GRE Exam Paper 2026 Guide: Latest Pattern, Question Types, Sample Questions, Practice PDFs & Smart Strategy
- Rajesh Kulkarni
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
If you’re preparing for the GRE exam paper in 2026, you don’t need “random practice”—you need the right practice: the real question types, the latest GRE structure, and high-quality practice PDFs that mirror what you’ll see on test day. This guide combines everything you shared (including the sample question set formats: Quantitative Comparison, Multiple Choice, Numeric Entry, etc.) with current ETS-aligned details for 2026, plus fresh practice sets and official PDF resources.
What the GRE Exam Paper Looks Like in 2026 (Latest Format)
As of the current GRE format (shorter GRE), the overall test time is about 1 hour 58 minutes and the exam includes five sections: one Analytical Writing section first, then Verbal and Quant sections, plus an unscored section that may appear after writing.
Key test design features you must know
ETS highlights features that directly affect your strategy on the GRE exam paper:
You can preview, skip, mark, and review questions within a section.
You can change answers within the section before time ends.
Quant includes an on-screen calculator.
Scoring snapshot (2026-relevant)
Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
Analytical Writing: 0–6 (half-point increments)
GRE Exam Paper Sections and Timing (Shorter GRE)
The official structure and timing (post-shorter format) includes:
Analytical Writing: 1 Issue task, 30 minutes
Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections (12 questions + 15 questions), timed
Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections (12 questions + 15 questions), timed
Plus: 1 unscored section may be included
GRE Exam Paper Question Types You’ll Face
Verbal Reasoning (3 core types)
ETS confirms Verbal includes:
Reading Comprehension (RC)
Text Completion (TC)
Sentence Equivalence (SE)
Quantitative Reasoning (the big 4)
Common Quant question formats include:
Quantitative Comparison (QC)
Multiple-choice (select one / select one or more)
Numeric Entry
Data Interpretation sets
Calculator Rules on the GRE Exam Paper (Very Important)
On the GRE exam paper (Quant section), you get a basic on-screen calculator, intended for time-consuming arithmetic—not to replace math skills. ETS guidance emphasizes using it for long calculations (like long division and square roots) and avoiding it for quick mental math.
Also note: ETS provides official “Guidelines to Using the On-screen Calculator.”
GRE Quantitative Comparison Practice (From Your Provided Format)
Quantitative Comparison (QC) questions ask you to compare Quantity A and Quantity B and choose:(A) Quantity A is greater(B) Quantity B is greater(C) They are equal(D) Relationship cannot be determined
1) Average temperature question
Given: Average high temperature for x days is 70. Adding one day of 75 increases average to 71.
Solve:Total for x days = 70xNew total for x+1 days = 71(x+1) = 71x + 71But also new total = 70x + 75
So: 70x + 75 = 71x + 7175 − 71 = xx = 4
Compare: Quantity A = x = 4, Quantity B = 5
✅ Answer: (B) Quantity B is greater.
2) Integers with a² = b³
If a² = b³ and a, b are integers, many pairs are possible:
Example 1: a = 0, b = 0 → equal
Example 2: a = 8, b = 4 → a > b
Example 3: a = −8, b = 4 → a < b
Since the relationship varies by valid values,✅ Answer: (D) The relationship cannot be determined.
GRE Multiple-Choice Practice (From Your Provided Format)
3) Dogs & cats store problem
Let March cats = c, March dogs = 2cApril dogs = 2 × March dogs = 4cApril cats = 3 × March cats = 3c
Total sold March + April = (2c + c) + (4c + 3c) = 10cGiven total = 500 → 10c = 500 → c = 50March dogs = 2c = 100✅ Answer: (B) 100
Your Provided “Numeric Entry” Practice
5) Commission + salary
Renaldo earns 10.5% of sales + $2,500. Total = $3,025.Commission = 3,025 − 2,500 = 525Sales = 525 / 0.105 = 5,000✅ Answer: 5000
6) Awards at dog show
5 finalists. Choose Best in Show (5 ways).Then choose Honorable Mention from remaining 4 (4 ways).Total = 5 × 4 = 20✅ Answer: 20
Fresh Practice Set for the GRE Exam Paper (2026-Style)
Below are original practice questions (not copied), aligned with ETS question formats.
Practice Set A: Quantitative Comparison (QC) – 3 Questions
QC-1Quantity A: 3/5 of 200Quantity B: 0.6 × 190
QC-2x is a positive integer.Quantity A: x²Quantity B: 2x
QC-3Quantity A: √50Quantity B: 7
(Answer key at end.)
Practice Set B: Problem Solving (Select One) – 3 Questions
PS-1A number is increased by 20% and then decreased by 20%. The final value is:(A) same as original (B) greater (C) smaller (D) cannot determine (E) zero
PS-2If 4a + 3 = 19, then a = ?(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6 (E) 7
PS-3A jar has red and blue balls in ratio 3:2. If total balls are 40, how many are blue?(A) 12 (B) 14 (C) 16 (D) 18 (E) 20
Practice Set C: Numeric Entry – 2 Questions
NE-1If the average of 6 numbers is 12, and the average of 3 of them is 10, what is the average of the remaining 3?
NE-2A product costs $80 after a 20% discount. What was the original price?
Practice Set D: Verbal (Text Completion + Sentence Equivalence) – 3 Questions
TC-1 (One blank)The scientist’s claim sounded bold at first, but her data was surprisingly ________, leaving reviewers unconvinced.
SE-1 (Choose two)His apology was so ________ that it convinced no one he felt regret.(A) heartfelt (B) perfunctory (C) genuine (D) mechanical (E) sincere (F) passionate
TC-2 (Two blanks)Although the novel appears simple, its themes are surprisingly ________, and the narrator’s voice is far from ________.
Practice Set E: Analytical Writing (Issue Task)
Write a response (30 minutes):“In order to succeed, people must be willing to take risks rather than prioritize stability.”Take a position and support it with reasons and examples.
(This matches the “Issue task” style used on today’s GRE.)
Answer Key for the New Practice Sets
QC-1: Quantity A = 120, Quantity B = 114 → (A)QC-2: depends on x (e.g., x=1: 1<2; x=3: 9>6) → (D)QC-3: √50 ≈ 7.07 > 7 → (A)
PS-1: final is smaller (0.8×1.2 = 0.96) → (C)PS-2: 4a = 16 → a = 4 → (B)PS-3: ratio total parts 5 → blue = (2/5)×40 = 16 → (C)
NE-1: total sum = 6×12=72; known sum = 3×10=30; remaining sum=42; avg=14 → 14NE-2: 80 is 80% of original → original = 80/0.8 = 100
Official GRE Practice PDFs (Free + High-Quality)
Here are ETS/official-style PDFs you can use for realistic practice:
GRE Paper-Delivered Test Practice Book (PDF)
GRE Verbal & Quant Sample Questions with Explanations (PDF)
GRE Math Review (PDF)
Pool of Analytical Writing Issue Topics (PDF)
GRE Practice Test #1 (Quant PDF)
GRE Practice Test #1 (Verbal PDF)
GRE Practice Test #1 Answer Key (PDF)
On-screen Calculator Guidelines (PDF)
Interpreting GRE Scores 2025–26 (PDF)
GRE Exam Fees Note for 2026 (India)
ETS lists the GRE General Test fee in India as ₹22,000 (fees noted as effective July 1, 2024 and subject to change). Always verify while booking.
FAQ: GRE Exam Paper (2026)
1) What is the GRE exam paper pattern in 2026?
The GRE exam paper follows the shorter format: one Issue writing task first, followed by Verbal and Quant sections, with a possible unscored section included after writing. Total testing time is about 1 hour 58 minutes.
2) Is the GRE exam paper adaptive?
Yes—ETS explains that the GRE is section-level adaptive for Verbal and Quant, meaning later sections depend on your performance in earlier ones.
3) Are calculators allowed on the GRE exam paper?
You can’t bring your own calculator, but ETS provides a basic on-screen calculator for the Quant section.
4) What are the GRE score ranges?
Verbal and Quant are scored 130–170, and Analytical Writing is 0–6.
CTA: Take Your GRE Prep to the Next Level (With Links)
If you want to practice the GRE exam paper the smart way, use these official resources todCTA: Take Your GRE Prep to the Next Level (With Links)
If you want to practice the GRE exam paper the smart way, use these official resources today:
📌 Download ETS-style practice book (PDF):
📌 Practice official question types + explanations (PDF):
📌 Use GRE Math Review to fix weak topics (PDF):
📌 Practice real Issue topics from the official pool (PDF):
📌 Take Practice Test #1 + check answers (PDF + key):
Want me to make a full 30-day study plan for 2026 based on your target score (e.g., 320+, 330+), includiay:
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