How Long Is the GRE? Full Test & Section Breakdown (2026 Guide)

If you're preparing for the GRE and wondering, "How long is the GRE?", you're in the right place. Understanding the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test duration is essential for test takers, especially those applying to graduate schools or professional programs. Whether you're pursuing business schools, law schools, or other graduate and professional programs, knowing the exact test timing will help you manage your time effectively and perform at your best.

In this guide, we’ll explore the GRE exam pattern, breakdown of GRE sections, and share tips for effective time management on test day.

Overview of the Current GRE General Test

As of the update launched on September 22, 2023, the GRE General Test was revamped to make it shorter and more efficient. ETS was shortened to improve the experience and reduce fatigue for test takers. While the older version took nearly four hours, the new format cuts that in half while keeping the same scoring system and test integrity.

The newest version of the exam includes fewer questions per section, only one essay instead of two, and no unscored sections. However, shorter doesn’t mean easier. The fewer the number of questions, the bigger the impact of each one on your score. Because each section is much shorter than before, you also have little time to adjust if you fall behind, and jumping around between questions is relatively riskier than before.

Here’s a breakdown:

Note: The entire test is 1 hour and 58 minutes, and all are computer-delivered. The paper version is only available in very limited locations where computer testing is not available.

Breakdown of Each GRE Section

Analytical Writing Section

• Time: 30 minutes
• Task: One issue (Analyze an Issue) essay
• Purpose: Tests critical thinking, logical structure, and clarity in written communication.

You will be given a short, polarizing issue, and then you will be asked to choose a side of the issue, either in defense or opposition to the position presented.

Note: This section of the exam is not necessarily testing your ability to recall many interesting facts about the topic, or even to change the mind of the reader, but its primary purpose is to measure your ability to write a high-quality essay in a timed environment.

Expert tips:

• Spend the first 5 minutes reading and outlining your main points.
• Use the next 20 minutes to write and support your claims with evidence from the passage.
• Save 5 minutes at the end to proofread for grammar and structure.
• You do not need prior subject knowledge. Just the focus is on how you organize, analyze, and write.

Verbal Reasoning Sections

• Time: 18 minutes and 23 minutes respectively
• Questions: 12 questions + 15 questions, total 27 questions
• Topics Covered: Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence

The verbal section tests how well you can understand written material, evaluate arguments, recall vocabulary, and recognize relationships between words and concepts. Each section includes a mix of short reading comprehension passages and standalone sentence-based questions.

Skills tested:

• Interpreting and concluding written material
• Understanding vocabulary in context
• Evaluating arguments and identifying main ideas

Question types:

• Reading comprehension
• Text completion (fill in blanks with appropriate words)
• Sentence equivalence (choose two words that complete a sentence with the same meaning)

Quantitative Reasoning Sections

• Time: 47 minutes total
• Questions: 27 total
• Topics Covered: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis

The quantitative section assesses your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information. You’ll need to apply basic mathematical concepts and formulas.

Skills tested:

• Quantitative reasoning
• Arithmetic operations
• Algebraic equations
• Geometry concepts
• Data interpretation and graphs

Question types:

• Quantitative comparisons
• Data interpretation
• Multiple choice
• Data entry

Note: This section includes an on-screen calculator that you can check here.

Expert tip: Make the most of the GRE's "mark and review" feature. Answer the questions you’re confident about first, and flag the ones you’re unsure of. This strategy will help you stay on track, manage your time, and give you a chance to revisit the tougher questions later. Also, consider taking GRE prep courses to practice using this feature effectively and to know which section has a high difficulty level for you. Find them here.

Adaptive Scoring System Explained

The GRE uses a section-level adaptive scoring system, which means the difficulty of your test adjusts based on your performance. Specifically, this applies to the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. Everyone begins with an initial section of average difficulty. Based on how well you do, the second section will adapt, becoming either more difficult or easier.

For example, if you perform well on the first Quant section, the second Quant section will include more challenging questions. This is actually a good thing: harder questions are worth more, so doing well on a tougher second section allows you to earn a higher overall score. Conversely, if you struggle in the first section, the second will be easier, but it will limit your scoring potential.

Read: GRE Score Percentiles

GRE Scoring: What It Measures and How It’s Used

Scoring Scale

• Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
• Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
• Analytical Writing: 0–6 (half-point increments)

Note: Your raw score, which will be given to you immediately after finishing the exam, is based on the number of questions you answer correctly. That raw score is then adjusted based on question difficulty through ETS’s adaptive algorithm. Though it can happen, none of my students have ever informed me that their raw scores were any different than the official scores they received later. Score adjustments are rare, and I assume that when they are adjusted, they are likely just adjusted by 1 point.

Score Validity and Usage

• GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.
• Used by thousands of graduate programs, including grad schools, business schools, and law schools.
• You can send scores to up to four select schools for free on test day.
• You can purchase additional score reports later.

Note: Your scores are just one part of your application. Programs also consider GPA, essays, letters of recommendation, and experience.

Here's how you can interpret your GRE score.

What to Expect on GRE Test Day

Before the Test

• Arrive at the test center early
• Bring a valid, government-issued ID that matches your GRE registration
• Leave personal items in the provided lockers
• You'll check in, take a photo, and be assigned a testing computer

During the Test

• Each section is timed separately
• You can skip questions and come back to them within each section
• There are no extended breaks, so make sure not to skip forward if you finish a section early. Relax and take all the time that you are given.
• All answers must be submitted before moving to the next section

After the Test

• You’ll see unofficial test scores for Verbal and Quant immediately
• Official scores are sent to schools 8–10 days after your test
• You can decide whether to send scores based on performance

Timing and Test Prep Strategies

Practice in Real Conditions

Take full-length practice tests using official materials or adaptive practice tests. Match the test time and conditions you’ll face on the actual test day.

Set Benchmarks by Section

• Verbal Reasoning: ~1.5 minutes per question
• Quantitative Reasoning: ~1.75 minutes per question
• Argument Essay: 5 minutes to plan, 20 minutes to write, 5 minutes to edit

Use these benchmarks during test preparation to develop a natural rhythm.

Build Mental Stamina

• The GRE is mentally demanding. Take back-to-back sections during practice tests to simulate fatigue and speed.

Use Smart Guessing

• If you're unsure, make an educated guess. There’s no penalty for wrong answers. In fact, it serves you no benefit to leave questions blank.
• Flag questions you’re unsure about and return later if time allows. But still make sure to guess if you cannot make an honest attempt.
• Even if you cannot solve for the exact answer, try to guess solutions that make logical sense and eliminate answers that are clearly wrong.

Read: GRE Study Plan & Schedule: 1, 3, & 6-Month Templates (From a Pro Tutor)

Get Expert Support From a GRE Test Prep Coach

I know how overwhelming GRE prep can feel – especially if you’re juggling work, school, or applying on a tight timeline. Over the past few years, I’ve helped students at every level build smarter study plans, strengthen their weaknesses, and walk into test day with real confidence.

Whether you’re aiming to boost your quant score, sharpen your verbal reasoning, or just need structure and accountability, I’ll help you use your time effectively and focus on what matters most. We’ll work together to create a plan that fits your goals, learning style, and schedule.

Let’s take the stress out of GRE prep and replace it with strategy.

Visit: The 10 Best GRE Tutors

Related Resources you may read next:

• How Late Can You Take the GMAT/GRE for MBA Applications?
• Best free 50+ GMAT Preparation Resources
• The 3 Biggest Mistakes People Make Preparing for the GRE
• GMAT vs. GRE for Business School, Which Should You Take (and How to Ace Both)
• GRE Math Practice: Questions and Expert Tips

FAQs

How long does a GRE test take?

• The GRE test takes 1 hour and 58 minutes for the computer-delivered version, including all sections like verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and the analytical writing section.

Is the GRE test difficult?

• The GRE test can be challenging, especially with its two quantitative reasoning sections and the analytical writing section. However, with the right GRE prep courses, you can build the skills needed to do well.

Is the GRE only 2 hours now?

• Yes, the GRE is now 1 hour and 58 minutes for the shorter version, following the changes made by the Educational Testing Service in 2023. This update reduces the overall time while still assessing key skills.

What is a 90% GRE score?

• A 90% GRE score generally means you're in the top 10% of test-takers for that section. For example, it could correspond to around a 165 in quantitative reasoning or verbal reasoning, depending on the test.