6 September 2024

4 minutes read

What Is The GRE Exam Time? How Much Time To Invest In Each Section Strategy- 2024

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

6 September 2024

4 minutes read

GRE

Key Takeaways

GRE Exam Time is now shortened to 1 hour and 58 minutes, so pacing yourself is critical to avoid rushing through sections.
Prioritize time management by not getting stuck on difficult questions; move on and return later if time permits.
The new structure includes fewer questions per section, so accuracy and staying calm under time pressure are essential to maximize your score.

The GRE exam shortened their time to 1 hour and 58 minutes in 2024. But using this time wisely? That’s where many stumble. You probably have studied everything on the syllabus – but what about what is not on the list? Time. You might have not prepared yourself for this issue.

Let me tell you, most test-takers rush through sections or leave questions blank – Been there, seen that. It’s a common mistake, but you don’t have to make it. This guide will show you how to spend your time in each GRE section. We’ll cover timing strategies for sections – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing – so you don’t have to rush through every section on the GRE test day.

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What Has Changed In the GRE Exam 2024?

The GRE exam underwent significant changes in September 2023, which will continue into 2024. The most notable change is the test length, which has been reduced from 3 hours and 45 minutes to just 1 hour and 58 mins. This shorter format now includes four sections instead of six sections: one Verbal Reasoning, one Quantitative Reasoning, and two Analytical Writing tasks. The number of questions in the GRE Verbal and Quantitative sections has also decreased, with each now containing 27 questions, down from 40 and 20 respectively.

The test structure has been revised as well. The GRE Analytical Writing section will always come first, followed by the Verbal section and Quantitative section in any order. There’s now only one 10-minute break between the second and third sections. Despite these changes, the scoring system remains the same, with scores ranging from 130-170 for Verbal and Quantitative sections, and 0-6 for Analytical Writing.

The Graduate Record Examination continues to be a computer-delivered, adaptive test, where the difficulty level of your second Verbal or Quantitative section depends on your performance in the first. These modifications aim to reduce GRE test-taker fatigue while still effectively measuring critical thinking and reasoning skills, ensuring the GRE general exam remains a valuable tool for graduate and law school admissions.

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What Should Be The Strategy For Timing On GRE Test Day?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a computer-delivered test that requires careful time management for each section. On GRE test day, the sections may appear in any order, except for the Analytical Writing section, which will always be the first section. The GRE Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and the unscored sections may appear in any sequence afterward. Each section has a fixed duration, and understanding how to manage your time effectively during these sections can significantly impact your high GRE score. This strategy breaks down the timing for every section to help you navigate the exam day confidently.

The GRE test consists of six sections: Analytical Writing, two Verbal Reasoning sections, two Quantitative Reasoning sections, and one unscored section, which does not count toward your score. There is also a 10-minute break after the third section.

Here is a section-wise strategy for managing your time on the GRE:

Section	Number of Questions	Time Allotted	Time Management Strategy
Analytical Writing	1 task per section (Issue & Argument tasks)	30 minutes per task	Allocate the first 5 minutes to planning, 20 minutes to writing, and the last 5 minutes to reviewing.
Verbal Reasoning (Section 1)	20 questions	30 minutes	Spend around 1.5 minutes per question. Prioritize Reading Comprehension passages, allocate 3-4 minutes per passage.
Quantitative Reasoning (Section 1)	20 questions	35 minutes	Spend 1.5-2 minutes per question. Focus on easier questions first and come back to harder ones later.
Verbal Reasoning (Section 2)	20 questions	30 minutes	Similar to Verbal Section 1, spend around 1.5 minutes per question. Allocate more time for longer reading comprehension.
Quantitative Reasoning (Section 2)	20 questions	35 minutes	Apply the same strategy as Quantitative Section 1. Ensure to tackle easy questions quickly to save time for complex ones.
Unscored Section (Verbal/Quantitative)	Varies (can be Verbal or Quantitative)	Varies (depends on type)	Treat this as an additional scored section—apply the same time management strategy as the respective section.

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Conclusion

Managing time on the new, shorter GRE in 2024 will be just as important as knowing the material. With the test now condensed to 1 hour and 58 minutes, the biggest challenge isn’t just understanding the questions, it’s pacing yourself to tackle everything within that limited time frame.

The best advice I can give? Don’t get stuck on any single question. The GRE is as much about strategy as it is about knowledge. If a question is taking too long, move on and come back to it if you have time. Prioritize accuracy over speed—but don’t let yourself linger too long on tricky problems. The key is to stay calm and stay on schedule.

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FAQs

How do I register for the GRE?

You can register for the GRE through the ETS website. It’s advisable to book early, especially if you prefer specific times, such as avoiding early morning slots

How much does the GRE cost?

The standard fee for taking the GRE is $205. Additional fees may apply for rescheduling or changing test centers

Can I change the date or location of my test?

Yes, you can change your test date or location, but this may incur a fee. It’s best to do this as soon as possible through your ETS account

Can I retake the GRE? How many times can I take the test?

You can retake the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within a 12-month period. This applies even if you cancel your scores from a previous test

What materials are tested on the GRE?

The GRE assesses three main areas: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section evaluates different skills, such as critical thinking, vocabulary, and math problem-solving abilities

What is the format and length of the GRE?

The GRE is a computer-based test that lasts approximately 2 hours. It includes sections for Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning, with a total of 1 essay task and several multiple-choice questions

How is the GRE scored?

The GRE is scored on a scale of 130-170 for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, while the Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6. Scores are typically available within 8-10 days after the test .