How long is the GRE exam?

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Uncategorized

Welcome to TakeMyGREExam.com, your one-stop destination for all things GRE. Whether you’re preparing for graduate school or aiming to further your career, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) can feel like a big step in your academic journey. One of the most common questions we get from students is: "How long is the GRE exam?"

We understand that preparing for a high-stakes test can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll break down the entire GRE exam structure, how long each section lasts, and give you some helpful tips to manage your time effectively on test day.

The GRE Exam Overview

The GRE General Test is designed to assess your skills in three main areas: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Whether you’re a math whiz or a wordsmith, each section tests different abilities essential for graduate level coursework.

The test is computer-based (except in some locations where a paper-based test is offered), and the format allows for both flexibility and efficiency. But just how long does this exam really take? Let’s dive into the specifics.

GRE Exam Duration

The GRE General Test lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Yes, you read that right. The entire exam can take almost four hours, so it’s essential to manage your time carefully. But don’t panic. We’ll walk you through each section so you can better prepare yourself and feel more confident when you step into that test center.

Breaking Down the GRE Sections and Time

  1. Analytical Writing (AWA) Section

    • Time: 60 minutes (1 hour)

    • This section consists of two tasks: an "Issue Task" and an "Argument Task." You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to articulate complex ideas, support your arguments with evidence, and write in a clear and coherent manner.

    • Task 1: Analyze an issue and write a response to that issue. (30 minutes)

    • Task 2: Analyze an argument and critique the reasoning. (30 minutes)

    Pro Tip: Although you might feel like rushing through this section, take your time to structure your essays well. Aim for clear and logical arguments that highlight your critical thinking and writing skills.

  2. Verbal Reasoning Section

    • Time: 60 minutes (2 sections, 35 minutes each)

    • This section is made up of two 20-question sections. You’ll be asked to interpret and analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and understand the meanings of words and phrases in context.

    • Question Types: Reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.

    Pro Tip: Time management is key here. The questions tend to get more challenging as you go, so be sure to pace yourself. Read carefully, but don’t linger too long on any one question.

  3. Quantitative Reasoning Section

    • Time: 70 minutes (2 sections, 35 minutes each)

    • This section tests your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information. You’ll face problems that involve arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

    • Question Types: Problem-solving and quantitative comparison questions.

    Pro Tip: Although it might feel like the math section is the most stressful, remember that you don’t need to solve every question! Answer the easier questions first and return to the more difficult ones if time allows.

  4. Unscored Research Section (Optional)

    • Time: 35 minutes (Variable)

    • You may encounter an unscored research section, which is included to help ETS (the organization behind the GRE) test new questions. This section is typically 35 minutes long and may appear at any point during the exam. The good news? This section won’t count toward your score, but it does take up some of your time.

    • Note: You won’t know which section is unscored, so treat all sections as if they count.

  5. Breaks

    • Time: 10 minutes total

    • You’ll get one break after the third section (Verbal Reasoning), and you’ll get another break after the fourth section (Quantitative Reasoning). Use these breaks wisely to recharge stretch, hydrate, and refocus your mind for the remaining sections!

How to Manage Your Time During the GRE Exam

It’s not just about knowing how long the GRE exam is it’s about how to manage that time effectively. Here are a few time-management tips to help you breeze through the exam:

  1. Pace Yourself: As you prepare for the GRE, practice taking timed full-length practice exams. This will help you get comfortable with the pressure of answering questions within the time limits.

  2. Don’t Get Stuck: If you encounter a particularly challenging question, don’t waste too much time on it. Move on and come back to it if time allows.

  3. Use Your Breaks Wisely: During your breaks, don’t just sit in one place and let your nerves get the best of you. Get up, stretch, take a walk, or drink some water to refresh your mind.

  4. Prepare for the Unexpected: Be ready for the research section, and don’t let it throw you off. Remember, it doesn’t affect your score, so don’t stress.

What Happens After You Finish the GRE?

Once you’ve completed the GRE, you’ll get your scores for the Verbal and Quantitative sections right after the exam. However, your Analytical Writing score will be available later, typically within 10–15 days. This allows you to start planning the next steps for your grad school applications right away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long is the GRE exam in total?
The GRE exam takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks. Be sure to manage your time effectively across each section.

2. Are there breaks during the GRE?
Yes! You get one 10-minute break after the third section (Verbal Reasoning) and another 1 minute break after the fourth section (Quantitative Reasoning).

3. How many sections are in the GRE?
There are a total of 6 sections: two Verbal Reasoning sections, two Quantitative Reasoning sections, one Analytical Writing section (with two tasks), and one unscored research section (which is optional and may appear anywhere).

4. Can I skip questions on the GRE?
Yes, you can skip questions on the GRE and return to them later within the time limit for each section. However, you can’t go back to previous sections once you’ve moved on.

5. What is the unscored research section?
The unscored research section is included by ETS to test new questions. It doesn’t affect your score, but you won’t know which section it is, so treat all sections as if they count.

6. How long does it take to get GRE scores?
Your Verbal and Quantitative scores will be available immediately after you complete the test. Your Analytical Writing score will typically arrive within 10–15 days.

7. Can I retake the GRE if I’m not happy with my score?
Yes! You can retake the GRE, and ETS allows you to take the test once every 21 days. Keep in mind that each time you take the test, you’ll receive new scores, so don’t be afraid to improve your results.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how long the GRE exam is and have a better understanding of its structure, it’s time to get started on your preparation! At TakeMyGREExam.com, we’re here to guide you every step of the way whether you’re looking for study tips, practice questions, or strategies for time management. The GRE may seem long, but with the right preparation, you can tackle it with confidence.

Good luck with your GRE journey, and remember success starts with the first step. Let’s get ready to ace the exam.