GRE Exam Duration: How Long is the GRE?

Feeling the pressure to prepare for the GRE? While mastering the GRE content is crucial, another important factor to consider is time management. How long is the GRE? How has the format changed over the years?

This blog will provide you with all the essentials about the GRE duration, from the recent changes implemented in September 2023 to effective strategies to ace the test. We’ll also get into the current exam structure, understand the time allotment for each section, and provide actionable tips to maximise your score within the time limits.

GRE Duration

Starting September 22nd, 2023, the GRE duration has been reduced to 1 hour and 58 minutes due to a shorter format. This marks a significant change from the previous testing time of 3 hours and 45 minutes.

The reduction in time reflects a shift in the test structure. The current GRE General Test features five sections, compared to six previously. The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, eliminated the untimed experimental section. While this section didn’t count towards your score, it provided an opportunity to try out different question formats. However, you now have to answer fewer questions and have less overall time per question.

While the time commitment is less demanding, the core focus of the GRE General Test remains the same. It assesses your GRE verbal reasoning, GRE quantitative reasoning, GRE analytical writing, and critical thinking skills.

How Long is the GRE?

This table provides a clear overview of the current computer-based GRE exam pattern. This is a streamlined version, introduced in September 2023. The key change is the removal of unscored sections and breaks, resulting in a shorter overall testing time.

Note: 

1. The redesigned GRE General Test offers no scheduled breaks and eliminates the unscored/research section.
2. The Analytical Writing assessment always comes first. The order of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections is randomised, so be prepared to solve them in either sequence after completing the writing section.

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Old GRE Duration

This table outlines the computer-based format of the GRE General Test as it existed before September 2023. This format offered a more extended testing time compared to the current version, which was discontinued in August 2023.

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GRE Delivery Choice: Paper vs. Computer

The GRE format change impacted both the computer-based and paper-based delivery methods. Previously, the paper-based exam differed by including unscored sections and allowing more total testing time. Now, both formats share a streamlined structure with no breaks or unscored sections. This means test takers answer the same question pool and face the same time constraints regardless of their chosen delivery method—a total of 1 hour and 58 minutes.

5 Tips for the GRE Time Management

1. Use a timer

Try to simulate the real GRE experience during practice sessions. Use the official ETS PowerPrep software or set a timer for each section (Quantitative Reasoning: 35 minutes, Verbal Reasoning: 30 minutes per section) to get accustomed to the pressure. This will help you develop a sense of pace and identify areas where you might get bogged down.

2. Strategize and win

Don’t answer questions blindly. Develop a plan for solving each section. In Verbal, prioritise easier questions first to build confidence and leave ample time for trickier Reading Comprehension passages. In Quant, identify your strengths and answer those questions first to maximise points before moving on to more challenging areas.

3. Flag and flick

Don’t get stuck! If a question takes more than 20–30 seconds to grasp, don’t waste precious time. Use the flagging feature to mark it and move on. Come back to these flagged questions only if you have time remaining after completing the easier ones. This ensures you attempt all questions and avoid missing out on potential points.

4. Take educated guesses (sometimes)

There’s no penalty for wrong answers on the GRE exam. If time runs out and you’re forced to guess, use educated guesses rather than leaving questions blank. Employ a process of elimination to rule out clearly incorrect answers and choose the most plausible remaining option.

5. Know yourself, manage yourself

Be mindful of your personal tendencies. If you’re prone to test anxiety, take a deep breath and remind yourself of your practice efforts. If you tend to rush, force yourself to slow down and read questions carefully to avoid careless mistakes.

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From the Desk of Yocket

The reduction in GRE duration from 3 hours and 45 minutes to 1 hour and 58 minutes is a change with both pros and cons. The shorter format is certainly less taxing for students. A shorter exam means less time spent in a potentially stressful testing environment and less fatigue that could cloud judgement. This could be particularly beneficial for students who struggle with stamina during long exams. Additionally, the reduced time also means there are fewer questions in each section. The streamlined format might make the test feel less stressful overall.

However, with fewer questions, a lucky guess or two on a particularly difficult section could have a more significant impact on the final score. It also means less time to answer each question. Test takers now have to pace themselves more carefully and may feel rushed, especially on sections they find challenging. This could lead to careless mistakes or an inability to fully explore answer choices. Also, some students might find they need more time to strategize and carefully consider their answers, especially in the writing section. With Yocket GRE prep, you can effectively enhance your time management skills and develop strategies to tackle each section efficiently.