The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test required for admission to graduate schools in the United States and Canada. The GRE is owned and administered by the Educational Testing Service. This exam has 3 major sections—analytical writing, verbal listening, and quantitative reasoning. It is among the most competitive exams taken by over 3 lakh students around the globe. But how can one ace this exam? By getting an in-depth understanding of the GRE syllabus.
Yes, along with rigorous practice and preparation, one of the main tricks to score well in your GRE exam is to master the skill of time management. For that, you must begin your preparation in advance and have a clear understanding of the GRE exam syllabus.
This blog details the GRE general test syllabus and GRE subject test syllabus covering each section, all the recent changes, and updates in the GRE 2022 syllabus.
| Table of Contents |
An Overview of GRE Exam Syllabus
GRE exam is a multiple-choice, computer-based, standardized test. The GRE test syllabus has 3 major sections:
- GRE Analytical Writing
- GRE Verbal Listening
- GRE Quantitative Reasoning
The candidate is scored on these three domains; the verbal reasoning section is scored on a scale of 130–170, in single-point incremental, the quantitative reasoning section is scored on a scale of 130–170 with single-point increments, and the analytical writing is scored at a 0 to 6 level, in increments of half point.
This test is used for admissions or fellowship panels to supplement your undergraduate records, letters of recommendation, or other qualifications for graduate-level study. Further, let’s explore the types of GRE tests.
Suggested: All about GRE at Home 2022
GRE Test Formats
GRE exam has two globally popular test patterns:
1. GRE General Test
GRE general test is the standard exam that tests a student's verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Most universities accept the general test score, and usually, a majority of students opt for this test. It takes place throughout the year, and candidates can choose the exam date at their convenience. This test’s score is valid for 5 years.
2. GRE Subject Test
For more specific courses, a GRE subject test might be required by a college, as the GRE subject test focuses on judging the candidate’s expertise in specific fields like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Literature, Psychology, etc. The exam is conducted on a fixed date for everyone, like an entrance exam.
Further, let’s explore the GRE syllabus 2022 for the general test in detail.
GRE General Test Syllabus 2022
As mentioned, the GRE general test evaluates a candidate with three sections. Therefore, let’s go through each of these sections' syllabus.
GRE Analytical Writing
The test always begins with GRE analytical writing. The candidate is given the task of writing two essays with 30 minutes for each. One essay requires the candidate to analyze an issue, and the other is an analysis of an argument.
- For analyzing an issue, the writers are presented with an opinion and particular instructions on responding to the said issue. Your answer must be substantiated with relevant reasons and arguments.
- For the task of analyzing an argument, you will be required to evaluate it as per instruction and objectively analyse it.
GRE Verbal Listening
The GRE verbal reasoning section intends to test your ability to comprehend written text, form conclusions, and figure out relationships between two or more parts of a sentence. In this, there are two sets of 20 questions each, and you get 30 minutes to answer each set.
The three types of questions that come in this section are:
- Reading Comprehension (RC) – 10 questions/set
- Text Completion (TC) – 5-6 questions/set
- Sentence Equivalence (SE) – 4-5 questions/set
GRE Quantitative Reasoning
For the GRE quantitative reasoning section, you will be assessed on your:
- Mathematical foundations
- Mathematical concepts
- Quantitative reasoning and quantitative problem-solving skills
Quantitative reasoning problems may be based on real-life issues or based in mathematical settings.
Suggested: GRE 1 Month Study Plan
Now you know the syllabus for GRE 2022 general test, further, let’s explore the GRE subject test syllabus.
GRE Subject Test Syllabus
The GRE subject test is for the more specific courses that you want to pursue. Here is the GRE test syllabus and a list of the subjects, along with the major topics gauged in the exam. Let’s go through the GRE 2022 syllabus for subject test.
|
Subject |
No. of Questions |
Syllabus Topics |
|
Chemistry |
130 |
|
|
Mathematics |
66 |
|
|
Physics |
100 |
|
|
Psychology
|
205 |
|
Suggested: Best GRE Preparation Books
Next, let’s explore the GRE exam pattern in detail.
GRE Exam Pattern
The total number of questions asked in the GRE general test is 82, out of which 80 are MCQs, and two are descriptive (essay form). Having seen the GRE 2022 syllabus, have a glance at a detailed description of the GRE exam syllabus:
|
Section |
Total Questions |
Types of Questions |
Score Range |
Duration |
|
GRE Verbal Reasoning |
20+20= 40 |
Reading Comprehension Text Completion Sentence Equivalence |
130-170 (in 1 point increment) |
60 minutes (30 minutes per section |
|
GRE Quantitative Reasoning |
20+20= 40 |
Quantitative Comparison Questions Numeric Entry Questions |
130-170 (in 1 point increment) |
70 (35 minutes per section) |
|
GRE Analytical Reasoning Questions |
1+1= 2 |
Analyzing an Issue Analyzing an Argument |
0-6 (in 0.5 point increment) |
30 minutes for each task |
|
Total |
80 MCQs 2 Descriptive |
- |
260-340 |
3 hours 10 minutes |
GRE is a way to fulfil your dream of pursuing a bachelor's degree in top universities abroad. The best way to ace up your GRE preparation is to start in advance. So, buck up and start working with dedication to score well in your GRE exams.
To know your baseline score (the score without preparation), you can take diagnostic tests with the Yocket Prep service. With this, you can create a personalised GRE prep strategy, solve GRE tests with an adaptive algorithm, enjoy priority-based sectioning, detailed score reports, etc.
Further, you can also take end-to-end expert guidance from our counsellors by subscribing to Yocket premium.
Frequently Asked Questions on GRE Syllabus
Ques. For how long are the GRE scores valid?
Ans. Once you have taken the GRE exam, your scores are valid for a period of 5 years.
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for GRE?
Ans. GRE Eligibility criteria depict that ETS, the conducting body of the GRE test, has not prescribed any GRE age limit or GRE qualification required for candidates to appear for the test. However, GRE is a standardized test specifically for graduate courses, and candidates are expected to have successfully completed their undergraduate programs.
Ques. What is the GRE exam application fee?
Ans. The application fee will cost around Rs. 15,912.
Ques. How to score high on the GRE exam?
Ans. A good GRE score can be the stepping stone toward your study abroad dream. Here are some of the top GRE tips to score high:
- Craft a study plan and stick to it
- Create an error log
- Brush up on GRE vocabulary
- Take practice tests regularly
Ques. Which are the best books to refer to for preparing for GRE?
Ans. Here is a list of the best books you can refer to while preparing for the GRE syllabus 2022:
- Magoosh GRE Prep.
- Kaplan GRE Prep Plus.
- Test Prep Books GRE Prep.
- The Princeton Review GRE Prep.
- Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems.