The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardised test administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and accepted by over 1,200 graduate and business school programs globally. If you are deciding between GRE and GMAT, see our gmat vs gre guide, including MBA, MS, MEM, and doctoral programs. In India, it is taken by candidates targeting universities in the US, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, and increasingly by those applying to Indian programs including ISB, IIM executive programs, and private institutions.
This guide covers everything you need to know to register for the GRE in India: current fees, test structure, eligibility, how to register, test centres, what to bring, and how to plan your test date strategically.
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ETS shortened the GRE in September 2023. The current version runs approximately 1 hour 58 minutes, down from 3 hours 45 minutes in the older format. The test is section-adaptive: your performance on the first Verbal or Quant section determines the difficulty level of the second.
| Section | Questions | Time | Score range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing (AWA) | 1 task (“Analyze an Issue”) | 30 minutes | 0-6 (half-point increments) |
| Verbal Reasoning (x2 sections) | Section 1: 12 questions / Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 18 min / Section 2: 23 min | 130-170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning (x2 sections) | Section 1: 12 questions / Section 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 21 min / Section 2: 26 min | 130-170 |
The combined Verbal + Quantitative score ranges from 260 to 340. AWA is scored separately. There is no break in the shortened version. The on-screen calculator is available for all Quantitative questions. You can skip and return to questions within each section.
For a detailed breakdown of what each section tests and how to approach it, see our gre preparation guide. The gre quant overview and gre verbal guide cover each section in depth.
GRE Eligibility
ETS does not set an age minimum, age maximum, educational qualification requirement, or nationality restriction for the GRE. Any candidate who wishes to take the test may register. The only hard requirement is a valid identity document.
In India, the accepted identity document at test centres is your original passport. No other document is accepted: not Aadhaar, PAN card, driving licence, or voter ID. This is a strict requirement enforced at all Prometric test centres in India. Bring your original passport, not a photocopy or scan.
The name on your ETS account must match the name on your passport exactly, including spelling, middle names, and initials. A mismatch can result in being denied entry to the test centre.
GRE Fees in India (2026)
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| Fee type | Amount (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GRE General Test registration | INR 22,000 | Same fee for test centre and at-home options |
| GRE Subject Test registration | INR 14,500 | Rarely required; mainly for competitive PhD programs |
| Rescheduling fee | INR 5,000 | Must reschedule at least 4 days before test date |
| Test centre change fee | INR 5,000 | Same deadline applies |
| Cancellation refund | 50% of registration fee | Only if cancelled 4+ days before test date; no full refund available |
| Additional score reports | INR 2,900 per recipient | First 4 universities are free at time of registration |
The actual amount charged at registration may differ slightly from INR 22,000 due to GST and an online service fee. The total billed amount including taxes is approximately INR 23,000-23,500. Always check the current amount on the official ETS India portal before completing payment.
Payment methods accepted in India: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Rupay, Maestro), UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, Amazon Pay, and other UPI-enabled apps), and PayPal. UPI payment is a relatively recent addition and is convenient for candidates without international credit cards. Do not use a domestic-only RuPay card; the card must have international transaction capability enabled unless you are paying via UPI.
Score report strategy: ETS allows you to send your scores to up to 4 universities for free, but only at the time of registration or on the day of the test. Once you leave the test centre, additional reports cost INR 2,900 each. If you are likely to retake, do not send free reports until you have your final score.
GRE Test Dates and When to Register
The GRE is available year-round at test centres in India. Unlike CAT or GMAT, there is no fixed test calendar with specific dates announced in advance. You select your date from available slots when you register on the ETS website, typically choosing from a two-month window at a time.
Peak season: August to December. Most GRE test-takers in India sit between August and December to meet US graduate school application deadlines (typically October to January for September intake). During these months, popular test centres fill up quickly, sometimes 6-8 weeks out. Booking 2-3 months in advance during this period is advisable.
Off-peak: January to July. Slots are more readily available during early and mid-year. If your target applications have later deadlines, an off-peak test date gives you more flexibility on centre choice and date preference.
How many times can you take the GRE? You can take the GRE up to 5 times within any 12-month period, with at least 21 days between attempts. ETS’s ScoreSelect policy lets you choose which scores to send; you are not required to report all attempts to every university.
GRE Test Centres in India
GRE tests in India are conducted by Prometric at test centres across major cities. The full list of active centres changes periodically; always check the ETS website for current availability when you register. Major cities with consistent GRE test centre availability include:
Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Gandhinagar, Gurgaon/Gurugram, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nashik, New Delhi, Patna, Pune, and Trivandrum.
Test centres are not all equivalent in environment, equipment quality, or noise levels. If you have a preference based on location or have specific requirements, book your preferred centre early, especially during peak season when alternatives may be limited.
At-home GRE option: ETS offers a GRE at-home test (GRE at Home) at the same fee as the test centre version. This requires a computer with a webcam, a quiet private room, and a stable internet connection. It is proctored remotely by ETS. For ISB applicants specifically, note that ISB does not accept at-home GRE scores and requires test-centre scores only. If ISB is on your school list, take the test at a centre.
How to Register for the GRE in India
- Create an ETS account at ets.org/gre. Use your name exactly as it appears on your passport.
- Log in and select “Register/Find Test Centers, Dates” on the GRE homepage.
- Choose the GRE General Test. Confirm your time zone when prompted.
- Select a two-month window for your preferred test period, then choose a specific available date within that window.
- Select your preferred test centre from the available options for your chosen date.
- Review your registration details and proceed to payment.
- Complete payment using your preferred method (credit/debit card, UPI, or PayPal).
- Download and save your registration confirmation. You will need this at the test centre.
- Decide which universities to send your 4 free score reports to, or save them for after your results if you plan to retake.
What to Bring on Test Day
The test centre requirements in India are strict. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. What to bring:
Required: Original valid passport with your photo and signature. This is the only accepted ID at Indian Prometric centres. Your passport must be valid on the test date.
Bring confirmation: Your ETS registration confirmation (printed or on your phone) is useful but not technically required if your name is in the system. Having it avoids any check-in delay.
Leave outside: Mobile phones, bags, food, water, notes, and scratch paper are not permitted in the testing room. The centre provides a whiteboard or scratch paper. Lockers are available for personal items.
Dress comfortably: You will be seated for approximately 2 hours. Test centre temperatures vary. Layering is sensible.
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You receive your unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores at the test centre immediately after completing the exam. Analytical Writing scores are not available immediately.
Official score reports are released within 8-10 days of your test date. These are the scores that go to universities. If you sent free score reports at registration, those are sent as official scores once they are available.
ScoreSelect lets you choose which scores to send from your testing history. You can choose “Most Recent” scores, “Highest” scores, or “All” scores. Most universities accept the most recent or the highest, but always check each program’s specific policy before sending.
Score validity is 5 years from the test date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GRE exam fee in India in 2026?
The GRE General Test registration fee in India is INR 22,000. The actual billed amount including GST and online service fees is approximately INR 23,000-23,500. The GRE Subject Test fee is INR 14,500. Additional costs include rescheduling (INR 5,000), test centre change (INR 5,000), and extra score reports beyond the 4 free ones (INR 2,900 per recipient).
How long is the GRE exam in 2026?
The current GRE General Test runs approximately 1 hour 58 minutes. ETS shortened the test in September 2023 from the older 3 hour 45 minute format. The test includes one Analytical Writing section (30 min), two Verbal Reasoning sections (41 min total), and two Quantitative Reasoning sections (47 min total), with no scheduled break.
What ID is required for the GRE in India?
A valid original passport is the only accepted identity document at Indian GRE test centres. Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence, and voter ID are not accepted. The passport must be valid on the test date. The name on your ETS account must match the name on your passport exactly.
How far in advance should I register for the GRE in India?
Register 2-3 months in advance during the peak August-December season. Test centre slots at popular cities fill up quickly during this period, and booking late may force you to choose a less convenient centre or a less convenient date. During the off-peak January-July period, 4-6 weeks advance registration is typically sufficient to secure your preferred centre and date.
How many times can I take the GRE?
You can take the GRE up to 5 times within any 12-month rolling period, with a minimum gap of 21 days between attempts. ETS’s ScoreSelect policy lets you choose which scores to send to universities; you are not required to send all attempts. Most programs accept your highest scores, but verify the policy for each school on your list.
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