GRE test format

  🆕 Current GRE General Test Format (from Sept 2023 onward) 🔹 Key Highlights Total Duration : ~ 1 hour 58 minutes , down from ~3h 45m ...

 

🆕 Current GRE General Test Format (from Sept 2023 onward)

🔹 Key Highlights

• Total Duration: ~1 hour 58 minutes, down from ~3h 45m previously Reddit+15Careers360 Study Abroad+15vedantu.com+15.

• Sections comprise:

  • Analytical Writing: 1 essay (“Analyze an Issue”) in 30 minutes (the “Analyze an Argument” task has been removed) Reddit+15ExamSnap+15VHTC+15.

  • Verbal Reasoning: 2 scored sections totaling 27 questions with ~41 minutes total (each section roughly 12 + 15 questions) e-GMAT+11VHTC+11vedantu.com+11.

  • Quantitative Reasoning: 2 scored sections totaling 27 questions with ~47 minutes total Wikipedia+15VHTC+15The Financial Express+15.

• Removed Elements:

  • No unscored experimental research section anymore Reddit+10e-GMAT+10Reddit+10.

  • No scheduled break, given the shorter test duration Reddit+15e-GMAT+15Apply Me+15.

• Scoring:

  • Verbal & Quant: 130–170 scale, in 1‑point increments.

  • Analytical Writing: 0–6 scale, in 0.5‑point increments Careers360 Study Abroad+11Wikipedia+11Reddit+11.

• Score Reporting: Returned in 8–10 days, faster than previously IMS India+4Reddit+4The Financial Express+4.

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🧭 How the Format Impacts You

• With only 27 questions in each of Verbal and Quant, each question carries more weight—accuracy is more critical than before Reddit+1.

• The more compact structure reduces test fatigue, though with a steeper penalty for mistakes vedantu.com+2Yocket Prep+2.

• Despite fewer questions, the average time per question remains unchanged, meaning the core skills assessed haven’t shifted e-GMAT+2Yocket Prep+2.

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🔮 What About GRE 2026?

Given that the new GRE format was fully implemented in 2023, the structure described above remains current and is expected to carry forward into 2026. At this point, there are no public announcements from ETS indicating further changes to the General Test format.

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📊 Quick Summary Table

Section	Structure	Timing
Analytical Writing	1 essay (Issue Task only)	30 min
Verbal Reasoning	2 sections ≈27 questions total	~41 min total
Quant Reasoning	2 sections ≈27 questions total	~47 min total
Breaks	None scheduled	—
Score Reporting	Official score in ~8–10 days	—

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🗣️ In Test-Taker Words

“There are only 27 Quant questions … you have just 27 opportunities … get rock solid with all GRE Quant topics.”
— Reddit user encouraging thorough prep vedantu.com+15Manya - The Princeton Review+15IMS India+15ExamSnap+6Reddit+6Apply Me+6Reddit+2Reddit+2Reddit.

Also noted: shorter test brings more volatility—small mistakes can have magnified effects on scores RedditReddit.

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✅ Final Thoughts & Next Steps

• You can confidently prepare for the current GRE pattern knowing it remains in effect.

• Focus on accuracy over speed, given the fewer questions and tighter margin for error.

• Zero in your essay prep on the single "Issue" task now.

• Prepare for faster turnaround on scores and plan application timelines accordingly.

• Continue monitoring ETS official announcements, but no further changes are expected before 2026.

🧠 GRE 2026 Test Pattern (General Test)

Officially shortened and streamlined – valid from 2023 onward

Section	No. of Questions	Time Allotted	Score Range
Analytical Writing	1 Essay Task	30 minutes	0–6 (in 0.5 steps)
Verbal Reasoning	~27 total	41 minutes	130–170
Quantitative Reasoning	~27 total	47 minutes	130–170
Total Duration	—	1 hour 58 mins	—

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🧾 1. Analytical Writing (AWA)

• Task: "Analyze an Issue" only (the "Analyze an Argument" task was removed).

• Time: 30 minutes

• Skills tested: Critical thinking, coherent expression, evidence-backed reasoning.

• Scoring: 0–6 (scored by both human and AI systems)

✅ Example Prompt:

"Governments should focus on solving the immediate problems of today rather than on trying to solve the anticipated problems of the future."
Do you agree or disagree? Justify your position.

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📚 2. Verbal Reasoning

• Total Questions: ~27 (split into 2 sections)

• Time: ~41 minutes

• Score Range: 130–170

• Question Types:

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Text Completion

  • Sentence Equivalence

✅ Example Text Completion:

Though her poetry was praised for its emotional power, critics were often perplexed by her _______ use of imagery, which defied conventional interpretation.
A) lucid
B) abstract
C) economical
D) ornate
E) mysterious
F) literal
✔️ Correct: B & E (Sentence Equivalence)

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🔢 3. Quantitative Reasoning

• Total Questions: ~27 (split into 2 sections)

• Time: ~47 minutes

• Score Range: 130–170

• Topics Covered:

  • Arithmetic

  • Algebra

  • Geometry

  • Data Interpretation

  • Word Problems

✅ Example Question (Quant Comparison):

Quantity A: 2x + 5
Quantity B: 3x + 2
(A) Quantity A is greater
(B) Quantity B is greater
(C) The two quantities are equal
(D) Cannot be determined
✔️ Correct: D (depends on value of x)

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❌ Removed Sections

• No "Analyze an Argument" task in writing.

• No unscored/experimental section.

• No scheduled breaks.

• No research section.

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📥 Score Reporting

• Unofficial Verbal & Quant scores shown right after test (on-screen).

• Official scores available in 8–10 days via ETS portal.

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🎯 Tips for 2026 GRE Preparation

1. Practice time management — with shorter test time, pacing is critical.

2. Prioritize accuracy — fewer questions mean every wrong answer matters more.

3. Master vocabulary and reasoning for Verbal — Text Completion is weighty.

4. Use official ETS materials for up-to-date question styles.

5. Practice AWA on real prompts — only one chance in the writing section.