GRE Format 2026: Complete Guide 2026 (Updated Test Pattern, Timing, Scoring, Fees & At-Home Rules)
- Rajesh Kulkarni
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’re planning to apply for graduate school or an MBA in 2026, understanding the GRE format 2026 is step one. The GRE General Test is now a shorter, streamlined exam (introduced from September 22, 2023) and remains the standard format in 2026—so your prep strategy should match this newer structure and timing.
This guide covers the latest official section pattern, timing, scoring, attempt rules, India fees, and important at-home testing requirements (including a new rule effective January 5, 2026).
GRE Format 2026: What’s New and What’s Current in 2026
The GRE General Test used to be nearly 4 hours long, with extra unscored/research sections. The current GRE format (used in 2026) is about 1 hour 58 minutes, and it includes 5 sections total:
Analytical Writing (1 section)
Verbal Reasoning (2 sections)
Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections)
Key point for 2026: The shorter GRE format remains the standard, and ETS has also updated at-home testing requirements with a second camera rule effective January 5, 2026.
GRE Exam Pattern 2026: Sections, Questions, and Timing (Official)
Here’s the official GRE General Test structure and timing used in 2026.
GRE Format 2026 Table: Section-Wise Breakdown
Measure | Sections | Questions | Time |
Analytical Writing | 1 | 1 “Analyze an Issue” task | 30 minutes |
Verbal Reasoning | 2 | Section 1: 12, Section 2: 15 | 18 min + 23 min |
Quantitative Reasoning | 2 | Section 1: 12, Section 2: 15 | 21 min + 26 min |
Total | 5 | 55 questions + 1 essay | ~1 hr 58 min |
This totals 27 Verbal + 27 Quant questions plus 1 essay, with the overall test time about 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Order on test day:
Analytical Writing is always first
Verbal and Quant sections can appear in any order after that
How the GRE Questions Work in 2026 (By Section)
1) Analytical Writing (AWA) — 1 Essay
You write one “Analyze an Issue” essay in 30 minutes.
What ETS is looking for (high level):
Clear position and logical structure
Strong reasoning + relevant examples
Good language control (grammar + clarity)
2) Verbal Reasoning — 2 Sections
Verbal tests how well you:
Understand complex text
Identify relationships between words and ideas
Reason from written material
Common GRE Verbal question types include:
Reading Comprehension
Text Completion
Sentence Equivalence
(These appear across the two verbal sections.)
3) Quantitative Reasoning — 2 Sections
Quant tests your ability to:
Interpret and analyze quantitative information
Solve problems using arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
Expect:
Problem Solving
Quantitative Comparison
Data interpretation–style questions (within sections)
GRE Scoring in 2026 (Verbal, Quant, Writing)
GRE scores are reported separately for each measure :
GRE Score Range Table (Official)
Measure | Score Range | Increments |
Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 | 1-point |
Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 | 1-point |
Analytical Writing | 0–6 | 0.5-point |
These ranges and increments are confirmed by ETS.
Total GRE (Verbal + Quant) range: 260–340 (simply 130–170 + 130–170).
How Often Can You Take the GRE in 2026?
ETS allows you to take the GRE General Test:
Once every 21 days
Up to five times in any rolling 12-month (365-day) period
This matters for planning retakes around university deadlines in 2026.
GRE Fees in India (2026) and Important Price Notes
ETS lists GRE General Test (India) as ₹22,000 and GRE Subject Test as ₹14,500, with fees noted as effective July 1, 2024 and subject to change.
GRE Fees Table (India)
Test | Fee (India) |
GRE General Test | ₹22,000 |
GRE Subject Test | ₹14,500 |
Always double-check the ETS fees page near the time you book, because ETS notes fees can change.
GRE At-Home Testing in 2026: Latest Rules You Must Know
The GRE at-home option continues in 2026, but the rules are strict—especially around your testing room, desk, and equipment. ETS provides detailed requirements for environment and acceptable materials (like an erasable whiteboard).
Big 2026 Update: Second Camera Requirement (Effective Jan 5, 2026)
For at-home testing, ETS states a second camera requirement becomes effective January 5, 2026. You’ll need:
A smartphone or tablet with a working camera
A stable internet connection
A stand/heavy object to position the device
You’ll scan a QR code during setup and follow prompts
Environment Must-Haves (At Home)
ETS also requires:
You must be alone in a private room
No public spaces (cafes, parks, etc.)
Clear desk/table; proctor must see your door; good lighting
If you’re planning at-home testing in 2026, set up your room like a mini test center—because rule violations can end your session.
GRE Format 2026: Best Prep Strategy Based on the Shorter Test
Because the exam is now shorter (1:58), pacing becomes even more important than before.
Here’s a smart approach aligned to the 2026 format:
Practice in the exact section timing
Verbal: 18 min then 23 min
Quant: 21 min then 26 min
Train “first-pass accuracy”With fewer questions than the older GRE, every mistake has more impact.
AWA: build a reusable essay frameworkSince it’s only one Issue essay now, consistency and structure matter.
Plan retakes earlyThe 21-day rule affects your application timeline.
Quick Comparison: Old vs Current GRE Format (Helpful for 2026 Test Takers)
Feature | Older GRE (pre-Sept 22, 2023) | Current GRE format (used in 2026) |
Total time | ~3 hr 45 min | ~1 hr 58 min |
AWA tasks | 2 (Issue + Argument) | 1 (Issue) |
Extra sections | Could include unscored/research | Not in the shorter structure |
Total Verbal Qs | 40 | 27 |
Total Quant Qs | 40 | 27 |
ETS documents this shift and the new shorter structure.
FAQ: GRE Format 2026
1) What is the GRE format 2026 exactly?
The GRE format 2026 is the shorter GRE General Test: 5 sections total—1 Analytical Writing (Issue essay), 2 Verbal, and 2 Quant, with an overall test time of about 1 hour 58 minutes.
2) How many questions are on the GRE in 2026?
In the current format used in 2026, you’ll answer 27 Verbal questions and 27 Quant questions, plus one AWA Issue essay.
3) What is the GRE scoring range in 2026?
Verbal and Quant are 130–170 (1-point increments). Analytical Writing is 0–6 (half-point increments).
4) Can I take the GRE at home in 2026?
Yes, ETS still offers at-home testing, but you must follow strict equipment and environment rules. Also note the second camera requirement effective January 5, 2026.
5) How often can I take the GRE in 2026?
You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in a rolling 12-month (365-day) period.
CTA: Next Steps (Official Links)
Use these ETS official resources to plan your GRE in 2026:
Check official GRE test structure & timing
View GRE fees (India) and service costs
https://www.in.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/register/fees.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Read GRE at-home testing rules (including the Jan 5, 2026 second camera rule)
Review GRE retake policy and scheduling rule (21 days / 5 times per year)
Understand official score ranges & percentiles document (2025–26)
https://www.ets.org/pdfs/gre/interpreting-gre-scores.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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