The GRE exam pattern for the general test is divided into three major sections. These sections are Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The test is conducted in a computer-based format and consists of a total of 55 questions to be completed in 1 hour and 58 minutes. The exam begins with the Analytical Writing section, which includes a single "Analyze an Issue" essay task to be completed in 30 minutes.
Next, the Verbal Reasoning section is split into two parts: Section 1 with 12 questions (18 minutes) and Section 2 with 15 questions (23 minutes), totaling 27 questions to be answered in 41 minutes. The Quantitative Reasoning section also has two parts: Section 1 with 12 questions (21 minutes) and Section 2 with 15 questions (26 minutes), again making 27 questions to be completed in 47 minutes.
The GRE test is section-level adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the second section in both Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning depends on the candidate's performance in the first section. In addition, there is no negative marking, so candidates can attempt all questions without penalty. The scoring range for Verbal and Quantitative sections is 130–170 each (in 1-point increments), while the Analytical Writing section is scored from 0–6 in half-point increments.
The GRE exam structure is different for the General Test and the Subject Tests. The GRE General Test is designed to assess candidates' overall verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. On the other hand, the GRE Subject Tests focus on academic fields like Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Each Subject Test consists of only one section with multiple-choice questions related to the chosen subject.
GRE General Test Exam Structure 2025
Below is the GRE Exam Question Paper format for the general tests:
GRE Subject Test Exam Structure 2025
Here is the GRE exam pattern for the subject test:
GRE Exam 2025 Latest Pattern/Changes
Here are the latest changes in the pattern of the GRE exam:
- The GRE exam time duration for the general test is now shorter, with a total test time of 1 hour and 58 minutes. Previously, the exam was about 4 hours long.
- The Analytical Writing section now includes only one essay task ("Analyze an Issue"), instead of two.
- The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections each have 27 questions, split into two subsections of 12 and 15 questions.
- The GRE exam sections are adaptive. Therefore, the difficulty of the second section in Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning depends on the performance in the first section.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Unscored or experimental sections have been removed, which makes the test more focused and efficient.
Candidates can visit the official website of ETS to find the latest GRE sample papers and practice questions. ETS provides free, official GRE sample papers and practice materials, including the POWERPREP practice tests, which simulate the actual GRE General Test experience. Additionally, they can explore the official GRE Exam Practice Tests Guide to prepare for the GRE exam 2025.
GRE Exam Paper PDF 2025
Here are the GRE Exam Sample Questions Paper PDF for each section in the GRE General Test:
GRE Analytical Writing Sample Papers
GRE Verbal Reasoning Sample Papers
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Sample Papers
Frequently Asked Questions
The GRE has three parts: 1 Analytical Writing task, 2 Verbal sections, and 2 Quantitative sections.
The GRE General Test in 2025 takes 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete.
1 Analytical Writing task, 27 Verbal Reasoning questions, 27 Quantitative Reasoning questions, making a total of 55 questions.
The GRE General Test has a total of 340 marks for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6.