Exam scheme for Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Examination Pattern and test structure for GRE Exam

The Graduate Record Examination, GRE revised General Test is accepted at many of the graduate and business schools as well. It is a computer based test and is conducted on continuous basis throughout the year. In areas of the world where computer-based testing is not available, the test is administered in a paper-based format up to three times a year in October, November and February.

Structure of GRE

While taking the test you have the liberty to skip a question and then later return to attempt or change your answer and have control to tackle the questions within a section you want to answer first. The GRE New Test Pattern has three sections:
  • Verbal Reasoning: Almost half of the questions require you to read passages and answer questions related to them, the rest tests your vocabulary usage by reading, completing or relating sentences. This section has two parts each of 20 question and time given for which is 30 minutes each.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: It covers basic mathematical skills you have developed during high school like arithmetic concepts, geometry, algebra, probability and statistics. This section has two parts each of 20 question and time given for which is 35 minutes each.
  • Analytical Writing: It doesn’t check for your subject knowledge but your ability to construct an essay by supporting it with complex ideas and arguments. There are 2 types of Analytical Writing Essays:
  • Issue-Task essay – 30 Minutes
  • Argument-Task essays – 30 Minutes

The paper-based GRE General Test consists of six sections and is only available in areas where computer-based testing is unavailable. The analytical writing is split up into two sections, one section for each issue and argument task. The next four sections consist of two verbal and two quantitative sections in varying order. There is no experimental section on the paper-based test.

Additional Subjects

In addition to the General Test, there are also seven GRE subject tests, which test knowledge in specific areas. The subject are Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; Chemistry; Literature in English; Mathematics; Physics and Psychology. The duration of each examination is 170 minutes.