and physically for the actual test duration.

Use resources like PowerPrep and other reputable mock tests to assess your readiness.

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• 
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• 
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• 
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Understanding the GRE exam pattern is the first step toward effective preparation. By familiarising yourself with the test structure, practising regularly, and utilising official resources, you can greatly improve your GRE score. Remember, consistent effort and strategic preparation are key to achieving your desired GRE score.

Frequently Asked Questions