GRE Subject Test Complete Guide 2026

Subject-Specific Graduate Record Examination for MS, PhD Admissions – Eligibility, Process, Syllabus & Free Online Practice Tests

The GRE Subject Test is a standardized examination administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) that measures your knowledge and skill level in a specific field of study. Unlike the GRE General Test, which assesses broad verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills, the GRE Subject Test is designed for students who have an undergraduate major or extensive background in one of three disciplines: Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology.

If you are planning to pursue graduate studies in these specialized fields, the GRE Subject Test can help you stand out from other applicants by demonstrating your in-depth knowledge in your chosen subject. GRE Subject Test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement your undergraduate records, recommendation letters, and other qualifications for graduate-level study.

The GRE is also a key requirement for many international scholarships , including prestigious awards in the United States , United Kingdom , Canada , Australia , Europe , and many other countries.

If you are planning to apply for graduate programs through the GRE Subject Test, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know:

  • What is the GRE Subject Test and which programs accept it?

  • Which universities and scholarships accept GRE Subject Test scores?

  • What are the eligibility criteria?

  • How to apply for the GRE Subject Test?

  • What is the test pattern and time allowed?

  • What is the complete syllabus for each subject?

  • How can I practice GRE Subject Test MCQs online for free?

Students who want to begin their preparation immediately can start with GRE Subject Practice Test Free Quizzes , where hundreds of free chapter-wise quizzes are available to strengthen concepts and improve exam performance.

What is the GRE Subject Test?

The GRE Subject Tests are achievement tests that measure your knowledge and skill level in a particular field of study. They are intended for students who have an undergraduate major or extensive background in one of the following disciplines:

Key Features of GRE Subject Test

  • Validity: GRE scores are valid for five years from the date of your test

  • Acceptance: Accepted by thousands of graduate schools and fellowship panels worldwide

  • Test Duration: 2 hours and 50 minutes for the Mathematics Test and 2 hours for the Physics and Psychology Tests

  • Test Format: Computer-delivered format

  • Test Availability: Offered multiple times per year in September, October, and April

  • Question Type: Multiple-choice questions with five options

  • Test Fee: $150 (subject to change; verify on ETS website)

Which Programs Accept GRE Subject Test?

The GRE Subject Test is accepted by thousands of graduate schools and departments worldwide. Some of the top institutions that recommend or require GRE Subject Test scores include:

United States

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Subject tests are recommended or required for certain graduate programs

  • Stanford University – Subject tests are recommended or required for certain graduate programs

  • University of California, Berkeley – Subject tests are recommended or required for certain graduate programs

  • Harvard University – Subject tests may be required or recommended for specific departments

Canada

  • Many universities in Canada accept or require GRE Subject Test scores for graduate admissions

Europe

  • Many universities in Europe accept GRE Subject Test scores for graduate admissions

Pakistan

  • National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) – GRE Subject Test scores may be accepted for graduate admissions

  • HEC Scholarship Programs – GRE scores are also required for HEC scholarship schemes

Applicable Programs

  • MS in Mathematics

  • MS in Physics

  • MS in Psychology

  • PhD programs in these disciplines

  • Fellowship programs in these fields

Note: GRE Subject Test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement your undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other qualifications for graduate-level study.

Scholarships Accepting GRE Subject Test

A strong GRE Subject Test score is essential for many international scholarships worldwide:

GRE Subject Test Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the GRE Subject Test are straightforward:

Educational Requirements

  • No mandatory degree requirement – the GRE Subject Test is intended for students who have an undergraduate major or extensive background in one of the three disciplines

  • Candidates from all academic backgrounds can take the test, but it is designed for those with relevant undergraduate-level knowledge

Age Requirements

  • No age limit

Identification Requirements

  • A valid, unexpired government-verified ID proof is required (preferably a passport)

Score Validity

  • GRE scores are valid for five years from the date of your test

Other Requirements

GRE Subject Test Application Process

The application process for the GRE Subject Test is conducted online through the ETS website.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

  • Visit the Official ETS Website: www.ets.org/gre

  • Create an ETS Account: Click on "Register for a Test" on your dashboard. Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport

  • Select the Test Type: Choose "GRE Subject Test" from the list of available tests

  • Select Your Subject: Choose one of the three subjects: Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology

  • Select Test Delivery Format: Choose between test center or at-home

  • Choose Test Date and Location: Select your preferred test date and test center. Subject Tests are offered multiple times per year in September, October, and April

  • Pay the Application Fee: The test fee is $150 (subject to change; verify on ETS website)

  • Submit Application: Review all information before final submission

  • Receive Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email with your test details

Important Registration Deadlines

  • At-home testing: Register at least two days before your chosen GRE exam date

  • Test center testing: Registrations close one day before the test date

Required Documents on Test Day

  • Valid passport or government-issued ID

  • ETS account confirmation

GRE Subject Test Pattern

The GRE Subject Test is a computer-delivered exam consisting of multiple-choice questions with five options each.

Test Pattern Overview

Mathematics Test

  • Total Testing Time: 2 hours and 50 minutes

  • Number of Questions: Approximately 66 multiple-choice questions

  • No separately timed sections

  • Score Range: 200-990 (scaled score)

Physics Test

  • Total Testing Time: 2 hours

  • Number of Questions: Approximately 70 5-choice questions

  • No separately timed sections

  • Score Range: 200-990 (scaled score)

Psychology Test

  • Total Testing Time: 2 hours

  • Number of Questions: Approximately 144 multiple-choice questions

  • No separately timed sections

  • Score Range: 200-990 (scaled score)

Important Notes

  • There are no separately timed sections in the GRE Subject Test

  • The test can only be taken on a computer, regardless of whether you take it online or at a test center

  • Each question in the test has five options from which the test taker is to select the one option that is the correct or best answer

GRE Subject Test Syllabus

The GRE Subject Test syllabus covers key concepts, theories, principles, and problem-solving skills within the chosen subject. The available subjects are: Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.

Start your preparation with GRE Subject Practice Test Free Quizzes .

Mathematics (66 Questions – 2 hours 50 minutes)

The Mathematics Test consists of approximately 66 multiple-choice questions drawn from courses commonly offered at the undergraduate level. Start your preparation with GRE Subject Mathematics Practice Tests .

The Mathematics syllabus includes:

Physics (70 Questions – 2 hours)

The Physics Test consists of approximately 70 5-choice questions based on such materials as diagrams, graphs, experimental data, and descriptions of physical situations. Start your preparation with GRE Subject Physics Practice Tests .

The Physics syllabus includes:

Psychology (144 Questions – 2 hours)

The Psychology Test consists of approximately 144 multiple-choice questions drawn from courses commonly encountered in undergraduate psychology programs. Start your preparation with GRE Subject Psychology Practice Tests .

The Psychology syllabus includes:

GRE Subject Test Scoring

The GRE Subject Test uses a scaled scoring model:

  • Score Range: 200-990 (scaled score)

  • Score Validity: Scores are valid for five years from your test date

  • ScoreSelect Option: With the ScoreSelect® option, test takers who retake a GRE Subject Test can decide which GRE scores from the last 5 years to send to designated institutions

Score Validity

  • GRE scores are valid for five years

  • Scores that are more than five years old are not acceptable for most programs

GRE Subject Test Preparation Tips

  • Understand the Test Pattern: Each subject test has a specific number of questions and time limit. Familiarize yourself with the test structure for your chosen subject.

  • Know the Syllabus Thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with the complete chapter-wise syllabus for your subject. Use the chapter lists above as a checklist to ensure you cover every topic.

  • Practice Chapter by Chapter: Complete one chapter at a time and immediately attempt the relevant chapter-wise quiz. The free quizzes on Pak Admissions are designed specifically for this purpose, with three free quizzes available for each chapter.

  • Focus on High-Yield Topics:

    • Mathematics: Calculus (50%), Algebra (25%), and Additional Topics (25%)

    • Physics: Classical Mechanics (20%), Electromagnetism (18%), Quantum Mechanics (13%), Thermodynamics/Statistical Mechanics (10%), Atomic Physics (10%)

    • Psychology: Biological (30 questions), Cognitive (29 questions), Clinical (23 questions), Social (19 questions), Developmental (18 questions)

  • Take Full-Length Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests under timed conditions to improve your time management skills and build stamina.

  • Analyze Your Mistakes: Review every mistake. Understanding why you got a question wrong is how you truly learn and avoid repeating the same errors.

  • Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance. Most students do best with one to three months of prep.

  • Use Official ETS Resources: Visit the official ETS website www.ets.org/gre for the latest updates, test schedules, and sample questions.

  • Use ScoreSelect: Take advantage of the ScoreSelect feature that lets you choose which scores to send to universities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is the GRE Subject Test?

    • The GRE Subject Test is a standardized test administered by ETS that measures your knowledge and skill level in a specific field of study: Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology.

  • Which programs accept GRE Subject Test scores?

    • GRE Subject Test scores are accepted by thousands of graduate schools and fellowship panels worldwide.

  • What is the test pattern for the GRE Subject Test?

    • Mathematics: 66 questions, 2 hours 50 minutes; Physics: 70 questions, 2 hours; Psychology: 144 questions, 2 hours.

  • Is there negative marking in GRE Subject Test?

    • Yes, historically there has been negative marking (approximately -0.25 for wrong answers), but verify the current policy on the ETS website.

  • What is a good GRE Subject Test score?

    • A score of 700+ is generally considered competitive for top programs, but requirements vary by program.

  • How long is the GRE Subject Test score valid?

    • The GRE score is valid for five years from the date of result declaration.

  • Can I take the GRE Subject Test multiple times?

    • Yes, you can take the GRE Subject Test as many times as you wish. Subject Tests are offered multiple times per year.

  • How can I practice for the GRE Subject Test?

    • You can practice for free on Pak Admissions . The platform offers comprehensive MCQs covering all subjects with three free quizzes per chapter.

  • What is the GRE Subject Test fee?

    • The test fee is $150 (subject to change; verify on ETS website).

  • How can I register for the GRE Subject Test?

Final Words

The GRE Subject Test is your gateway to specialized graduate programs in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology at top universities worldwide and a key requirement for many international scholarships . Whether you're targeting scholarships in the USA , the UK , Canada , Australia , or Europe , a strong GRE Subject Test score is essential. With the right preparation strategy and consistent practice, you can achieve a competitive score and secure admission to your desired program. Start your preparation today by exploring the chapter-wise practice quizzes available on Pak Admissions .

Good luck with your GRE Subject Test preparation!