The shorter GRE, explained
Since September 22, 2023, the GRE General Test takes about 1 hour 58 minutes instead of 3 hours 45 minutes. ETS cut one essay, shortened the Verbal and Quant sections and dropped the unscored section. The score scales did not change.
Source: ETS, GRE General Test Structure, checked October 11, 2026.
| Before September 22, 2023 | Since September 22, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | About 3 hours 45 minutes | About 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Analytical Writing | Issue and Argument essays, 30 minutes each | One Issue essay, 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 x 20 questions, 30 minutes each | 12 questions in 18 minutes, then 15 in 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 x 20 questions, 35 minutes each | 12 questions in 21 minutes, then 15 in 26 minutes |
| Unscored section | Possible | None |
| Scheduled break | 10 minutes after section 3 | None listed by ETS |
Source: ETS test structure page.
What it means for you
- Less time per question. Pacing matters more; practice under real timing.
- Every section counts. With no unscored section, there are no throwaway sections.
- The adaptive design still applies: the second Verbal and Quant sections adjust to how you did on the first.
- Use current materials. Practice with POWERPREP tests and prep built for the shorter test.
Official source & community discussion
ETS: GRE test structure (official) →
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