Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- The 2024 GRE is now completed in just 2 hours, compared to the previous duration of nearly 4 hours.
- The exam consists of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing, with each section contributing to the overall score ranging from 260 to 340.
- Available in both computer-based and paper-based versions, with over 98% of test-takers opting for the computer-based format due to its flexibility and adaptive nature.
- The Verbal section includes reading comprehension and sentence equivalence, while the Quantitative section focuses on comparison and numeric entry. In 2023, nearly 80% of GRE test-takers scored between 150 and 160 in Verbal Reasoning.
Preparing for the GRE is a critical step for students aiming to pursue higher education abroad. Understanding the GRE exam paper pattern is essential for successful preparation, as it helps you become familiar with the structure, timing, and question types you'll face. In 2024, the GRE has been revamped to shorten the overall duration, making it even more important to stay updated on the latest test format. Whether you're taking the computer-based or paper-based test, this guide covers everything you need to know to excel on exam day.
GRE General Test Format
GRE General Test |
GRE Subject Test |
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Computer Based |
Paper Based |
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| No. of Questions | Duration | No. of Questions | Duration | Subject | Duration | |
| Analytical Writing | 2 sections | 60 minutes | 1 section | 60 minutes | Biology | 2 hours and 50 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 sections | 70 minutes | 2 sections | 60 minutes | Chemistry | 2 hours and 50 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 sections | 80 minutes | 2 sections | 70 minutes | English Literature | 2 hours and 50 minutes |
The GRE General Test is designed to measure the skills you’ve acquired over your academic career and is an important part of your application for master’s programs. The test is divided into three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Here's what to expect in each section:
Verbal Reasoning Section
The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates your ability to analyze written material and understand the relationships between concepts. It includes three types of questions:
- Reading Comprehension: You will read passages and answer questions that test your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze the material.
- Sentence Equivalence: These questions require you to select two correct answers that create a complete, meaningful sentence, emphasizing vocabulary and context.
- Text Completion: You must fill in the blanks in a given passage, ensuring that the meaning is coherent and logical.
Quantitative Reasoning Section
The Quantitative Reasoning section tests your mathematical skills and your ability to solve problems using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. It includes the following question types:
- Quantitative Comparison Questions: You will compare two quantities and determine the relationship between them.
- Multiple-Choice Questions: Some questions will have five options, with only one correct answer, while others may have multiple correct answers.
- Numeric Entry Questions: These require you to enter a number as your answer, rather than choosing from multiple options.
Analytical Writing Section
The Analytical Writing section measures your ability to articulate complex ideas and support your arguments with relevant examples. It consists of two tasks:
- Analyze an Issue Task: You will be asked to write an essay in which you evaluate and discuss an issue, presenting your perspective on the topic.
- Analyze an Argument Task: Here, you’ll analyze the reasoning in an argument and critique its validity, rather than presenting your own opinion.
GRE Subject Test Format 2024
The GRE Subject Tests are specialized exams designed to measure your knowledge in specific academic fields. These tests are ideal for students who want to highlight their expertise in a particular subject area, especially when applying to graduate programs that emphasize subject mastery. Unlike the GRE General Test, the subject tests provide a more focused assessment of your skills in core subjects.
Available Subject Tests
In 2024, the following GRE Subject Tests are available:
- Mathematics: This test covers various mathematical concepts, including calculus, algebra, and discrete mathematics. It’s designed to assess your proficiency in mathematics at an undergraduate level and is ideal for students pursuing graduate studies in fields like mathematics, engineering, or physics.
- Physics: The GRE Physics test evaluates your understanding of fundamental physics principles, including mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. This test is particularly relevant for students aiming for advanced degrees in physics or related disciplines.
- Psychology: The psychology subject test assesses your knowledge of topics such as cognitive psychology, behavioral neuroscience, clinical psychology, and developmental psychology. It is a great option for those applying to graduate programs in psychology, counseling, or related fields.
Computer-Based vs Paper-Based GRE – Key Differences
When preparing for the GRE, it’s essential to understand the differences between the computer-based and paper-based versions of the exam. While the content of both formats remains largely the same, there are notable distinctions in structure, timing, and availability.
Differences in Structure
- Computer-Based GRE: This is the most common format, featuring adaptive testing, where the difficulty level of questions adjusts based on your performance in previous sections. The test consists of the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections.
- Paper-Based GRE: In areas where computer-based testing is not available, the paper-based format is offered. Unlike the computer version, the paper test is non-adaptive and follows a fixed question sequence.
Differences in Timing
- Computer-Based GRE: The total duration of the test is around 2 hours after the recent changes in 2024. Each section is timed, and you can navigate within a section but not between sections.
- Paper-Based GRE: This version typically takes 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete. The fixed order of questions means you have no flexibility to navigate through sections once they are completed.
Differences in Availability
- Computer-Based GRE: Available year-round and administered at Prometric testing centers or as the GRE at Home. It offers greater flexibility for students in terms of scheduling.
- Paper-Based GRE: Offered only in specific locations where computer-based testing is not available, with limited testing dates throughout the year.
Types of Questions in GRE – Explained with Examples
Analytical Writing
Example 1
All students in a country should be required to study the same national curriculum until they enter college.
Write a response in which you discuss how much you agree or disagree with the recommendation and why you took the stance you did. Describe concrete scenarios in which accepting the recommendation would or would not help establish and support your view, and explain how these examples influence your perspective.
Verbal Reasoning
Example
The author’s (1)__________ style renders a fascinating subject, the role played by luck in everyday life, extraordinarily (2)__________.
Options for Blank(1)
soporific
lucid
colloquial
Options for Blank(2)
pedantic
tedious
opaque
Correct Answer: soporific and tedious
Quantitative Reasoning
Example 1
Each employee of a corporation is assigned to either Department X or Department Y, with Department X having more than double the number of employees as Department Y. Employees in Department X earn an average (arithmetic mean) income of $25,000, while employees in Department Y get an average (arithmetic mean) income of $35,000.
Which of the following figures might be the company’s average salary for all employees?
- $26,000
- $28,000
- $29,000
- $30,000
- $31,000
- $32,000
- $34,000
Correct Answer: 1 and 2
Example 2
| Business | % change in inventory ( April – May) | % change in inventory (May – June) |
| A | 6 | 8 |
| B | 5 | -5 |
| C | 2 | 12 |
| D | 8 | -5 |
| E | 14 | 0 |
| F | 2 | -10 |
Q.1 The value of Business B’s inventory in April was $30,000. What was the value of the inventory in June?
$22,500
$29,925
$30,000
$33,000
$33,075
Correct Answer: 2
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Conclusion
Understanding the GRE exam paper pattern is crucial for effective preparation and achieving your target score. With the 2024 updates shortening the test duration to just 2 hours, it’s more important than ever to be familiar with the structure, question types, and key differences between the computer-based and paper-based formats. Whether you're aiming for a high score in the verbal, quantitative, or analytical writing sections, or considering taking a subject test to boost your application, a solid grasp of the exam format will help you prepare efficiently and excel on test day. Make sure to focus on each section, practice regularly, and stay updated with the latest changes to stay ahead of the competition.
