A flexible, computer-administered test assessing analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative aptitude.
The GRE General Test does not follow a fixed annual schedule like CAT - instead, it is offered year-round, giving candidates the flexibility to choose their preferred test date and location. Registration is open throughout the year, but seats are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, so early booking is recommended. For 2025-2026 aspirants, it’s advisable to register at least 2-3 months before the intended graduate school application deadlines. Test takers can appear for the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period (365 days), including cancellations of scores from previous attempts.
• Registration Opens: Year-round (booking available up to 12 months in advance)
• Registration Closes: Varies by location - typically 2-3 days before the test date (subject to seat availability)
• Rescheduling Deadline: At least 4 days before the test date (10 days for China)
• At-Home Testing Option: Available 24x7 with appointment slots offered daily
• GRE Exam Dates: Multiple dates year-round at global test centers and online at home
• Score Availability: Typically within 8-10 days of the test date (official PDF score report downloadable from ETS account)
• Score Validity: 5 years from the test date
The GRE General Test is a computer-delivered, section-adaptive exam lasting approximately 1 hour 58 minutes. It is designed to measure analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills. The test is divided into specific timed sections, and while candidates can navigate freely within each section, they cannot return once the section time expires. The sections typically appear in the following order:
• Analytical Writing (AWA): This section measures the ability to think critically and express ideas effectively. It consists of one “Analyze an Issue” task to be completed in 30 minutes. Candidates must develop a reasoned argument with examples, demonstrating clarity and coherence.
• Verbal Reasoning (VR): This section evaluates reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and vocabulary skills. It is divided into two separately timed sections, each with 12–15 questions. Question types include Reading Comprehension passages, Text Completion (single/multiple blanks), and Sentence Equivalence (selecting two correct responses).
• Quantitative Reasoning (QR): This section tests mathematical understanding, problem-solving skills, and the ability to interpret and analyze quantitative data. It is divided into two separately timed sections, each with 12-15 questions. Topics include Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.
Question Types and Scoring
The GRE features multiple-choice questions (selecting one or more correct answers), numeric entry questions (type the answer directly), and data interpretation questions based on graphs or tables. The marking scheme is as follows:
• Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are each scored on a scale of 130-170, in 1-point increments.
• Analytical Writing is scored separately on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments.
• There is no negative marking, so answering all questions is encouraged.
An on-screen calculator is available for the Quantitative Reasoning sections. The test uses a section-level adaptive format, meaning performance in the first section of Verbal or Quant determines the difficulty level of the second section in that skill area. The exam is offered year-round at test centers and via at-home testing, with results typically available within 8-10 days.
Before registering for the GRE General Test, it’s important to understand who is eligible to take it. Here’s a clear breakdown:
Educational Qualification
There is no specific minimum educational qualification required by ETS (the GRE conducting body) to appear for the test.
The GRE is primarily intended for applicants to graduate, business, and law programs worldwide, so candidates are generally expected to have completed or be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
Universities and programs you apply to will have their own academic requirements, which are separate from ETS’s test eligibility rules.
Minimum Marks Required
ETS does not prescribe any minimum percentage or GPA for appearing in the GRE.
However, individual universities may set GPA/percentage benchmarks for admission, so it’s essential to check the requirements of each program you intend to apply for.
Final Year Students
Students in the final year of their undergraduate degree can take the GRE and use the score for future applications.
If admitted to a program, you will need to provide proof of degree completion as per the university’s admission timelines.
Professional Degree Holders
Candidates holding professional qualifications (such as CA, CS, ICWA, CFA, etc.) are also eligible to take the GRE if they meet the academic requirements of the programs they are applying to.
Other Details
Age Limit: No age restrictions - anyone can appear for the GRE.
Work Experience: Not required for taking the GRE, though it may be valued in MBA or certain master’s program applications.
Number of Attempts: You may take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period (365 days), including attempts where scores were canceled.
1. Section Order & Time Limits
The GRE General Test follows a fixed sequence of sections:
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) - 1 section, 2 tasks
Verbal Reasoning - 2 sections
Quantitative Reasoning - 2 sections
Unscored or Research Section - 1 section (can be verbal or quantitative, order varies)
Analytical Writing is always first; the order of the other sections can vary.
Time limits:
Analytical Writing: 30 minutes per task (60 minutes total)
Verbal Reasoning: 30 minutes per section
Quantitative Reasoning: 35 minutes per section
Once time for a section ends, the test automatically moves forward; you cannot return to a previous section.
Effective pacing and familiarity with section timing are crucial for optimal performance.
2. On-Screen Calculator
A basic calculator is available during Quantitative Reasoning sections.
It supports:
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
Square roots
Basic memory functions
It does not include advanced features like trigonometry or logarithms.
Since mental math is often faster, it’s best to use the calculator only for complex or time-consuming calculations.
3. Navigation Within Sections
You can move freely between questions in the current section.
Tools include:
Next - Move to the next question
Back - Return to the previous question
Mark - Flag a question to review later within the same section
Review Screen - View a list of all questions in the section, with status indicators (answered, not answered, marked)
All answers can be changed within the same section before time runs out.
4. Raw Score, Scaled Score & Normalization
Raw Score - The number of questions answered correctly in Verbal and Quantitative sections.
Scaled Score - Raw scores are converted to scaled scores through ETS’s equating process to account for slight difficulty differences across test forms.
Verbal Reasoning: 130-170 scale
Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170 scale
Analytical Writing: 0-6 scale (half-point increments)
GRE scores are valid for 5 years and can be sent to multiple institutions.
5. Question Distribution Variations
While the structure is generally consistent, the difficulty level of the second Verbal and Quant section adapts to your performance on the first section (section-level adaptive testing).
The number of questions per section is fixed:
Verbal Reasoning: 27 questions per section (new shorter format from Sept 2023)
Quantitative Reasoning: 27 questions per section
Analytical Writing: 2 tasks (1 “Analyze an Issue,” 1 “Analyze an Argument”)
The unscored/research section does not count toward your score but is not identified, so treat every section seriously.
1. Verbal Reasoning
This section primarily tests how well you can understand complex written material, analyze relationships among component parts, and reason with words.
Reading Comprehension (RC):
Passages may be drawn from topics in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, or business. Expect questions asking you to identify main ideas, make inferences, evaluate arguments, and interpret meaning from context. Formats include multiple-choice (one or more correct answers) and select-in-passage questions.
Text Completion (TC):
Sentences or short paragraphs with one to three blanks. You must select words that best complete the text logically and tonally.
Sentence Equivalence (SE):
Single-sentence questions with one blank and six answer choices, where you must choose two options that produce sentences of equivalent meaning.
Preparation Tip:
Build a habit of reading advanced materials like academic journals, editorials, and analytical essays. Expand your vocabulary, but focus equally on contextual understanding and reasoning rather than rote memorization.
2. Quantitative Reasoning
This section measures problem-solving ability, understanding of basic mathematical concepts, and application of quantitative reasoning to real-world problems.
Arithmetic:
Properties and types of integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, exponents, roots, and number properties.
Algebra:
Equations, inequalities, functions, coordinate geometry, and word problems.
Geometry:
Lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, three-dimensional figures, and coordinate geometry.
Data Analysis:
Descriptive statistics, probability, set theory, and interpretation of data from tables, graphs, and charts.
Preparation Tip:
Focus on conceptual clarity and shortcut methods. Practice interpreting quantitative information from different formats, as GRE often tests data reasoning alongside calculation.
3. Analytical Writing (AWA)
This section assesses your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, support arguments with relevant evidence, and maintain a coherent structure.
Analyze an Issue Task:
You will be presented with a statement or claim and asked to develop an argument either supporting or challenging it with logical reasoning and examples.
Analyze an Argument Task:
You will critique an argument, identifying assumptions, evaluating evidence, and suggesting improvements.
Preparation Tip:
Practice timed writing, focusing on structure: introduction, body paragraphs with examples, and conclusion. Use varied vocabulary and maintain logical flow.
Additional Syllabus & Trend Insights
Size & Structure:
Expect 1 Analytical Writing section (2 tasks, 60 minutes), 2 Verbal Reasoning sections (27 questions each, 30 minutes per section), and 2 Quantitative Reasoning sections (27 questions each, 35 minutes per section). An unscored or research section may also appear, but it’s not identified.
Verbal Focus:
Emphasis on reasoning with complex text and understanding vocabulary in context—memorizing word lists alone is insufficient.
Quantitative Complexity:
While GRE math is based on high school concepts, many questions test logic and problem setup rather than straightforward calculation.
AWA Importance:
Though AWA scores are reported separately, strong writing skills can boost applications, especially for MBA programs that value communication ability.
