GRE Exam Dates in India 2025: City & Test Centre Guide

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the most widely accepted standardised tests for admission into Master’s, MBA, PhD, and specialised graduate programs worldwide. Universities in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, and even top Indian institutions use GRE scores to evaluate a candidate’s readiness for advanced study, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills.

For Indian test-takers, planning the GRE date and selecting the right test centre is one of the most important first steps in the application process. Booking early ensures availability during peak months, helps you align with university deadlines, and gives you enough time to prepare and improve your score if a retake is needed.

GRE Exam Slots Availability 

Key Insights:

1. Peak GRE months in India (Slots fill fastest):

• January
• February
• August
• September
• October

2. Easiest months to get a slot (More flexibility, fewer candidates):

• May
• June
• December

3. Balanced months (steady demand, decent availability):

• April
• July
• November

Types of GRE Exams in India

GRE Exam Dates 2025

A) GRE General Test (Computer-Based at Test Centres) – Year-Round, Most Flexible

This is the most popular and widely accepted GRE version.

How dates are scheduled:

• No fixed national exam dates.
• ETS uses a rolling availability system.
• Test sessions are available throughout the year.
• Most major cities offer multiple test dates per month.
• Some high-demand cities offer daily or even multiple sessions per day.

Booking Window:

• You can book up to 1 day before the test (if a slot is still open).
• However, popular cities and peak months fill up 4–8 weeks in advance.

Peak Months (highest demand):

• January to March (Spring intake tests)
• August to November (Fall intake tests)

Best practice:

• Book your slot 2–3 months in advance to secure the preferred date, time, and location.

B) GRE General Test – At Home Edition (Online) – Highly Flexible

This is the remote version of the GRE taken from Home under online proctoring.

How dates are scheduled:

• It is available almost every day, including weekends.
• Multiple time slots throughout the day.
• You can often find appointments within 24 hours of booking.

Booking Window:

• You can book up to 24 hours before the test.
• More flexible than test centres.

Important Note:

• Acceptance varies; some universities or visa authorities prefer centre-based scores.
• Test taker must meet technical and environmental requirements (quiet room, computer, webcam, stable internet).

Best practice:

• Choose At Home only if you cannot travel or have verified that all your universities accept it.

C) GRE Subject Test (Paper-Based) – Fixed Dates, Limited Availability

This test is only required for specific subjects (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Psychology).

How dates are scheduled:

• ETS conducts the GRE Subject Test only 2–3 times per year worldwide.
• These are fixed global dates, announced in advance.
• Example months: February, April, September, October (actual 2025 dates published by ETS).

Test Centres:

• It is available in very few cities in India.
• Usually, only 1–2 centres per major region.

Booking Window:

• Registration opens months in advance.
• Slots are limited and fill quickly.

Important:

• Subject Test is not required for most Master’s or MBA programs.
• Mostly needed for PhD or research-based admissions in specific disciplines.

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Why Early Booking is Important (Across All GRE Types)

GRE Test Centres by Exam Type

GRE Exam Test Centres in India 2025

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How to Find Live GRE Exam Dates & Book a Slot (Step-by-Step)

Booking the GRE is done online through the official ETS website, and the process is simple if you follow these steps correctly. This method also helps you see the real-time availability of dates and centres in your city.

Step 1: Visit the official ETS GRE website
Go to the official source for registration.

Step 2: Create or log in to your ETS account
If you’re a new user, create an account with your legal name (must match passport).
Existing users can simply log in.

Step 3: Click on “Register / Find Test Centres”
This option allows you to search for both test dates and locations at the same time.

Step 4: Select your test type
Choose the GRE General Test (most common) or the Subject Test if applicable.
Select whether you want the Test Centre or the At Home format.

Step 5: Enter your preferred location
Type your city name (e.g., Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, etc.).
You can also search by state or pin code.

Step 6: Select a month or date range
The system will show available dates based on your location.
If a month is full, try choosing the next month or a nearby city.

Step 7: Choose your test centre and time slot
You will see:

• Centre name
• Address
• Available time slots
• Seat availability
  Select the slot that suits your preparation timeline.

Step 8: Review your information
Check:

• Your name (must match passport)
• Test type
• Centre and date
• Contact details

Step 9: Pay the exam fee to confirm the booking
Make the payment online using a credit/debit card, UPI, PayPal (if available), or a voucher code.
Once payment is done, your slot is confirmed.

Step 10: Receive confirmation email
You will get an email with your appointment letter, test centre address, reporting time, and rules.

Best Time to Take the GRE in 2025

Choosing the right time to take the GRE is just as important as preparation. The ideal timing depends on your study abroad intake, university deadlines, retake plans, and slot availability.

1. Based on University Deadlines

• For Fall 2025 Intake (Most popular):
  Ideal test window: January to June 2025
  Latest safe attempt: August–September 2025 (for Round 2 or last deadlines)
• For Spring 2026 Intake:
  Ideal test window: May to September 2025
  Latest safe attempt: October–November 2025

Always aim to take the GRE at least 6–8 months before the application deadline.

2. When Slots Are Easily Available

Best availability months:

• May
• June
• December
  These months have lower demand, so it’s easier to get preferred centres and time slots.

3. When Demand Is Highest (Slots fill fastest)

Peak GRE booking months in India:

• January
• February
• August
• September
• October

If you want to test in these months, book your slot 6–8 weeks in advance.

4. When You Should Avoid Taking the Test

Try to avoid:

• Last-minute booking near application deadlines
• Heavy academic exam seasons (college exams, CAT/GATE/IELTS rush)
• Festivals or holiday periods (travel, distractions, closures)

5. Plan for a Retake (Very Important!)

Most students score higher on their second attempt.

• GRE allows you to retake after 21 days.
• You can take it up to 5 times a year.

Therefore, take your first GRE attempt at least 3–4 months before deadlines to leave time for a retake if needed.

6. Bottom Line: Best Overall Strategy

GRE At Home vs GRE Test Centre

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Required Documents on GRE Test Day

To avoid being denied entry to the test centre, you must carry the correct documents and follow ETS policies strictly.

1. Valid Passport (Original, not photocopy)

• Must be valid (not expired)
• Must have your full name, date of birth, and photograph
• Must match the name used during registration
• No other ID is accepted in India

2. Appointment Confirmation Email

• Printed or digital copy
• Contains your test date, time, and centre address

3. ETS Account Login Details (Optional but useful)

• In case any verification is needed on the spot

4. Recommended to Carry

• Water bottle (if allowed)
• Light jacket (centres can be cold)
• Required medications (with approval)

5. What NOT to Carry

• Mobile phones (must be turned off and stored in the locker)
• Smartwatches or fitness bands
• Bags, notebooks, stationery
• Wallets or purses (locked away)
• Food or snacks (unless approved for medical reasons)

All personal items are stored in a locker and cannot be accessed during the test or breaks.

6. On Arrival

• Reach 30–45 minutes early
• The passport is verified
• Photo and fingerprints may be taken
• You will be assigned a locker and then taken to the testing room

Tips to Get Your Preferred GRE Date & Test Centre

Because GRE dates and centres operate on a first-come, first-served basis, planning can save you stress, money, and travel.

1. Book 2–3 months in advance

• Especially for peak months (Jan–Mar, Aug–Nov)
• Ensures better slot choice (morning/afternoon)

2. Be flexible with the time of day

• Morning slots fill first
• Afternoon or evening slots may still be available

3. Avoid last-minute bookings

• You may be forced to choose a different city
• You might pay a late registration fee

4. Avoid peak intake rush (unless you plan early)

• Fall intake: Aug–Nov high demand
• Spring intake: Jan–Mar high demand

5. Use multiple nearby cities for backup

If your city is full, search:

• Nearby major cities (example: Pune instead of Mumbai)
• Alternate dates

6. Monitor ETS availability regularly

• Slots open and close daily
• Cancellations free up seats unexpectedly
• Check early morning for best results

7. Plan for a retake

Most students improve in their second attempt.
Schedule your first attempt 3–4 months before deadlines to allow time for a retake if needed.

Check our comprehensive guide on GRE Exam Preparation

Conclusion

The GRE General Test remains one of the most important exams for students in India aiming to pursue higher education abroad. Since ETS offers the GRE year-round rather than on fixed national dates, understanding how test dates are released and how availability changes month-to-month is essential for smart planning. Likewise, selecting the right test centre, considering factors such as location, slot frequency, and convenience, can significantly enhance your test-day experience.