How Long Is Each GRE Section? Timing Tips for Every Part of the Test

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used by many graduate schools, business schools, and law schools to evaluate applicants. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the GRE, ensuring the exam's official status and reliability. Timing is one of the most important parts of test prep, especially with the shortened GRE format introduced in September 2023. If you are wondering how long is the GRE, the full GRE General Test now takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete, including all sections and breaks. That makes it one of the shortest major standardized exams today. The shorter GRE maintains the same content and rigor but is now more condensed than before.

This guide explains the GRE time per section, the structure of each part, and how to manage your time during the test. Understanding the GRE exam pattern and GRE pattern, including the structure, sections, and types of questions, is essential for effective preparation and test performance. Whether you’re a first-time test taker or trying to improve your pacing, understanding how long each GRE section is can help improve your score. The GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills, all of which are crucial for success in graduate-level programs.

GRE Time Per Section – At a Glance

The current GRE General Test, updated as of September 2023, is designed to evaluate key skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, with a sharper, more focused structure than in previous years. The entire exam now takes exactly 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete, making it one of the shortest standardized tests accepted by graduate schools, law schools, and business schools. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the GRE sections and their timing:

Key Insight: Because the GRE uses section-level adaptive testing, your performance on Section 1 of both the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections determines the difficulty level of Section 2. Strong performance upfront leads to a more difficult second section, but a higher potential score.

Each section of the GRE tests specific skills and content areas. In the verbal sections, you will be required to analyze and interpret written material, including complex academic texts, to assess your ability to understand, evaluate, and draw conclusions from challenging passages.

What This Structure Means for Test Takers

• No scheduled breaks: The current GRE does not include any official breaks between sections. Unless you receive accommodations, the test moves continuously from one section to the next.
• Computer-delivered only: The standard version of the test is administered on a computer either at a secure test center or remotely from home. A paper-based test is only available in limited locations where computer-based testing isn’t offered.
• Consistent pacing pressure: With tight time windows and challenging content, every second matters. You’ll need to practice hitting your time per question benchmarks to avoid leaving questions unanswered.
• No experimental section: The shortened GRE removed the research section and all unscored sections, so every question now contributes to your final score.
• When planning for the GRE, be sure to select a test date that aligns with your application deadlines and allows enough time for registration, whether you choose to test at home or at a center.

How to Use This Section Timing to Your Advantage

Here’s how to prepare more effectively with this format:

• Use section-specific timers in your practice tests. Time yourself for exactly 18, 21, 23, and 26 minutes per section to simulate real pressure.
• Drill pacing per question type. For example, aim for under 60 seconds on sentence equivalence, and allocate more time to reading comprehension or data analysis problems.
• Practice early stamina. The test starts with the analytical writing section, which means you need to hit the ground running, with no warmup questions.
• Simulate the no-break format. Don’t take a pause during prep unless you’ve been granted extended time. This trains your focus for the full 1 hour and 58 minutes.

Analytical Writing Section

The analytical writing section consists of a single task: the Analyze an Issue essay. You’ll be presented with a short statement and asked to take a position. Your response must support that position with well-organized reasoning and relevant examples. The argument essay was removed from the GRE in the September 2023 update.

This section evaluates your ability to break down complex ideas, structure a logical response, and write using clear, standard English. It specifically assesses the analytical writing skills required for graduate-level programs, as well as your critical thinking and problem solving skills. You’re expected to organize your points into a coherent discussion, not simply list your thoughts.

Timing Strategy

Expert Tip: Practicing with sample prompts before test day can help you write more efficiently. Use real prompts from ETS and time yourself to match the official structure. Your essay is scored on logic, clarity, and the strength of your reasoning.

Verbal Reasoning Section

The GRE includes two verbal reasoning sections. The first contains 12 questions with an 18-minute time limit. The second has 15 questions and must be completed in 23 minutes. The first verbal reasoning section is of average difficulty. How you perform here determines the difficulty level of the second section. This is part of the GRE’s section-level adaptive testing format.

Verbal reasoning questions include reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Each question presents multiple answer choices, and understanding these answer choices is key for effective test-taking strategies. You’ll be assessed on how well you understand written content, analyze arguments, and reason through vocabulary in context.

Verbal Section Breakdown

To manage your time, aim for under a minute on shorter text completion items and allow more time for multi-paragraph reading comprehension passages. The interface allows you to mark and return to questions, so avoid getting stuck on any single problem.

Quantitative Reasoning Section

The quantitative reasoning section also includes two separately timed tasks. The first section includes 12 questions in 21 minutes, and the second has 15 questions with a 26-minute limit. This section tests your ability to work with arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. It includes multiple-choice, numeric entry, and quantitative comparison problems. An on-screen calculator is provided.

As with the verbal section, your performance on the first quantitative reasoning section affects the difficulty of the second. This adaptive feature is designed to fine-tune your quantitative reasoning scores.

Quant Section Breakdown

Expert Tip: Use the calculator when it saves time, but not for simple math. Budget your time evenly and avoid overcommitting to one question. Practicing full-length quant sections is the most reliable way to build pacing and accuracy.

GRE Test Day Experience

On test day, the GRE takes 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. However, you should plan for extra time due to check-in, setup, and the final score reporting screen. After finishing the test, you will have the opportunity to send scores to colleges and universities directly from the score reporting screen, as provided by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

If you take the computer-delivered test at home, expect an early check-in window for identity verification and technical setup. If you’re testing at a test center, arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid delays. Either way, follow ETS rules closely, unauthorized breaks or rule violations can result in cancellation.

There are no scheduled breaks under the current test format. If you require breaks for medical or personal reasons, you must apply for accommodations through ETS well in advance. The shortened GRE no longer includes unscored or experimental sections.

GRE Subject Tests and Timing Differences

ETS also offers GRE subject tests in mathematics, physics, and psychology. These tests are paper-based and assess knowledge in a specific academic field. All questions on the GRE subject tests are multiple-choice, each with five answer choices. They follow a completely different format and are not adaptive like the GRE General Test.

GRE Subject Test Format

Note: Subject test scores are used by graduate programs that require depth in a particular area. Timing strategies will depend on the subject, but practice using official sample questions is strongly recommended.

Read: GRE Math Questions: Common Topics, Practice Sets, and Expert Tips

GRE Time Management Tips

1. Simulate Real GRE Conditions With Practice Tests

Use full-length, timed practice tests that mirror the real GRE structure. Stick to the official section time limits:

• Analytical Writing: 30 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning Sections: 18 and 23 minutes
• Quantitative Reasoning Sections: 21 and 26 minutes

Avoid giving yourself extra time during prep, this leads to unrealistic pacing. Practicing with the exact time constraints builds stamina and helps train your internal clock for test day.

2. Memorize Section Directions Ahead of Time

Each section starts with directions, but reading them on test day wastes valuable time. Review these instructions beforehand so you can start answering questions immediately. This small step helps you make the most of every second, especially in shorter sections like Verbal Reasoning 1 (18 minutes).

3. Use the Skip-and-Return Strategy

Don’t try to solve every question in order. If a problem is taking too long, typically more than 90 seconds, skip it, flag it, and come back if time allows. The GRE allows you to mark questions and return to them within the same section.

This strategy prevents one difficult item from derailing your overall section timing. It’s especially useful on reading comprehension and data analysis problems that can become time traps.

4. Avoid Overchecking Every Answer

While reviewing answers can be useful, spending too much time double-checking completed questions can cause you to run out of time before reaching the final ones. Only revisit questions you've flagged. Prioritize finishing the section over chasing small corrections.

5. Track Time by Question Type

Different question types require different pacing. Here's a rough time guide to build into your training:

Use a watch or on-screen timer during practice to stay on pace. Over time, you’ll learn where you tend to lose time and where you can speed up.

6. Identify Weak Spots With Prep Tools or Coaching

Use prep platforms or work with a GRE coach to analyze performance section by section. Look for patterns in timing issues, whether it’s slow reading, second-guessing in math, or overthinking vocabulary. Coaches can help refine your timing strategies and focus your prep on the question types that slow you down most.

7. Build Endurance Through Repetition

The GRE is mentally demanding. You’ll be answering complex questions for nearly two hours with no break. Build endurance by regularly taking timed sections back to back during prep sessions. Focus on maintaining accuracy even when fatigued. This mirrors the pressure and pacing required on test day.

Common Timing Mistakes

Spending Too Much Time on the First Few Questions

It’s common to overfocus on early questions, especially in verbal and quantitative sections. But spending too long on the first few items often creates time pressure later on. That pressure can cause rushed decisions, prevent you from answering the final questions, or force you to make blind guesses.

Fix it: Set a pacing benchmark before test day. Know how much time you can afford per question, and move on if you're going over. Every question is worth the same.

Rushing Through Reading Comprehension Passages

Reading comprehension appears in both verbal reasoning sections and often includes multi-paragraph passages. Rushing through these leads to misreads and wrong answers.

Fix it: Skim for structure and tone. Then go to the questions. Read just enough to locate the answer, but don’t try to memorize every detail on the first pass.

Overusing the Calculator in Quantitative Reasoning

The GRE provides an on-screen calculator, but using it for every question slows you down. Many quant problems can be solved faster with mental math or estimation.

Fix it: Practice solving basic arithmetic and percentage problems without the calculator. Use it only for longer calculations or when checking your final answer.

Not Practicing Under Real Testing Conditions

Studying without time constraints leads to a false sense of readiness. Many test takers do well in untimed prep but fall behind under pressure.

Fix it: Always use real section timers during practice. Take full-length tests without breaks, using the same time limits as the actual exam. This builds the focus and pacing habits required on test day.

Failing to Review Time Spent by Question Type

Without reviewing where time is lost, it's difficult to improve. Some test takers consistently overspend time on specific question types but don’t realize it.

Fix it: After each practice test, track your performance by section and by question type. Identify trends, such as slow responses on data interpretation or overchecking vocabulary questions. Focus future practice on these weak spots.

After the GRE: Scores and Retakes

Immediately after the test, you’ll see unofficial scores for your verbal and quantitative sections. These are reliable estimates. Your analytical writing score and full official scores will be available 8 to 10 days later through your ETS account.

GRE scores are valid for five years from your test date, so you can use them for graduate school applications within that period. This validity is important for planning when to apply to graduate school, ensuring your scores remain eligible for submission.

On test day, you can send your scores to up to four schools for free. You’ll also have the option to select which scores to send using the ScoreSelect feature. Additional score reports can be ordered later for a fee.

Read: GRE Score Percentiles

GRE Scoring Overview

Note: If you're planning to retake the GRE, build a realistic study plan and address any pacing or scoring issues from your first attempt.

The Bottom Line

The GRE is just under two hours long, but mastering its timing takes consistent practice. Each section, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning, comes with strict time limits and unique pacing demands. Success on the GRE isn’t just about content knowledge; it’s about managing time, staying focused, and making smart decisions under pressure.

Start early with timed practice tests, study the section formats, and use strategies like skipping tough questions, limiting calculator use, and flagging items for review. The more closely your prep reflects test day conditions, the more confident and in control you’ll be during the actual exam. If you're serious about improving your score, work with a GRE coach to build a customized plan, strengthen your pacing, and focus on the areas that will move your score the most.

Ace the GRE With the Help of an Expert

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GRE Time per Section – FAQs

How much time for each section of the GRE?

• The analytical writing section takes 30 minutes. Verbal reasoning takes 41 minutes total, and quantitative reasoning takes 47 minutes total.

Is getting a 320 on the GRE hard?

• A 320 is a competitive score for many graduate programs, but difficulty depends on your starting point and preparation time.

Can I score 330 on the GRE in 1 month?

• Yes, but it requires focused daily prep, a strong math/verbal foundation, and several timed practice tests.

How much time per passage in the GRE?

• Allocate about 1.5 minutes per question in the reading comprehension portion. Skim the passage and go straight to the questions if needed.