GRE (The Graduate Record Examination) is a standard test that is required for admissions by many universities. Aspiring graduate students now have a reason to rejoice as the Educational Testing Service (ETS) has recently announced some remarkable changes to the GRE test.

The testing time for the GRE Test will be reduced by half, from nearly 4 hours to just under 2 hours. The test will still measure your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills, but each section will be shorter.

The unscored section and scheduled break will not be there now. In addition, your official GRE scores will be delivered faster, within 8–10 calendar days (currently 10–15 calendar days).

 

	Current GRE General Test # tasks/questions	Current GRE General Test total time	Shorter GRE General Test # tasks/questions	Shorter GRE General Test total time
Analytical Writing	2 essay tasks	60 minutes	1 essay task	30 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning	40 questions	70 minutes	27 questions	47 minutes
Verbal Reasoning	40 questions	60 minutes	27 questions	41 minutes
Unscored section	Varies	Varies	No	NA
Scheduled break		10 minutes	No	NA
Total		3 hours, 45 mins		1 hour, 58 mins

Shorter GRE FAQs

What is the format of the Shorter GRE?

Section	Structure	Estimated Timing
Analytical Writing	1 section, 1 essay task	30 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning	2 sections, 27 questions total	47 minutes
Verbal Reasoning	2 sections, 27 questions total	41 minutes

What will the test duration be?

The test duration will be around to 2 hours i.e., 1 hour, and 58 minutes.

How many questions will be in each section?

There will be two Quantitative Reasoning sections on the test with a total of 27 questions and two Verbal Reasoning sections with a total of 27 questions. ETS will declare the section-wise number of questions by the end of June.

Which essay task will remain in the Analytical Writing section?

The Analytical Writing section will include the “Analyze an Issue” task. The “Analyze an Argument” task will be removed.

Will the shorter test have a 10-minute break?

No. The shorter test will be less than two hours. At the test center, if a break is needed, you can still opt to take one, however, the clock will not stop unless you’ve been approved for a test accommodation due to disability or health-related need. Note that optional breaks are not permitted during the at-home test.

Will the shorter GRE be delivered at both test centers and at home?

Yes.

Is the shorter test still section-level adaptive?

Yes, the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning measures are still section-level adaptive. That benefits you because it enables you to move back and forth within each section, mark questions you’d like to come back to and change your answers as many times as you’d like.

Will there be changes to the way scoring is done?

The scoring processes for all three measures will not change. The Verbal Reasoning section and the Quantitative Reasoning section will be scored on a scale of 130-170 in 1-point increments. The Analytical Writing section will be scored on a scale of 0–6 in 0.5 increments. It will be based on the performance on one essay task instead of on two essay tasks (the current GRE).

How much does the shorter GRE test cost?

GRE fees in India will remain the same i.e., USD 228.

When will testing appointments for the shorter GRE begin?

On September 22, 2023. If you register to take the GRE General Test on September 22, 2023, or later, you are registering for the shorter test.

When will registration for the shorter GRE open?

Registration is open now. To register for the shorter GRE test, simply choose a test date on or after   September 22, 2023.

If I’m registered to take the GRE after September 22, 2023, can I switch to taking the current GRE?

Yes, you can reschedule your test appointment through your ETS Account for free.

If I’m registered to take the GRE before September 22, 2023, can I switch to taking the shorter GRE after September 22, 2023?

Yes, you can reschedule your test appointment through your ETS Account. You will need to pay a rescheduling fee.

How many times can I take the shorter GRE?

You can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days).

Which version of the test should I take?

The shorter GRE will replace the current test on September 22, 2023, so the application deadline is the primary factor to consider. Scores will be delivered within 8–10 days of testing, so it’s best to take the current test if your application deadlines are the first week of October or sooner. If your application deadlines are not a factor, it’s a personal choice whether to take the current or shorter test.

How will the test preparation differ for the shorter GRE?

Very little will change. Both tests have the same content and question types. The only difference is that the shorter test will not have the “Analyze an Argument” essay task as part of the Analytical Writing section.