The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standard entrance assessment that analyses the academic and practical skills of international students who plan to pursue their postgraduate education in educational institutions abroad.
The GRE exam focuses on analysing the students’ ability in analytical writing, critical and abstract thinking, and problem-solving skills. Several universities accept the GRE Subject test for admission in countries across the world. It is important to note that some universities have made these scores optional, so you can check your desired university’s requirements before applying for the exam. Here’s everything you need to know about the GRE Subject test.
Table of Contents
- GRE Subject test: An overview
- GRE Subject test: Eligibility and registration
- GRE Subject test pattern 2024
- GRE Subject test syllabus 2024
- GRE score percentiles for Subject test
- Pro tips for the GRE Subject test
- Frequently asked questions
GRE Subject test: An overview
| GRE full form | Graduate Record Examination |
| GRE General test total score | 990 |
| GRE exam duration | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| No. of questions | Varies with every subject |
| Disciplines of study in GRE Subject test | Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Psychology |
| GRE Subject test registration | Tests are available three times a year in April, September, and October |
GRE Subject test: Eligibility and registration
Before you apply for the assessment, make sure you satisfy the eligibility criteria and proceed with the GRE Subject test registration.
GRE Subject test eligibility criteria
- Students with any undergraduate degree, as the test is for those who plan to pursue their postgraduate studies abroad.
- There is no specific age limit for the GRE Subject test.
- It is important to check if GRE has a test centre near your locality, as the home testing option is available only in certain areas.
ID requirements for GRE Subject test
- The ID must be an original, government-issued one.
- You are required to bring your physical ID. An electronic version or photocopy is not acceptable.
- The ID should have your first and last name, as mentioned during registration. It should also have a recognisable photo and signature.
GRE Subject test pattern 2024
Total no. of sections: Varies with every subject
Total duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
The GRE Subject test pattern differs with each field of study, but the duration, 2 hours 50 minutes, remains the same. The test pattern’s main focus is on the particular subject you choose and measures your knowledge of the discipline of study. The GRE Subject test has the following fields of study.
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Psychology
GRE Subject test pattern 2024
| Field of study | No. of questions | Duration |
| Physics | 100 | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Chemistry | 130 | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Mathematics | 66 | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Psychology | 205 | 2 hours 50 minutes |
GRE Subject test syllabus 2024
As mentioned earlier, the GRE Subject test syllabus is based on the subject you opt for the assessment. The syllabus focuses on the subject and determines your knowledge and skills on the same.
GRE Subject test syllabus 2024
| Field of study | Question format | Subject areas covered in test |
| Physics | Multiple choice questions | Classical mechanics: 20% Electromagnetism: 18% Optics and wave phenomena: 9% Thermodynamics: 10% Quantum mechanics: 12% Atomic physics: 10% Special relativity: 6% Laboratory methods: 6% Specialised topics: 9% |
| Chemistry | Multiple choice questions | Analytical chemistry: 15% Organic chemistry: 30% Inorganic chemistry: 25% Physical chemistry: 30% |
| Mathematics | Multiple choice questions | Algebra: 25% Calculus: 50% Other topics: 25% |
| Psychology | Multiple choice questions | Biological: 17-21% Developmental: 12-14% Clinical: 15-19% Social: 12-14% Cognitive: 17-24% Measurement or methodology or other: 15-19% |
GRE score percentiles for Subject test
GRE percentiles refer to the percentage of candidates who scored below you on the exam. It is the standard metric used to evaluate candidates and proceed with their applications to educational institutions. A high percentile score can improve your chances of admission.
| Scaled Score | GRE chemistry percentiles | GRE math percentiles | GRE physics percentiles | GRE psychology percentiles |
| 980 | - | - | 95 | - |
| 960 | 99 | 97 | 92 | - |
| 940 | 99 | 96 | 88 | - |
| 920 | 98 | 95 | 85 | - |
| 900 | 86 | 94 | 81 | - |
| 880 | 94 | 81 | 78 | - |
| 860 | 90 | 87 | 74 | - |
| 840 | 86 | 83 | 70 | - |
| 820 | 81 | 79 | 67 | 99 |
| 800 | 77 | 75 | 64 | 97 |
| 780 | 71 | 72 | 61 | 95 |
| 760 | 66 | 67 | 58 | 91 |
| 740 | 61 | 64 | 54 | 86 |
| 720 | 56 | 60 | 51 | 79 |
| 700 | 50 | 56 | 47 | 72 |
| 680 | 44 | 52 | 43 | 64 |
| 660 | 39 | 49 | 39 | 56 |
| 640 | 34 | 44 | 36 | 49 |
| 620 | 28 | 40 | 32 | 43 |
| 600 | 24 | 36 | 28 | 36 |
| 580 | 19 | 32 | 24 | 31 |
| 560 | 15 | 27 | 20 | 26 |
| 540 | 12 | 23 | 16 | 22 |
| 520 | 9 | 19 | 12 | 18 |
| 500 | 6 | 15 | 9 | 14 |
| 480 | 5 | 11 | 7 | 11 |
| 460 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 9 |
| 440 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 6 |
| 420 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 400 | - | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 380 | - | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 360 | - | 1 | - | 1 |
| 340 | - | - | - | 1 |
| 200-320 | - | - | - | - |
Pro tips for the GRE Subject test
The GRE Subject test is considered a challenging exam, but with regular practice and planning, you can ace the exam in no time! Here’s how to fully prepare for GRE and get a high score.
- Understand the test’s pattern, syllabus, types of questions, and format. This will help you stay prepared for the exam.
- Create a study plan and set your goals for preparation. This will streamline your study process and reduce your anxiety ahead of the exams.
- Make use of GRE study materials and online practice tests to prepare well for the exam. These resources can help you better understand the pattern and syllabus. Understanding these major components of the exam will contribute to better performance during the exam.
Related: GRE Score Percentiles
Frequently asked questions
What subjects are tested on the GRE?
The GRE Subject tests have four disciplines of study: Maths, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology.
Is GRE Subject Test available in India?
Yes, the GRE Subject test is available in India.
Is GRE compulsory for MS in the USA?
The GRE exam results have become optional in some educational institutions in the USA in recent years. Make sure to check the university’s eligibility requirements before applying for the exam.
What is the minimum GRE score for the USA?
A GRE 75th percentile score is considered the minimum grade for educational institutions in the USA.
What are the GRE English Subject test dates?
The GRE English Subject tests are available three times a year in April, September, and October.
