The GRE Subject Test Content and Structure is designed to assess undergraduate-level achievement in specific disciplines. Unlike the GRE General Test, which measures verbal, quantitative, and writing skills, the GRE Subject Test Content and Structure is field-specific and intended for applicants to specialized graduate programs.
Disciplines Covered
As of 2025, ETS offers GRE Subject Tests in the following six fields:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Literature in English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Each test is paper-based and administered three times per year (typically in September, October, and April) at authorized testing centers worldwide.
Format and Timing
All GRE Subject Test Content and Structure exams are 170 minutes (2 hours and 50 minutes) long and consist of multiple-choice questions only. There are no sections, breaks, or adaptive components. You must complete the entire test in one sitting.
- Biology: Approximately 190 questions covering cellular/molecular biology, organismal biology, and ecology/evolution.
- Chemistry: About 130 questions in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
- Literature in English: Around 230 questions on literary analysis, literary history, and critical theory (from Chaucer to contemporary works).
- Mathematics: Roughly 66 questions on calculus (50%), algebra (25%), and additional topics like real analysis or topology (25%).
- Physics: Approximately 100 questions on classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and more.
- Psychology: About 205 questions in experimental, social, developmental, clinical, and cognitive psychology.
Scoring
Scores are reported on a scale of 200–990, in 10-point increments, with sub-scores in some disciplines (e.g., Biology provides scores for each major content area). Percentile ranks compare your performance to others who took the same test over the past three years.
Who Should Take It?
Only take a GRE Subject Test if your intended graduate program requires or recommends it—usually for PhD or highly competitive research-focused master’s programs in STEM or humanities. Many programs no longer require it, so always verify admissions requirements.
The GRE Subject Test Content and Structure provides deep, discipline-specific evaluation for advanced applicants. While rigorous, it allows you to demonstrate mastery in your field—but only take it if your target program explicitly values it.