Embarking on the GRE journey in 2024 means delving into a standardized testing landscape that not only evaluates your academic prowess but also adapts to the evolving demands of graduate education. The GRE 2024 Exam Pattern is a roadmap to success, a carefully designed framework that assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and analytical writing skills. As we navigate through the intricacies of this dynamic examination, let’s explore the key components, recent updates, and insights that will empower you on your quest for excellence in the GRE 2024. Join us as we unravel the nuances of this transformative testing experience and equip you with the knowledge to confidently tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Welcome to the GRE 2024 Exam Pattern: Your Gateway to Academic Triumph.
GRE 2024 Exam Pattern:
Types of GRE Tests:
1. GRE General Test:
- Assesses verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills.
- Commonly required for various graduate programs.
2. GRE Subject Tests:
- Assesses knowledge in specific subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Psychology.
- Often required for STEM programs.
LATEST UPDATE: ETS GRE Exam Duration Reduced to Under 2 Hours as of September 22, 2023
Renowned as one of the most widely accepted tests for graduate and professional courses, the GRE exam, previously spanning just under 4 hours, underwent a significant reduction to nearly 2 hours on September 22, 2023, as officially communicated by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the administering body of the GRE exam. The revised GRE General Test, implemented on September 22, 2023, features 26 fewer Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning questions, along with only one Analytical Writing essay. This modification aims to alleviate test-taking fatigue and enhance the overall testing experience.
This change positions the GRE exam, with its approximate 2-hour duration, as shorter than other prominent standardized tests such as the GMAT exam (3 hours 7 minutes), GMAT Focus Edition (2 hours 15 minutes), and LSAT (approximately 3 hours). The streamlined format aligns with ETS’s commitment to optimizing the efficiency and accessibility of the GRE examination process.
GRE Old Exam Pattern Vs New Exam Pattern:
| Factors | GRE Old Exam Pattern | GRE New Exam Pattern (wef September 22, 2023) |
| GRE Analytical Writing | 1 section, 2 essay tasks 60 minutes | 1 section, 1 essay task 30 minutes |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning | 2 sections, 40 questions total 70 minutes | 2 sections, 27 questions total 47 minutes |
| GRE Verbal Reasoning | 2 sections, 40 questions total 60 minutes | 2 sections, 27 questions total 41 minutes |
| Unscored Section | Varies | n/a |
| Research | Varies | n/a |
| Total GRE Duration | 3 hours 45 minutes | 1 hour, 58 minutes |
Understanding the GRE General Test:
Developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE General Test serves as a standardized assessment measuring the overall academic preparedness of individuals aspiring to pursue graduate education. This comprehensive evaluation encompasses analytical writing, quantitative ability, and verbal reasoning skills. The GRE General Test is offered throughout the year, providing candidates with flexibility in scheduling. It is a prerequisite for admission to MS courses, select MBA programs, and various professional graduate-level courses. The increasing global acceptance of GRE scores by universities worldwide has contributed to its popularity.
The GRE General Test is available in three formats:
1. GRE Computer-Based Test (CBT):
- Administered at GRE-designated test centers worldwide.
- Accessible in countries with Internet and computer technology.
- Widely adopted as the preferred mode for taking the GRE General Test.
2. GRE Paper-Based Test:
- Conducted in regions with limited Internet or computer access.
- Candidates use pen and paper for this offline version.
- In India, the GRE Computer-Based Test is the standard, and there is no Paper-Based Test option.
3. GRE at Home Test:
- Recently introduced, the GRE at Home Test allows candidates to take the test from the safety of their homes.
- Launched in response to the pandemic, this format prioritizes student safety.
- Candidates must meet specific system requirements outlined by ETS and maintain a conducive testing environment throughout the GRE at Home Test.
Exploring the GRE Subject Test:
The GRE Subject Test evaluates candidates’ proficiency in specific subjects, including Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Notably, Subject Tests in Biology and Literature in English were discontinued in May 2021, while the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Subject Test was discontinued in December 2016. Scores on these discontinued tests remain reportable for five years, following the GRE score policy.
Primarily required for admission to specialized courses and technical programs, the GRE Subject Test is a paper-delivered test conducted three times a year in September, October, and April. The total duration of the GRE Subject Test is 2 hours and 50 minutes, and candidates need to select one subject from the following list:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Understanding these distinctive aspects of the GRE General and Subject Tests is crucial for those embarking on the journey toward graduate education
GRE General Test Compare to a GRE Subject Test?
| GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test |
| The GRE General Test is not related to any specific field of study but measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that are important and have been developed over a long period of time. | The GRE Subject Test measures your knowledge in a particular field of study. Subjects covered in the GRE Subject Test include Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. |
| The duration of the GRE General Test is 3 hours and 45 minutes. | The duration of the GRE Subject Test is 2 hours and 50 minutes. |
| The cost of the GRE General Test for students registering from India is US$228. While the worldwide cost of GRE General Test registration is US$220 | The worldwide cost of GRE Subject Registration is US$150. |
| The GRE General Test is held online from a GRE test centre or in the comfort of your home in the newly launched, GRE at Home facility. The GRE test is held multiple times a day and on most days of the month. | The GRE Subject Tests are offered at paper-delivered test centres worldwide, three times a year. In September, October, and April. |
May this understanding of the GRE 2024 Exam Pattern guide you toward a confident and successful test day. As you step into the examination hall, may your preparation be reflected in every calculated response and eloquent essay. Best of luck on your GRE 2024 journey – where every answer is a step closer to your academic aspirations.
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