GRE Format 2026: Sections, Timing, Score Scale & What's New
The complete, updated GRE format guide for 2026 — section order, number of questions, timing, score scale, what the Shorter GRE looks like, and exactly what each section tests.
▶ Free College Predictor & study-abroad toolsGRE General Test 2026 — the current format
ETS introduced the Shorter GRE in September 2023. The current GRE has: Analytical Writing (1 task, 30 min) → Verbal Reasoning (2 sections × 12 questions, 18 min each) → Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections × 15 questions, 21 min each). Total: about 1 hour 58 minutes. There is no longer an unscored research section or a third Verbal/Quant section. The test is computer-adaptive at the section level (not question level for most test-takers).
Analytical Writing
One task: Analyze an Argument (30 minutes). You critique the logical flaws in a given argument — you are not sharing your opinion. Scored 0–6 in 0.5 increments by human raters and e-rater software. This section appears first. Most STEM programmes care less about AW (a 3.5–4.0 is fine); humanities/social science PhDs want 4.5+.
Verbal Reasoning
2 sections of 12 questions each, 18 minutes per section. Question types: Text Completion (fill in 1–3 blanks), Sentence Equivalence (find 2 words that complete a sentence equivalently), Reading Comprehension (passages + questions). Scored 130–170 in 1-point increments. Tests sophisticated vocabulary in context and complex reading.
Quantitative Reasoning
2 sections of 15 questions each, 21 minutes per section. Question types: Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving, Data Interpretation. Tests arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis up to secondary school level — not calculus or higher. Scored 130–170 in 1-point increments. The maths is not advanced but the time pressure and problem-solving clarity required is high.
Total score and percentiles
Scores: Verbal 130–170, Quant 130–170, AW 0–6. Most universities look at a combined V+Q total (260–340). GRE 320+ (V155+Q165 roughly) opens most top-50 US STEM programmes. 325+ is competitive for top-10. Percentile tables change yearly — always check the official ETS percentile rankings before applying.
Practise free with real timing
The biggest GRE mistake is running out of time — the Shorter GRE is faster-paced than it looks. Take a free full-length GRE mock on LandingPrep with real section timing to benchmark your V and Q scores and find your weak question types before test day.