GRE Exam Syllabus 2024: Section-wise Syllabus

The GRE examination is structured into two distinct formats: the General Test and the Subject Test. Each format assesses diverse skills, with the GRE general test syllabus focusing on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing. On the other hand, the Subject Test delves into specific subjects like Physics, Psychology, and Mathematics.

For those opting for the Computer-based General Test, there are 82 questions to be tackled within 3 hours and 45 minutes. Paper-based candidates, on the other hand, face 102 questions in a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The GRE Subject Test varies in question count, ranging from 66 to 230, with different time allocations – 2 hours and 50 minutes for math and 2 hours for both physics and psychology.

Recently updated in September 2023, the GRE exam syllabus now offers a more streamlined version. The revised format includes analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning, with the entire examination taking approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. To secure a commendable GRE score, it is imperative for applicants to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the intricacies of the GRE exam pattern and GRE syllabus for the year 2024.

Distinguishing Between the Current GRE Format and the GRE New Structure

Explore the contrasts between the existing GRE format and the revamped GRE structure in the table provided below:

Component	Current GRE Pattern	New GRE Pattern
GRE Analytical Writing Tasks	Two essay tasks (60 minutes) – Includes “Analyze an Argument” and “Analyze an Issue” tasks	One essay task (30 minutes) – “Analyze an Issue” task only
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Questions	40 questions (70 minutes)	27 questions (47 minutes)
GRE Verbal Reasoning Questions	40 questions (60 minutes)	27 questions (41 minutes)
Unscored Section	Varies	Removed
Scheduled Break	A 10-minute break after the 2nd hour	No scheduled break
Total Test Time	3 hours, 45 minutes	1 hour, 58 minutes
Score Delivery Time	10-15 days	8-10 days

This table outlines the key distinctions in various components between the current GRE pattern and the new GRE syllabus 2024, providing a comprehensive overview of the changes in the exam structure.

GRE Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GRE exam assesses a student's ability to articulate complex ideas, construct arguments, and sustain a focused and coherent discussion . The AWA section consists of one essay task, "Analyze an Issue," which requires students to evaluate an issue, consider its complexities, and develop an argument with reasons and examples to support their views . The duration of the AWA section is 30 minutes.

Tips to Prepare for GRE 2024 Exam AWA

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the AWA section of the GRE exam:

Read sample essays: Reading sample essays can help you understand the structure and format of the essay. You can find sample essays on the ETS website.

Practice writing essays: Practice writing essays on different topics to improve your writing skills. You can use the official GRE essay prompts to practice.

Use templates: Using templates can help you save time and structure your essay effectively. You can find templates online or create your own.

Focus on clarity: Make sure your essay is clear and concise. Use simple language and avoid complex sentences.

Proofread your essay: Proofread your essay for spelling and grammar errors. You can also ask someone else to proofread your essay.

GRE Integrated Reasoning Syllabus

The Integrated Reasoning (IR) section of the GRE exam assesses a student's ability to analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources, including tables, graphs, and text . The IR section consists of 12 questions, including multi-part questions, and the duration of the section is 30 minutes.

Tips to Prepare for GRE 2024 Exam IR Section

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the IR section of the GRE exam:

Practice with real-world data: Practice analyzing and synthesizing data from real-world sources, such as news articles and business reports.

Learn to read tables and graphs: Learn how to read and interpret tables and graphs quickly and accurately.

Use process of elimination: Use the process of elimination to eliminate incorrect answer choices.

Manage your time: Manage your time effectively during the exam. You have an average of 2.5 minutes per question.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus

The Quantitative Reasoning (QR) section of the GRE exam assesses a student's ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information . The QR section consists of 27 questions, including multiple-choice and numeric entry questions, and the duration of the section is 35 minutes.

GRE Quant Section Topics

Here are the topics covered in the QR section of the GRE exam:

Arithmetic: Properties of integers, fractions, decimals, and percents.
Algebra: Operations with algebraic expressions, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions.
Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and coordinate geometry.
Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics, probability, and inferential statistics.

Tips for GRE 2024 Exam Quants

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the QR section of the GRE exam:

Practice mental math: Practice doing calculations in your head to save time during the exam

Memorize formulas: Memorize important formulas and equations to save time during the exam.

Solve practice problems: Solve practice problems to improve your problem-solving skills.

GRE Verbal Reasoning Syllabus

The Verbal Reasoning (VR) section of the GRE exam assesses a student's ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate written material. The VR section consists of 30 questions, including Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence questions, and the duration of the section is 35 minutes.

Tips for GRE 2024 Exam Verbal Reasoning

Enhance Vocabulary: Candidates need to expand their vocabulary through methods like flashcards and vocab-in-context, where they learn words within the context of a passage. This is crucial for excelling in the sentence equivalence and text completion segments of the GRE Verbal section.

Read Thoughtfully: To excel in the Reading Comprehension section, candidates should read extensively with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Focus on articles from publications like the New Yorker, Scientific American, The Atlantic, and The Economist to familiarize yourself with the GRE's language and style.

Manage Time Effectively: Avoid spending excessive time on challenging questions. Prioritize tackling known questions first and return to the tougher ones later to ensure completion within the timed sections.

Recognize Signal Words: Develop the ability to identify 'signal words' that offer additional information beyond the surface. These words provide insights crucial for answering comprehension-related questions.

Practice Consistently: Regularly practice GRE Verbal questions to not only hone your ability to provide correct answers but also to cultivate patience and a composed mindset essential for optimal performance on the GRE exam day.

GRE 2024 Syllabus FAQs

How much does the GRE test cost in India?

To register for the GRE test, Indian nationals need to pay a fee of US $213. Additional charges apply for special requests like late registrations and rescheduling, as outlined in the provided article.

What is the scoring system for the GRE?

The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments, while the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections are scored between 130-170 points with 1-point increments.

Is it possible to prepare for the GRE in a month?

Candidates are advised to thoroughly prepare for the GRE exam before booking their test slot. Those who have prior GRE experience or are well-prepared can use one month for revision. However, others may require a more extensive preparation period to excel in the exam.

Can a student succeed in the GRE without coaching?

Certainly. Self-preparation using authentic study material from the official GRE website is a viable option. Candidates are encouraged to rely on trusted sources such as the official GRE website or reputable preparation guides, including the one provided here.

Is it possible to self-prepare for the GRE?

Absolutely. Candidates aiming to prepare for the GRE independently can achieve qualifying or higher scores by dedicating themselves to the process and utilizing information from reliable sources, such as the official GRE website or comprehensive preparation guides like the one offered here.