How long is the GRE exam?
Preparing for the GRE exam involves more than focusing on target GRE scores, understanding GRE percentiles, or comparing your options for target schools. Success on test day starts with mastering the GRE sections, knowing what each section demands, and developing efficient test-taking strategies under time pressure.
Since the GRE test format is challenging, you must build both discipline and focus to excel across the various GRE sections throughout the actual exam. At nearly 2 hours long, the GRE is a demanding and time-intensive standardized test, making diligent practice absolutely necessary. The most effective GRE preparation is simulating real exam conditions by practicing with authentic section formats, replicating both the types of questions and the timing specific to all the GRE test sections.
GRE test duration
The GRE exam is a standardized graduate admissions test that lasts for 1 hour and 58 minutes. The full GRE test is divided into five distinct GRE sections (note that the sixth, unscored “experimental” section was removed in 2023). The structure of the GRE always begins with the GRE Analytical Writing section, commonly known as the “GRE essay.” After Analytical Writing, test takers will navigate, in random order, through two GRE Verbal Reasoning sections and two GRE Quantitative Reasoning sections. Becoming familiar with the breakdown and time limits of each GRE section is key to effective test preparation.
GRE sections
| Topic | Number of sections | Number of questions | Allotted time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | One section | One "Analyze an Issue" task | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | Two sections | 12-15 questions per section | 41 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Two sections | 12-15 questions per section | 47 minutes |
| Total | 5 sections | 54 multiple-choice questions | 118 minutes |
Source: Official GRE Content Breakdown - ETS
Along with core components, the full GRE test experience also involves time for initial instructions and final tasks like sending scores to your chosen schools, all of which contribute to the overall duration. Note that there are no scheduled breaks on the GRE. Overall, expect to spend closer to 3 hours at the testing site to account for check-in, setup, and closing. Plan ahead of time and get to the center early to prevent any issues on the test day.
GRE timing strategy and skipping questions
Using an effective timing strategy will serve you well for the GRE, especially the Quantitative section. The key rule? If you decide to attempt a problem, and you don’t arrive at a solution within three minutes, you must push yourself to make an educated guess based on the work you’ve done and move on.
Setting this 3-minute limit should help prevent you from spending (or wasting) too much time on a single question. The GRE is a long exam with a lot of ground to cover. You need to keep up a good pace over the course of the exam to ensure you’re not rushing through your last few questions and missing things you would have been able to answer with enough time.
One small additional trick: practice mental arithmetic and adopt best practices when using the GRE calculator, which is useful but limited in its functionality.
Which GRE sections do people typically struggle with?
The GRE format is designed to assess your skills across three main areas: GRE Quantitative, GRE Verbal, and GRE Analytical Writing. While the Quantitative section often receives the most attention and preparation, many students, especially non-native English speakers, find that managing time on the GRE Analytical Writing section is even more difficult.
The GRE Analytical Writing section consists of one essay that asks you to analyze and critique the reasoning in a given argument. To excel in GRE Analytical Writing, your essays should be clear, concise, and directly address the prompt. Using structured outlines is critical for staying focused and organized throughout the essay. Practice outlining an introduction, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion for this style of essay within five minutes: this strategy will leave you twenty-five minutes to write, maximizing your performance on the GRE Analytical Writing section.
To prepare for the essay, familiarize yourself with possible topics and write mock responses under timed conditions. ETS provides an official list of possible prompts.
Regular practice with these GRE Analytical Writing topics will give you the most authentic experience of the actual GRE test format, helping you build confidence and improve your timing across all sections.
What pace should I aim for in GRE practice exams?
In the GRE, you’ll have about 90 seconds per question in the Verbal section and nearly two minutes per question in the Quantitative section. While some questions will naturally take longer than others, spending too much time on a single item can cut into the time you need for the rest. As you work through practice questions, use a stopwatch to track how long different problems take, identify which topics slow you down, and focus on improving your speed in those areas.
Final thoughts
Mastering the GRE format comes down to two essential strategies: maintaining a steady pace and keeping calm under pressure. To truly become comfortable with the GRE and its unique timing structure, it’s important to replicate the official test conditions when you take GRE practice tests. Practicing with the same timing and layout helps you adjust to the real exam experience and reduces anxiety on test day.
To get you started, explore the resources available on Achievable’s GRE course page. Our GRE practice exam mirrors the exact GRE timing, offering you a true test-taking experience so you can enter the exam room fully prepared.
