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GRE Syllabus

Exam

Aditya Jha

Updated on 09th June, 2023 , 5 min read

The GRE or Graduate Record Examination is the initial step for aspirants who wish to pursue Masters or Graduate-level study abroad. The GRE exam can be attempted by students in two formats namely, GRE General and Subject test. The GRE syllabus for both test formats is distinct from each other. The GRE syllabus consists of three sections - Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The duration of the GRE exam is 3 hours and 45 minutes and the result of the GRE exam is valid for up to 5 years, once it is received by the candidate. 

The article below provides a detailed description of the GRE syllabus for the GRE General and Subject test.

Candidates can also study abroad through the GMAT result/score. To have a comprehensive understanding of the GMAT exam refer to the below-mentioned articles:

GMAT Preparation Tips 2023

GMAT Exam Fees

GMAT Total Score

GMAT Syllabus

GRE Syllabus for General Test

The verbal reasoning, critical thinking, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning portions of the GRE exam are counted. The three sections of the GRE syllabus are generally referred to as analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. The GRE test can be taken on a computer or on paper, and each has a unique test format. Typically, students who wish to pursue graduate degrees overseas take the computer-based exam. 

The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning components of the computer-delivered GRE exam each have 20 questions, and the Analytical Writing section comprises two independently timed projects.

GRE Exam Pattern And Syllabus:

GRE sections

No. of sections

Duration

Verbal Reasoning

2 sections – 40 questions

60 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning

2 sections – 40 questions

70 minutes

Analytical Writing

1 section – two tasks

60 minutes

Unscored

Varies

Varies

Research

Varies

Varies

GRE Syllabus: Pattern for General Test (Paper-Delivered)

On the contrary, the paper-delivered GRE exam comprises two portions for analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. In contrast to the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections, which each have 25 questions, the analytical writing component contains just one exercise. You will have 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete the GRE Paper-delivered test.

GRE sections

No. of Sections

Duration

Verbal Reasoning

2 sections – 50 questions

70 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning

2 sections – 50 questions

80 minutes

Analytical Writing

2 sections – 2 tasks

60 minutes

Unscored

NA

NA

Research

NA

NA

GRE Syllabus: Verbal Reasoning

A candidate's comprehension of word meanings, sentences, and complete texts will be put to the test on the GRE Verbal Reasoning part. The GRE syllabus of verbal reasoning mainly measures the candidate's comprehension of the connections between terms and concepts.

The GRE syllabus of verbal reasoning includes three sections which are:

  • Text completion: The candidate's capacity to analyze and assess the data presented in brief passages of five phrases are tested in this portion. Based on the details in the passage, they must complete one to three blanks.
  • Comprehension reading: The purpose of the questions in this section is to gauge how the candidate comprehends and translates the provided material. They must comprehend the text's organizational structure, recognize the author's presumptions and point of view, determine the meaning of individual words and phrases, explain the text, engage in textual analysis, and draw inferences from the text.
  • Sentence equivalence: Candidates in this section must use the provided partial information to complete the passage. There will be one blank and six possible answers. There will be no points awarded for partially accurate responses, therefore candidates must mark the proper answer options.

The topics which came under the GRE syllabus of verbal reasoning are as follows:

  • Verb tense
  • Pronoun Agreement
  • Modifiers and Parallelism
  • Idioms and Idiomatic expressions
  • Subject-Verb Agreement
  • Nouns, Adjectives, Pronouns

GRE Syllabus: Quantitative Reasoning

A candidate's capacity to use mathematical models to solve issues is tested in the GRE Quantitative Reasoning part. Applicants must be able to comprehend, evaluate, and interpret quantitative data. Applying fundamental elementary knowledge and abilities in math, geometry,  algebra, and data analysis can help them to ace this section.

Arithmetic

Geometry

Data Analysis

Algebra

Property and types of integer

Lines and angles

Descriptive statistics such as Median, Mean, Range, Mode, Percentiles, etc.

Exponents

Power and roots

Circles

Interpretation of data based on graphs, circle graphs, scatter plots, etc

Algebraic Expressions – Factoring and Simplifying

Statistics  

Triangle

Probability

Equations and inequalities

Estimation

Quadrilaterals

Permutation and Combination

Linear and Quadratic inequalities

Number properties

Polygon

Venn Diagrams

Linear Equations

Percentage

Three-dimensional figures

Sets Theory

Quadratic equations

Exponents and Roots

Area, Perimeter, Volume

 

Word Problems

Ratio and proportions

Angle Measurements

 

Speed, distance, and Time

Simple and Compound Interest

 

 

Profit and Loss

Arithmetic Operations

 

 

Coordinate geometry

GRE Syllabus: Analytical Writing

How well a candidate can efficiently and clearly communicate complex ideas are tested on the GRE Analytical Writing part. A candidate must be able to back them up with appropriate arguments and examples. It calls on them to give targeted responses based on the tasks assigned.

The GRE syllabus of analytical writing syllabus consists of two sections:

  • Analyse and Argument: A candidate must assess a given argument in accordance with supplied guidelines.
  • Analyse and Issue: In order to complete this step, an applicant must give a solution to a broad interest problem along with detailed instructions on how to handle it.

GRE Syllabus for Subject Test:

The GRE syllabus for Subject tests consists of the following topics:

Biology: 

The topics included in this section are:

  1. 1. Cellular and Molecular Biology
  2. 2. Organism Biology
  3. 3. Ecology and Evolution

Chemistry:

The topics included in this section are:

  1. 1. Analytical Chemistry
  2. 2. Inorganic Chemistry
  3. 3. Organic Chemistry
  4. 4. Physical Chemistry

English:

The topics included in this section are:

  1. 1. Literary Analysis
  2. 2. Identification
  3. 3. Cultural and Historical Contexts
  4. 4. History and Theory of Literary Criticism

Maths:

The topics included in this section are:

  1. Algebra
  2. Calculus
  3. Discrete Mathematics
  4. Geometry
  5. Statistics

Physics:

The topics include in this section are:

  1. Classical Mechanics
  2. Electromagnetism
  3. Optics and Wave Phenomena
  4. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  5. Quantum Mechanics
  6. Atomic Physics
  7. Special Relativity
  8. Laboratory Methods

Psychology:

The topics included in this section are:

  1. Biological
  2. Cognitive
  3. Developmental
  4. Social
  5. Clinical
  6. Measurement/Methodology, etc.

Similar Reads:

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GRE Total Marks

GRE Syllabus: Key Pointers

  • The three sections of the GRE General Test syllabus are analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.
  • The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE has three subsections: Sentence Equivalence, Reading Comprehension, and Text Completion. This section covers a variety of subjects, such as parallelism and modifiers, verb tenses, idioms, and idiomatic expressions.
  • Six subjects are included on the GRE Subject test: chemistry, physics, biology, English literature, mathematics, and psychology.
  • There are two ways to take the GRE General Test: Formats supplied electronically or by mail.
  • The quantitative reasoning component of the GRE syllabus assesses your capacity to answer issues using mathematical models. The subjects to be covered are algebra, geometry, data analysis, and
  • Two assignments are included in the syllabus for the analytical writing section: "Analyse an issue" and "Analyse an argument."

Get to know more about other exams for candidates who wish to study abroad:

IELTS Exam 2023

IELTS Band Score

TOEFL Exam Pattern

TOEFL Exam Dates

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