The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test used for admissions to graduate schools in the U.S. and other countries. It assesses your readiness for graduate-level study, and it is composed of three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. In addition, there are GRE Subject Tests, which assess knowledge in specific disciplines, but they are separate from the general GRE exam.

Recent GRE Test Pattern (as of 2025):

1. GRE General Test (Computer-Based Test)

The General Test has three main sections:

1. Verbal Reasoning (2 sections, 20 questions each, 35 minutes per section)
   • Focus: Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand relationships between words and concepts, and draw conclusions.
   • Content: Includes Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence questions.
2. Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections, 20 questions each, 35 minutes per section)
   • Focus: Assesses your problem-solving abilities using basic math concepts, such as algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and data analysis.
   • Content: Includes Problem Solving and Quantitative Comparison questions, as well as basic data interpretation.
3. Analytical Writing (1 section, 2 tasks, 60 minutes total)
   • Focus: Measures your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and coherently in writing.
   • Content: Consists of two tasks:
     • Issue Task: You are presented with an issue and asked to construct a well-organized argument.
     • Argument Task: You are given an argument and asked to critique the reasoning behind it.

4. Experimental Section (Unscored Section)

• This section is unscored and does not count toward your score, but it may be used to help ETS test new questions. It can be either a Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning section.
• You won’t know which section is experimental, so it’s important to treat every section as if it counts.

Scoring:

• Verbal Reasoning: Scored on a scale of 130–170, in one-point increments.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Scored on a scale of 130–170, in one-point increments.
• Analytical Writing: Scored on a scale of 0–6, in half-point increments.
• The Total Score ranges from 260–340 (combining the Verbal and Quantitative scores).

Test Duration:

• The total test time is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks.

GRE Subject Tests:

In addition to the General Test, the GRE Subject Tests assess your knowledge in specific subject areas. These are paper-based exams and are not required by all graduate programs. The Subject Tests are offered in the following areas:

1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Literature in English
4. Mathematics
5. Physics
6. Psychology

Each Subject Test is scored on a scale of 200–990. These tests are specific to the subject you are applying to and are generally used by certain graduate programs (mainly in science, engineering, and humanities fields).

Preparation Tips for the GRE General Test:

1. Understand the Test Format:
   • The GRE General Test consists of multiple sections, so practice each section individually. Understand the question types and the types of reasoning required.
2. Build a Study Plan:
   • Start by diagnosing your strengths and weaknesses. Spend more time on areas where you need improvement, but also practice areas you’re comfortable with to keep your skills sharp.
   • Create a study schedule that allows for gradual improvement over the course of several months (generally 2-3 months is recommended for full preparation).
3. Quantitative Reasoning:
   • Review basic math concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
   • Focus on problem-solving techniques and data interpretation. Practice with a calculator (for the calculator section) to become comfortable with it.
   • Work on Quantitative Comparison questions where you compare two quantities and determine the relationship.
4. Verbal Reasoning:
   • Increase your vocabulary and focus on understanding word meanings in context.
   • Practice Reading Comprehension by reading challenging articles and summarizing the key points.
   • Work on Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence by practicing with a wide range of reading materials.
5. Analytical Writing:
   • Practice writing essays under timed conditions to improve your ability to organize your thoughts quickly and clearly.
   • For the Issue Task, work on crafting strong, clear arguments with relevant examples.
   • For the Argument Task, practice critiquing flawed reasoning and developing a well-structured critique.
6. Practice Tests:
   • Take full-length practice tests to simulate the real exam. This will help you practice pacing and identify areas that need further improvement.
   • ETS offers an Official GRE PowerPrep software with practice tests. Using official resources will give you a realistic sense of the test format and timing.
7. Review Your Mistakes:
   • After each practice session, spend time analyzing your mistakes. Identify why you got a question wrong and ensure you understand the correct reasoning.
8. Time Management:
   • The GRE is a timed test, so practice answering questions within the time limits to improve speed without sacrificing accuracy.
   • In each section, don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you’re unsure, guess and move on.

Test-Taking Strategies:

1. Pacing:
   • For each section, aim to pace yourself and avoid spending too much time on difficult questions. If you don’t know the answer, eliminate the obvious wrong answers and move on.
2. Guess Wisely:
   • There’s no penalty for incorrect answers on the GRE, so always guess if you’re unsure. Make an educated guess by eliminating the most obvious wrong choices.
3. Essay Strategy:
   • Issue Task: Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs with specific examples, and a conclusion. Make sure your argument is well-reasoned and supported by examples.
   • Argument Task: Focus on critiquing the argument’s reasoning and structure. Point out flaws or weaknesses, and provide logical reasoning to support your critique.
4. Focus on Strengths:
   • During the exam, spend more time on the sections where you are strongest to secure those points early. Then focus on the weaker sections.
5. Stay Calm and Confident:
   • Keep a positive mindset during the test. If you feel stuck, take a deep breath, move on, and return to challenging questions later.

Preparation Tips for GRE Subject Tests:

• Know the Test Format: Each subject test will have different content, so make sure you’re familiar with the format of the specific test you’re taking. The content for the Math test, for example, will differ significantly from the Psychology test.
• Review Core Knowledge: Subject tests require deep knowledge in specific fields, so focus on reviewing your core undergraduate-level material.
• Practice Past Papers: Use previous test papers or sample questions to practice the kinds of questions you’ll face in the subject test.

Good luck with your GRE preparation! Feel free to ask if you need more specific guidance or resources.