Are you preparing for the new GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and wondering, “How long is the new shorter GRE in 2024?” Understanding the test duration is crucial for adequate preparation and time management.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the new GRE test duration in 2024, including a detailed breakdown of the time allocated for each section and practical tips for success. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the GRE exam and recently introduced a shorter format.

This comprehensive guide will break down the length of the GRE and the timing of each section and provide tips to help you maximize your performance.

How Long Is The New GRE Test

The GRE general test was updated in September 2023 and has become shorter. The new GRE is shorter than previous versions, allowing test-takers to complete the exam more easily. So, if you’re asking, “How long is the GRE 2024?” the answer is about 1 hour and 48 minutes.

The test contains five sections with no breaks. However, if you are wondering how long you need to spend time in the center and how long the GRE test is, in total, you need to spend 2 hours and 44 minutes.

Detailed Breakdown of the New GRE Time

Following is the breakdown of each and every section.

Biographical Information

So, how long does the GRE exam take? At the beginning of the test, test takers must fill out a form collecting their biographical information.

This is a brief activity and will hardly take you 10 minutes to get over with.

Total Time = 10 minutes

After you finish the biographical information, let’s analyze the duration of the entire test.

Analytical Writing (30 minutes)

The GRE exam’s first section is the analytical writing section, which is significant as it is the first component of the test.

This section requires candidates to perform specific tasks, including writing essays analyzing issues and arguments. These essays are crucial for demonstrating the critical thinking skills needed in graduate studies.

The analytical writing section assesses analytical writing skills, which is critical for evaluating candidates’ readiness for graduate and professional programs.

It comprises one essay, and you have 30 minutes to attempt it.

• Analyze an Issue – 30 minutes.

Total Time = 30 minutes

Verbal Reasoning (41 minutes)

The verbal reasoning section consists of two sections. You have 41 minutes to attempt each one. Both sections contain 27 questions you must answer in the given time.

•       Section 1 – 18 minutes & 12 questions.
•       Section 2 – 23 minutes & 15 questions.

Total Time = 41 minutes

To experience GRE verbal reasoning questions, visit ScholarDen.

Quantitative Reasoning (47 minutes)

So, how long is the GRE general test’s quantitative reasoning section? The GRE Quantitative Reasoning consists of two sections. A total time of 47 minutes was allocated to attempt them. Both sections contain 27 questions to solve in the given time.

•       Section 1 – 21 minutes & 12 questions
•       Section 2 – 26 minutes & 15 questions.

Total Time = 47 minutes

To experience GRE Quant Questions, visit ScholarDen.

Unscored Experimental Section (One Section)

The experimental section has been removed from the new shorter GRE.

Break

No breaks. The 10-minute break has been eliminated from the new shorter GRE.

Accept/Reject Your GRE Score (1 minute)

Before you know your GRE test scores, you can cancel it. In addition, If you decide to cancel it, you will never know how much you scored. This will cancel your entire test experience, and you must repeat the process. Moreover, after taking the test, many people underestimate themselves and think they performed worse than they actually did. This feeling often pushes people to go for this option. However, as per the GRE experts, it is not advisable to cancel your GRE score as it will not refund your exam fee.

Total Time = 1 minute

Sending GRE Scores to your preferred universities (5 minutes)

This allows you to select the scores to send to specific schools/universities.

GRE general tests are essential for candidates seeking specialized graduate programs.

You can choose 4 universities to which you can send your scores.

GRE general test scores are crucial for graduate program applications and are evaluated by universities to determine a candidate’s suitability.

You can either send your recent score (from the Current Test Administration) to the schools of choice or your score from all Subject Test Administrations you have registered for in the last five years.

Selection of Schools = 5 minutes

Receive score report (1 minute)

At the end of the process, you receive your unofficial GRE test score.

Total Time: 1 minute

New GRE Test Day Timeline

Here’s a typical timeline you can expect on test day:

• Arrival and Check-In: 30 minutes before the scheduled start time
• Biographical Information: 10-15 minutes
• Analytical Writing: 30 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning: 41 minutes (two sections)
• Quantitative Reasoning: 47 minutes (two sections)
• Accept/Reject Scores: 1 minute
• Sending GRE Scores to your preferred universities: 5 minutes

New GRE Exam Total Time (1 hour and 58 minutes)

How long does the GRE usually take?

Total Time for the GRE Test = 1 hours & 58 minutes

Total time at the test center = 2 hours & 15 minutes

While studying for the GRE exam, test takers should keep the time in mind and perform practice tests within the time constraints to better simulate the real GRE. Ensure that the prep books you use also account for the timing.

Note that the GRE exam fee includes registration costs and additional fees for rescheduling or changing test centers.

The GRE exam pattern includes sections such as analytical writing assessment, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. Familiarizing yourself with the exam format and types of questions is crucial for both the GRE General test and the GRE Subject test.

GRE subject tests have different enrollment processes, durations, and GRE exam patterns.

Comparison to the Previous GRE Format

The previous version had a different GRE exam pattern, i.e., it was longer, taking about 3 hours and 45 minutes, and included:

• Two Analytical Writing tasks (one issue and one argument task, 30 minutes each)
• Two Verbal Reasoning sections (30 minutes each)
• Two Quantitative Reasoning sections (35 minutes each)
• An unscored or research section (varying in length)

Advantages of the New Format

• Reduced Fatigue: The shorter duration makes the test less tiring for candidates, potentially leading to better performance.
• More Efficient: Streamlined sections mean less time spent on non-essential components.
• Focused Assessment: The new format maintains a rigorous assessment of critical skills without requiring a lengthy time commitment.

Why Understanding the New GRE Exam Time is Important

Knowing the duration of the GRE exam is essential for several reasons:

• Test Preparation: Helps you plan your study schedule and practice sessions.
• Time Management: This allows you to develop strategies to pace yourself during the test.
• Confidence: Reduces anxiety by familiarizing yourself with the test structure and timing.

What to Expect at the Test Center

1. Security Check: Be prepared for a security check, which may include scanning your ID, taking a digital photograph, and possibly even fingerprinting or palm vein scanning.
2. Storage Facilities: Many test centers provide lockers for storing personal items. Use these facilities to keep your belongings safe while you take the test.
3. Dress Comfortably: The testing environment can vary, so dress in layers to ensure you’re comfortable regardless of the room temperature.

You can focus on performing your best by ensuring you have the necessary documents and understanding the test center policies. This will help you take the GRE on test day and perform better.

Preparation Tips for the GRE

Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format

1. Understanding the structure and timing of each section can help reduce anxiety and improve time management before your GRE test date.

Focus on Core Skills

• Ensure strong comprehension and problem-solving skills, which are critical for the verbal reasoning and quantitative sections.

Practice Under Real Conditions

• Take full-length practice tests to build stamina and get used to the test’s length and format.

Optimize Your Study Schedule

• Focus on areas that need the most improvement. Allocate study time proportionally to the weight of each section.

Plan Your Arrival

• Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early to complete the check-in process smoothly.

Hydrate and Eat

• Have a good meal and stay hydrated before arriving, as you won’t have access to food and drinks during the test.

This new GRE format aims to balance thorough assessment with a more manageable testing experience for examinees.

When you take the new GRE test, you must bring specific documents and items to ensure a smooth check-in process and comply with test center regulations. Here’s what you need to take:

Required Documents

1. Valid ID:
   • Primary ID: Typically, this is a government-issued identification document that includes your name, photograph, and signature. Examples include:
     • Passport (highly recommended for international test-takers)
     • Driver’s license
     • State or national ID card
     • Military ID
   • Name Matching: Ensure that the name on your ID exactly matches the name you used when registering for the GRE. Any discrepancies could prevent you from being admitted to the test.

Recommended Items

• Confirmation Email or Admission Ticket:
  • Although not always required, having a printed or digital copy of your GRE confirmation email or admission ticket can help verify your registration and test details.

Prohibited Items

• Personal Items: Most personal items are not allowed in the testing room. This includes:
  • Mobile phones
  • Watches
  • Bags and purses
  • Books or study materials
  • Food and drinks
• Electronic Devices: Any electronic devices, including smartwatches, calculators (except for the on-screen calculator provided during the Quantitative Reasoning section), and other gadgets, are prohibited.

How long is the GRE with breaks?

The duration is 1 hour and 58 minutes, as there are no breaks in the shorter GRE.

How long is the GRE test at home?

The duration of the GRE at home is the same, 1 hour and 58 minutes, compared to the GRE at the center. There is no difference in duration.

Conclusion

The GRE’s new format, introduced in September 2023, is shorter than the previous version. How long does the GRE usually take? Due to the reduction in the number of questions in both quantitative and verbal sections, the new exam has a total testing time of approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.

This revised format significantly reduces the total test time compared to the previous version, making it a shorter and potentially less strenuous exam for test-takers.

The GRE general exam is not lengthy and manageable, with a clear structure and timing. By understanding the duration of each section and preparing accordingly, you can optimize your performance and reduce stress on test day. Remember to take full-length mocks and manage your time effectively if you are a GRE test taker.

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