The overall testing time for the paper-delivered GRE® General Test is about three hours and 30 minutes. There are six sections with a 10-minute break following the second section.
Structure of the Paper-delivered Test
Measure | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
---|---|---|
Analytical Writing (Two sections) |
Section 1: "Analyze an Issue" task Section 2: "Analyze an Argument" task |
30 minutes per section |
Verbal Reasoning (Two sections) |
25 questions per section | 35 minutes per section |
Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections) |
25 questions per section | 40 minutes per section |
The Analytical Writing sections will always be first, while the other four sections may appear in any order.
Test Design Features
- Answers are entered into the test book, rather than a separate answer sheet.
- You will be provided an ETS calculator to use during the Quantitative Reasoning section; you may not use your own calculator.
To familiarize yourself with the paper-delivered test, try the full-length practice test in the free Practice Book for the Paper-delivered GRE® General Test, Second Edition.
See also:
- Test Preparation Materials
- List of Paper-delivered Test Centers and Dates
- Test Centers, Test Dates and Seat Availability

Promotional Links
Register for the GRE General Test
POWERPREP PLUS® Online
Get never-before-offered official GRE practice tests, scores within minutes for all three measures and explanations for correct answers!
Send Only Your Best Scores.
Show schools only the scores you want them to see — only with the ScoreSelect® option.
Start Preparing Today!
Check out our FREE Official test prep and shop our Official Practice Question Guides and more.