How Difficult Is the GRE and What Topics Are Covered?
GRE scores are a crucial requirement for Indian students aiming for Master’s, MBA, or PhD admissions abroad. Understanding the latest GRE syllabus helps plan an effective study strategy and increases the chance of securing a high rank in competitive global university admissions for 2025. A thorough knowledge of section-wise topics and the test structure makes all the difference in targeting prestigious programs and scholarships in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and beyond.
GRE Syllabus 2025: Section-wise Test Overview
Exam Highlights – 2025
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Exam Type | GRE General Test & GRE Subject Tests |
| Total Questions | General: 55 Subject: 66–144 (per subject) |
| Duration | General: 1 hour 58 mins Subject: 2–2 hours 50 mins |
| Score Range | 260–340 (General); Subject: Varies |
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Australia, Germany |
The GRE General Test is widely accepted across thousands of graduate and business schools globally. Indian students from science, engineering, management, and humanities backgrounds use the GRE score for admissions in top international universities. For specializations, such as Physics, Maths, or Psychology, the GRE Subject Test offers deeper evaluation in core subjects.
What is Tested in the GRE General Test (2025)?
The GRE General Test evaluates abilities in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing—critical for post-graduate success. The section-wise topics covered in GRE 2025 are:
- Verbal Reasoning: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence
- Quantitative Reasoning: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis, Quantitative Comparisons
- Analytical Writing: Analyse an Issue, Analyse an Argument
Each section is designed to assess your analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as your comfort with graduate-level English and maths concepts. This structure remains common for those applying to MS, MBA or PhD programs abroad.
Detailed GRE General Test Syllabus 2025
| Section | Topics Covered | Time (min) | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing |
|
30 | 0–6 |
| Verbal Reasoning |
|
41 | 130–170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning |
|
47 | 130–170 |
For section-wise preparation, it is crucial to focus on mathematical application skills, advanced English vocabulary, and structuring clear arguments in writing. Access additional sample questions and GRE mock tests by exploring GRE sample papers.
GRE Subject Tests: Pattern and Syllabus
Subject-specific GRE tests are recommended if your target course requires a deep foundation in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. These tests help universities gauge your domain expertise beyond the General Test.
| Subject Test | Key Topics | No. of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Calculus (50%), Algebra (25%), Other Maths (25%) | 66 | 2 hr 50 min |
| Physics |
|
70 | 2 hr |
| Psychology |
|
144 | 2 hr |
Other subjects (like Chemistry or Literature) are not offered as of 2025. Registration typically opens 6 weeks before the test, and results are provided in 6 weeks. For more on subject-wise admission requirements, read GRE Exam: Complete Guide.
Top Universities and Courses Accepting GRE 2025
A good GRE score opens avenues to leading institutions in the USA, Canada, Germany, and Singapore. Popular programs accepting GRE include MS in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, MBA, Psychology, and STEM PhDs.
- MS in Computer Science/Engineering – Harvard, MIT, Stanford, TU Munich, NUS
- MBA in the US and Europe – Stanford GSB, INSEAD, LBS
- PhD Programs – University of Toronto, ETH Zurich, Oxford
To explore degree options and rankings that match your GRE preparation, visit Top Universities in the World.
GRE Scoring, Cut-offs & Scholarships
Most universities consider both your GRE section scores and overall percentile. While a score of 310+ is a common benchmark for top engineering programs, MBA or social sciences might weigh your Analytical Writing and undergraduate grades too. Many international scholarships are also linked to strong GRE scores, especially for Indian candidates.
GRE Syllabus 2025: Key Takeaways for Indian Students
- Know your target program’s requirements—some waive GRE; others assign extra weight.
- Section scores matter: Practice weak areas and take GRE mock tests regularly.
- Stay updated with GRE eligibility criteria and country-specific visa rules.
- Check for scholarships with GRE requirements in destination countries.
- Plan focused preparation with the updated syllabus for your intended course or specialization.
Understanding the GRE syllabus 2025 is crucial for every Indian student preparing for competitive international admissions. Master each section, track test updates, and align your preparation with your target degree and university for the best study-abroad outcomes.
FAQs on Complete GRE Syllabus and Exam Guide for 2025-26
1. Is GRE difficult to pass?
The GRE General Test is considered moderately difficult for most students, especially if you are not familiar with English vocabulary, quantitative reasoning, or analytical writing. However, with consistent practice and understanding of the GRE syllabus and question formats, many students achieve competitive scores. Difficulty varies based on your academic background and preparation level.
2. What topics are on the GRE exam?
The GRE syllabus comprises three key sections: Verbal Reasoning (reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence), Quantitative Reasoning (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis), and Analytical Writing (analyze an issue and an argument). The questions assess critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills across these domains.
3. Is getting a 300 on GRE hard?
Achieving a GRE score of 300 requires a moderate level of preparation and understanding of exam concepts. Many students reach or surpass this mark with focused study, but the effort needed will depend on your starting proficiency, especially in verbal and quantitative sections.
4. What is a 90% GRE score?
A score at the 90th percentile in the GRE usually means you have scored higher than 90% of test-takers. For the GRE General Test, this typically corresponds to a combined score of approximately 326–330 (out of 340), although percentiles can vary by testing year and section (verbal or quant).
5. What is the GRE syllabus for 2025?
The GRE syllabus for 2025 remains unchanged from previous years and includes three main sections:
• Analytical Writing Assessment
• Verbal Reasoning (reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence)
• Quantitative Reasoning (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis)
Specific content areas and question types can be downloaded in the GRE syllabus 2025 PDF from the ETS official website.
6. Where can I download the GRE syllabus PDF?
You can download the official GRE syllabus PDF for 2025 and previous years from the ETS website (www.ets.org/gre). The PDF contains detailed breakdowns of each section, exam topics, and sample questions.
7. Is the GRE syllabus the same for CSE, MBA, PhD, and other streams?
Yes, the GRE General Test syllabus is the same regardless of your intended study stream, including CSE (Computer Science Engineering), MBA, PhD, Masters, Mechanical Engineering, and ECE (Electronics and Communication Engineering). However, the GRE Subject Tests have specific syllabi for fields like Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, etc.
8. How is the GRE General Test scored?
The GRE General Test consists of three scored sections: Verbal Reasoning (130–170), Quantitative Reasoning (130–170), and Analytical Writing (0–6). Composite scores range from 260 to 340 for Verbal and Quant, with Analytical Writing reported separately.
9. What is the structure of the GRE General Test?
The GRE General Test includes:
• Analytical Writing: 1 section, 2 tasks (issue + argument)
• Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections
• Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections
There may also be an unscored or research section, but only the main sections count toward your score.
10. Where can I find GRE exam sample papers?
You can access official GRE sample papers and practice questions on the ETS GRE website. Many educational portals, including Vedantu, also provide free downloadable GRE General Test samples and previous year question papers for effective preparation.
11. What are the most important topics for GRE Quantitative Reasoning?
The main topics for GRE Quantitative Reasoning include:
• Arithmetic
• Algebra (linear equations, quadratic equations, inequalities)
• Geometry (properties of shapes, coordinates)
• Data Analysis (interpreting graphs, probability, statistics)
Focus on understanding concepts and practicing problem-solving under timed conditions.
12. How should I prepare for the GRE Analytical Writing section?
To excel in the GRE Analytical Writing section:
• Practice both types of essays: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument
• Review sample topics from the official ETS pool
• Develop clear, organized essays using proper grammar and logical reasoning
• Time your responses to improve speed and coherence
