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
Month 2025 |
Availability Frequency |
Typical GRE Test Date Availability (Examples)* |
Demand Level |
Best For |
January |
High (many slots) |
10–20+ dates (often weekly or daily in metro cities) |
High |
Fall intake applicants (early planners) |
February |
High |
10–20+ dates |
High |
Final prep or retake for Fall |
March |
Moderate–High |
8–15 dates |
High |
Last window for early deadlines |
April |
Moderate |
6–12 dates |
Medium |
Good for early Spring intake prep |
May |
Moderate |
6–12 dates |
Low–Medium |
Less competition, flexible dates |
June |
Moderate |
6–12 dates |
Low–Medium |
Good for practice/retake |
July |
Moderate–High |
8–15 dates |
Medium |
Start of Fall rush |
August |
High |
10–20+ dates |
Very High |
Most popular month for Fall deadlines |
September |
Very High |
12–20+ dates |
Peak |
Final attempts for Fall intake |
October |
High |
10–18 dates |
Peak |
Retakes + Rolling admissions |
November |
Moderate–High |
8–15 dates |
High |
Spring intake final window |
December |
Moderate |
6–12 dates |
Medium |
Early prep for next cycle |
Key Insights:
- Peak GRE months in India (Slots fill fastest):
- January
- February
- August
- September
- October
- Easiest months to get a slot (More flexibility, fewer candidates):
- May
- June
- December
- Balanced months (steady demand, decent availability):
- April
- July
- November
Types of GRE Exams in India
GRE Exam Type |
Mode of Test |
Offered In India? |
Test Centre Required |
Frequency / Availability |
Who Should Take It? |
GRE General Test (Computer-Based) |
Computer-based |
Yes (Most Common) |
Yes |
Year-round (multiple dates per month) |
Students applying for Master’s, MBA, and PhD (most programs) |
GRE General Test (At Home Edition) |
Online from Home (Live proctor) |
Yes |
No |
Available almost every day |
Students who cannot travel or prefer home testing (must confirm university acceptance) |
GRE Subject Test (Paper-Based) |
Paper-based |
Yes (limited cities) |
Yes |
Only 2–3 fixed dates per year |
Students applying to programs requiring subject-specific testing (e.g., Math, Physics, Psychology) |
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.
Need vouchers for multiple exams? Visit EduVouchers for unbeatable discounts on TOEFL, PTE, and more.
Why Early Booking is Important (Across All GRE Types)
Reason |
Impact |
Peak season demand |
Slots fill 4–8 weeks early. |
Limited test centres in some cities |
Fewer seats per day |
University deadlines |
You may miss the intake if you book late. |
Retake planning |
Need buffer time if the score is low. |
Preferred time of day |
Morning slots fill first. |
GRE Test Centres by Exam Type
GRE Version |
Availability in India |
Where Offered |
GRE General Test (Computer-Based) |
YES (widely available) |
Multiple cities across India |
GRE General Test (At Home) |
YES |
Taken online from home (no centre needed) |
GRE Subject Test (Paper-Based) |
YES, but limited |
Only a few selected test centres in selected cities |
GRE Exam Test Centres in India 2025
City / Region |
Number of Centres |
Test Availability |
Test Types Offered |
Convenience Level |
Delhi / NCR (Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida) |
4–6 |
Very High (often daily) |
GRE General, GRE Subject |
Excellent |
Mumbai / Navi Mumbai / Thane |
2–3 |
High (multiple slots weekly) |
GRE General |
Excellent |
Bangalore |
2–3 |
High (weekly to daily) |
GRE General |
Excellent |
Hyderabad |
1–2 |
High (weekly to daily) |
GRE General, GRE Subject (sometimes) |
Very Good |
Chennai |
1–2 |
Moderate to High |
GRE General |
Very Good |
Pune |
1–2 |
Moderate to High |
GRE General |
Very Good |
Kolkata |
1–2 |
Moderate (weekly or bi-weekly) |
GRE General, GRE Subject (occasionally) |
Good |
Ahmedabad |
1 |
Moderate (weekly/bi-weekly) |
GRE General |
Good |
Chandigarh |
1 |
Limited (few slots monthly) |
GRE General |
Good |
Kochi (Cochin) |
1 |
Limited (weekly or less) |
GRE General |
Fair |
Coimbatore |
1 |
Limited (a few dates monthly) |
GRE General |
Fair |
Jaipur |
1 |
Limited (a few dates monthly) |
GRE General |
Fair |
Lucknow |
1 |
Limited (a few dates monthly) |
GRE General |
Fair |
If you're seeking GRE discounts, you might want to explore our comprehensive guide on how to get a GRE voucher.
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
Goal |
Best Time to Take the GRE |
Start early and avoid stress. |
Jan–Jun 2025 |
For the Fall intake |
Feb–Aug 2025 |
For Spring intake |
May–Sep 2025 |
Retake buffer |
3–4 months before deadlines |
Lowest competition |
May, June, December |
GRE At Home vs GRE Test Centre
Factor |
GRE At Home |
GRE Test Centre |
Mode |
Online from home |
In-person at an authorised centre |
Environment |
Must arrange a quiet, private room |
Controlled, professional testing environment |
Equipment |
Your own computer, internet, webcam, and mic |
The centre provides all the equipment |
Technical Issues |
Risk of internet or device failure |
Handled by test centre staff |
Monitoring |
Live online proctor |
On-site staff + CCTV |
Availability |
Very frequent, multiple slots daily |
High in major cities, moderate in smaller cities |
Booking Flexibility |
Can often book within 24–48 hours |
Popular slots fill early (book 2–4 weeks ahead) |
Travel Required |
No |
Yes |
Acceptance by Universities |
Accepted by most, but check each program |
100% accepted everywhere |
Risk of Disruption |
Higher (home interruptions) |
Lower (quiet, controlled setting) |
Comfort Level |
Familiar home environment |
Professional test atmosphere |
Best For |
Students with reliable internet & no nearby centre |
Students who want maximum reliability and acceptance |
You can save up to 15% on the GRE exam fee with EduVouchers exclusive GRE Discount Code. Don't miss out on the big savings!
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.