GRE Exam Pattern - Marking Scheme, Duration, Section-wise Test Pattern

GRE Exam Pattern

Understanding the GRE exam pattern is one of the first steps when you begin your preparation for the exam. The Educational Testing Services (ETS) has formulated the test structure of the GRE General Test (both computer-based and paper-based) and the GRE Subject Test.

The exam pattern for GRE general test differs from the format of the GRE Subject Test. The total number of questions in the GRE General Test is 82 (80 MCQs and 2 descriptives), which candidates are required to answer in 3 hours and 45 minutes, in case of the computer-based test. If it is a paper-based test, candidates have to attempt 102 questions within 3 hours and 30 minutes. The GRE Subject Test, on the other hand, consists of only MCQs. Candidates have to attempt 66-230 questions within 2 hours and 50 minutes.

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GRE General Test Exam Pattern

GRE is conducted in two formats i.e. GRE computer-based and GRE paper-based. There is a slight variation in the format of the computer-based and paper-based GRE tests. Know the difference by referring to the table given below:  

NOTE: 

• The computer-delivered test comprises six sections with a 10-minute break. 

• The test may include an ‘unscored’ section which does not contribute towards your score. The questions asked in this section might be used in future tests.

• Another ‘research’ section might be included in place of the unscored section. This section also does not contribute to your scores and is used for ETS research purposes. 

NOTE: 

• The Paper-delivered test comprises six sections with a 10-minute break. 

• The first section is always the Analytical Writing section.

• The rest of the sections from Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning may appear in any order. 

Also Read: 10 Mistakes You Should Avoid Making on Tests like GMAT and GRE

GRE Subject Test Exam Pattern

• The GRE Subject Tests are delivered in a paper-based format only. 

• The duration allotted for all the tests is 2 hours and 50 minutes, i.e. 170 minutes. 

• The tests do not have separately-timed sections. 

The GRE Subject Tests are taken for six subjects and the structure and content varies for all of them. 

1. Biology

2. Literature in English

3. Physics 

4. Chemistry

5. Mathematics 

6. Psychology 

You can check the sections and content for each of the subject tests of GRE here. The following table will help you understand the structure of these GRE Subject Tests.  

Also Read: Here's Why You Should Take Expert Guidance for Achieving a 'Good' GRE Score 

GRE Test at Home

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ETS, the conducting body of GRE has allowed students to take the GRE test at home. The decision has been made to ensure the safety of test-takers and to make sure that the maximum number of students are able to take GRE to apply for admissions at universities abroad. 

The option is almost available for students belonging to any part of the world except China, Iran, and the Mainland. However, final confirmation of the availability of the ‘Test at Home’ option is done at the time of registration. Based on the country selected, students will be allowed to take GRE at Home.

The pattern and syllabus of the GRE Test at Home are identical to the original GRE Test. Also, the marking scheme of the GRE Test at Home also remains the same. To maintain the integrity of the test, the online test is monitored by artificial intelligence technology and trained human proctors. 

Check the following link for the detailed GRE Test at Home option:

GRE Test at Home- Disability Accommodation Request

Candidates who need disability accommodation facilities while taking the GRE Test Home can request the same at the time of the registration process. One can request extra time, breaks, screen magnification, or color selection while applying for GRE. For other accommodation requests, one can register through the ETS Disability Services.