The 2025 GRE format focuses on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, with significant updates to improve efficiency and relevance. Learn about the exam structure, scoring, and key changes, and start preparing with practice questions to maximize your chances of success.
What is the GRE? Structure, Scoring, and Key Updates
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test commonly used for admission into graduate programs, including business, law, and other advanced study programs in the U.S. and worldwide. The GRE evaluates candidates on three primary skills: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
In 2023, the GRE underwent major updates to streamline the test format. The 2025 GRE will continue with these changes, offering a more efficient and focused testing experience for candidates.
GRE 2025 Structure
The GRE 2025 test format is structured to ensure a smooth and time-efficient experience for test-takers. The exam consists of three sections:
GRE 2025 Structure
GRE 2025 Structure
| Section |
Time Limit |
Number of Questions |
Question Types |
| Analytical Writing |
30 minutes |
1 |
Analyze an Issue task |
| Verbal Reasoning - Section 1 |
18 minutes |
12 |
Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence |
| Verbal Reasoning - Section 2 |
23 minutes |
15 |
Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence |
| Quantitative Reasoning - Section 1 |
21 minutes |
12 |
Problem Solving, Quantitative Comparison |
| Quantitative Reasoning - Section 2 |
26 minutes |
15 |
Problem Solving, Quantitative Comparison |
The total testing time for the **GRE 2025** is **1 hour and 58 minutes**, offering a more efficient approach compared to the previous test format, which lasted **3 hours and 45 minutes**.
- Analytical Writing: 1 task, 30 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections with a total of 27 questions, 41 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections with a total of 27 questions, 47 minutes
The total testing time is 1 hour and 58 minutes, offering a more efficient approach than the previous format, which lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes.
GRE Section Breakdown
Below is an outline of the GRE 2025 structure, including time limits, number of questions, and the types of questions:
GRE 2025 Section Breakdown
GRE 2025 Section Breakdown
| Section |
Time Limit |
Number of Questions |
Question Types |
| Analytical Writing |
30 minutes |
1 |
Analyze an Issue task |
| Verbal Reasoning - Section 1 |
18 minutes |
12 |
Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence |
| Verbal Reasoning - Section 2 |
23 minutes |
15 |
Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence |
| Quantitative Reasoning - Section 1 |
21 minutes |
12 |
Problem Solving, Quantitative Comparison |
| Quantitative Reasoning - Section 2 |
26 minutes |
15 |
Problem Solving, Quantitative Comparison |
Note: The **Analytical Writing** section is always first, followed by the **Verbal Reasoning** and **Quantitative Reasoning** sections, which can be completed in any order.
Note: The Analytical Writing section is always first, followed by the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, which can be completed in any order.
GRE Scoring Breakdown
Each section of the GRE is scored separately. Here is the breakdown of GRE scoring:
GRE Scoring Breakdown
GRE Scoring Breakdown
| Score Component |
Score Range |
| Verbal Reasoning |
130 – 170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning |
130 – 170 |
| Analytical Writing |
0 – 6 |
Your **Total GRE Score** combines the **Verbal** and **Quantitative Reasoning** scores, ranging from **260 to 340**. The **Analytical Writing** score is reported separately.
Your Total GRE Score combines the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores, ranging from 260 to 340. The Analytical Writing score is reported separately.
Highest GRE Score
The highest possible GRE score is 340 (170 in both Verbal and Quantitative). Competitive graduate programs typically look for scores in the 310+ range, while top-tier institutions may expect scores 320 or higher.
Key Changes in the GRE
Here are the key updates in the GRE 2025 format:
- Reduced Exam Duration: The total test time has been reduced to 1 hour and 58 minutes, down from the previous 3 hours and 45 minutes.
- Elimination of the "Analyze an Argument" Task: The Analytical Writing section now includes only the "Analyze an Issue" task.
- Removal of Unscored and Research Sections: All sections now contribute to the final score.
- Faster Score Reporting: Official GRE scores are now delivered within 8–10 days.
How to Register for the GRE
To register for the GRE, visit the official ETS registration page. The GRE is available year-round at authorized test centers worldwide, and candidates also have the option to take the test online from home.
For detailed instructions on registration and test-taking strategies, visit our complete GRE guide.
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Prepare for the GRE with Practice Questions
Scoring well on the GRE 2025 requires effective preparation and familiarity with the updated exam format. Start practicing today with our comprehensive GRE question bank to improve your skills and boost your chances of success.
