GRE Syllabus: Complete Section-wise Guide for 2025

Latest Updates The GRE is now 1 hr and 58 min long, shorter than the previous 4-hour format. GRE scores are now delivered in 8-10 days, compared to the previous 10-15 days.

If you intend to do a masters or PhD overseas, understanding the GRE syllabus will likely be one of your first steps in preparation. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardised test that is widely accepted around the world to indicate general readiness for graduate programs.

The syllabus of GRE has three sections which are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Understanding the GRE syllabus gives you a frame of reference and context of the content areas you need to study to help improve your score or academic readiness. The following article will outline the GRE exam syllabus and any updates to that to allow you to prepare with confidence and certainty.

Overview of GRE Syllabus

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the most widely used standardized tests for admission into graduate and business schools throughout the world. The GRE syllabus is assessing candidates in three important areas of assessment through analyzing verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing (some of the key skills for success in a graduate program). 

There are three main components to the GRE test:

Verbal Reasoning: 

This component includes the ability to read and understand written materials, analyze relationships among words, and recognize relationships among concepts, the verbal reasoning section includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions.

Quantitative Reasoning:

The quantitative section measures the basic understanding of or ability to use quantitative data, and basic concepts in basic arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Some questions will present quantitative data, and others might require the student to interpret that data to perform these actions and solve problems.

Analytical Writing: 

The focus on the analytical writing component is critical thinking and communication. You’re required to write two essays, one is an issue, or issue analysis, and the other is an argument or argument evaluation. The idea is to see if you can communicate clearly in writing, complex ideas, that are executed well.

The GRE syllabus is designed to evaluate not only the knowledge, but how well the candidates can apply that knowledge in a timed condition.

GRE Syllabus:Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE exams syllabus judges your ability to analyze and write information and make conclusions, understanding words and sentences, reasoning with verbal things. 

Key Topics on the GRE Verbal Reasoning Section

The GRE Verbal Reasoning section covers the following essential question types:

1. Reading Comprehension

• Includes varied materials from human and social sciences, arts, business, and life sciences. 
• It measures your ability to comprehend, understand, analyze, and interpret the content presented.
• Question Types may include: 

a. multiple-choice questions with one or more answers 

b. select-in-passage questions

2. Text Completion

• Consists of passages that you must complete by filling blanks using textual reading clues. 
• Question sets consist of paragraphs containing 1–5 sentences and one to three blanks.
• Assesses prior knowledge related to sentence structure, grammar, and logic.

3. Sentence Equivalence

• Involves choosing two correct answers that allow the sentence to have an equivalent meaning.
• In this section you are going to have questions with a single sentence containing one blank along with six answer choices. 
• This section aims at checking your reading of vocabulary and your ability to convey meaning out of it.

Skills Assessed

• Vocabulary in context 
• Ability to read and draw meaning from seriousness
• Reading for inference and central ideas
• Logical reasoning, understanding, and argument structure

GRE Syllabus: Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning part of GRE measures your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information. You have to solve problems using mathematical concepts, and also you have to apply basic mathematical concepts. It is important to have solid foundational knowledge in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis to do well in the Quantitative Reasoning section. 

Topics Covered in GRE Quantitative Reasoning

1. Arithmetic

•  Properties and types of integers
•  Fractions, decimals, and percentages
•  Ratio and proportion
•  Powers and roots
•  Absolute values

 2. Algebra

•  Simplifying algebraic expressions
•  Solving linear and quadratic equations
•  Inequalities
•  Word problems
•  Coordinate geometry

 3. Geometry

•  Lines, angles, triangles, circles, and polygons
•  Perimeter, area, and volume
•  Pythagorean theorem
•  Properties of parallel and perpendicular lines

 4. Data Analysis

•  Tables, charts, and graphs
•  Descriptive statistics: mean, median, mode, range
•  Probability and permutations/combinations
•  Standard deviation

Question Types in the Quant Section

• Quantitative Comparison Questions: Compare two values and identify the relationship.
• Multiple Choice - Single Answer
• Multiple Choice - One or More Answers
• Numeric Entry Questions - Enter a number in a box instead of choosing from among given options.

Skills Tested:

• Quantitative reasoning and problem-solving
• Ability to interpret data and use formulas
• Understanding mathematical concepts, not simple calculations

GRE Syllabus: Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section of the GRE is intended to measure your ability to present complex ideas clearly and effectively, support your argument with pertinent reasons and examples, and sustain a coherent and focused discussion. 

Analytical Writing Section Structure

You will need to write 1 essay task in 30 minutes:

1. Analyze an Issue Task

• Given a statement or claim, you will provide your opinion in the form of a writing task, fully supported by reasoned arguments and examples.
• Time: 30 minutes
• Word Limit: Only recommended of around 500–600 words

2. Skills Assessed

• The ability to make a persuasive argument
• The ability to convey your ideas clearly and logically.
• The potential to give examples to support your points.
• The potential to manage your grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
• The ability to retain a formal academic tone.

3. How, & What You Will Be Evaluated on?

You will get grading on your essay based on the following:

• The clarity in your argument and logic.
• The reliability of the examples and evidence which you have given.
• Your organization and transitions.
• The ability to use grammar correctly and proper vocabulary.
• The depth of insight and critical thinking evident in your essay.

GRE Subject Test Syllabus

Most applicants will take a GRE General Test. Those applying for specialized graduate programs may be required, or recommended, to take a GRE Subject Test. Subject Tests assess your knowledge of a specific discipline and the ability to apply that knowledge. Each subject test is intended for students with an undergraduate major or substantial background in that discipline.

• Test Format: Paper-based (unlike the GRE General Test which is computer-based)
• Duration: 2 hours and 50 minutes
• Scoring: 200–990 scale in 10-point increments
• Test Frequency: Offered 3 times a year (typically September, October, April)

Available GRE Subject Tests

As of now, the GRE Subject test are offered in following fields:

Subject Test	Topics Covered
Mathematics	Calculus, algebra, linear algebra, number theory, differential equations, geometry
Physics	Mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, atomic physics
Psychology	Biological, cognitive, developmental, social psychology, research methods, statistics

Who Should Take a GRE Subject Test? 

• Individuals applying to PhD, or research-focused master's programs
• People who have strong academic record in the subject
• Everyone applying to a highly competitive program, either in the United States or abroad

Still confused about where to prepare from? Visit GRE Exam Preparation Resources for complete GRE guide

Tips to Prepare According to GRE Syllabus

Studying a syllabus can take a little strategic preparation when it comes to each portion (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing) of the GRE exam. Here are a few suggestions to prepare properly using the updated GRE syllabus:

1. Break down the syllabus

• Go through each section of the GRE syllabus thoroughly.
• Write down the important topics in Verbal, Quant, and AWA and create your study plan.
• Focus on your weaker areas.

2. Use official GRE study material

• The official GRE guide is available to download from ETS.org, to make sure you have up-to-date exam syllabus.
• Try the ETS PowerPrep tests to practice the real exam difficulty and to use the format of the exam.

3. Create a concrete study plan

• Make sure to aim for consistency over 2-3 months of preparation.
• Your study plan should include daily practice, weekly mock tests, and regular revising in your syllabus.
• When studying you should be realistic with content times, and how difficult each area is and the amount of weight each area has on the exam and study to balance that.

4. Improve Vocabulary & Reading for Verbal

• Use flashcards (like Magoosh or Anki) to improve your GRE specific vocabulary.
• Practice reading academic articles, editorials, and journals for comprehension.

5. Refresh Math Fundamentals for Quant

• Review core math areas from high school (algebra, geometry, arithmetic).
• Frequently practice data interpretation and quantitative comparison question types.

6. Begin with writing for Analytical Writing

• Practice writing sample essays for the official Issue task pool.
• Emphasize the structure of an essay, including: an introduction, the body paragraphs containing examples, and a strong conclusion.
• Time yourself to be within the 30-minute time limit.

7. Examine Your Practice Tests

• Examine your mistakes in detail, making a note of the types of errors.
• Make adjustments to your strategy and regularly scheduled study time based on how you did on mock tests.

8. Remain Consistent and Measure your Progress

• Use planners and mobile applications to record your daily and weekly goals.
• Celebrate small victories or milestones to retain motivation.

Conclusion

An understanding of the whole GRE syllabus forms the base for any successful preparation program. Whether improving in Verbal Reasoning, revisiting Quantitative skills, or working on Analytical Writing, maintaining a study plan based on the GRE exam syllabus will surely offer focused learning. 

With appropriate study material, steady practice, and planning, you will walk into the exam with confidence; thus enhancing your chances of admission to top graduate programmes. The sooner you start, the more disciplined you will be. Let the syllabus guide you to a high GRE score.