Short answer: yes. On the computer-delivered GRE General Test you can skip questions within a timed section and return to them later as long as you remain in that section. You cannot return to a previous section after you move forward. The same basic rule applies to the GRE at-home test and to paper-delivered tests. Because the GRE does not deduct points for wrong answers, skipping temporarily makes sense as a time-management tactic, but you should plan to answer every item before the section time ends.
How skipping works on different GRE formats
Computer-delivered GRE (most test takers)
Each Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning section is separately timed. Within a section you may navigate freely between questions. You can leave a question unanswered, mark it for review, and come back to it before the section’s time expires. Once you submit a section and proceed to the next one, you cannot return to questions from the previous section.
GRE at Home
The at-home GRE follows the same rules as the in-center computer-delivered test. You can skip and return to questions within a section, but you cannot go back to earlier sections after you move on.
Paper-delivered GRE
When paper testing is used, the structure is sectioned similarly. You can skip and return to questions within the same section as long as the section remains open. After the proctor closes a section you cannot return to it.
Key policies to remember
- No returning to earlier sections: You cannot go back to a section once you have finished it and moved on. Plan your time so you use the remaining window in each section to finalize answers you skipped.
- No penalty for incorrect answers: The GRE awards points only for correct answers, and it does not subtract points for wrong answers. This makes guessing preferable to leaving blanks.
- Unscored sections: ETS sometimes includes an unidentified unscored experimental section or a research section. These follow the same navigation rules, and you will not know which section is unscored while testing.
- Section-level adaptive scoring: For Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning the test is adaptive by section. Performance on the first section influences the difficulty of the second. Skipping many questions could affect your demonstrated level of ability and therefore the second section you receive.
- Verify changes: If you change an answer within a section, the most recently submitted response is the one scored.
Practical strategies for skipping and returning to questions
1. Prioritize easy points first
Work through the section and answer all questions you can solve quickly and confidently. This secures points and reduces pressure later in the section.
2. Mark and move on
If a question looks time-consuming, mark it for review or skip it immediately and move to the next one. Use the test’s navigation features so you can find marked items quickly before time runs out.
3. Budget your time per question
Estimate an average time per question as a baseline. Example calculation for typical sections:
- Quantitative section with 20 questions and 35 minutes: about 1 minute and 45 seconds per question
- Verbal section with 20 questions and 35 minutes: about 1 minute and 45 seconds per question
If a question will take much longer than your average, skip and come back if time permits.
4. Use process of elimination and educated guessing
Because there is no penalty for wrong answers, eliminate any obviously wrong choices and guess from remaining options. Make sure every question has an answer before the section time ends.
5. Reserve time for marked questions
Keep five to seven minutes at the end of each section to revisit marked or skipped items. If you spend too long early on difficult items, you may run out of this dedicated review time.
6. Plan for the section-adaptive system
Try to perform well on the first section of each Verbal and Quantitative pair. Demonstrating ability early can lead to a harder second section, which offers the opportunity to earn a higher score. This makes aggressive skipping of many first-section items risky.
How to use the on-screen tools effectively
- Flagging or marking: Use the flag or mark function to label questions you want to return to.
- Question overview: Many test interfaces show a question list or grid indicating which items are answered, unanswered, and flagged. Use that grid to jump directly to items you skipped.
- Calculator (Quantitative Reasoning only): Use the provided on-screen calculator when appropriate, but avoid relying on it for simple arithmetic that wastes time.
Common misunderstandings
“If I skip a question, it is flagged as incorrect.”
A skipped question is treated as unanswered. Because there is no negative marking, an unanswered question simply earns no points. If you return and submit an answer, that answer will be scored. Leaving a question blank is not advantageous relative to guessing, so plan to answer every question.
“I can skip a section and return later.”
That is not allowed. You must complete and submit a section before moving on, and you cannot return afterward. The ability to skip applies only within a section’s active time window.
“Skipping lots of questions won’t affect my score.”
While skipping itself does not carry a penalty, unanswered questions lower the number of points you can earn. Additionally, because the test is section-adaptive, very poor performance in an initial section can influence the difficulty of the following section.
Example time-management plan
Below is a sample approach for a 35-minute section with 20 questions. Adjust these numbers based on your speed and comfort level.
- Questions 1–12: Spend an average of 1.5 to 2 minutes each, answering all straightforward items.
- Questions 13–16: If an item looks hard, mark it quickly and move on after 2 minutes.
- Questions 17–20: Tackle remaining items if time allows, otherwise mark and move on.
- Final 5 minutes: Return to all flagged items, use elimination strategies, and guess if necessary so no question is left blank.
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip questions on the Analytical Writing section?
Analytical Writing has separate timed tasks. You could choose not to type a response, but that would result in an incomplete or very low-scoring essay. It is better to allocate time to plan and write at least a basic, coherent response for both the Issue and Argument tasks.
Will skipping questions affect the difficulty of the next section?
The adaptive mechanism uses your performance on the first section to determine the difficulty level of the next section. Skipping and leaving many questions unanswered will lower your measured performance, which can result in an easier second section. An easier second section limits the maximum score you can achieve. Aim to answer competitively on the first section.
Is it ever better to leave a question blank?
No. Because there is no penalty for incorrect answers, guessing gives you a nonzero chance of getting the item right. Always make sure every question has an answer before time expires.
Are review and skip functions the same across test centers?
The basic navigation features are consistent, but the exact interface may differ slightly between in-center computerized, at-home, and paper tests. Functionality that matters most is the same: you can move between questions within an open section, and you cannot return to previous sections.
Final thoughts and action steps
Skipping questions on the GRE is allowed within a section and is part of sound time-management practice. Use skipping strategically: secure easy points first, mark difficult items, leave time to revisit flagged questions, and make sure you answer every question before the section ends. Because the test is section-adaptive and there is no penalty for guessing, prioritize performing well on the first sections and avoid leaving blanks. Verify any detailed policy questions with ETS if you have concerns about test administration or interface differences.
