The GRE Syllabus consists of three sections: GRE Analytical Writing, GRE Verbal Reasoning, and GRE Quantitative Reasoning. GRE syllabus tries to understand the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Critical Thinking, and Analytical Writing skills of candidates. These skills measure the success of the students in higher education abroad. Qualifying for the GRE exam and by achieving good scores are important requirements for studying abroad.,
For this to happen, the candidates should be well versed with the latest GRE Syllabus. Read more to learn and understand the GRE Syllabus 2024.
What is GRE Exam Syllabus?
GRE Exam Syllabus 2026
The GRE General Test consists of 3 sections: Analytical Writing (AWA), Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
ETS provides detailed descriptions of the content and skills tested in each section, helping candidates understand exactly what to prepare for.
GRE Test Format
The GRE offers two test types: the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests.
GRE General Test
The standard exam for most graduate and business school programs worldwide. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, quantitative comparison, and analytical writing skills—essential abilities for graduate-level academic work.
GRE Subject Tests (Optional)
Specialised exams available in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology only. These demonstrate achievement in a specific discipline and are **rarely required** today—only select PhD programs request them. Most universities accept only the General Test.
GRE General Test & GRE Exam Pattern
Being familiar with the GRE Test Pattern is very important. Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning are three primary elements of the GRE syllabus. The GRE computer-based test extends to 1 hour 58 minutes.
| Section | Total Questions | Types of Questions | Score Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRE Verbal Reasoning | Section 1: 12 Section 2: 12 |
– Reading Comprehension – Text Completion – Sentence Equivalence |
130-170 (1-point increments) |
Section 1: 18 min Section 2: 23 min Total: 41 min |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning | Section 1: 12 Section 2: 12 |
– Geometry – Algebra – Arithmetic – Data Analysis |
130-170 (1-point increments) |
Section 1: 21 min Section 2: 26 min Total: 47 min |
| Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) | 1 task | – Analyze an Issue | 0-6 (0.5-point increments) |
30 minutes |
| Total | 27 MCQs 1 Descriptive |
260-340 | 1 hour 58 minutes |
GRE General Test Syllabus & Question Types
The general test is broken into 3 parts under the revised GRE exam pattern and syllabus. These are of the following types:
- Analytical Writing
- Quantitative Analysis
- Reasoning with Words
Let us look at each of the segments for better understanding, along with the GRE pattern total marks.
GRE Exam Syllabus 2026: Verbal Reasoning Section
The verbal Reasoning section targets to measure the test taker’s abilities to analyze and draw conclusions from the discourses, reason from incomplete data, identify of author’s assumptions as well as perspective, selection of important points, distinguish major from minor or relevant points, summarize texts, understanding the structure of the text, understanding the meaning of words, sentences and also entire texts, the relationship between words and concepts are tried to be understood.
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Reading Comprehension
For the section on Reading Comprehension, candidates are required to answer passages which are based on different subjects like humanities, natural sciences and so forth. Multiple passages are present in the exam and candidates would be required to read as well as analyze the passages very minutely before answering the questions. It is about how well you understand the passages and answer correctly.
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Sentence Equivalence
This section is about the ability to complete the paragraphs which is based on incomplete information and candidates would be required to choose two ways for completion of sentence which have same meaning while being grammatically correct.
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Text Completion
This section is all about the ability to form a complete picture from the text which is presented. Both sentence equivalence as well as text completion assess the candidate’s grasp of the vocabulary. We need to know the words as well as the meaning attached to them.
GRE Exam Syllabus 2026: Quantitative Reasoning (GRE Math Syllabus)
The Quantitative Reasoning section is a test of your ability to analyse numerical data that can be measured, counted or expressed in numbers. It signals the candidate’s ability to solve problems by applying mathematical concepts from high school-level arithmatics, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
List of Topics in GRE Quant Section
| Main Topics | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | – Properties of integers – Powers, roots, exponents – Ratios, proportions, percentages – Estimation – Number properties |
| Algebra | – Linear & quadratic equations – Inequalities – Functions & sequences – Algebraic expressions (factoring, simplifying) – Word problems (rates, work, mixtures) |
| Geometry | – Lines & angles – Triangles & circles – Quadrilaterals & polygons – Coordinate geometry – Area, perimeter, volume |
| Data Analysis | – Descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, range) – Data interpretation (graphs, tables, scatterplots) – Probability & counting (combinations, permutations) – Sets & Venn diagrams |
GRE Analytical Writing Syllabus
GRE Analytical Writing measures the following abilities:
- Articulation of complex ideas which are clear and effective.
- Supports ideas as well as relevant reasons as well as examples
- Sustains a well-focused and coherent discussion
- Helps to control elements of standard written English.
The section has one task, which is to analyze an issue. The tasks come from a different variety of subjects including fine arts and humanities to the social and also physical sciences, but the task does not require any specific content knowledge.
GRE Syllabus 2026: Types of Questions
The following types of questions are asked in the different sections of GRE:
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Reading Comprehension
More than half of the questions of the test is based on Reading Comprehension, which is based on passages and the number of questions on a given passage can range from one to six. Passages are taken from different domains like biological sciences, social sciences, everyday topics and so forth, both academics and non-academics.
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Sentence Equivalence
These questions are meant to test the ability to reach a suitable conclusion about how a passage should have been completed on the basis of partial information. Questions of sentence equivalence consists of a single sentence with just one blank, and they also ask to find two choices that both lead to a complete as well as coherent sentence and produces sentences with same meaning.
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Text Completion
A constant attitude of interpretation as well as evaluation is maintained by skilled readers, reasoning from what is being read so far for the creation of a picture for the whole and also revising the picture as they go about. Text completion questions are designed to test this ability by omission of crucial words from short passages and asking the test taker to use the remaining information in the passages on the base for the selection of words or short phrases to fill in the blanks and creation of meaningful ones.
Vocabulary is very important and also requires skill for answering sentence equivalence and text completion questions. GRE Syllabus PDF is additionally an important tool for understanding the topics that are covered as well as practicing efficiently.
GRE Subject Test Syllabus & Question Types
GRE Subject Test lasts for 2 hours and 50 minutes and the type of question format is Multiple Choice Questions. Here is a list of topics which each subject along with the number of questions.
| GRE Subject | Approx. Questions | Main Syllabus Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | ~66 | – Calculus (50%) – Algebra (25%) – Additional Topics (geometry, linear algebra, probability, statistics) |
| Physics | ~100 | – Classical Mechanics (~20%) – Electromagnetism (~18%) – Optics & Wave Phenomena – Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics – Quantum Mechanics (~12%) – Atomic Physics – Special Relativity – Laboratory Methods – Specialized Topics |
| Psychology | ~205 | – Biological (~12%) – Cognitive (~13%) – Developmental (~12%) – Social (~12%) – Clinical (~15%) – Measurement/Methodology (~17%) |
GRE Preparation Tips 2026
If you are planning to take GRE in 2026, follow these GRE preparation tips to help you get a top score.
- Familiarise yourself with the GRE format (1 hour, 58 minutes; 3 sections and question types)
- Set your target by researching average GRE scores for your target programs and plan your studies accordingly.
- Take a diagnostic test to figure out your baseline scores and your strengths and weaknesses.
- Practice time management through official timers. Learn how to use “mark and review” features.
- Build test stamina by taking 2+ full-length tests every week under timed conditions to simulate exam day.
Tips for Verbal Reasoning
- Read magazines and publications like The Economist, Scientific American, etc. to build a sophisticated vocabulary.
- While reading, identify the main idea, tone, structure and idea flow. This is called active reading.
- Pay attention to transition words like “however, therefore and despite” which conveys the flow of ideasn and author intention.
Tips for GRE Quantitative Reasoning
- Go through high school-level math: arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
- Learn GRE-specific shortcuts like picking numbers, backsolving and estimation.
- Practice “mixed question sets” everyday to improve your speed and accuracy.
Tips for GRE Analytical Writing
- Get familiar with the “Analyse an Issue” template. Stance → 2 reasons → 2 examples → conclusion,
- Pratice typing essays under timed conditions.
- Your writing should reflect the clarity of your thought.
How is GRE Exam scored?
After completion of GRE, you will receive three types of scores: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing. Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning are scored between 130-170, with increments of one point. Immediately after completion of the test, unofficial scores for both sections will be displayed on screen.
The Analytical Writing section has a score range between 0-6, with half point increments. This score, along with official scores from the other two sections, will be available 8-10 days after GRE completion. An email will be received when scores are available, informing you to check your GRE account.
GRE General Test Score Range
| GRE Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| GRE Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 (1-point increments) |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 (1-point increments) |
| GRE Analytical Writing (AWA) | 0–6 (0.5-point increments) |
| GRE Total Score | 260–340 (Verbal + Quant only) |
What should one do after Attempting GRE?
After obtaining the GRE, the score which is obtained is valid for 5 years from the date of the test. While applying for various universities abroad, there are certain documents that applicants need to submit like a Letter of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, Academic Qualification, Extracurricular activities, and so forth.
If the results are what you wanted and are happy with them, without wasting any time, we should start building the resume as it plays an important role in the admission process. Making a list of universities you wish to apply to and also gathering information on the documents the university would require while applying, as each university has different.
