The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the most widely accepted standardized tests for admission to graduate, business, and PhD programs worldwide. One of the key aspects of GRE preparation is understanding the exam duration, time allocation for each section, and strategies for managing time effectively during the test.
In this guide, we explain how long the GRE exam lasts, section-wise time breakdown, testing structure, break durations, and expert time management tips to help you perform at your best.
How Long Is the GRE Exam?
✔ The GRE General Test lasts approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.
✔ It consists of three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning (41 minutes)
- Quantitative Reasoning (47 minutes)
- Analytical Writing (30 minutes)
✔ There are optional 10-minute breaks after certain sections.
📌 Total GRE Exam Time Including Breaks
| Exam Component | Time Duration |
|---|---|
| Analytical Writing Section | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning Section | 41 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning Section | 47 minutes |
| Optional Break (After Sections) | 10 minutes |
| Total Exam Time | 1 hour 58 minutes (without breaks) |
| Total Exam Time (with breaks) | 2 hours 8 minutes |
💡 Why It Matters? Knowing the exact time allocation for each section helps in better preparation and time management strategies during the test.
GRE Section-Wise Duration Breakdown
Each section of the GRE has a specific time limit that requires careful time management.
1. Analytical Writing Section (30 Minutes Total)
✔ Total Time: 30 minutes
✔ Number of Tasks: 1 (Analyze an Issue Task)
✔ Time per Task: 30 minutes
💡 Time Management Tip:
- Spend 5 minutes brainstorming and outlining.
- Allocate 20 minutes for writing and 5 minutes for reviewing and editing.
2. Verbal Reasoning Section (41 Minutes Total)
✔ Total Time: 41 minutes
✔ Number of Questions: 27
✔ Time per Question: ~90 seconds
📌 Verbal Reasoning Time Breakdown
| Question Type | Number of Questions | Suggested Time per Question |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 15 | ~90-120 seconds |
| Text Completion | 6 | ~60-90 seconds |
| Sentence Equivalence | 6 | ~45-60 seconds |
💡 Time Management Tip:
- Skim the passage first to grasp the main idea before answering questions.
- Don’t spend more than 2 minutes on any single question.
3. Quantitative Reasoning Section (47 Minutes Total)
✔ Total Time: 47 minutes
✔ Number of Questions: 27
✔ Time per Question: ~105 seconds
📌 Quantitative Reasoning Time Breakdown
| Question Type | Number of Questions | Suggested Time per Question |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Comparison | 7-8 | ~60-90 seconds |
| Problem-Solving (Multiple Choice & Numeric Entry) | 19-20 | ~90-120 seconds |
💡 Time Management Tip:
- Identify easy questions first and solve them quickly to save time for difficult ones.
- Use estimation techniques to eliminate incorrect answer choices quickly.
Breaks During the GRE Exam
✔ The GRE provides one optional 10-minute break.
✔ It is scheduled after the second section (Verbal or Quant).
✔ Short 1-minute breaks are automatically provided between sections.
💡 How to Use Your Break Effectively?
- Stretch & move around to stay alert.
- Stay hydrated and eat a small snack.
- Avoid checking your phone to maintain focus.
Time Management Strategies for the GRE
1. Keep Track of Time During the Exam
✔ The on-screen timer shows remaining time for each section.
✔ Use the "mark for review" feature to revisit questions if needed.
2. Prioritize Easy Questions First
✔ Answer easy and medium-level questions first.
✔ Save difficult or time-consuming questions for the end.
3. Avoid Spending Too Much Time on One Question
✔ If stuck, move on and return later if time allows.
✔ Spending more than 2 minutes on a question can reduce your overall score.
4. Use Process of Elimination
✔ Eliminate wrong answers first to increase the odds of choosing correctly.
✔ In multiple-choice questions, guessing is better than leaving it blank.
FAQs About GRE Exam Duration
1. How long does the GRE take?
✔ The GRE General Test lasts 1 hour and 58 minutes (without breaks) and 2 hours and 8 minutes (with breaks).
2. How much time do I get per GRE question?
✔ Verbal Reasoning: ~90 seconds per question.
✔ Quantitative Reasoning: ~105 seconds per question.
3. Is there a timer on the GRE screen?
✔ Yes, the GRE test screen displays a countdown timer for each section.
4. Can I take breaks during the GRE exam?
✔ Yes, there is one optional 10-minute break and short 1-minute breaks between sections.
5. What happens if I run out of time in a section?
✔ Unanswered questions are scored as zero. Try to guess strategically rather than leaving answers blank.
Conclusion
Understanding the GRE exam duration and time allocation is crucial for effective test-taking strategies. By managing time wisely, prioritizing easy questions, and using elimination techniques, you can maximize your GRE score.
