The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test required for admission to graduate, business, and PhD programs worldwide. Understanding the GRE syllabus is crucial for preparing efficiently and achieving a high score.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the GRE syllabus, including section-wise topics, important concepts, and expert preparation strategies.
GRE Exam Structure & Format
✔ The GRE General Test consists of three sections:
- Verbal Reasoning (41 minutes)
- Quantitative Reasoning (47 minutes)
- Analytical Writing (AWA) (30 minutes)
✔ The total GRE exam duration is 1 hour 58 minutes (without breaks).
📌 GRE Exam Pattern Overview
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 27 questions | 41 minutes | 130-170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 27 questions | 47 minutes | 130-170 |
| Analytical Writing | 1 essay task | 30 minutes | 0-6 |
💡 Why It Matters? The GRE syllabus is designed to test critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical writing skills, essential for graduate-level studies.
GRE Verbal Reasoning Syllabus
The Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to understand and analyze written content, evaluate arguments, and recognize relationships between words and concepts.
📌 GRE Verbal Reasoning Topics
✔ Reading Comprehension (50% of Verbal Section)
- Identifying main ideas and supporting details
- Analyzing author’s tone and intent
- Drawing inferences from the passage
- Understanding relationships between different parts of a passage
✔ Text Completion (25% of Verbal Section)
- Fill in the blanks with the correct word/phrase
- Understanding contextual meanings
- Eliminating incorrect answer choices
✔ Sentence Equivalence (25% of Verbal Section)
- Choosing two words that create a similar sentence meaning
- Understanding vocabulary in context
📌 GRE Verbal Question Format
| Question Type | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 15 |
| Text Completion | 6 |
| Sentence Equivalence | 6 |
💡 Pro Tip: Improve your vocabulary using GRE word lists, practice active reading, and understand the context behind complex sentences.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus
The Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates your ability to solve mathematical problems, interpret data, and apply logical reasoning.
📌 GRE Quantitative Reasoning Topics
✔ Arithmetic
- Integers, fractions, decimals
- Exponents, roots, and percentages
- Ratios and proportions
✔ Algebra
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Quadratic equations
- Functions and algebraic expressions
✔ Geometry
- Properties of angles, triangles, circles
- Area, perimeter, and volume calculations
- Coordinate geometry
✔ Data Analysis
- Interpretation of graphs and charts
- Probability and statistics
- Mean, median, mode, standard deviation
📌 GRE Quantitative Question Format
| Question Type | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Comparison | 7-8 |
| Problem-Solving (Multiple Choice & Numeric Entry) | 19-20 |
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on fast problem-solving strategies, estimation techniques, and understanding question patterns to improve your Quant score.
GRE Analytical Writing Syllabus
The Analytical Writing section (AWA) tests your ability to think critically, structure logical arguments, and write clear, well-supported essays.
📌 GRE Analytical Writing Topics
✔ Issue Task (1 Essay - 30 Minutes)
- Write an essay supporting or opposing a given statement.
- Use examples, reasoning, and analysis to present your argument.
✔ Evaluation Criteria for GRE AWA
- Clarity and organization
- Logical development of ideas
- Use of relevant examples and evidence
- Grammar, syntax, and sentence structure
📌 GRE AWA Scoring Scale
| Score Range | Performance Level |
|---|---|
| 5.0 – 6.0 | Excellent writing skills |
| 4.0 – 4.5 | Good but needs improvement |
| 3.0 – 3.5 | Average writing ability |
| Below 3.0 | Weak writing skills |
💡 Pro Tip: Practice writing structured essays using GRE essay prompts, develop logical reasoning, and use relevant examples to support your arguments.
GRE Subject Test Syllabus
✔ The GRE Subject Tests are required for specialized graduate programs and are available in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.
✔ Subject tests are paper-based and conducted in April, September, and October.
📌 GRE Subject Test Overview
| Subject Test | Duration | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2 hours 50 minutes | 200-990 |
| Physics | 2 hours 50 minutes | 200-990 |
| Psychology | 2 hours 50 minutes | 200-990 |
💡 Why It Matters? Subject tests help applicants demonstrate specialized knowledge for research-based programs.
How to Prepare for the GRE Syllabus?
✔ Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with question types and section-wise topics.
✔ Use Official GRE Practice Tests: Take full-length PowerPrep tests by ETS to simulate real test conditions.
✔ Improve Vocabulary: Use Barron’s 1100 Words and Magoosh GRE Flashcards to enhance vocabulary.
✔ Practice Time Management: Allocate specific time per question to ensure completion of each section.
✔ Solve GRE Mock Tests: Regular practice tests help improve accuracy and speed.
💡 Pro Tip: Take at least 5-7 full-length GRE mock tests before the exam to improve time management and confidence.
FAQs About GRE Syllabus
1. What is covered in the GRE syllabus?
✔ The GRE syllabus includes Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
2. Is the GRE syllabus the same for all programs?
✔ Yes, the GRE General Test syllabus is standard, but Subject Tests vary based on specialization.
3. How difficult is the GRE syllabus?
✔ The GRE syllabus is challenging but manageable with consistent practice and strategic preparation.
4. Can I prepare for the GRE syllabus in 3 months?
✔ Yes, 3-4 months of dedicated study is sufficient for achieving a high GRE score.
5. Do all universities require the GRE?
✔ No, some universities have waived the GRE requirement for specific programs. Always check individual university requirements.
Conclusion
Understanding the GRE syllabus is the first step toward effective preparation. By focusing on Verbal, Quant, and Analytical Writing sections, practicing with mock tests, and improving time management, you can maximize your GRE score.
