If you’re an Indian student eyeing graduate school abroad—whether in the U.S., Canada, Australia, or Europe—the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is often a key part of your application. Administered by the ETS, the GRE assesses your readiness for graduate-level academic work through sections on analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. This guide is designed to equip you with everything you need to know about the GRE in India—from eligibility and registration to test pattern, fees, preparation, and additional insights specifically relevant to Indian students.

1. What Is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test widely used for admission to graduate and business programs globally. It measures:

Analytical Writing
Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning

These sections test your critical thinking, problem-solving, vocabulary, grammar, math, and written communication—skills essential for advanced studies.

The GRE General Test is now primarily computer-based. The GRE Subject Tests (in fields like Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology) are also offered in India, though less frequently.

2. Who Can Take the GRE?

Eligibility is flexible—there’s no age limit, no specific educational requirement, and you don’t need to be a graduate yet. Most test-takers are either in the final year of their bachelor’s program or have already graduated.

ETS explicitly states that Indian test-takers need a valid original passport as their primary ID, and the name must exactly match their ETS account.

3. Test Format & Pattern

GRE General Test (2025)

Duration: Approximately 1 hour 58 minutes, comprising:
- Verbal Reasoning (~41 minutes)
- Quantitative Reasoning (~47 minutes)
- Analytical Writing (~30 minutes total: two essays of 30 minutes each)
Sections: Analytical Writing (Issue & Argument), two Verbal, two Quantitative, plus an unmarked experimental or research section.
Scoring:
- Verbal & Quantitative: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Analytical Writing: 0.0–6.0 (0.5-point increments)
- Scores are valid for 5 years.

GRE Subject Tests (available in selective cities)

These exams assess proficiency in specific domains such as Mathematics and Physics. In India, they are administered on limited dates—for example, September 8–21, 2025, and October 13–26, 2025. Topics include:

Mathematics: Calculus, algebra, analysis, probability, topology, etc.
Physics: Classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, optics, etc.

4. GRE Test Fees in India (2025)

GRE General Test: ₹22,000
GRE Subject Test: ₹14,500

Special Handling / Additional Services:

Rescheduling: ₹5,000
Changing Test Center: ₹5,000
Additional Score Reports: ₹2,900 each
Score Review/Reinstatement: ₹5,900 / ₹5,000 respectively
Returned Payment: ₹2,900

Cancellation Refund: If you cancel at least 4 days before, you’re refunded 50% of the registration fee (~₹11,000 for General Test).

5. Registration Process (in India)

Create or log into your ETS account, ensuring your name matches your passport.
Select GRE General or Subject Test, and search for test centers/dates.
Choose your test slot within a two-month range.
Pay the fee using payment options like Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Rupay, UPI, Bharat QR, and popular wallets like Paytm, PhonePe, GPay, etc.
Receive confirmation via email after successful registration.

6. Test Availability & Retake Policy

The GRE General Test is available year-round at test centers in India and via the GRE at Home option.
You may take it once every 21 days, up to five times in 12 months.
GRE at Home: This option lets you take the test remotely with conditions:
- System requirements: Desktop/laptop (no tablets/phones), Windows 10+ or macOS 10.13+, Chrome or Firefox browser.
- You must have a webcam and mic, and pass a 360° room check. The room must be distraction-free and monitored. A valid ID must be shown.

7. Syllabus & Tips for Indian Students

Syllabus Overview:

Verbal: Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence, vocabulary, inference.
Quantitative: Arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation, geometry, quantitative comparison.
Analytical Writing: Issue essay (your perspective) and Argument essay (analyzing logic).

Subject Tests focus deeply on specific domains like those listed in Section 3.

Tips for Indian Aspirants:

Indian students often overemphasize getting perfect quant scores like 170 or combined scores like 315+. However, while high scores help, some applicants with, say, 166 in Quant have still performed well elsewhere.
A Redditor remarked: “Indian students give a lot of importance to the GRE. … I have seen people who got 166 Q retaking just to get a 170 Q. … From my experience, GRE is the least important factor…”
Remember: GRE is one part of the application. Admissions committees also consider TOEFL/IELTS, transcripts, SOPs, recommendations, research projects, and interviews.

8. Preparation Resources

Official ETS Materials: PowerPrep tests, GRE Mentor Course, mini quizzes, strategy guides, and monthly virtual sessions.
Mock Tests & Study Plans: Consistent practice across editions, timed mocks, review of mistakes, targeted improvement.
Syllabus-Based Prep: Use the Subject Test content lists to guide preparation—especially for Maths or Physics exam takers.
Strategy: Prioritize balanced preparation for all three sections. Familiarize yourself with question types and time management.
Retake Strategy: Take your first GRE at least 2–3 months before your application deadline to allow time for retakes if needed.

9. Sending Scores & Validity

You can send scores to four universities free of charge on test day. Additional score reports cost extra (₹2,900 per report).
GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
When sending, you can choose to send the most recent score or all scores from the past five years.

10. Final Thoughts & Checklist

Why GRE?

Accepted by many graduate programs worldwide.
Flexible scheduling, and both center-based and home testing.
Objective measure of critical skills like reasoning and writing.

Indian Applicant Checklist:

Valid passport (ensure details match ETS)
ETS account setup
Choose between General or Subject Test
Registration and slot booking
Payment by preferred method
Prepare thoroughly with official and third-party resources
Use mocks to refine timing and accuracy
Consider GRE at Home if needed
Send scores strategically
Use score validity wisely—allow time for retakes if required

Conclusion

The GRE, though just one component of your international graduate application, can open doors to top institutions around the globe. With the right planning—from understanding eligibility and fee structure to mastering preparation strategies—you can tackle the GRE confidently and smartly. Indian students have convenient access to both testing modes and extensive preparation resources—so stay focused, build your skills, and aim to put your best foot forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is GRE required for Indian students?

Yes, if you’re applying to graduate or business schools abroad (especially in the U.S., Canada, or Europe), GRE is commonly required. Always check the university’s website to confirm.

Q2. What is the GRE exam fee in India in 2025?

The GRE General Test costs ₹22,000. GRE Subject Tests cost ₹14,500. Additional fees apply for rescheduling or extra score reports.

Q3. How many times can I take the GRE?

You can take the GRE up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period, with a 21-day gap between attempts.

Q4. Can I take the GRE from home in India?

Yes. ETS offers the GRE at Home, provided you meet system requirements and follow remote proctoring rules.

Q5. What documents are needed for GRE in India?

You must have a valid original passport as ID proof. No other document is accepted by ETS in India.

Q6. How long are GRE scores valid?

GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.

Q7. Can I apply to universities without GRE?

Yes, some universities (especially post-2020) have made GRE optional or waived it for certain programs. Always check the admissions requirements of each school.