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GRE Exam Syllabus 2024 (Section wise): General & Subject Test Syllabus

GRE Exam Syllabus 2024 (Section wise): General & Subject Test Syllabus

Edited By Porishmita Paul | Updated on Jul 18, 2024 04:04 PM IST | #GRE

The GRE syllabus 2024 is released by the ETS on its official website. The GRE 2024 exam syllabus consists of three major sections, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The ETS has provided the Graduate Record Examination syllabus for two tests, the General Test and the Subject Test.

The GRE test syllabus is entirely different for both General and Subject tests. The GRE General Test in 2024 will assess candidates' skills in three key areas: Verbal reasoning ability, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. While, the GRE 2024 Subject test evaluates the individual's expertise in specific fields like Chemistry, Psychology, and Mathematics, among others.

The GRE course syllabus and format remain largely unchanged from previous years. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are the only ones that contribute to the overall GRE score 2024. From September 2023, the GRE Subject Tests are administered in a computer-delivered format. There is no specific eligibility criteria for the GRE, but individual universities may have their own requirements. Candidates should thoroughly review the GRE syllabus 2024 and exam pattern to prepare for the exam. Also, check out various preparation tips, and strategies to plan your study programme. Read the complete article to learn more about the GRE 2024 syllabus, subject-wise sections, and many more.

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GRE Syllabus 2024

There are two types of Graduate Record Examination syllabus, which are generally required to study abroad.

  1. GRE General Test Syllabus (Popularly known as GRE exam syllabus for MS abroad).

  2. GRE Subject Test Syllabus

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GRE General Test Syllabus

The GRE General Test 2024 will assess candidates' skills in three key areas, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The syllabus with GRE General Test pattern is mentioned in the table below.

GRE exam structure 2024 with General Test syllabus

GRE Exam Pattern

No. of GRE Questions

Allotted Time

GRE Analytical Writing Section

One "Analyse an Issue" task and one "Analyse an Argument" task

30 mins

GRE Verbal Reasoning Section

Section 1: 12 questions

Section 2: 15 questions

Section 1: 18 minutes

Section 2: 23 minutes

GRE Quantitative Reasoning

Section 1: 12 questions

Section 2: 15 questions

Section 1: 21 minutes

Section 2: 26 minutes

Total1 Hour 58 minutes

Verbal Reasoning GRE syllabus pdf

  • This section tests your ability to analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and demonstrate your understanding of vocabulary and sentence structure.
  • It includes Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence questions.
  • The Verbal Reasoning section has two 30-minute sections with a total of 40 questions.

GRE Verbal question types

  • Reading comprehension - Questions are designed to check how well the candidate understands and interprets the given paragraph. They need to understand the text structure, identify the author's assumption and perspective, find the meaning of words and sentences, explain the text, analyse the text, and derive conclusions from the text.
  • Text Completion- This section of GRE portion tests the candidate’s ability to interpret and evaluate the information given in small passages of five sentences. Students have to fill in one to three blanks based on the information provided in the passage.
  • Sentence Equivalence- In this section candidates have to complete the passage with the help of partial information given. There will be one blank and six answer choices. Candidates have to mark correct answer choices and there will be no marks for partially correct answers.

Candidates can view the detailed analysis of the Verbal Reasoning section along with sample questions in GRE sample papers.

Quantitative Reasoning GRE syllabus pdf

  • This section measures your problem-solving skills and ability to interpret and analyze quantitative information.
  • It includes questions on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.
  • The Quantitative Reasoning section has two 35-minute sections with a total of 40 questions.

Quantitative Reasoning Questions

The GRE test syllabus for Quantitative reasoning will have four types of questions :

  • Quantitative comparison questions: In these types of questions, candidates need to draw a comparison between two quantities and find out which statement best describes the comparison.

  • Multiple choice questions (select one answer choice): Candidates need to select one correct answer from the five given choices.

  • Multiple choice questions (select one or more answer choices): candidates need to select more than one correct answer from the given choices. No marks will be given for partially correct answers.

  • Numeric entry: candidates have to calculate and write the answers. These questions will not have any options given.

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GRE Syllabus 2024: Quantitative (Section-Wise)

GRE Math syllabus contains topics from school-level mathematics. However, questions will be application-based. Quant in GRE comes across as easy for students with good mathematics hold.

Arithmetic - The topics in the syllabus for GRE include properties and types of integers, such as divisibility, factorization, prime numbers, remainders, and odd and even integers; arithmetic operations, exponents, and roots; and concepts such as estimation, percent, and ratio, rate, absolute value, the number line, decimal representation and sequences of numbers.

Algebra - Topics of the GRE test syllabus 2024 include operations with exponents; factoring and simplifying algebraic expressions; relations, functions, equations, and inequalities; solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; solving simultaneous equations and inequalities; setting up equations to solve word problems; and coordinate geometry, including graphs of functions, equations, and inequalities, intercepts and slopes of lines.

Geometry - In this topic, the ability to construct proofs is not tested in the syllabus of GRE exam of this section.

Topics included in GRE course syllabus:

Lines and anglesPolygon
CirclesThree-dimensional figures
TriangleAngle Measurements
QuadrilateralsArea, Perimeter, Volume


Data analysis - The topics that are included in the data analysis section of syllabus for GRE are typically taught in high school algebra courses or introductory statistics courses. Inferential statistics are not tested.

GRE Syllabus Topics included:

  • Descriptive statistics such as Median, Mean, Range, Mode, Percentiles, etc.

  • Interpretation of data based on graphs, circle graphs, scatter plots, etc

  • Probability

  • Permutation and Combination

  • Venn Diagrams

  • Sets Theory

Analytical writing GRE syllabus pdf

  • This section evaluates your critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
  • You will be required to write two essays - an Issue Task and an Argument Task.
  • Each essay has a 30-minute time limit.
  • The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

GRE Analytical writing examples

The GRE Analytical Writing section consists of two essay tasks: the "Analyze an Issue" task and the "Analyze an Argument" task. Here are some examples to help you understand the format and expectations for each task.

Analyze an Issue Task: In the "Analyze an Issue" task, you are presented with a brief statement on a general issue and are asked to discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement, using relevant reasons and examples to support your position.

Analyze an Argument Task: In the "Analyze an Argument" task, you are presented with a brief argument and are asked to critique the argument by discussing its strengths and weaknesses, as well as suggesting ways in which the argument could be improved or made more convincing.

GRE Subject Test Syllabus

The GRE Subject Tests are designed to measure a student's knowledge and skills in a specific field. The GRE 2024 syllabus includes the Maths, Physics, Psychology subject tests:

GRE test syllabus 2024 exam structure

GRE test subjects

No. of questions

Topics

Mathematics

66 multiple-choice questions

  • Algebra (25%)
  • Calculus (50%)
  • Additional Topics (25%)

Physics

70 five-choice questions

  • Classical Mechanics (20%)
  • Electromagnetism (18%)
  • Optics and Wave Phenomena (9%)
  • Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (10%)
  • Quantum Mechanics (13%)
  • Atomic Physics (10%)
  • Special Relativity (6%)
  • Laboratory Methods (6%)
  • Specialised Topics(9%)

Psychology

144 multiple-choice questions

  • Biological (30 questions)
  • Cognitive (29 questions)
  • Social (19 questions)
  • Developmental (18 questions)
  • Clinical (23 questions)
  • Measurement/Methodology/Other (25 questions)

GRE syllabus for Maths

  • Covers topics in Calculus (50%), Algebra (25%), and Additional Topics (25%).
  • Consists of approximately 66 multiple-choice questions.
  • Total test time is 2 hours and 50 minutes.

GRE course syllabus 2024 for Physics

  • Covers topics in Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Optics, Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, and more.
  • Consists of approximately 70 five-choice questions.
  • Total test time is 2 hours.

GRE 2024 Syllabus Psychology

  • Covers topics in Biological, Cognitive, Social, Developmental, Clinical, and Measurement/Methodology.
  • Consists of approximately 144 multiple-choice questions.
  • Total test time is 2 hours.

GRE Subject Test Syllabus PDF Download

GRE Subject testDownload link
GRE test syllabus 2024 Maths pdf downloadClick here
GRE test syllabus 2024 Physics pdfClick here

GRE test syllabus 2024 Psychology pdf

Click here

Points to Remember for GRE 2024 Subject Test

  • Students planning to appear for the GRE Subject test are advised to do so during November.

  • The student should register six weeks before the exam date.

  • It takes another six weeks before the Subject test results are available to the test takers.

  • The advantage of appearing for the GRE Subject test in November is that the scores will be available to the student before the deadline for admission to most foreign institutes.

Also read:

GRE Exam Syllabus for MS

The GRE General Test syllabus is the primary focus for students applying to Master's (MS) programs abroad. The GRE General Test assesses a candidate's skills in three key areas:

1. GRE Verbal Reasoning for MS

  • This section tests your ability to analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and demonstrate your understanding of vocabulary and sentence structure.
  • It includes Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence questions.
  • The Verbal Reasoning section has two 30-minute sections with a total of 40 questions.

2. GRE Quantitative Reasoning for MS

  • This section measures your problem-solving skills and ability to interpret and analyze quantitative information.
  • It includes questions on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.
  • The Quantitative Reasoning section has two 35-minute sections with a total of 40 questions.

3. GRE Analytical Writing for MS

  • This section evaluates your critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
  • You will be required to write two essays - an Issue Task and an Argument Task.
  • Each essay has a 30-minute time limit.
  • The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

GRE Exam Pattern 2024

Candidates preparing for the GRE exam must check the examination pattern before starting their preparation. GRE examination pattern consists of three main sections, namely, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The total number of questions asked in the GRE general test is 55, out of which, 54 are MCQs and 1 descriptive (essay form). GRE total marks are in the range of 260-340.

GRE Exam Pattern for General Test

Section

Total Questions

Types of Questions

Duration

GRE Verbal Reasoning

27

Reading Comprehension

Text Completion

Sentence Equivalence

41 minutes

GRE Quantitative Reasoning

27

Quantitative Comparison Questions

Numeric Entry Questions

47 minutes

GRE Analytical Reasoning Questions

1

Analyse an Issue

30 minutes

GRE 2024 Preparation Tips

Candidates can start the preparation for the GRE exam after analysing the GRE syllabus. The candidate can start working on the GRE syllabus efficiently in less time. A few of the GRE preparation tips are mentioned below.

  • Get familiar with the GRE syllabus and format and start preparing for the GRE.

  • Fix a targeted score for the GRE exam and prepare accordingly.

  • Try to start well before covering the entire GRE exam syllabus by assigning priority to individual sections.

  • Check the GRE cutoff score of the universities shortlisted and then choose the target score.

  • Practice the GRE mock tests to understand the exam format and learn about time management during the examination.

  • Attempt every question in the test as there is no negative marking.

  • Use the test features like mark and review, instead of wasting more time on a single question.

With the help of the following tips and strategies, candidates can easily prepare for the GRE test and achieve the desired score.

Verbal Reasoning

  • Enhance the vocabulary by reading newspapers and practising new words.
  • Practice the reading section of the GRE syllabus; it will improve comprehension skills through various texts, articles, newspapers, and literature.
  • Understanding the sentence structure and tone of the paragraph will help in analysing the meaning and formation of sentences easily for the applicants.

Quantitative Reasoning

  • Practice and understand basic math concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Evaluate formulas, properties, and problem-solving techniques for each topic.
  • Enhancing problem-solving skills by practicing numerous queries will eventually help the candidates stay focused and increase speed and accuracy.

Analytical Writing

To enhance this section of the GRE syllabus, candidates should understand the essay writing tasks and analyse the issue and aim of the topic. After practicing this section of the GRE exam syllabus, candidates can upgrade their thought skills and learn to manage their time.

Best Books for GRE 2024

GRE preparation requires some special study materials and proper resources. Embarking GRE preparation within the vast landscape of GRE resources and finding out the best and most effective study strategies and materials is a great deal for students. Here we have included some best books for GRE to help the applicants accelerate their preparation including

  1. The Official GRE Guide: This ETS-published book contains the most up-to-date information about the test format, question types, and scoring system.

  2. Prep books: Popular options include Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, and Magoosh.

  3. Online Courses: Popular online courses like Veritas Prep and Princeton Review provide structured learning paths with video lectures, live sessions, and personalised feedback.

  4. Practice Websites and Apps: Free and paid resources like Khan Academy, GRE Prep Genius, and Magoosh Flashcards offer bite-sized practice and skill-specific drills.

Read More:

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. What is the GRE exam syllabus?

The GRE syllabus covers three main areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. GRE General test syllabus measures a candidate’s verbal reasoning ability, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The GRE Subject Test evaluates the candidate’s expertise in specific fields like Chemistry, Psychology, and Mathematics, among others. 

2. What subjects does the GRE test on?

GRE syllabus consists of mainly six subjects, namely, Biology, Maths, Chemistry, Psychology, Physics, and English Literature. GRE subject test judges a candidate’s knowledge in a specific field of academic study.

3. Is GRE exams difficult?

The difficulty level of GRE depends on the candidate’s personal strengths and weaknesses. GRE is generally considered to be more challenging than SAT or ACT due to its advanced vocabulary. However, with thorough preparation and targeted practice candidates can get a promising score in GRE.

4. What is the GRE exam pattern?

The GRE exam pattern consists of three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The exam duration is approximately 3 hours 45 minutes with a 10-minute break after the third section. GRE total marks are in the range of 260-340.

5. Is GRE harder than IELTS?

GRE is generally considered to be more challenging than IELTS. Both GRE and IELTS assess the English proficiency of the students. However, the GRE focuses on advanced vocabulary, analytical reasoning, and quantitative skills, making it generally more difficult than IELTS. 

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Questions related to GRE

Have a question related to GRE ?

The GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT are standardized tests with different purposes. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is used for admission to various graduate programs and focuses on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) assess English language proficiency for non-native speakers, with TOEFL being more common in the US and IELTS in the UK and other countries. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically for MBA and business school applicants, testing quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing skills. For personalized advice on which test to take based on your academic and career goals, consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide expert guidance tailored to your needs, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

For pursuing a PhD, the subject you choose for the GRE largely depends on your intended field of study. Generally, you will need to take the GRE General Test, which assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Additionally, some programs may require or recommend a GRE Subject Test, which focuses on specific fields such as biology, chemistry, literature, mathematics, physics, and psychology. To get personalized guidance and tailored recommendations on choosing the right subject for your GRE and further assistance with your PhD applications, consider consulting Invicta Career Consultancy, which specializes in helping students navigate the complexities of studying abroad, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get a consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

Choosing the best GRE coaching center in Hyderabad depends on your specific needs and learning style. Some of the top-rated GRE coaching centers in Hyderabad include Manya - The Princeton Review, Manhattan Review, and TIME Institute, all known for their experienced faculty and comprehensive study materials. To find the coaching center that best fits your requirements, it's beneficial to seek personalized advice from experts. Invicta Career Consultancy can provide tailored recommendations and guidance, ensuring you select a coaching center that aligns with your goals and preparation needs, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

Dear Student,

For admittance to premier universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and CMU, your resume must be exceptionally strong.

  • GRE - on the safe side, 325+
  • GPA of at least 110 and a TOEFL score of at least 110.
  • Do as many articles as you can, attempt to participate in research activities at your college, and if at all feasible, try to obtain patents.
  • Internships: I firmly feel that internships are important. Utilize your vacation time for internships, and attempt to concentrate on professions that are research-based or pure CS.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Present Papers, Participate in GSOC and Other Coding Events, etc.
  • Do two or more projects during your undergraduate studies, preferably ones that are linked to your field of study.
  • Work Experience - This is an optional consideration, but if you spend a few years in a top product company's R&D, it might be worthwhile.
  • Put a lot of time and work crafting your SOP and make sure it accurately expresses your reasons for obtaining an MS in Computer Science.
  • Get letters of recommendation from top management at your job and from research faculty at your college—they must know you!

Even if you address all of the aforementioned criteria, there is no assurance that you will be admitted to one of the universities you have named. When you make a decision, a combination of all these criteria will be taken into account, but these 10 ideas are a fantastic place to start.

I know someone who received acceptance letters from MIT, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University for their MS and PhD programmes after scoring between 1400 and 1600 on the GRE. He applied with an excellent resume that included a 9+ GPA throughout college, two years of research in Microsoft R&D, and a few patents. Therefore, what matters is your whole profile.


I hope that helps! I wish you the best!

Hi aspirant
IELTS (International English language Testing System) is an English language test taken by millions of aspirants in non English speaking countries who wish to study, migrate or work in English speaking nations. This test is conducted at an international level. It tests your proficiency based on 4 skills i.e listening, reading, writing and speaking.
So yes, you'll need to appear for IELTS exam in order to pursue MS from the US.

Now, there's another English aptitude test for the United States. It is called TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is accepted by American Universities while IELTS is accepted overseas. You can choose from these two as per your needs.
Hope this answers your query.
All the best :)
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