How Long Is the GRE?—And Other Timing Questions

When it comes to the GRE, timing is everything.

So it’s natural for students and other GRE-takers to wonder about the practicalities of the test:

• How long is the GRE?
• How long should I spend in each section?
• How long are GRE scores valid?
• When will I get my GRE results?

We’ve gathered all the information you need to know about the timing and the GRE, so you can spend those precious hours improving your score instead of worrying about logistics.

How Long is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized, computer-delivered test that takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. There is also a paper GRE option that is about fifteen minutes shorter. Both are administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and the computer-delivered version can be taken at home or at a test center. The paper GRE option is only available in locations where a computer-delivered GRE is not available.

The GRE general test measures an individual’s qualifications and preparedness to enter graduate programs, asking questions that require advanced reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Uncover the secrets to conquering the GRE with our expert GRE tutoring team, available to support you anytime, anywhere.

How Long Is Each GRE Section?

The computer GRE test length is approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes. The GRE test has 5 sections and does not include a break in between the exam sections.

Analytical Writing Section Time (30 minutes)

The analytical writing section has 1 task, “Analyze an Issue” essay, lasting 30 minutes.

Verbal Reasoning Section Time (41 minutes)

The verbal sections take 41 minutes to complete and are separated into 2 verbal reasoning sections.

The first section has 12 questions and is allotted 18 minutes, the second session has 15 questions and is allotted 23 minutes.

The first verbal reasoning section is of average difficulty and determines the difficulty level of the second section.

Quantitative Reasoning Section Time (47 minutes)

The quantitative reasoning (quant) section lasts 47 minutes.

There are 2 quantitative reasoning sections. The first section takes 21 minutes to complete and consists of 12 questions. The second section is allotted 26 minutes and contains 15 questions.

The first 21-minute section is of average difficulty and determines the difficulty level of the second section.

How Many Questions are on the GRE?

There are 54 questions on the GRE: 27 verbal reasoning questions and 27 quantitative reasoning questions. This does not include the analytical writing assessment task, which contains separate instructions and will last 30 minutes.

Top Tips on How to Handle GRE Timing

There are many different strategies on how to pace yourself during the GRE test times. Specifically, to reduce your testing time, you can use certain question-answering strategies and time management tips.

Here are some GRE time management tips we recommend:

1. Skip questions. It is recommended to skip questions, answering the easiest ones first to allow more time to answer questions that are more complex.
2. Don’t spend more than 3 minutes on any single question. Instead of wasting too much time trying to figure out the answer to a challenging question, take an educated guess. There are no penalties for wrong answers on the GRE!
3. Memorize the format and directions for the GRE. Learning and understanding the format and directions for each test section can save you a lot of time on the GRE.

Time management strategies can be learned and practiced in GRE prep courses. Taking practice tests is also a helpful strategy to learn what to expect on test day.

Score Validity and Wait Times

How Long Is My GRE Score Valid?

GRE scores are valid and reportable for up to 5 years.

When Will I Get My GRE Score?

Unofficial scores for the verbal and quantitative sections are available to view immediately after testing.

Official scores become available between 8 and 10 days after the GRE test day and can be checked on the test taker’s ETS account.

When Will Schools Receive My GRE Score?

The ETS gives test takers the option to send 4 free official Institution Score Reports to institutions they identify on the day of the test. GRE scores are sent to graduate schools 10 to 15 days after test day.

Test takers can send additional score reports or send their official scores after test day for a fee. Once the GRE scores are requested, it takes 5 days for the grad school to receive them if they are ordered online or 10 days if they are submitted via email or fax.

How Long Does It Take to Get Results from GRE Subject Tests?

It takes about 5 weeks to receive the results of a GRE subject test.

GRE Exam Pattern

The GRE pattern focuses on the test taker’s critical and abstract thinking, in addition to their problem-solving skills. There is a mix of easy, medium, and difficult questions throughout the exam.

GRE Exam Pattern—Subject Test

The GRE subject test exam pattern depends on the field of study the test is measuring. While the Mathematics test lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes, the duration of the Physics and Psychology tests are 2 hours.

The number of questions varies depending on the subject of the GRE subject test.

• The physics test has 70 questions.
• The mathematics test has 66 questions.
• The psychology test has 144 questions.

GRE Timing—Recap

In order to perform well in the GRE, managing your timing is extremely important.

When it comes to the structure and format of the exam, remember:

• The GRE takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete.
• The Analytical Writing and Verbal sections take 30 minutes and 41 minutes respectively; the Quantitative Reasoning Section takes 47 minutes to complete.

Time management is one of the skills the GRE examines, so proper time management should lead you to a better score.

To make the best use of your time in the GRE, it is recommended to:

• Answer easy questions first to allow more time for the more difficult questions.
• Make educated guesses rather than spending too much time trying to figure out the answer to particularly difficult questions.
• Memorize the format of the GRE.

After you’ve taken the GRE, you should be aware of some more timing facts and figures:

• GRE Scores are valid for 5 years.
• You can access unofficial scores immediately upon completing the exam, but official scores become available after 8-10 days.
• GRE scores are sent to your selected 4 graduate schools 10 to 15 days after test day. Grad schools receive additional score reports after 5 days if they are ordered online or 10 days if they are submitted via email or fax.
• It takes about 5 weeks to receive the results of a GRE subject test.