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One essential aspect of maintaining your sanity while gearing up for the GRE is acquiring an in-depth understanding of the GRE syllabus–. The process of condensing years of coursework into a limited timeframe can undoubtedly lead to stress and anxiety for anyone.

But where should you begin, which concepts require the most effort, and which section should you tackle first? If these questions are on your mind, you’re in the right place. We’re here to provide comprehensive information about the GRE syllabus, covering the GRE General Test syllabus, GRE Subject test syllabus, preparation strategies, and much more.

Also Read: Free GRE Resources

In this blog:

  1. Changes in the GRE Syllabus
  2. GRE Test Pattern – General
  3. GRE General Test Syllabus
  4. GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus
  5. GRE Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus
  6. GRE Subject Test Syllabus

Changes in the GRE Syllabus

The GRE General test is now all about making things quicker and more efficient! The test duration is slashed in half and you’ll be in and out of the GRE exam in just two hours. Here are the changes that come with the (shorter) Enhanced GRE exam.

As of September 22, 2023, the GRE general test got a makeover, and it’s all about making things quicker and more efficient! The test duration is being slashed in half, so you’ll be in and out in just two hours.

  1. The “Analyse an Argument” task in the Analytical Writing section bids adieu, giving you a breather.
  2. You’ll have a lighter load in the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections, with a total of 54 questions now.
  3. The unscored section made its grand exit. It won’t be hogging your precious time anymore.
  4. Just like the GRE General Tests, GRE subject tests are now available in both computer-based and at-home formats. Convenient, right?
  5. Physics and Psychology enthusiasts, listen up! The GRE exam duration for your subjects is now a swift 2 hours.
  6. Chemistry is no longer offered as a subject test, and the last chemistry test happened in April 2023. But hey, if you took that test, your scores will be hanging around for the next five years.
  7. No more waiting around for your scores! The official GRE scores will now be in your hands in just 8 to 10 days, instead of the previous 10 to 15 calendar days.

GRE Test Pattern – General

GRE Section  Types of questions No. of questions Score range Duration
Quantitative Reasoning Quantitative Comparison, Numeric Entry 27 130-170 ( 1-point increment) 47 minutes
Verbal Reasoning Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence 27 130-170 ( 1-point increment) 41 minutes
Analytical Writing Assessment Analyse an Issue 1 0-6 ( 0.5 point increment) 30 minutes
Total – 54 MCQs + 1 Descriptive 260-340 1 hour 58 minutes

GRE General Test Syllabus

GREVerbal Reasoning Syllabus

The GRE Verbal section tests your ability to analyse written content. This section contains passages, sentences, and words that are like clues in a treasure hunt. Here’s your guide:

In the Verbal section, you’ll encounter three variants of questions :

  1. Reading Comprehension: Dive into paragraphs to show off your comprehension skills. This part assesses your ability to grasp the text’s structure, understand the author’s point of view, decipher word meanings, explain the text, analyse its essence, and draw conclusions.
  2. Text Completion: This section will get your detective mode activated. Small passages with missing words are your playground. In the text completion questions, you’ll have to fill in the blanks with the right words.
  3. Sentence Equivalence: Here’s where you find the missing puzzle piece. With one blank and six answer choices, you must choose the word that best completes the passage.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus

The GRE Quant syllabus includes topics that are familiar to high school-level math concepts, but the questions are all about real-world applications. If you’ve got a good grasp of math, the Quantitative section should feel like a breeze.

  1. Arithmetic: Here, you’ll explore the basics, diving into the properties and types of integers – divisibility, factorization, prime numbers. Expect to tackle arithmetic operations, exponents, and roots, along with estimation, percentages, ratios, rates, and more.
  2. Algebra: Algebra takes you through operations with exponents, factoring, and simplifying algebraic expressions. You’ll delve into relations, functions, equations, and inequalities. Word problems will make appearances while linear and quadratic equations will be your companions, along with simultaneous equations.
  3. Geometry: You’ll encounter parallel and perpendicular lines, circles, various types of triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons. You’ll explore congruent and similar figures, three-dimensional shapes, and concepts like area, perimeter, volume, and the Pythagorean theorem. The focus here is on understanding and application; no need to whip out those geometric proofs.
  4. Data Analysis: Basic descriptive statistics, interpretation of data in various forms, elementary probability, random variables, and counting methods are on the menu. Think like revisiting your high-school algebra classes!

GRE Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus

In the GRE AWA, “Analyze an Issue” task requires a 500-600 word essay on general interest topics, assessing your critical thinking and writing skills.

In this subjective task, persuasion is key. To ace this segment, refine your reading, writing, and vocabulary. Immerse yourself in articles, journals, and essays on various topics. Frequent practice sharpens expression, grammar, and vocabulary. It’s not just about words; it’s about conveying strong ideas effectively. Remember that it’s not merely about words; it’s about the strength of your ideas and how effectively you convey them.

GRE Subject Test Syllabus

The GRE subject test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s expertise in a specific academic field. GRE offers Subject Tests in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology, available in both paper-and-pencil and computer-based format.

Here’s a snapshot of the GRE subject test syllabus:

  1. Mathematics: Covers calculus, algebra, and additional mathematical topics.
  2. Physics: Encompasses classical mechanics, quantum and statistical mechanics, electromagnetism, atomic physics, special relativity, optics, wave phenomena, thermodynamics, laboratory methods, and specialised topics.
  3. Psychology: Topics span clinical, measurement, methodology, social, biological, cognitive, developmental, and more.

Also read: GRE Exam Pattern,Fees and the Question types

Navigating your GRE journey is crucial to meet the score requirements of your dream institutions. With a three-decade history of achieving the highest GRE scores in the industry, we’re here to guide you on the path to success. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our admissions experts to find out if you should really be taking the GRE or skip the exam altogether for your target university. Book your slot now!

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