• Updated on 14 Oct, 2026 by Diksha Kumari
The GRE syllabus 2026 covers three areas of the GRE General Test: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The syllabus for GRE Exam 2026 is designed to test reasoning, reading, basic mathematical concepts, and the ability to present ideas clearly rather than knowledge of a particular academic subject. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are divided into two sections each, while Analytical Writing has one 30-minute Analyze an Issue task. The total test time is about 1 hour 58 minutes.
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GRE Syllabus 2026 Overview
In the GRE syllabus, the Analytical Writing section is always presented first. Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning can appear in either order after it. Some of the major highlights of the GRE syllabus 2026 are given in the table below:
Candidates should first check the GRE Eligibility Criteria to understand the basic requirements before registering.
GRE Verbal Reasoning Syllabus 2026
The GRE Verbal Reasoning syllabus 2026 focuses on reading comprehension, understanding relationships between words and concepts, and interpreting sentences and passages. The questions in this section test how well candidates understand the written information. GRE syllabus 2026 for verbal reasoning is given below:
About half of the Verbal Reasoning section involves reading passages and answering questions based on them. The remaining questions focus on completing sentences, groups of sentences, or paragraphs. Once the eligibility requirements are clear, candidates can follow the GRE Application Process to complete registration and book their test.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus 2026
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning syllabus 2026 covers four broad areas: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis. The mathematics is generally based on concepts taught at the high-school level and does not require trigonometry or calculus. GRE syllabus 2026 for Quantitative Reasoning is given below:
GRE Quantitative Reasoning questions are presented as standalone problems or as Data Interpretation sets based on tables, graphs, or other data displays. An on-screen calculator is available in GRE test 2026 during the Quantitative Reasoning sections. Before appearing for the test, candidates should check their GRE Admit Card and keep the required documents ready.
GRE Analytical Writing Syllabus 2026
The GRE Analytical Writing syllabus 2026 tests the ability to develop and support an argument, organise ideas and communicate them clearly in written form. It does not test knowledge of a specific academic subject.
The current GRE General Test has one 30-minute Analyze an Issue task. Candidates are given an issue and instructions and must develop a response by taking a position and supporting it with relevant reasons and examples. After covering the syllabus, candidates can practise with GRE Question Papers to understand the types of questions asked.
GRE Syllabus 2026 PDF
Students can click on the PDF below to download the GRE syllabus and use it as a reference during their preparation. The PDF provides the topics covered in the GRE General Test and can help candidates understand what they need to study for each section. Candidates can download the syllabus and refer to it while creating their study plan and tracking their preparation.
GRE Exam Pattern 2026
As per GRE Exam Pattern, the current GRE General Test has five scored sections: one Analytical Writing section, two Verbal Reasoning sections, and two Quantitative Reasoning sections. The first Verbal and Quantitative sections contain 12 questions each, while the second sections contain 15 questions each. The second section of each measure is section-level adaptive, meaning its difficulty depends partly on performance in the first section of that measure.
How to Prepare for the GRE Syllabus 2026?
GRE syllabus preparation can be divided according to the three sections rather than treating the syllabus as one large list of topics.
- For Verbal Reasoning: Build vocabulary through context, practise reading passages and focus on inference, tone, main idea and sentence logic.
- For Quantitative Reasoning: Revise basic mathematics first, then practise questions involving arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
- For Analytical Writing: Practise developing a position within the 30-minute limit and support it with clear reasoning and examples.
- For all sections: Timed practice is useful because the GRE allows candidates to move between questions within a section, mark questions for review and change answers before the section time ends.
Candidates can check the available GRE Exam Centres and select a convenient test location while scheduling the exam.
GRE Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What are the subjects in the GRE syllabus 2026?
The GRE General Test covers Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Is there a separate GRE syllabus for MS?
No. The GRE General Test syllabus is not divided according to MS, MBA, or other graduate programmes. It tests the same three areas of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
What are the main topics in GRE Quantitative Reasoning?
GRE Quantitative Reasoning covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis. It does not require advanced mathematics such as calculus or trigonometry.
What are the topics in GRE Verbal Reasoning?
The main question types are Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence. Questions also test vocabulary, sentence relationships, inference, author's perspective, and passage structure.
Is Analytical Writing included in the GRE syllabus 2026?
Yes. Analytical Writing is one of the three GRE General Test measures and currently consists of one 30-minute Analyze an Issue task.
Does GRE Quantitative Reasoning include calculus?
No. The GRE Quantitative Reasoning syllabus focuses on basic concepts of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis and does not include calculus or trigonometry.
Is there a fixed vocabulary list for GRE Verbal Reasoning?
ETS does not prescribe a fixed vocabulary list. The Verbal Reasoning section tests the ability to understand words in context, analyse written material, and identify relationships between words and concepts.
How many questions are there in the GRE General Test?
The current GRE has 54 questions across Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, along with one Analytical Writing task. Verbal has 27 questions, and Quantitative Reasoning has 27 questions.