Understanding the Current GRE Test Format and Duration

Breathing a sigh of relief? You should be! The GRE just got shorter and more manageable. Since September 2023, test-takers worldwide have been enjoying a more streamlined version of the exam. While you’ll tackle the same types of questions (yes, those tricky vocabulary questions aren’t going anywhere!), you’ll spend less time in the test room and face fewer questions overall.

Current GRE Test Structure #

Section	Question Type	Sub-sections	Time Duration	Scoring Range
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)	Analysis of an Issue	1 essay	30 minutes	0-6 points (0.5 point increments)
Verbal Reasoning	Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence	Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions	Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes	130-170 points (1 point increments)
Quantitative Reasoning	Problem Solving, Quantitative Comparison, Numeric Entry	Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions	Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes	130-170 points (1 point increments)
Total	All Types	5 sections (54 questions excluding essay)	118 minutes. No scheduled breaks allowed.	260-340 (combined V+Q)

Let’s Break It Down Section by Section #

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) #

Gone are the days of writing two essays! Now you’ll only write one – the Analysis of an Issue essay. Think of it as your chance to be a critical thinker and persuasive writer all at once. You’ll get a statement about a hot topic, and your job? Pick it apart, build your argument, and back it up with solid examples. It’s like being a debate champion, but on paper!

Verbal Reasoning Deep Dive #

The Verbal section comprises two main components:

1. Reading Comprehension – Half your time will be spent on Reading Comprehension passages. The other half? That’s where vocabulary plays the starring role in two question types:
2. Vocabulary in Context:

• Text Completion
• Sentence Equivalence

Want to see what these look like? Here’s a taste:

Text Completion Example: Select on answer from the five options that will best fit the blank. Note – Text Completion questions can have a single blank as in the example given below. It could also have double or triple blanks.

Despite her reputation for being ______, the professor’s lectures were surprisingly engaging and thought-provoking.

• A) pedantic
• B) concise
• C) ambiguous
• D) lucid
• E) prosaic

Sentence Equivalence Example: Select two options from the given answer options, both of which will fit the blank and result in completing the sentence with similar meaning.

The comedian’s ______ delivery style kept the audience in splits throughout the show.

• A) laconic
• B) witty
• C) verbose
• D) humorous
• E) dry
• F) droll

Quantitative Reasoning: Numbers Tell the Story #

Ready for some math? You’ll see three flavors of questions:

• Classic problem-solving (think word problems and calculations)
• Quantitative comparisons (which is greater?)
• Numeric entry (no multiple choice here – you do the math!)

The syllabus covers four main areas:

• Arithmetic (including basic operations, percentages, ratios)
• Algebra (equations, inequalities, functions)
• Geometry (shapes, measurements, coordinate geometry)
• Data Interpretation (graphs, charts, statistical analysis)

Section-Adaptive Format #

Both Verbal and Quantitative sections employ a section-wise adaptive format. Think of it as the test getting to know you. How well you do in your first Verbal section determines whether you get an easier or tougher second section. Same goes for Quant. Want to know all the ins and outs of how this works? Check out our deep dive into the GRE’s Section-Wise Adaptive Format.

Test Taking Options #

Today’s test-takers have two primary options for taking the GRE:

1. Test Center Based GRE #

• Conducted at official ETS-authorized testing centers
• Universally accepted by all graduate programs
• Provides a controlled, standardized testing environment
• Available worldwide at designated locations

2. At Home GRE #

• Online proctored version taken from home
• Requires specific technical setup and environment conditions
• Not universally accepted by all programs
• Offers flexibility in scheduling and location

Before deciding on the test format, we strongly recommend reviewing our detailed comparison in Center Based vs. At Home Online GRE Testing: Making the Right Choice.

Pro tip: Always double-check with your target programs about the At Home GRE. While the test itself is identical, some programs still prefer the center-based version.

Ready to tackle this shorter, sweeter version of the GRE? With the right prep strategy and this insider knowledge of the format, you’re already ahead of the game!

---

Frequently Asked Questions: GRE Test Format and Duration

Test Structure Questions #

Q: Does the order of sections remain the same for all test-takers?
A: No. While the AWA section always comes first, the order of Verbal and Quant sections varies. You might get Quant before Verbal or vice versa.

Q: Can I skip questions and return to them later within a section?
A: Absolutely! The new GRE format allows you to mark questions for review and revisit them within the same section. Just keep an eye on the timer.

Q: What happens if I don’t complete the AWA essay in 30 minutes?
A: The system automatically saves and submits whatever you’ve written when the timer hits zero. Plan your essay to finish about 2 minutes early for a final review.

Scoring and Adaptation #

Q: How does the section-adaptive format affect my final score?
A: Your performance in Section 1 determines the difficulty level of Section 2. Strong performance in Section 1 leads to a more challenging Section 2, offering the opportunity for higher scores.

Q: If I get a harder second section, does this mean I did well on the first section?
A: Yes! Getting a more challenging second section indicates strong performance in your first section. This is actually good news for your overall score potential.

Time Management #

Q: Why do the second sections have more time and questions?
A: The second sections of both Verbal and Quant are slightly longer because they’re crucial for fine-tuning your final score. ETS provides extra time to account for the additional questions.

Q: Is the 118-minute duration the total test time?
A: Yes. The 118 minutes is the complete testing time, covering all sections. In the new shorter format, the test runs continuously without any scheduled breaks.

Test Center vs At Home Format #

Q: Is there any difference in the test format between center-based and at-home GRE?
A: None at all. Both versions feature identical section structures, question counts, and timing. The only difference lies in the testing environment and proctoring method.

Q: Can I use scratch paper for both test formats?
A: For center-based tests, you get official scratch paper. For at-home tests, you must use an ETS-approved whiteboard or transparent sheet with specific markers.

Technical Aspects #

Q: What happens if I lose internet connectivity during the at-home test?
A: ETS provides a short buffer time to reconnect. If you can’t reconnect quickly, contact ProctorU immediately.

Q: Can I use a calculator during the Quant sections?
A: Yes. The GRE provides an on-screen calculator for both test formats. However, many questions are designed to be solved faster without it.

For detailed insights on specific topics mentioned here, explore our related articles:

• GRE Section-Wise Adaptive Format Explained
• Center-Based vs At-Home GRE Testing
• GRE Score Calculation and Scaling