• Updated on 14 Oct, 2026 by Diksha Kumari
As per the GRE exam pattern 2027, there are 3 major sections included: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The GRE exam is conducted for a total of 1 hour 58 minutes duration. The full marks for GRE Exam 2026 is 340.
- The Analytical Writing section consists of 1 task is for a duration of 30 minutes.
- The Verbal Reasoning section is divided into two parts: Section 1 consists of 12 questions for 18 minutes, and Section 2 consists of 15 questions for 23 minutes.
- The quantitative reasoning section is also divided into two parts: Section 1 consists of 12 questions for 21 minutes, and Section 2 consists of 15 questions for 26 minutes.
- The exam will be conducted online (Computer-Based Test) mode, as the GRE At-Home option is not available in India.
- There is no negative marking for GRE exam.
Table of Contents
GRE Section Wise Exam Pattern 2026
As per the GRE exam pattern 2027, the paper consists of 3 main sections and 4 sub-sections. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections in GRE Exam 2026 are divided into two parts each. The pattern and marking scheme vary for each section.
Candidates should first check the GRE Eligibility Criteria 2027 to understand the basic requirements before registering.
GRE Exam Pattern 2027 for Analytical Writing
The Analytical Writing section consists of only 1 task for 30 minutes duration. Through this section, candidates are evaluated on the basis of their ability to think critically and communicate effectively.
- The task for this section is “Analyse an Issue” in which candidates get a short essay on a general topic.
- Candidates have to analyse the recommendation based on their critical thinking skills.
- There is no right or wrong answer.
- Candidates are evaluated on the basis of their quality of communication.
- There is no negative marking for this section as per the GRE Exam Pattern 2027.
Once the eligibility requirements are clear, candidates can follow the GRE Application Process 2027 to complete registration and book their test.
GRE Exam Pattern 2027 for Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section in GRE is divided into two subsections: Section 1 and Section 2. This section is designed to test candidates’ ability to understand written material, analyse arguments, information, and apply their vocabulary to answer questions.
- There are a total of 27 questions in this section.
- Section 1 of GRE Verbal Reasoning consists of 12 questions for 18 minutes time duration.
- Section 2 consists of 15 questions for 23 minutes duration.
- The questions in this section are based on Text Completion, Reading Comprehension, and Sentence Equivalence.
- There is no negative marking for this section as per the GRE Exam Pattern 2027.
Before appearing for the test, candidates should check their GRE Admit Card 2027 and keep the required documents ready.
GRE Exam Pattern 2027 for Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section in GRE is divided into two subsections: Section 1 and Section 2. This section is designed to test candidates’ mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- There are a total of 27 questions in this section.
- Section 1 of GRE Verbal Reasoning consists of 12 questions for 21 minutes time duration.
- Section 2 consists of 15 questions for 26 minutes duration.
- The questions in this section are based on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.
- There is no negative marking for this section as per the GRE Exam Pattern 2027.
Is GRE hard to pass?
GRE is not a pass or fail test. It's a standardised exam that grades candidates on a scale of 260-340. The score is then used to evaluate candidate’s application for admission to graduate schools.
Candidates can refer to the GRE Syllabus 2027 to identify the topics covered in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing.
GRE Question Types 2027
As per the GRE exam pattern 2027, the exam consists of 2 Verbal Reasoning questions, 4 Quantitative Reasoning questions, and 1 Analytical Writing question. The type of questions included in the GRE paper is given below:
After covering the syllabus, candidates can practise with GRE Question Papers 2027 to understand the types of questions asked.
GRE Adaptive Test Pattern 2026
For Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, GRE uses a section-level adaptive test pattern. This means that the difficulty level of the second section depends on the performance of candidates in the first section.
Candidates can check the available GRE Exam Centres 2027 and select a convenient test location while scheduling the exam.
GRE Exam Structure 2027
As per GRE exam structure 2027:
- Candidates have the option to preview and review questions within a section.
- Candidates can also skip a question and attempt it later.
- There is also an option to mark a question for review.
- Candidates also have the option to change an answer before the time limit ends for a section.
- There is an on-screen calculator given for the Quantitative Reasoning section.
- The adaptive pattern does not apply to the Analytical Writing section.
- Once a section has been submitted, candidates cannot go back to the same section.
- There is no negative marking in the exam. Hence, candidates should attempt every question to get maximum marks.
After appearing for the exam, candidates can check their GRE Result 2027 to view their official scores.
GRE Marking Scheme 2027
GRE General Test marking scheme is not based on a simple scoring system like other exams. Instead, ETS first calculates the total correct answers, and then raw scores are converted into scaled scores through an equation process. Through this process, the difference in difficulty level through the adaptive pattern is managed.
GRE Marking Scheme 2027 For Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning
As per the GRE marking scheme 2027 for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, the scoring process goes through the following stages:
Within these 2 sections, all questions contribute equally to the raw score. The final scaled score is also analysed to maintain the difference in section-wise difficulty to obtain a fair evaluation.
GRE Marking Scheme 2027 For Analytical Writing
The GRE marking scheme 2027 for the Analytical Writing section is different from the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. There is only 1 task in this section, which is evaluated on the basis of a 0- 6 scale in half-point increments. The score for this section depends on the overall quality of the response, including:
- Use of proper reasons and examples
- Development of ideas
- Clarity of communication
- Sentence structure, vocabulary and standard written English
Is There Negative Marking in GRE?
No. The GRE does not deduct marks for an incorrect answer. Therefore, an incorrect response does not reduce the raw score earned from other questions. However, leaving questions unanswered can reduce the number of correct responses that contribute to the raw score. Candidates can move between questions within a section, mark questions for review, and change their answers before the section time ends.
Candidates can then refer to the GRE Cutoff 2027 to understand the score requirements of their target universities and programmes.
GRE Exam Pattern 2027 Dos and Don'ts
Candidates who are appearing for the exam should keep in mind the following Dos and Don'ts for GRE exam pattern 2027:
Don'ts for GRE Exam Pattern 2027
- Do not spend too much time on one question. Set a time limit for each question and mark the time-consuming questions for review later.
- Do not leave any question unanswered. Attempt every question, as there is no negative marking in the exam.
- Do not rely on vocabulary memorisation alone. Also focus on practicing Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence questions.
- Do not skip analytical writing practice. Write timed essays regularly to improve argument development.
Dos for GRE Exam Pattern 2027
- Attempt GRE Mock Test 2027 to analyse the performance and dedicate time accordingly to sections with low scores.
- Understand the GRE paper pattern, section-wise structure, and question types to prepare accordingly.
- All three sections in the exam are important. So allocate time each week for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing equally.
- Revise core math concepts and build vocabulary through regular reading and practice.
GRE Exam Pattern 2027 FAQs
What is the GRE exam pattern 2027?
The GRE General Test consists of three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The test has a total duration of 1 hour 58 minutes. Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning are divided into two sections each, while Analytical Writing has one task.
How many questions are there in the GRE 2027?
The GRE has 54 Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning questions in total: 27 Verbal Reasoning questions and 27 Quantitative Reasoning questions. Analytical Writing consists of one essay task.
What is the duration of the GRE exam 2027?
The total duration of the GRE General Test is 1 hour 58 minutes. Analytical Writing is allotted 30 minutes, Verbal Reasoning has 41 minutes across two sections, and Quantitative Reasoning has 47 minutes across two sections.
Is there negative marking in the GRE 2027?
No, the GRE does not have negative marking. Incorrect answers do not result in a deduction from the raw score. Candidates can attempt all questions within the allotted section time.
Is the GRE exam adaptive?
Yes. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections use section-level adaptive testing. The difficulty of the second section depends on performance in the first section. Analytical Writing is not adaptive.
What is the GRE marking scheme 2027?
Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are scored on a scale of 130–170 each, while Analytical Writing is scored from 0–6 in half-point increments. ETS converts raw performance into scaled scores through an equating process that accounts for differences in test difficulty.
Can candidates skip or change answers in the GRE?
Yes. Candidates can skip questions, return to previously attempted questions, mark questions for review, and change answers while the section is still active. Once a section is submitted, candidates cannot return to it.