The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardised test accepted for admission to thousands of graduate, business and law school programmes worldwide. ETS, the organisation that conducts the GRE, states that the GRE General Test is used for graduate, business and law school admissions.
For Indian students planning to apply for MS, MBA, PhD or other postgraduate courses abroad, the GRE can be an important part of the admission process. This GRE exam guide explains what the test is, how it is structured, what it costs in India, how to register, how scores work and how to prepare practically.
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Quick Overview: GRE Exam 2026
| Point | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Full form | Graduate Record Examination |
| Conducted by | ETS |
| Accepted for | Graduate, business and law school admissions |
| Main sections | Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning |
| Total test time | About 1 hour 58 minutes |
| ETS India lists the GRE General Test fee | ₹25,522 |
| Final payable amount after 4% online service fee | ₹26,543 |
| GRE Subject Test fee | ₹20,033 |
| Score availability | 8 to 10 days after the test date |
| Score validity | 5 years |
| Retake rule | Once every 21 days, up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period |
| ID required in India | Valid passport with name, photograph and signature |
Who Should Take the GRE Exam?
Many Indian students take the GRE exam when applying to master’s, MBA, PhD, law, or other graduate-level programmes abroad. ETS says the GRE General Test is accepted by thousands of graduate, business, and law schools worldwide. However, GRE requirements vary by university, programme, and admission cycle.
| Programme Type | How GRE Scores Are Used |
|---|---|
| MS abroad | Commonly accepted by many graduate programmes |
| MBA abroad | Accepted by many business schools |
| PhD abroad | Used by some doctoral programmes to assess academic readiness |
| Law or other graduate programmes | Accepted by selected law schools, mainly for JD or joint JD admissions |
| Scholarship or fellowship applications | May be used by some universities or fellowship sponsors |
Before booking the GRE exam, check the official admission page of each university. Some universities require the GRE, some keep it optional, and some do not consider it.
GRE General Test vs GRE Subject Test
Most students who say “GRE” are talking about the GRE General Test. This is the main exam used for graduate and business school admissions.
The GRE Subject Test is different. It tests subject knowledge in Mathematics, Physics or Psychology. ETS describes Subject Tests as demonstrating undergraduate subject-matter knowledge in these areas.
| Feature | GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tests general graduate-level readiness | Tests subject-specific undergraduate knowledge |
| Commonly used for | MS, MBA, PhD, law and other graduate admissions | Specific subject-focused graduate or PhD programmes |
| Subjects / Sections | Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning | Mathematics, Physics or Psychology |
| What it measures | Reasoning, critical thinking, writing, verbal skills and basic quantitative skills | Depth of knowledge in one selected subject area |
| Who needs it? | Most GRE applicants whose target universities accept or require the GRE | Only students whose target programme specifically asks for a GRE Subject Test |
| Best suited for | Students applying to a wide range of graduate, business or law programmes | Students applying to specialised programmes where subject expertise is required |
| Important note | This is the main GRE test most Indian students take | Do not take it unless your university or department clearly requires it |
GRE Exam Dates
Unlike other exams, there are no fixed GRE exam dates in India. Students can choose to give the exam based on available test-centre or at-home slots.
GRE Subject Tests are offered during fixed testing windows in September, October and April. In India, however, GRE Subject Tests are not available at home and must be taken at an authorised test centre.
Estimated GRE Timeline for Indian Students
| Application Target | Best Time to Take First GRE Attempt | Retake Buffer | Why This Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall intake, early deadlines | August to October | October to November | Gives time for score release, retake and applications |
| Fall intake, regular deadlines | September to November | November to December | Suitable for most MS/MBA applicants |
| Spring intake | March to June | April to July | Keeps enough time before Spring application deadlines |
| Scholarship-heavy applications | July to September | September to October | Helps students apply early with scores ready |
| GRE Subject Test applicants | September, October or April | Next available Subject Test window | Subject Tests are not available year-round |
Quick Note: Do not book the GRE too close to your deadline. Since official GRE scores take 8 to 10 days and retakes require a 21-day gap, Indian students should ideally take their first GRE attempt at least 2 to 3 months before the university deadline.
GRE Exam Eligibility Criteria in India
ETS does not mention any fixed age limit, academic qualification, minimum percentage or degree requirement to register for the GRE General Test. The exam is mainly taken by students and professionals applying to graduate, business or law schools abroad.
| Eligibility Factor | Official Information |
|---|---|
| Age limit | ETS does not list a specific age limit for GRE test takers. |
| Educational qualification | ETS does not prescribe a minimum degree, percentage or academic qualification to register for the GRE. |
| Who can take the GRE? | Students and professionals applying to graduate, business or law school programmes. |
| ID requirement in India | Indian test takers must carry a valid passport with their name, photograph and signature. |
| Retake eligibility | Once every 21 days, up to 5 times in any continuous rolling 12-month period. |
| Fee reduction eligibility | ETS GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers are mainly for eligible U.S. citizens or resident aliens testing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Indian students are generally not eligible for this official fee reduction programme. |
ETS does not set a specific age or degree requirement for taking the GRE, but a GRE score alone is usually not enough for admission. Our guide to the best exams for study abroad explains which English proficiency tests you may also need depending on your study destination.
GRE Syllabus 2026: What Does Each Section Test?
The GRE exam syllabus is divided into three main areas: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. ETS says the GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills. These skills are not linked to one specific academic subject, so students from engineering, commerce, science, humanities and business backgrounds can take the GRE.
| GRE Section | What You Need to Study | What It Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | Issue-based essay writing, argument structure, examples, clarity and grammar | Your ability to explain ideas clearly and support them with reasons |
| Verbal Reasoning | Reading passages, sentence meaning, vocabulary in context and word relationships | Your ability to understand written material and analyse ideas |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis | Your ability to solve basic maths problems and interpret quantitative information |
1. Analytical Writing Syllabus
The GRE Analytical Writing section checks how well you can think critically and write clearly.
In this section, you need to present a clear opinion, support it with relevant reasons and examples, and organise your response in a logical way. From this, ETS measures the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, support ideas with reasons and examples, sustain a focused discussion, and control standard written English.
For this section, students should practise:
| Topic | What to Practise |
|---|---|
| Issue analysis | Taking a clear position on a given topic |
| Argument development | Supporting your point with logical reasons |
| Examples | Using relevant real-world or academic examples |
| Essay structure | Writing a clear introduction, body and conclusion |
| Language control | Avoiding unclear grammar, spelling and sentence errors |
2. Verbal Reasoning Syllabus
The GRE Verbal Reasoning section checks your ability to understand written material, analyse sentence structure and identify relationships between words and ideas.
This section includes Reading Comprehension, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions. About half of the Verbal Reasoning measure is based on reading passages, while the other half focuses on interpreting and completing sentences or paragraphs.
For this section, students should practise:
| Topic | What to Practise |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Understanding passages, main ideas, tone, assumptions and conclusions |
| Text Completion | Choosing the right word or phrase to complete a sentence or paragraph |
| Sentence Equivalence | Finding two answer choices that create similar sentence meanings |
| Vocabulary in context | Understanding word meaning based on sentence usage |
| Logical reading | Separating important points from minor or irrelevant details |
Note: Indian students should not treat the GRE Verbal as only a vocabulary section. Vocabulary helps, but the section also tests reading speed, inference, sentence logic and the ability to understand the author’s meaning.
3. Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section checks your ability to understand, interpret and analyse quantitative information. ETS lists arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis as the main content areas. The section tests basic mathematical skills and problem-solving, not advanced college-level mathematics.
For this section, students should practise:
| Topic | What to Study |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Number properties, integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and proportions |
| Algebra | Linear equations, inequalities, exponents, functions and word problems |
| Geometry | Lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, area, perimeter and volume |
| Data Analysis | Tables, graphs, mean, median, mode, range, probability and basic statistics |
| Quantitative Comparison | Comparing two quantities and choosing the correct relationship |
The Quant section is usually manageable for Indian students who are comfortable with school-level maths. The main challenge is not the difficulty of concepts, but reading the question carefully, managing time and avoiding calculation traps.
GRE Exam Pattern 2026
The current GRE exam pattern has been in place since September 22, 2023. The total test time is about 1 hour and 58 minutes. It includes one Analytical Writing section, two Verbal Reasoning sections and two Quantitative Reasoning sections.
| Section | Questions / Tasks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 “Analyse an Issue” task | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning Section 1 | 12 questions | 18 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning Section 2 | 15 questions | 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning Section 1 | 12 questions | 21 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning Section 2 | 15 questions | 26 minutes |
| Total | 54 questions + 1 essay | About 1 hour 58 minutes |
The Analytical Writing section always comes first. After that, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections may appear in any order. ETS also states that the Verbal and Quantitative sections are section-level adaptive, which means your performance in the first section affects the difficulty level of the second section.
GRE Scores: Range, Availability and Validity
The GRE General Test gives three separate scores:
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130 to 170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130 to 170 |
| Analytical Writing | 0 to 6 |
ETS states that official GRE General Test scores are available in your ETS account 8 to 10 days after your test date. GRE scores are reportable for 5 years after your test date.
At the end of the test, you can view your unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores. Analytical Writing scores are not available immediately because the essay requires scoring.
GRE Exam Fee in India 2026
The cost of the GRE exam in India is not limited to the basic test fee. Students should also consider the online service fee, rescheduling cost, additional score report fee and cancellation rules before booking.
The GRE exam fee is listed as ₹25,522 on the ETS India fee page. After the 4% online service fee mentioned in the GRE bulletin, the final payable amount can come to ₹26,543. ETS India also lists the GRE Subject Test fee as ₹20,033 and the rescheduling fee as ₹5,650.
Note: ETS says the cost of the GRE exam is subject to change without notice, so students should check the latest fee before booking.
What Is Included in the GRE Registration Fee?
The GRE registration fee allows you to book your official GRE test appointment. It also includes score reporting to up to four institutions on test day.
| Included in the GRE Registration Fee | Details |
|---|---|
| Test appointment | You can take the GRE General Test at a test centre or at home, wherever available. |
| Four free score recipients | You can send scores to up to four graduate institutions or fellowship sponsors on test day. |
| Official GRE score report | Your official GRE scores are available in your ETS account 8 to 10 days after the test date. |
ETS states that up to four score recipients can be designated on test day as part of the test fee. Additional score reports can be ordered later for a fee.
How to Pay the GRE Test Fee in India
Indian test takers can pay the GRE fee online using several payment methods. ETS India lists global cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express, and locally issued options such as Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay, UPI and Bharat QR payments. Supported wallet and UPI options include Google Pay, PhonePe, Amazon Pay, Paytm, WhatsApp Pay and BHIM UPI-enabled banking apps.
GRE Cancellation, Refund, and Rescheduling Policy
Students should cancel or reschedule the GRE before the official deadline to avoid losing money. ETS India allows a refund only if the test is cancelled at least 4 days before the test date. For example, if your test is on Saturday, you must cancel by Tuesday.
If cancelled on time, ETS gives a 50% refund of the test fee. The remaining amount is kept for registration processing and test-centre costs. Refunds apply only to the test fee, not to prep material, extra services, service fees or other charges.
| GRE Service | Official ETS India Fee |
|---|---|
| Rescheduling fee | ₹5,650 |
| Changing test centre | ₹5,650 |
| Additional score report | ₹4,150 |
| Score review | ₹5,900 |
| Score reinstatement | ₹5,000 |
How to Register for the GRE Exam in India
You can register for the GRE through your ETS account. Keep your passport ready because your registration name must match your passport name exactly.
- Visit the official ETS GRE website and create your ETS account.
- Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Choose the GRE General Test if you are applying for an MS, MBA, PhD or other graduate programmes.
- Select a GRE Subject Test only if your target university or department specifically asks for it.
- Choose whether you want to take the GRE at a test centre or at home.
- Select your preferred city, test date, and time slot.
- Review all the details and move to checkout.
- Enter the GRE Voucher Code in the required field if you have one. This will help you save big on your exam fee.
- Complete the process and save your confirmation email.
GRE at a Test Centre vs GRE at Home: Which Is Better for Indian Students?
Indian students can take the GRE General Test either at a test centre or at home, depending on availability and personal preference. The test content is the same, but the test-day experience is different.
| Factor | GRE at a Test Centre | GRE at Home |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Students who want a controlled testing environment | Students with a quiet room, strong internet and proper equipment |
| Internet and power risk | Lower, because the centre manages the setup | Higher, because you depend on your own internet and power backup |
| Equipment needed | Mostly your valid ID | Desktop/laptop, Chrome, speaker, microphone, webcam and second camera |
| Second camera | Not required | Required from January 5, 2026 |
| Room setup | Managed by the test centre | You must sit alone in a private room with a clear desk |
| Check-in | Test centre staff verify your ID | Online proctor verifies your ID and testing setup |
| Breaks | No scheduled breaks; an unscheduled break does not stop the timer | No scheduled breaks; unscheduled breaks are not permitted |
| Risk of cancellation | Lower if you follow the test-centre rules | Higher if the internet, camera, room setup or ID verification fails |
Note: For most Indian students, the GRE at a test centre is usually the safer option because the centre handles the setup, internet, security process and testing environment.
When To Choose GRE at Home?
The GRE at home is useful if you live far from a test centre or prefer taking the exam in a familiar environment. However, you must have stable internet, power backup, a private room, a clear desk and a second camera setup.
ScoreSelect Option: Can You Choose Which GRE Score to Send?
Yes. ETS allows students to choose which GRE scores they want to send through the ScoreSelect option. This is useful if you take the GRE more than once, because you may not need to send every attempt to universities.
On test day, you can send scores to up to four institutions for free. You can choose either your Most Recent score or All scores from the last 5 years.
After test day, you can order Additional Score Reports and choose from Most Recent, All or Any GRE scores from the last 5 years.
| ScoreSelect Option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Most Recent | Sends only your latest GRE score |
| All | Sends all GRE scores from the last 5 years |
| Any | Lets you choose specific GRE test scores to send |
However, some universities may have their own score-reporting rules. Always check the requirements of GRE-accepting countries & universities before sending scores.
When Should Indian Students Take the GRE?
Indian students should take the GRE at least 2 to 3 months before their first university deadline. This gives enough time for score release, score reporting and a possible retake.
ETS says official GRE scores are available 8 to 10 days after the test date. Since GRE retakes are allowed only once every 21 days, students should avoid booking the exam too close to their application deadline.
| Timeline | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 4 to 6 months before the deadline | Start preparation and shortlist universities |
| 2 to 3 months before the deadline | Take the first GRE attempt |
| 1 to 2 months before the deadline | Retake if needed and send scores |
| Final month | Complete SOP, LORs and application submission |
For the fall intake, many Indian students take the GRE between August and November of the previous year. For Spring intake, students should work backwards from the university deadline and keep a similar buffer.
GRE Preparation Tips for Indian Students
Indian students should ideally start GRE exam preparation 2 to 3 months before the test date. Working professionals may need more time, depending on their daily schedule.
Start with an official GRE diagnostic test to understand your current level in Quant, Verbal and Analytical Writing. Then create a weekly study plan that balances Quant practice, Verbal Reasoning, GRE vocabulary drills, AWA writing, mock tests, and regular error review.
| Focus Area | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic test | Take an official GRE practice test before starting preparation. |
| Quant | Practise arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. |
| Verbal | Focus on Reading Comprehension, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence. |
| Writing | Practise one AWA issue essay every week. |
| Mock tests | Take timed section tests or full-length mocks regularly. |
| Error review | Note every mistake and understand why it happened. |
Tip: Students should take at least one official GRE exam mock test before booking their final test date.
Save ₹3,600
Planning your GRE General Test?
Buy your GRE voucher before you register on ETS and book at ₹21699 instead of ₹26,543. Same official test, lower price.
Get Your GRE Voucher →Instant delivery · Valid for online booking · Trusted by 13.5K+ Students
Official GRE Preparation Resources
Students should start GRE preparation with official ETS resources because they match the real GRE format, question style and test-day experience. ETS offers free and paid tools such as POWERPREP practice tests, official GRE books, sample questions and writing practice resources.
Here are some of the top GRE preparation resources to check:
| Official GRE Resource | Best For |
|---|---|
| POWERPREP Online | Free official GRE practice tests |
| POWERPREP PLUS Online | Paid practice tests with scores and explanations |
| Official Guide to the GRE General Test | Full exam overview and practice tests |
| Official Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions | Reading, vocabulary and sentence-based practice |
| Official Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis |
| ScoreItNow Writing Practice | Analytical Writing practice and feedback |
Students can also use coaching material, apps and third-party books, but official ETS resources should come first to avoid outdated patterns and practice according to the current GRE structure.
GRE vs GMAT: Which One Should You Take?
If you are applying for an MS, PhD or a wide range of graduate programmes, the GRE is usually more flexible. However, when applying only to business schools, some of the top universities accept both GRE and GMAT.
This raises a question: GRE vs GMAT, which one should you take?
Here's how to choose:
| Factor | GRE | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | MS, PhD, MBA, law and graduate programmes | MBA and business-focused programmes |
| Quant style | Basic concepts with reasoning | Business-style data and reasoning |
| Verbal style | Vocabulary, reading and sentence logic | Grammar, reasoning and reading |
| Score validity | 5 years | Usually 5 years |
| Good for students who | Want flexibility across programmes | They are focused mainly on business schools |
If you are considering an Indian MBA alongside options abroad, our GRE vs CAT comparison breaks down the two exams by scoring, score validity, and the types of business schools that accept each test.
Conclusion
The GRE is an important test for Indian students planning to apply for graduate, business or law programmes abroad. It tests reasoning, writing, reading, vocabulary and basic quantitative skills rather than subject-specific college knowledge.
Before booking the GRE, check the latest ETS India fee, understand the 4% online service fee, confirm your university deadlines and make sure your passport details match your ETS account. If you are taking the GRE at home, review the second camera and room setup rules carefully. This GRE guide has everything you need to know before appearing for the test.
