Think of the GRE like a marathon, but instead of running shoes, you're armed with logic, reasoning, and analytical writing. And just like a marathon, knowing the course ahead of time helps you pace yourself to the finish line.
Understanding the GRE test time can help you plan smarter, practice better, and perform with confidence.
If you're wondering “How long will I actually be sitting for the GRE?”
We’ve got the answer.
According to the most recent update from ETS (the official test maker), the GRE General Test now takes just 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete.
That’s a major shift from the old format, which stretched beyond 3 hours. But don’t be fooled as this shorter version is just as challenging. You’re still expected to perform under pressure across the same three key areas:
So, what’s the catch?
With less time overall, you’ll need to be quicker, sharper, and more strategic. Every question matters more, and there's less room for error.
Knowing how the GRE is timed helps you prep smarter and pace better.
Here’s a breakdown of how the 1 hour and 58 minutes is split across sections:
The unscored section, if included, is used for research purposes. It doesn’t affect your score, but it does add time and you won’t know which section it is. So give each one your full attention.
This timing breakdown is more than just numbers- it's your roadmap to success. When you know what to expect, you can build the focus, endurance, and time awareness needed to thrive under pressure.
While the official GRE test time is 1 hour and 58 minutes, the total duration of your test-day experience is often longer due to essential administrative and logistical steps. It’s important to account for these additional factors when planning your schedule.
Official read - GRE Information Bulletin
Most candidates should expect to spend approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from the moment they begin check-in to the time they submit their final response. This estimate applies whether you're testing at a center or remotely from home.
Planning ahead for this full timeframe can help reduce stress and ensure you are fully prepared for a smooth testing experience.
Effective preparation for the GRE isn’t just about understanding every concept, it’s also about mastering timing and stamina. That’s why full-length GRE practice tests are a vital part of any high-impact study plan.
When you take a practice test from ETS or Evertutor, you're simulating the actual GRE experience in terms of:
Managing time effectively is one of the most critical skills for success on the GRE. Many test takers struggle not with the content itself, but with completing sections within the strict time limits. That’s exactly where Evertutor steps in.
EverTutor offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to help you build timing precision and test-day stamina:
By now, this guide has answered every version of the question you might have had- how long is the GRE test, how long does the GRE take, and what the full GRE exam time looks like in real-world conditions. You've seen how the official test lasts, but the full experience often extends to 2.5 hours when you include setup and breaks.
More importantly, you’ve learned how each section is timed and why managing those time blocks effectively is critical for success. Whether you're early in your prep or approaching test day, understanding the structure and pacing of the GRE puts you in control. And if you're ready to put that knowledge into practice, tools like EverTutor’s timed mocks and pacing feedback can help you simulate the real exam and fine-tune your strategy.
The GRE General Test lasts 1 hour and 58 minutes under the current test format. This includes:
While that’s the official time, remember to factor in check-in and prep time. The overall GRE test time on test day may feel closer to 2.5 hours.
Your GRE scores are valid for 5 years after your test date. That means if you’re planning for grad school in a year or two, you can take the test now and still have scores that count. If you're still early in your prep, use EverTutor to plan backward from your ideal test window.
Even though the GRE exam time is under 2 hours, plan for at least 3 hours in your schedule because of the following reasons:
Scheduling tip: If you're testing at home, make sure you're in a quiet, distraction-free zone for the entire duration.
From logging in to submitting your test, the process usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. While the GRE test time limit is technically under 2 hours, logistics stretch that a bit. That includes reading instructions, verifying ID, waiting for your test to launch, and handling any last-minute prep.
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