GRE 2026 Syllabus: Check Section-Wise Exam Pattern and Topics
If you are planning to study abroad for an MS, MBA, or PhD in 2025, knowing the GRE Exam Syllabus is your first step toward a high score. The good news? The GRE has recently undergone a major transformation. The test is now much shorter—just under 2 hours—making it less exhausting but more intense.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the GRE syllabus, including the GRE general test syllabus and the specific GRE maths syllabus. We will break down every section so you know exactly what to study and what to skip. Whether you are an engineer targeting a top STEM program or a humanities student aiming for an MBA, this guide is designed for you.
What Is the GRE Exam Syllabus? (Overview of GRE General Test Syllabus)
The GRE General Test syllabus is designed to measure your readiness for graduate-level work. Unlike college exams that test subject knowledge (like History or Chemistry), the GRE tests skills: specifically, your ability to reason, analyze data, and write critically.
The syllabus is divided into three main areas:
- Verbal Reasoning: Tests your ability to analyze written material and understand the relationships between words.
- Quantitative Reasoning (Maths): Tests basic math skills and your ability to reason with numbers.
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Tests your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
Key Note: You do not need to memorize advanced theories. The GRE focuses on logic and application.
GRE Exam Syllabus 2026 – Section-Wise GRE Syllabus Breakdown
The new shorter GRE format means fewer questions, but every question counts more toward your final score. Below is the master blueprint of the GRE exam syllabus for 2026.
Table: GRE Exam Syllabus Overview 2026
Section | Topics Covered | Number of Questions | Time Allotted | Difficulty Level |
Analytical Writing | Issue Task Essay | 1 Task | 30 Minutes | Moderate to High |
Verbal Reasoning | Reading Comp, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence | 27 Questions (2 Sections) | 41 Minutes | Adaptive (Medium to Hard) |
Quantitative Reasoning | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis | 27 Questions (2 Sections) | 47 Minutes | Adaptive (Medium to Hard) |
GRE Verbal Reasoning Syllabus – Latest GRE Syllabus for Verbal
The Verbal section is often the trickiest part for non-native English speakers. The GRE syllabus for Verbal doesn’t just check if you know “big words”; it checks if you can understand the context in which those words are used.
You will encounter three main types of questions:
- Reading Comprehension: Long and short passages drawn from physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, and arts.
- Text Completion: Sentences with 1, 2, or 3 blanks where you must fill in the missing words to create a coherent meaning.
- Sentence Equivalence: A single sentence with one blank. You must choose two words that fit the blank and produce sentences with the same meaning.
Table: GRE Verbal Syllabus Topics
Topic | Description | Typical Question Type |
Vocabulary in Context | Understanding nuances of words. | Text Completion / Sentence Equivalence |
Critical Reasoning | Strengthening/Weakening arguments. | Reading Comprehension |
Literary Analysis | Identifying the author’s tone and main idea. | Reading Comprehension |
Sentence Structure | Understanding complex grammar logic. | Text Completion |
GRE Maths Syllabus – Complete GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus (Updated)
For many students, the GRE maths syllabus is the most scoring section. The official name is “Quantitative Reasoning,” and it focuses on mathematical modeling and problem-solving.
Good News: You are provided with an on-screen calculator, so you don’t need to do complex mental math. The level of math is generally high-school level (Class 10th standard), but the questions are tricky.
Bullet Points for GRE Quant (Maths) Syllabus:
- Arithmetic: Integers, Divisibility, Primes, Remainders.
- Algebra: Linear equations, Quadratics, Functions, Exponents.
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons (3D figures are rare but possible).
- Data Analysis: Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode), Probability, Permutation & Combination, Graphs.
Table: GRE Quantitative Syllabus Breakdown
Topic | Subtopics | Difficulty | Type of Questions |
Arithmetic | Integers, Percentages, Ratios | Low to Medium | MCQ / Numeric Entry |
Algebra | Equations, Inequalities, Coordinate Geometry | Medium | MCQ / Comparison |
Geometry | Circles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals | Medium to High | MCQ / Comparison |
Data Analysis | Probability, Statistics, Interpretation | High | Data Interpretation Sets |
GRE AWA Syllabus – Analytical Writing Syllabus (Updated 2026)
The GRE General Test syllabus for writing has been simplified. Previously, you had to write two essays. Now, you only write one.
- Task: “Analyze an Issue”
- Time: 30 Minutes
- Goal: You will be given a prompt (an opinion on a broad topic). You must construct a logical argument supporting or opposing it.
What are graders looking for?
- Clarity: Can you express your idea simply?
- Logic: Does your argument make sense?
- Examples: Do you use relevant examples to support your view?
- Grammar: Is your writing free of major errors?
Mini-Table: AWA Breakdown
Essay Type | Time | Skills Assessed |
Issue Task | 30 Mins | Critical thinking, persuasive writing |
Detailed GRE General Test Syllabus – Topic-Wise Explanation
To master the GRE exam syllabus, you need to know not just what is on the test, but also what is not.
- Verbal Deep Dive: Focus on “high-frequency words.” ETS loves words that have secondary meanings. In Reading Comprehension, pay attention to “inference” questions—the answer is never directly stated in the text; you have to derive it.
- Quant Deep Dive: Data Interpretation questions often come in sets of 3 based on one chart. Accuracy here is crucial.
- What is NOT in the Syllabus:
- No Calculus: You do not need integration or differentiation.
- No Trigonometry: Sin, Cos, Tan are rarely, if ever, tested (basic properties only).
- No Grammar Check: There is no “Sentence Correction” section like in the GMAT.
GRE Exam Syllabus for Indian Students (Important Notes)
Indian students often have a distinct advantage in the GRE maths syllabus due to a strong engineering background. However, the Verbal section can be a hurdle.
- Play to Your Strengths: If you are good at Math, aim for 165–170 in Quant. This can pull up your total score even if Verbal is average.
- The Vocabulary Trap: Don’t just memorize word lists. Read articles from The New York Times or The Economist to understand how complex words are used in real sentences.
- Cultural Context: Some Reading Comprehension passages deal with US history or Western literature. Don’t panic; all the info you need is in the passage.
GRE Syllabus Changes 20256– Latest ETS Updates
The GRE is now “Shorter, Better, Faster.” Here is how the syllabus has shifted for 2025:
- Reduced Duration: The test is now under 2 hours (1 hour 58 minutes).
- Fewer Questions: You face fewer questions in Verbal and Quant, which means you have less room for error. Every mistake hurts your score more than before.
- No “Analyze an Argument”: This essay task has been removed from the AWA syllabus.
- No Unscored Section: Every section you see counts towards your score. No more experimental sections.
GRE Exam Syllabus PDF – Downloadable Summary
Need a checklist? While we recommend using the official ETS website, you can create your own checklist based on the tables above. Keep it on your desk and tick off topics as you master them.
(CTA: Download our 1-page GRE Topic Checklist Here)
How to Prepare for the GRE Exam Pattern Effectively
Knowing the GRE exam syllabus is step one. Step two is mastering it.
- Verbal: Read 15 minutes of high-quality non-fiction daily. Learn 10 new words every day using flashcards.
- Quant: Don’t just solve problems; analyze why you got them wrong. Was it a calculation error or a concept gap?
- AWA: Write one essay every weekend and have it graded by a mentor or a tool like ChatGPT for feedback.
- Practice: Use official ETS PowerPrep tests. They follow the syllabus exactly.
GRE General Test Syllabus – Section-Wise Weightage Table
Not all sections impact your admissions equally. Here is how universities usually weigh the syllabus.
Table: GRE Syllabus Weightage 2026
Section | Score Range | Importance Level |
Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 | High (For STEM/Finance) |
Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 | High (For Humanities/Law/MBA) |
Analytical Writing | 0–6.0 | Medium (Qualifying Criteria) |
Study Plan Based on GRE Exam Syllabus (1-Month & 3-Month Plan)
1-Month Plan (The Crash Course):
- Week 1: Master Arithmetic & Algebra. Learn top 300 GRE words.
- Week 2: Geometry & Data Analysis. Practice Reading Comprehension strategies.
- Week 3: Take 3 full-length mock tests. Analyze weak areas.
- Week 4: Revision of formulas and light practice.
3-Month Plan (The Deep Dive):
- Month 1: Cover the entire GRE maths syllabus topic by topic. Start reading daily.
- Month 2: Focus heavily on Verbal. Practice Text Completion and RC daily. Write 1 essay per week.
- Month 3: Intensive mock testing (1 test every 3 days). Focus on time management.
Conclusion – Understanding the GRE Syllabus for High Scores
Mastering the GRE exam syllabus is less about being a genius and more about being prepared. By breaking down the GRE general test syllabus into manageable chunks—Verbal, Quant, and AWA—you can build a study plan that actually works. Remember, the GRE maths syllabus rewards practice, and the Verbal syllabus rewards consistency.
Ready to start your prep? Don’t wait. Download a syllabus checklist today and take your first diagnostic test to see where you stand!
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Have a question?
The 2026 syllabus includes three sections: Verbal Reasoning (27 questions), Quantitative Reasoning (27 questions), and Analytical Writing (1 Essay). The total time is 1 hour 58 minutes.
The topics (Arithmetic, Algebra, etc.) are the same, but the structure has changed. There is no longer an “Argument” essay, and the number of questions has been reduced.
For students with a math background (Class 10 level), the syllabus is moderate. The difficulty lies in the logic and time pressure, not the advanced math concepts.
The main topics are Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Essay Writing.
You will typically see about 3-4 reading passages of varying lengths across the two verbal sections.
Data Analysis covers Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation), Probability, Permutations & Combinations, and interpreting graphs/charts.
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