
GRE Syllabus 2026 is vital for effective preparation. The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is a key admission requirement for graduate and business schools worldwide. Knowing the detailed GRE exam syllabus helps students focus their study. It allows them to understand the exam structure and specific topics. This knowledge ensures a targeted approach to preparation. It also helps in improving overall performance.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) conducts the GRE General Test. This exam evaluates candidates' readiness for graduate-level studies. It assesses three main areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. These sections cover a broad range of academic skills. Knowing the comprehensive GRE exam syllabus is a crucial step. It guides aspirants in structuring their study plans efficiently.
The GRE exam consists of three main sections. These sections evaluate different skill sets. The total exam duration is about 1 hour and 58 minutes. The table below outlines the exam structure:
| GRE Syllabus Overview | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Sections | Number of Questions | Allotted Time | Score Scale |
| Verbal Reasoning (2 Sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes | 130–170 (in 1-point increments) |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 Sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes | 130–170 (in 1-point increments) |
| Analytical Writing (1 Section) | One “Analyze an Issue” task | 30 minutes | 0–6 (in half-point increments) |
A downloadable PDF of the GRE syllabus is a valuable resource. It offers a complete look at all topics and exam patterns. This helps candidates plan their study schedule effectively. It allows for detailed review of each section. This PDF helps candidates understand the full GRE test syllabus 2026 and prepare with precision.
This section covers detailed information on the topics and sub-topics for each GRE section.
This section assesses your ability to analyze written material. It also checks your understanding of word relationships. You need to synthesize information from various texts.
Reading Comprehension
Analyze main ideas and supporting details.
Understand author's tone and purpose.
Identify logical reasoning within passages.
Questions cover main idea, specific details, speculation, and vocabulary in context.
Text Completion
Choose words or phrases for incomplete sentences.
Tests vocabulary and context understanding.
Involves synonym, antonym, and category identification.
Sentence Equivalence
Select two choices that best match sentence meaning.
Requires strong vocabulary and sentence structure knowledge.
Tests equivalent meanings, paraphrasing, and inconsistency identification.
This section measures problem-solving and quantitative reasoning skills. It includes topics from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Arithmetic
Covers basic operations: multiplication, division, subtraction, addition.
Includes percentages, ratios, proportions, and exponents.
Questions involve direct calculations and word problems.
Algebra
Covers linear equations, inequalities, functions, and quadratic equations.
Requires understanding algebraic concepts and equation manipulation.
Questions involve solving equations and interpreting graphs.
Geometry
Assesses knowledge of shapes, angles, lines, area, and volume.
May include theorems like the Pythagorean theorem.
Questions involve identifying shapes and calculating measurements.
Data Analysis
Tests interpretation of data from graphs, charts, and tables.
Includes concepts like mean, median, mode, and range.
Questions involve trend analysis and probability.
This section requires candidates to analyze an issue and present an argument. It assesses critical thinking and analytical writing abilities.
Issue Essay
Provide well-supported responses to an issue.
Requires strong analytical skills and persuasive writing.
Argument Essay
Evaluate an argument's strengths and weaknesses.
Suggest improvements and identify logical errors.
Demands critical thinking and clear, concise writing.
Understanding the GRE exam pattern and syllabus helps candidates manage time effectively during the test. The GRE General Test consists of three sections with adaptive difficulty.
| GRE Exam Pattern 2026 | |||
| Section | Questions | Time | Score Range |
| Verbal Reasoning | 27 | 41 minutes | 130–170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 27 | 47 minutes | 130–170 |
| Analytical Writing | 1 Task | 30 minutes | 0–6 |
Effective GRE preparation needs a focused approach. Here are some tips to help you:
Use official study materials from ETS.
Take full-length practice tests regularly.
Manage your time effectively during study sessions.
Enroll in quality prep courses for structured guidance.
Maintain consistent study habits over time.
Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing.