GRE Exam Total Marks: Scoring System and Section Details

Key Takeaways

• GRE exam total marks go from 260 to 340, which comes from adding your Verbal and Quant scores. The AWA section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6 and doesn’t count toward your total.

• The test adjusts based on how you’re doing , if you do well in the first section, the next one gets a bit tougher, and your final score is scaled to keep things fair.

• If you’re aiming for the top B-schools or MS programs, crossing 320 usually gives you a solid shot. But even if you’re around 300, you’re still in the game ,  a lot of good schools fall in that range.

• Your GRE score doesn’t expire overnight ,  it stays valid for five years. So even if you’re not applying right away, you’ve got breathing room.

• And yeah, there’s no negative marking. So never leave a question blank ,  take your best guess and move on. It might just earn you a few extra points.

Studying for the GRE is hard enough — not knowing how the scores work is like running a race without knowing where the finish line is. You keep going, hoping you're on track, but it’s tough to pace yourself when you’re not even sure what counts and what doesn’t. GRE exam total marks often trip students up, not because the system is overly complex, but because no one really explains it in plain English. The Verbal and Quant sections are scored on one scale, the Analytical Writing section is scored on another, and the total doesn’t quite mean what most people think it does.

In this blog, you’ll get a clear, straightforward breakdown of how GRE scoring actually works,  from section-wise marks to what counts toward your total, and how to use that understanding to plan better and score higher.

What is GRE?

The GRE is often your ticket to getting into a top MS, MBA, or PhD program abroad. It’s not just a test, it’s what gets your application noticed. Short for Graduate Record Examination, the GRE is a standardized test accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools across the world. It’s designed to assess how well you think, analyze, and solve problems,  the kind of skills that actually matter in any advanced degree.

Most students take the GRE General Test, which includes three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Verbal and Quant are each scored on a scale of 130 to 170, and the total GRE score is calculated by adding them,  giving you a maximum of 340. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6 and doesn’t count toward your total score. If you’re planning to study abroad, a strong GRE score can make a real difference,  and understanding how the test works is the first step to getting there.
 

Importance of Scoring Well in the GRE

A strong GRE score can do a lot of heavy lifting in your application. It shows admissions teams that you’re not just serious — you’re ready to handle the academic pressure that comes with a master’s or MBA abroad. For many programs, especially competitive ones, the GRE is one of the first things they check before even reading the rest of your profile. And when it comes to scholarships or assistantships, your score often plays a big role there too.

It’s not about being perfect,  it’s about putting yourself in the best possible position. Scoring well gives you more choices, stronger chances, and way more confidence when those results start rolling in.

GRE Exam Structure at a Glance

The GRE isn’t as confusing as it first seems,  but only once you understand how the sections are laid out and what actually counts toward your score. A lot of students focus on prep without fully understanding where the GRE exam total marks come from, which just leads to more stress later.

So here’s a simple breakdown of what each section does, how long it takes, and how much it contributes to your final score.

Verbal Reasoning

This section checks how well you can understand written material and make sense of ideas — even when the language gets tricky.

• You’ll face two sections, each about 30 minutes long
• Each section has roughly 20 questions
• Question types include reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence
• It’s scored from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments
• This section contributes to your GRE exam total marks

If you’re comfortable with long passages and figuring out what’s being said between the lines, this is where you can gain a lot of points.

Please refer GRE Verbal Reasoning for detailed analysis of Verbal reasoning

 Quantitative Reasoning

Quant is all about testing your comfort with numbers,  but in a practical, problem-solving way, not memorizing formulas.

• There are two sections, each 35 minutes long
• You’ll get about 20 questions per section
• Topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation
• Scored from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments
• Also adds to your GRE exam total marks

Even if math hasn’t been your strength recently, the questions are more about logic and clarity than advanced tricks.

Please refer GRE Quantitative Reasoning for detailed analysis of Quantitative reasoning

 Analytical Writing

This part is different , no multiple choice here. Just you, a keyboard, and two short essay tasks.

• You’ll write two essays: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument
• Each task is timed for 30 minutes
• Scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point steps
• This section does not count toward your GRE exam total marks

Strong writing here helps show that you can structure thoughts clearly — something most grad programs really value, even if it doesn’t affect your total score.

Please refer GRE Analytical Reasoning for detailed analysis of Anaytical Reasoning

GRE Scoring System Explained

When someone says “GRE score,” they’re usually talking about the total of your Verbal and Quant sections. Each one is scored between 130 and 170, so together, your GRE exam total marks fall anywhere between 260 and 340. The third section ,Analytical Writing ,  is scored on its own, from 0 to 6, in half-point steps. It doesn’t add to your total score, but schools still see it on your report.

Most programs care the most about your combined Verbal and Quant score, especially if they get hundreds of similar profiles. But that doesn’t mean AWA doesn’t matter. A well-balanced score can quietly boost your chances, especially for programs that involve a lot of writing or research.
 

How GRE Scores Are Calculated

The GRE uses a scoring system that’s a bit more layered than just right or wrong.

• First, you earn a raw score based on the number of correct answers.
• That raw score is then converted to a scaled score using equating, which balances out any differences in difficulty across test versions.
• The test is section-level adaptive — meaning your performance in the first section affects the difficulty of the second. If you do well, you’ll face harder questions, but also get a shot at a higher score.

And since there’s no negative marking, guessing is better than skipping. Always

GRE Percentile vs Scaled Score

Your scaled score tells you how you did on paper. Your percentile tells you how you did compared to everyone else. Here’s what that looks like:

What’s a Good GRE Score?

What counts as a good GRE score really depends on the kind of schools you're aiming for and how the rest of your application stacks up. Some programs expect near-perfect numbers, while others take a more balanced view. Looking at actual score ranges from top schools can give you a clear idea of what to aim for — and where your profile fits in.

Here’s a look at the average GRE totals (Verbal + Quant) for five top B-schools, based on recent class profiles:

If you’re targeting these kinds of schools, a score around 320 or higher is a strong goal. That said, a score in the 300–310 range can still be competitive for many well-ranked programs, and even a 295+ can work if the rest of your profile is strong.

Also, keep in mind: Quant tends to carry more weight in STEM programs, while Verbal matters more in MBA or policy-focused degrees. So it’s not just about the total — it’s about where your strengths are.

Strategies For GRE Exam

Preparing effectively for the GRE is crucial to achieving maximum marks. Here are key strategies to help you excel and maximize your performance, ensuring you can maximize the available GRE exam total marks.

1. Study Material Selection

There are several types of study materials students can refer to to excel in the GRE and secure maximum marks:

What you study matters just as much as how much you study. Stick to official GRE resources first , they’re the most reliable when it comes to understanding the exam format, question style, and how your answers are actually evaluated. These materials are built with the GRE exam total marks in mind, so you won’t waste time on irrelevant content or outdated strategies. Once you’ve covered the basics, mix in a few trusted third-party prep tools for extra practice ,  especially for sections you find tricky. The goal isn’t to memorize everything. It’s to get comfortable with the way the test thinks.

2. Time Management

No matter how smart your prep plan is, it won’t work if it’s all over the place. GRE prep isn’t about cramming — it’s about showing up consistently and knowing where your time’s going. Build a study schedule that fits your routine and stick to it. Break your time across all three sections, but lean a little more into your weak spots. Even 60–90 minutes a day can go a long way if you’re focused. A structured routine not only helps you cover the syllabus but also boosts your confidence going into test day — and that’s what really helps you hit your GRE exam total marks target.

By following this structured time management routine, you can effectively allocate your study hours, maintain consistency in your preparation, cover all sections of the GRE, and optimize your efforts to maximize your GRE exam total marks.

Significance for GRE Exam Total Marks

As you gear up for the GRE, it's important to have a well-rounded understanding of the test's various aspects. In this section, we'll share some unexpected insights that can give you a fresh perspective on the GRE and its significance for your GRE exam total marks.

1. GRE Subject Test
   
   • In addition to the GRE General Test, there is a GRE Subject Test that measures applicants' capabilities in specific fields of study, such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology.
   • This test allows candidates to showcase their expertise in a particular subject area, providing a unique opportunity to demonstrate specialized knowledge alongside the General Test.
   • The GRE Subject Test is scored separately and has a scoring scale distinct from the GRE General Test.
   • Remember that the GRE exam total marks include the scores from the General Test and any Subjects taken.
2. GRE Exam Evolution
   
   • Educational Testing Service (ETS) has introduced a shorter version of the GRE General Test, reducing the test time by half.
   • This revised GRE General Test, launched in September 2023, offers a quicker testing experience. Test-takers can now complete the exam in less than two hours.
3. GRE Scoring
   
   • The GRE General Test is a computer-adaptive test in which the difficulty level of subsequent Verbal and Quantitative sections is determined based on your performance.
   • Your raw score is converted into a scaled score, and the Analytical Writing section is scored on a six-point holistic scale.
   • The final scores are averaged and rounded to the nearest half-point interval.
4. Acceptance and Importance
   
   • The GRE is widely accepted by over 1,300 B-schools and universities worldwide.
   • Some institutions consider it as important as Letters of Recommendation and more significant than other admission requirements.
   • A high GRE score can enhance your chances of admission and open doors to scholarships and assistantship opportunities. 
5. GRE Test Sections
   • The GRE General Test consists of three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
   • Each section assesses critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical writing, and verbal and quantitative reasoning skills, comprehensively evaluating candidates' aptitude and readiness for graduate-level programs.

These unique insights into the GRE structure, scoring system, and evolving test formats can help you better understand the exam's nuances and make informed decisions regarding your preparation and test-taking strategies.

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Conclusion

The GRE can feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes a lot more manageable once you figure out what actually works for you. It’s not about studying 10 hours a day — it’s about using the right material, staying consistent, and knowing how to play to your strengths on test day. Start with the official stuff so you’re not guessing what the test looks like. Build a routine you won’t hate sticking to. And when you're practicing, don’t just focus on getting every question right — focus on how to stay calm, manage time, and move on when you're stuck. A good GRE score can open a lot of doors — not just for admissions, but also for scholarships and assistantships. So if you’re aiming for those higher GRE exam total marks, give yourself the time, space, and support to get there. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to be prepared.