The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE®) is the first step in planning to study abroad for a master’s or graduate degree. Exam results are also accepted for admission to MBA and some law courses abroad. A thorough and detailed understanding of the GRE syllabus and exam pattern breakdown can increase your chances of scoring highly.
The GRE is a prerequisite for admission to most universities in countries such as the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Singapore. It has prescribed two sets of GRE syllabus as the test is administered in two formats; GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test. The purpose of the GRE is quite different for both the general GRE and the subject GRE. While the GRE General test program measures a candidate’s ability in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The GRE subject test program assesses the candidate’s knowledge in specific areas such as chemistry, psychology, mathematics, and others. Both the GRE tests use different criteria to measure a candidate’s qualifications. The GRE General Test is scored on a 130-170 scale, while the Subject Tests are scored on a 200-990 scale.
Do you know what will be included in the GRE syllabus? What question you will be asked from which section? Don’t worry! This post will give you a brief about the GRE syllabus.
Topics covered
Highlights of the GRE Exam
The GRE seems more difficult than the ACT or SAT because the questions are designed for candidates who have completed an undergraduate degree. The purpose of taking the GRE is to test a candidate’s level of academic performance in undergraduate subjects.
A few points to keep in mind before taking the GRE:
- Whether your chosen course requires the GRE or other tests like the ACT
- Are there any merit-based applicant scholarships or GRE scholarships to fund the course program?
- Have you been shortlisted for a course or Ph.D.?
- Can I apply for further study based on my graduate GPA?
If you believe that a good GRE score is a myth, you need to do a detailed analysis and comparison of the graduate schools you dream of attending. The quantitative and verbal sections of the exam are scored in the range of 130-170. The average GRE Verbal Reasoning score is 151 and the GRE Quantitative Reasoning score is 154. Applicants may take the exam a maximum of 5 times per year. The GRE score is valid for 5 years.
GRE Exam Format
The GRE exam has two test formats – the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. The GRE syllabus is different for everyone.
- GRE General Test: The General Test is a standardized exam that tests students’ verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
- GRE Subject Test: More specific college courses may require the GRE Subject Test, as the GRE Subject Test focuses on evaluating a candidate’s experience in specific areas.
Difference between the two
| GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test |
| 3 sections: GRE quant, GRE verbal, and GRE AWA | No section – a test of one single subject and its different areas |
| – | GRE subjects are conducted on: Biology Chemistry Literature in English Mathematics Physics Psychology |
| Conducted in both computer-based and paper-delivered modes | Conducted only in a paper-based mode |
| Conducted throughout the year | Conducted thrice a year: April, September, and October |
| Duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes | Duration: 2 hours and 50 minutes. |
| Fee: US$226 to US$255 | Fee: US$150 |
| Number of questions: 82 | Number of questions: 66-230 |
| Question types: MCQ and descriptive or essay questions | Question types: MCQ |
| Score range: 260-340 | Score range: 200-990 |
| Tests analytical knowledge | Tests the knowledge of the specific subject |
GRE exam pattern Computer-based Test
The computer-based GRE General Test has 80 questions and 2 tasks for the Analytical Writing section. The Analytical Writing Score (0-6 points) does not affect the overall score out of 340 points (Quantitative 170 + Verbal 170).
| GRE General Test Sections | No. of Parts | No. of Tasks/Questions | Duration (Minutes) | Maximum Score |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 | 40 | 70 | 170 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 | 40 | 60 | 170 |
| Analytical Writing | 1 | 2 | 60 | 0-6 Points |
GRE General Test Pattern – Paper-based Test
The paper-based GRE General Test has 100 questions and 2 tasks for the Analytical Writing section. The Analytical Writing Score (0-6 points) does not affect the overall score out of 340 points (Quantitative 170 + Verbal 170).
| GRE General Test Sections | No. of Parts | No. of Tasks/Questions | Duration (Minutes) | Maximum Score |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 | 50 | 80 | 170 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 | 50 | 70 | 170 |
| Analytical Writing | 2 | 2 | 60 | 0-6 Points |
GRE Exam Syllabus 2023 – General Test
- The GRE syllabus for General Test is curated to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
- The GRE composite score ranges from 400 to 1600 and is drawn from the 2 multiple-choice sections (verbal reasoning & quantitative reasoning). The writing section does not get factored into the composite score.
- GRE General Tests are computer-delivered. In most regions of the world, it is conducted throughout the year. A paper format test is administered in November & February in areas where the computer format isn’t a possibility.
| GRE Exam Pattern | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
| GRE Analytical Writing Section Question type: Analyze an Issue task and Analyze an Argument task. | 1 + 1 (One “Analyze an Issue” task and one “Analyze an Argument” task) | 60 mins (30 minutes per task) |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning Question type: Quantitative Comparison Questions, Multiple-choice Questions, and Numeric Entry Questions | 20 + 20 (Two sections with 20 questions per section) | 70 mins (35 minutes per section) |
| GRE Verbal Reasoning Section Question type: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence. | 20 + 20 (Two sections with 20 questions per section) | 60 mins (30 minutes per section) |
GRE Quant Syllabus
The topics covered in the GRE exam syllabus for Quantitative Reasoning are
Arithmetic
- Prime Number
- Integers
- Rational Number
- Types of Fractions
- Proper
- Improper
- Mixed
- Adding and Subtracting Fractions
- Equivalent Fractions
- Multiplying and Dividing Fractions
- Comparing Fractions
- Decimals
- Terminating Decimals
- Infinite Repeating Decimals
- Real Numbers
- Percentages & Interest
- Multiplication Table
- Squares and Square Roots
- Powers of 2&3
- Cubes and Cube Roots
- Powers of 10
- Factorials
Statistics
- Sets
- Arithmetic Mean
- Mode
- Median
- Range
- Standard Deviation
Algebra
- Basic Concepts
- Linear Equations
- Equations & Inequalities
- Exponents & Roots
- Quadratic Equations
Geometry
- Properties of Angles
- Triangles
- Equation of a Line
- Coordinate Geometry
- Quadrilaterals
- Polygons
- Circles
- Polygons Inscribed in Circles
- 3-D Figures
- Properties of Similar Figures
- Extending or Adding Lines
Probability
- Dependent and Independent Events
- 2 Overlapping Events
- 3 Overlapping Events
Combinatorics
- Permutations
- Combinations
- Identical Objects
- Circular Arrangements
GRE Syllabus for Verbal Reasoning
Following are topics covered in GRE exam syllabus for Verbal Reasoning:
English usage
- Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives
- Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions
- Verb Tense
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Modifiers
- Pronoun Agreement
- Parallelism
Rhetorical skills
Analyze & make conclusions based on written material
Compare & contrast the relationships between words and concepts
GRE Exam Syllabus for Analytical Writing
Following are topics covered in GRE exam syllabus for Analytical Writing:
- Grammar
- Argument Formulation
- Writing Ability
- English Usage
- Examples used to support an argument
This section aims to measure your ability to:
- Support ideas with relevant reasons & examples
- Articulate complex ideas clearly & effectively
- Sustain well-focused & coherent discussion-making
- Examine claims & accompanying evidence
- Control the elements of standard written English.
GRE Subject Test Syllabus
In this section, we will discuss the detailed GRE syllabus for CSE or syllabus for the GRE exam to help you in GRE preparation:
GRE Maths Syllabus
ELEMENTARY CALCULUS
- Differential & integral calculus of one and of several variables
- Connections with coordinate geometry, trigonometry, differential equations
ALGEBRA
- Linear algebra
- matrix algebra,
- systems of linear equations,
- vector spaces,
- linear transformations,
- characteristic polynomials,
- eigenvalues & eigenvectors
- Abstract algebra and number theory
- group theory
- theory of rings and modules
- field theory
- number theory
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
- Introductory real analysis:
- Sequences and series of numbers and functions,
- Continuity
- Differentiability
- Integrability
- Discrete mathematics
- Set theory
- Logic
- Combinatorics
- Graph theory
- Algorithms
- General topology
- Geometry
- Complex variables
- Probability / statistics
GRE Chemistry Syllabus
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
- Data Acquisition and Use of Statistics
- Solutions and Standardization
- Acid-base, oxidation-reduction, complexometry
- Gravimetric analysis, solubility, precipitation titrations, chemical separations
- Electrochemical methods, spectroscopic methods, chromatographic methods, thermal methods, calibration of instruments
- Environmental Applications
- Radiochemical Methods
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- Periodic trends, oxidation states, nuclear chemistry
- Covalent Molecules
- Metals and Semiconductors
- Acids & Bases
- Main Group Elements
- Transition Elements
- Organometallic chemistry, catalysis, bioinorganic chemistry, solid-state chemistry, environmental chemistry
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- Structure, Bonding and Nomenclature
- Functional Groups
- Reaction Mechanisms
- Reactive Intermediates
- Organometallics
- Resonance, molecular orbital theory, carbon acidity, lipids, amino acids, peptides, carbohydrates, nucleic acids
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
- Thermodynamics
- Quantum Chemistry & Applications to Spectroscopy
- Chemical kinetics, solution & liquid dynamics, photochemistry
GRE Physics Syllabus
CLASSICAL MECHANICS
OPTICS & WAVE PHENOMENA
QUANTUM MECHANICS
STATISTICAL MECHANICS
ATOMIC PHYSICS
SPECIAL RELATIVITY
LABORATORY METHODS
- Data and error analyses
- Electronics & instrumentation
- Radiation detection
- Counting statistics
- Interaction of charged particles with matter
- Lasers and optical interferometers
- Dimensional analysis
- Fundamental applications of probability & statistics
SPECIAL TOPICS
- Nuclear & particle physics
- Condensed matter
- Astrophysics
- Single and multivariate calculus
- Coordinate systems (rectangular, cylindrical and spherical)
- Vector algebra
- Fourier series
- Partial differential equations
- Matrices and determinants
GRE Psychology Syllabus
BIOLOGICAL
- Sensation & Perception
- Physiological/Behavioral Neuroscience
COGNITIVE
- Learning
- Language
- Memory
- Thinking
SOCIAL
- Social Perception, Cognition, Attribution, Beliefs
- Attitudes / Behavior
- Emotion, Affect, / Motivation
- Conformity, Influence, Persuasion
- Interpersonal Attraction, Close Relationships
- Group / Intergroup Processes
- Cultural or Gender Influences
- Evolutionary Psychology, Altruism, Aggression
DEVELOPMENTAL
CLINICAL
MEASUREMENT/METHODOLOGY
GRE English Syllabus
LITERARY ANALYSIS
- Interpretation of passages of prose and poetry
- recognition of conventions and genres
- allusions and references
- meaning and tone
- grammatical structures and rhetorical strategies
IDENTIFICATION
- Recognition of date, author or work by style and/or content
CULTURAL / HISTORICAL CONTEXTS
- Knowledge of literary, cultural/intellectual history
- Identification of author or work
- Identification of details of character, plot, or setting of a work
HISTORY & THEORY OF LITERARY CRITICISM
- Identification and analysis of the characteristics & methods of various critical / theoretical approaches.
Also, read: GMAT vs. GRE
Bonus Point- How to prepare for GRE exam
The last thing that will help you pass the GRE® is cramming. It is an intensive and extensive examination format that requires a reasonable amount of time and sincere effort from candidates. The suggested time frame for GRE® preparation is at least four to twelve weeks, depending on your speed and daily commitment to study. You can follow the tips below and plan your preparation accordingly:
- Know Your Baseline Score: Before you start, take a full practice test available online and see where you stand when you take the real test quickly. This will help you identify topics that need to be reworked.
- Set a target score: Make a shortlist of your potential universities and note the score you should achieve at them. This way, you will know your goal and can work towards achieving it.
- Plan your climb: It will take some research to come up with the perfect plan to help you climb from your baseline to your target. Check out the online reviews of successful students and choose the one that suits you best.
- Focus on technique: Apart from a result-oriented approach, you should pay attention to how you approach each question. Learn techniques to solve specific problems and work to improve them.
- Check your performance: Always analyze how you did on practice tests, and look for patterns in your mistakes and questions that you keep having trouble with. Eventually, you will see how useful it is.
- Increase your vocabulary: One way to increase your vocabulary is by reading academic journals and publications. The Internet will help you do this easily. Having a strong vocabulary will take you a long way in your GRE journey.
Epilogue
If you’re still unsure of where to start with the GRE syllabus or how to prepare for the GRE or what your strategies of GRE preparation should be, you can access help from expert Study Abroad Counsellors. They can guide you to draw up a winning strategy. Nevertheless, do you need some handholding to get you through this? How about a discussion with our expert career counsellors to study abroad with decades of experience concerning education in this field?
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Useful Links
- Low-cost tools to help you prepare for the GRE General
- You can also sign-up for a free language webinar
- The official test prep book (ETS Official Guide)
- Official test preparation materials for the subject tests
- GMAT Syllabus
- CAT exam
- TOEIC Exam
- Masters in Data Science in Australia
Download practice books of each subject for the Subject Tests
- Download the ETS practice book. (English Literature)
- Download the ETS practice book. (Psychology)
- Download the ETS practice book. (Biology)
- Download the ETS practice book. (Mathematics)
- Download the ETS practice book. (Physics)
FAQs
The GRE exam syllabus measures the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills necessary for success in higher education. The GRE exam syllabus consists of three sections – GRE Analytical Writing, GRE Verbal Reasoning, and GRE Quantitative Reasoning.
Applicants may take the GRE General Test every 21 days, but no more than five times in any continuous 12-month period.
There is no such thing as a good GRE score. Each university will have its own GRE score, and students must score at or above the set score. Applicants should keep in mind that higher GRE scores automatically increase their chances of getting a place at the university and also make them favorites for any scholarships the university offers.
The GRE syllabus does not have a specific study program. Everyone who attempts the GRE will have the same study plan.
The most significant difference between the GMAT and the GRE is that the GRE is used for admission to various graduate programs, while the GMAT is only used for admission to business schools. The GRE has three main sections: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
In August 2011, the GRE® program underwent major changes with the introduction of the revised GRE® exam pattern. This is considered the most significant change to the pattern since its inception. The exam now consists of two tests: the GRE® General Test and the GRE Subject Test.
Anushree Rastogi is a Senior Content Writer at iDreamCareer, bringing over 5 years of expertise to the field of career counseling. She has done a PGDM in Marketing and Finance and possesses a unique blend of skills that allows her to craft engaging and informative content. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their career paths and has dedicated her career to providing valuable insights through her content. Her commitment to excellence and keen understanding of the career landscape make her a trusted guide for those seeking professional direction. With a flair for clear and engaging writing, Anushree is on a mission to empower others to make informed and fulfilling career choices.
