GRE Syllabus 2025: Section-wise, Exam Pattern & Preparation Tips

The GRE Syllabus 2025 outlines the key components of the Graduate Record Examination, a standardized test designed for international students seeking postgraduate education. It measures critical skills such as critical thinking, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving. Many graduate schools require the GRE for admission to master’s and doctoral programs. Candidates can take the exam online up to five times a year, with a minimum 21-day gap between attempts. 

Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE assesses readiness for advanced academic work. The syllabus includes three main sections: quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and verbal reasoning. Familiarity with these components is crucial for candidates aiming to succeed in their graduate school applications. These abilities are key indicators of student performance in higher education overseas. Achieving a qualifying score on the GRE is crucial for those wishing to study abroad. To excel, candidates need to be familiar with the most up-to-date GRE syllabus.  Read more to explore and understand the GRE syllabus 2025.

What is the GRE Exam Syllabus?

The GRE Exam Syllabus 2025 is primarily composed of three sections: GRE Analytical Writing, GRE Verbal Reasoning, and GRE Quantitative Reasoning. The conducting body, ETS, provides an overview of the syllabus, which is covered in all three sections, helping to understand better the content and skills required for the GRE.

What are the GRE Exam Syllabus 2025 Changes?

The GRE Syllabus 2025 has some important updates: – 

The total exam time is now about 1 hour and 58 minutes. 

• There are fewer questions in the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections. 
•  The ‘Analyze an Argument’ task has been removed from the writing section. – The unscored section has been taken out. 
•  GRE subject tests can now be done on a computer from home, with more test centers and dates available. 
•  Physics and Psychology subject tests last two hours, while the Chemistry test was discontinued as of April 2023. –
• You can now get your official GRE scores in 8 to 10 days. 

 

What was the Old GRE Syllabus Format?

Previously, the GRE Syllabus had three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing, each with a set number of questions and time limits, and scores ranged from 130 to 170.

What is the GRE Test Format?

The GRE exam is of two types: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test.

• GRE General Test

The GRE General Test refers to a standardised examination that assesses students’ verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills and abilities.

• GRE Subject Test

The college requires the GRE Subject Test for more specialised courses to judge the candidate’s proficiency in the relevant disciplines.

What is the GRE General Test & GRE Exam Pattern?

Being familiar with the GRE Test Pattern is very important. Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning are three primary elements of the GRE syllabus. The GRE computer-based test extends to 1 hour and 58 minutes.

Section	Total Questions	Types of Questions	Score Range	Duration
GRE Verbal Reasoning	Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions	Reading Comprehension Text Completion Sentence Equivalence	130-170 (in 1-point increments)	Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes
GRE Quantitative Reasoning	Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions	Geometry Algebra Arithmetic Data Analysis	130-170 (in 1-point increments)	Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)	1	Analyzing an Issue	0-6 (in 0.5-point increments)	30 minutes
Total	54 MCQs 1 Descriptive	–	260-340	1 hour 58 minutes

 

GRE General Test Syllabus & Question Types

The general test is divided into three parts under the revised GRE pattern and syllabus. These are of the following types:

1. Analytical Writing
2. Quantitative Analysis
3. Reasoning with Words

Let us look at each of the segments for a better understanding along with the GRE pattern total marks.

What is the GRE Exam Syllabus 2025: Verbal Reasoning Section?

The verbal Reasoning section targets to measure the test taker’s abilities to analyze and draw conclusions from the discourses, reason from incomplete data, identify of author’s assumptions as well as perspective, selection of essential points, distinguish major from minor or relevant points, summarize texts, understanding the structure of the text, understanding the meaning of words, sentences and also entire texts, the relationship between words and concepts are tried to be understood.

What Are The Different Parts Of The GRE Verbal Syllabus?

• Reading Comprehension

For the section on Reading Comprehension, candidates are required to answer passages based on various subjects, including humanities and natural sciences. Multiple passages are present in the exam, and candidates would be required to read as well as analyze the passages very minutely before answering the questions. It is about how well you understand the passages and respond correctly.

• Sentence Equivalence

This section is about the ability to complete the paragraphs which is based on incomplete information, and candidates would be required to choose two ways for completion of the sentence which have the same meaning while being grammatically correct.

• Text Completion

This section is all about the ability to form a complete picture from the text which is presented. Both sentence equivalence and text completion assess the candidate’s grasp of the vocabulary. We need to know both the words and their meanings.

GRE Exam Syllabus 2025: Quantitative Reasoning Section (GRE Math Syllabus)

The quantitative reasoning part aims to measure the test taker’s abilities to understand the quantitative information, interpret it, as well as analyse the quantitative data, solving of problems using mathematical models, as well as application of mathematical skills and other elementary mathematical conceptions, which include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, among others.

List of Topics in GRE Quant Section

Topics of GRE Quant Syllabus	Sub-topics of GRE Quant Syllabus
Arithmetic	– Property and Types of Integers
	– Powers and Roots
	– Statistics
	– Estimation
	– Number Properties
	– Percentage
	– Exponents and Roots
	– Ratios and Proportions
	– Simple and Compound Interest
	– Arithmetic Operations
Geometry	– Lines and Angles
	– Circles
	– Triangles
	– Quadrilaterals
	– Polygons
	– Three-Dimensional Figures
	– Area, Perimeter, Volume
	– Angle Measurements
Data Analysis	– Descriptive Statistics (Median, Mean, Range, Mode, Percentiles)
	– Data Interpretation (Graphs, Circle Graphs, Scatter Plots)
	– Probability
	– Permutations and Combinations
	– Venn Diagrams
	– Set Theory
Algebra	– Exponents
	– Algebraic Expressions (Factoring and Simplifying)
	– Equations and Inequalities
	– Linear and Quadratic Inequalities
	– Linear Equations
	– Quadratic Equations
	– Word Problems
	– Speed, Distance, and Time
	– Profit and Loss
	– Coordinate Geometry

 

GRE Analytical Writing Syllabus

GRE Analytical Writing measures the following abilities:

1. Articulation of complex ideas which are clear and compelling.
2. Supports ideas as well as relevant reasons and examples
3. Sustains a well-focused and coherent discussion
4. Helps to control elements of standard written English.

The section has one task, which is to analyse an issue. The tasks come from a variety of subjects, including fine arts and humanities, to the social and also physical sciences, but the task does not require any specific content knowledge.

GRE Syllabus 2025: Types of Questions

The following types of questions are asked in the different sections of the GRE:

• Reading Comprehension

More than half of the questions on the test are based on Reading Comprehension, which is based on passages, and the number of questions on a given passage can range from one to six. Passages are taken from various domains, including biological sciences, social sciences, and everyday topics, as well as from both academic and non-academic sources.

• Sentence Equivalence

These questions are meant to test the ability to reach a suitable conclusion about how a passage should have been completed based on partial information. Questions of sentence equivalence consist of a single sentence with just one blank, and they also ask to find two choices that both lead to a complete and coherent sentence and produce sentences with the same meaning.

• Text Completion

Skilled readers maintain a constant attitude of interpretation and evaluation, reasoning from what they have read so far to create a comprehensive picture and revising it as they progress. Text completion questions are designed to test this ability by omitting crucial words from short passages and asking the test taker to use the remaining information in the passages as the basis for selecting words or short phrases to fill in the blanks and create meaningful sentences.

Vocabulary is critical and also requires skill for answering sentence equivalence and text completion questions. The GRE Syllabus PDF is also a vital tool for understanding the topics covered and practising efficiently.

GRE Subject Test Syllabus & Question Types

The GRE Subject Test lasts for 2 hours and 50 minutes, and the question format is multiple-choice. Here is a list of topics for each subject, along with the number of questions.

GRE Subject	Total Questions	Syllabus Topics
GRE Math	66	– Algebra
		– Calculus
		– Additional Topics
GRE Physics	100	– Classical Mechanics
		– Electromagnetism
		– Optics and Wave Phenomena
		– Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
		– Quantum Mechanics
		– Atomic Physics
		– Special Relativity
		– Laboratory Methods
		– Specialized Topics
GRE Psychology	205	– Biological
		– Cognitive
		– Developmental
		– Social
		– Clinical
		– Measurement/Methodology/Other
GRE Computer Science	70	– Software Systems and Methodology
		– Computer Organization and Architecture
		– Theory in Mathematical Background
		– Numerical Analysis/AI/Computer Graphics/Others

 

GRE Preparation Tips 2025

After analysing the GRE syllabus, the candidates can start their preparation for the GRE. A few critical GRE Preparation tips are mentioned below:

1. Familiarise yourself with the GRE Syllabus and format, and also start preparing for the GRE test.
2. Set a target score for the GRE and began preparation accordingly.
3. Assign priority to specific sections based on the amount of practice and their importance.
4. Check the cut off score for GRE for various universities for understanding the exam pattern and also for learning time management during examination.
5. The use of test features, which include marking and reviewing, instead of allocating more time to a single question.

Tips for Verbal Reasoning

1. Enhancement of vocabulary by reading newspapers and by practicing new words daily.
2. Practice of the reading section for GRE, which will improve skills of comprehension.
3. Understanding of sentence structure as well as tone of paragraph which will analyze the meaning and formation of sentences.

Tips for Quantitative Reasoning

1. Practising and understanding basic math concepts which include arithmetic algebra, geometry, as well as data analysis. Evaluation of formulas, problem-solving, and properties for each topic.
2. Enhancing problem-solving skills by practising numerous queries will help candidates stay focused and work with speed and accuracy.

Tips for Analytical Writing

For this section, understand the essay writing task and analyze the issue and aim of a given topic. After practising this section of the GRE syllabus, candidates can enhance their critical thinking skills and also learn effective time management.

How is the GRE Exam scored?

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is designed to assess various skills crucial for graduate-level studies. Understanding its structure and scoring is key to adequate preparation. The exam evaluates Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing skills, each with distinct scoring criteria. 

After completion of the GRE, you will receive three types of scores: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing. Immediately after completion of the test, unofficial scores for both sections will be displayed on the screen. An email will be received when scores are available, informing you to check your GRE account.

 

Section	Score Scale	Increments
Analytical Writing (AW)	0 to 6	0.5 increments
Verbal Reasoning (VR)	130 to 170	1-point increments
Quantitative Reasoning (QR)	130 to 170	1 -1-point increments

 What should one do after attempting the GRE?

After obtaining the GRE, the score is valid for 5 years from the test date. When applying to various universities abroad, applicants are required to submit specific documents, including a Letter of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, Academic Qualifications, and Extracurricular Activities, among others.

If the results are what you wanted and you are happy with them, without wasting any time, we should start building the resume, as it plays a crucial role in the admission process. Making a list of universities you wish to apply to and also gathering information on the documents the university would require while applying, as each university has different requirements.

FAQs on the GRE Syllabus 2025

What are the three sections of the GRE syllabus?

The GRE test consists of three sections: Analytical Writing (which includes one essay), Verbal Reasoning (focused on reading comprehension and vocabulary), and Quantitative Reasoning (comprising math problems and data analysis tasks).

Where can I find the official GRE study materials that align with the syllabus? 

You can find both complimentary and paid resources on the ETS official website, which offers practice exams, question banks, and preparation guides that follow the GRE syllabus.

Where can I find details about the GRE syllabus and exam pattern?

If you’re planning to take the GRE, it’s a good idea to visit the official website for the most up-to-date information on the exam pattern and GRE syllabus.

What is the difference between the GRE syllabus and the GMAT syllabus?

The GRE emphasises vocabulary and allows a calculator in the quant section, while the GMAT focuses on logical reasoning and data analysis. Their writing tasks also differ in format and scoring.