Abhyank Srinet
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
• GRE exam syllabus covers Verbal, Quant, and AWA with 55 questions in total.
• Over 300,000 students take the GRE each year—most aged between 22–28.
• GRE scores help land top admits—graduates earn $60,000–$80,000 globally.
• The test fee is approx. $220, with extra costs for rescheduling or reports.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide. It measures skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. For many students, especially those targeting top master’s programs abroad, a strong GRE score can make a significant difference in securing admission and scholarships.
To prepare effectively, understanding the GRE exam syllabus is essential. This guide breaks down each section—Verbal, Quant, and AWA—based on the updated 2025 format. Whether you're aiming for the US, Europe, or beyond, knowing what’s included will help you build a smarter, more focused prep strategy.
What is the GRE Exam Syllabus for 2024?
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The GRE Exam Syllabus for 2024 covers a comprehensive range of skills aimed at evaluating a candidate’s readiness for graduate school. The exam is divided into two main types: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. The GRE General Test assesses analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills, which are essential for most graduate programs. On the other hand, the GRE Subject Test focuses on specific fields, such as mathematics, physics, psychology, and others, allowing students to demonstrate their expertise in these areas.
The GRE General Test is typically more common and widely accepted across various graduate programs, while the GRE Subject Test is required by some specific fields of study.
General vs Subject Test: Key Differences
The GRE General Test checks your overall skills in reading, writing, and math. It has three main parts: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. These sections test how well you understand ideas, solve problems, and explain your thoughts clearly. This test is used for many master’s programs like business, engineering, and social sciences.
The GRE Subject Test is different. It focuses only on one subject, like math, physics, or psychology. It’s meant for students who want to show deep knowledge in one area. This test doesn’t include writing or reasoning sections—it just checks how strong you are in that specific subject.
GRE General Test Syllabus Breakdown
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The GRE General Test Syllabus is divided into three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section is designed to test a candidate's skills across different areas, providing a holistic evaluation of their readiness for graduate studies. Below is a detailed breakdown of each section in the GRE General Test:
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Section
The Analytical Writing section focuses on evaluating your critical thinking and writing abilities. It consists of two tasks: the Issue Task and the Argument Task. Both require you to analyze and present your viewpoint in a clear, coherent manner.
- Issue Task: You will be presented with a topic and asked to write an essay that presents your perspective on the issue. Here, the ability to think critically and support your arguments with evidence is key.
- Argument Task: In this task, you will critique an argument provided in a prompt. Your goal is to evaluate the logic behind the argument and suggest how it could be improved or better supported.
Verbal Reasoning Section
The Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to understand and analyze written material. It focuses on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and sentence completion, divided into the following question types:
- Reading Comprehension: You’ll be asked to read passages and answer questions about the material, testing your ability to interpret and analyze information.
- Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence: These questions focus on your vocabulary skills and your ability to understand the meaning of sentences and paragraphs.
Quantitative Reasoning Section (GRE Math Syllabus)
The Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates your problem-solving skills and your understanding of basic math concepts. It covers topics such as:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Data Analysis
GRE Subject Test Syllabus (For Specialized Fields)
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The GRE Subject Test Syllabus focuses on evaluating a candidate’s expertise in specific academic fields. Unlike the GRE General Test, which assesses a broad set of skills, the subject tests dive deep into specialized areas of study. These tests are primarily required for students applying to graduate programs in fields such as mathematics, physics, and psychology. Below is a breakdown of the syllabus for the key subject tests:
| Subject | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 66 |
| Physics | 100 |
| Psychology | 205 |
Mathematics
Number of Questions: 66 The GRE Mathematics Subject Test evaluates your understanding of undergraduate-level mathematics. The test covers a range of topics, including calculus, algebra, and discrete mathematics. A significant portion of the test focuses on calculus, which accounts for approximately 50% of the questions.
Physics
Number of Questions: 100 The GRE Physics Subject Test assesses your knowledge of fundamental concepts in physics. The syllabus spans several key topics, including:
- Classical Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Optics and Wave Phenomena
- Thermodynamics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Psychology
Number of Questions: 205 The GRE Psychology Subject Test measures your understanding of core psychological principles. The syllabus includes:
- Biological Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Clinical and Abnormal Psychology
GRE Exam Pattern 2024
When preparing for the GRE Exam, understanding the test format is essential. The GRE offers both computer-based and paper-based test options, depending on the availability in your region. Below is a breakdown of the key differences between the two formats, along with the duration and structure of each.
GRE Computer-Based vs Paper-Based Test
- Computer-Based Test: This is the most common format and is available in most countries. It allows you to take the test at an official GRE test center using a computer. The computer-based test adapts the difficulty of questions based on your performance in the previous section, particularly in the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections. This format provides the flexibility of skipping, reviewing, and changing answers within each section.
- Paper-Based Test: In regions where the computer-based test is unavailable, the paper-based version is offered. This format follows a fixed set of questions and does not adapt based on performance. While you don’t have the option to skip questions and return later, the test remains structured similarly to the computer-based format in terms of content.
Duration and Structure
- Computer-Based GRE: The test lasts for about 3 hours and 45 minutes. It consists of six sections: one Analytical Writing section, two Verbal Reasoning sections, two Quantitative Reasoning sections, and one unscored or research section (which does not count towards your final score).
- Paper-Based GRE: The duration is the same, around 3 hours and 30 minutes, but it is divided into five sections: two Verbal Reasoning sections, two Quantitative Reasoning sections, and one Analytical Writing section. Unlike the computer-based test, there is no unscored or research section in the paper format.
How to Prepare for the GRE?
Preparing for the GRE Exam Syllabus requires a well-structured plan and consistent practice. Below are some effective strategies to help you prepare:
- Understand the GRE Exam Syllabus: Begin by familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and test format. Know what sections are included in the GRE General Test (Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning).
- Create a Study Plan: Design a timeline that covers all the sections. Allocate more time to areas where you feel less confident and practice regularly.
- Use Official GRE Study Materials: The official GRE prep books and practice tests from ETS (Educational Testing Service) provide accurate representations of the actual test questions.
- Practice Timed Tests: Time management is crucial in the GRE. Take mock tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam and improve your speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Vocabulary for Verbal Reasoning: For the verbal section, improving your vocabulary is key. Use flashcards, word lists, and apps like Magoosh to build your vocabulary.
What Happens After the GRE Exam?
After completing the GRE Exam, the next steps are crucial for moving forward with your graduate school applications. For those who take the computer-based test, unofficial Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores will be available immediately after the test. However, your official scores, including the Analytical Writing section, will be available online within 10-15 days. Paper-based test-takers can expect their scores in approximately five weeks. During the exam, you have the option to send your scores to up to four schools for free, and additional score reports can be sent later for a fee.
Once you receive your scores, it’s important to analyze them and compare them with the average requirements of the graduate programs you're applying to. Many students use the ScoreSelect® option, which allows you to send only your best scores from the last five years to schools, giving you control over what admissions committees see. If your scores fall short of your target programs' requirements, you have the option to retake the GRE. You can take the test up to five times in a 12-month period, with a 21-day gap between attempts.
After securing your GRE scores, the next step is to focus on completing your graduate school applications. Make sure all components—such as your GRE scores, transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements—are submitted on time to meet application deadlines. This process will move you closer to achieving your goal of studying abroad for a master’s degree.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the GRE Exam Syllabus is the first step toward acing this crucial test and moving closer to your goal of studying abroad for a master’s degree. The GRE General Test covers essential skills like analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning, while the Subject Tests allow you to demonstrate your expertise in specific fields such as mathematics, physics, and psychology. Preparing with a clear understanding of the syllabus, along with strategic practice, will give you the confidence needed to excel on test day.
