The GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations and is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The ETS GRE is widely accepted by universities and colleges abroad for admission to graduate programs. If you are aiming for a master's, Ph.D., or MBA, then you can take the GRE as per your target university's requirements. Also, GRE scores can help you get merit-based scholarships for graduate schools. Around the globe, thousands of graduate schools accept

GRE scores, including various law and business schools. The following are the types of GRE tests:

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  GRE General Test: This test evaluates a student's quantitative ability, analytical writing, and verbal reasoning skills. It is conducted throughout the year which allows students to book the test at their convenience. In India, the test is computer-delivered only.
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  GRE Subject Test: These tests evaluate a student's expertise in specific subjects like Physics, Psychology, Mathematics, Literature (English), Biochemistry, Biology, and Chemistry. GRE subject tests are required for specialized courses.

Overview of ETS GRE General Test in India 2026

Let us take a quick check about the GRE ETS General Test in India from the table below:

Eligibility Criteria for GRE 2026

ETS does not set any specific age limit or mandatory educational qualification to take the GRE. Candidates of any age and academic background can register for the test. However, since the GRE is meant for graduate-level admissions, it is generally recommended that you complete or be in the final year of your undergraduate studies before appearing for the test.

For Indian students, a valid original passport is the only accepted ID at the test centre; documents like Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, or driver's license are not accepted. Candidates below 18 years of age may need to submit a consent form signed by a parent or guardian.

GRE for International Students

The GRE is one of the most widely accepted entrance exams for graduate admissions worldwide, which makes it a key step for international and Indian students applying abroad. Here is what matters most if you are applying from outside the test's home country:

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  Accepted for MS, MBA, and PhD admissions across the US, UK, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
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  GRE scores stay valid for five years, so a single score can cover multiple application cycles and intakes.
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  At the time of the test, you can send your scores to four institutions for free, which helps cut application costs.
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  Scores are also used to decide merit-based scholarships and funding at many universities.
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  Many programs are now test-optional, so always check each university's specific GRE requirement before applying.

ETS GRE Exam Fee

ETS charges a standard registration fee for the GRE, with additional amounts for services like rescheduling, changing your test centre, or requesting extra score reports. The table below shows the full GRE fee structure in India as per the ETS official website: 

In India, the GRE fee can be paid online using Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro credit and debit cards, RuPay credit and debit cards, and UPI and Bharat QR payments through digital wallets like FreeCharge, PayZapp, Airtel Money, Google Pay, MobiKwik, JioMoney, Ola Money, PhonePe, Amazon Pay, Paytm, WhatsApp, and all BHIM UPI-enabled banking apps. You can confirm the latest fee anytime on the ETS official website.

Important Dates for ETS GRE

The GRE General Test does not have fixed exam dates. It is offered on demand throughout the year at Prometric test centres across India, as well as in the at-home format, so you can book a slot whenever you are ready. A few scheduling rules to keep in mind:

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  You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period.
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  Slots are booked on a first-come basis, so popular dates near application deadlines fill up early, registering 2 to 3 months ahead is advisable.
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  The GRE Subject Tests are offered only on fixed dates each year, usually around September, October, and April.

For real-time slot availability and the latest Subject Test dates, check the ETS official website.

ETS GRE Exam Pattern and Syllabus

As we have already mentioned, there are three sections for the GRE general test and the following table shows the number of questions and allotted time for each section:

The syllabus is not particular to any specific field of study, instead it is of general topic that is required by all streams of study. The test measures your ability to understand and evaluate written material, think critically, solve problems, and express your ideas clearly.

ETS GRE Score Range

The ETS GRE scores can vary from 260 to 340. So, what is GRE score range for each section? Let us see below:

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  Verbal Reasoning: 130 - 170, in 1-point increments.
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  Quantitative Reasoning: 130 - 170, in 1-point increments.
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  Analytical Writing: 0 - 6, in half-point increments.

Now there are some important points related to the ETS GRE score range that you must be aware of:

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  The minimum possible score is 260 and not 0 because the scores reflect relative performance to other test takers and not the absolute scores.
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  The maximum possible score is 340 because analytical writing scores are not added to the overall score.
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  ETS GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.

Watch this video to understand more about GRE scores:

GRE Score Insights

Let us understand how and what is considered as a good GRE score and how it is compared across some of the top universities in the world.

What is a Good GRE Score?

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  320+ is generally considered competitive for top universities.
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  310 to 320 is a solid score for mid to upper-tier universities.
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  Scores below 300 may be acceptable depending on the program and other application components. However, you should consider re-applying for the test.

Score Comparison Across Top Universities in the World:

Please note that these score ranges are approximate and can vary by program. Always check the official website for up-to-date information.

GRE vs. Other Entrance Exams

Let us see how the GRE ETS exam is different from other entrance exams from the table below:

Popular Universities Accepting GRE Scores

The following top colleges around the world accept GRE scores:

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  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
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  Stanford University
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  University of California, Berkeley
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  University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
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  University of Virginia
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  University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
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  University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
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  Georgia Institute of Technology
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  University of California - San Diego
• 
  University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign
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  University of Wisconsin - Madison
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  University of Washington
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  Pennsylvania State University
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  University of Florida (UFL)
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  University of Texas, Austin
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  Ohio State University
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  California Institute of Technology
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  Duke University
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  University of Chicago
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  Northwestern University
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  Washington University in St. Louis
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  Johns Hopkins University
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  Rice University
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  Emory University
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  University of Notre Dame
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  Vanderbilt University

Countries Accepting GRE Scores

All the popular study destinations in the world including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Singapore, and Australia accept GRE scores. More than 600 business schools worldwide also accept GRE scores for MBA programs.

GRE Test Centers in India

GRE exam slots can be booked online. Students should check the availability of the test centres on the ETS official website. After signing up, students can enter their location to find the nearest GRE test centre and available dates.

Study Plan for GRE

Preparing for the GRE ETS needs discipline, consistency and a good strategy. Here are some study plans to help you prepare and score well in your upcoming GRE ETS exams:

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  1-Month Plan: You have to focus on high-impact topics like number properties, geometry, word problems, data interpretation, and analytical writing skills. Take a diagnostic test, practice daily, and take at least three full-length mock tests.
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  3-Month Plan: You can follow a balanced approach. Cover all sections in-depth, practice regularly, and revise every week. Use the official ETS GRE study guide to sharpen your skills.
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  6-Month Plan: This plan is ideal for working professionals or students. Study in small intervals daily, take time to build concepts and revise frequently. Because you have a lot of time, make sure you do not skip any topic, even if it seems far off from the main syllabus. The ETS GRE study guide and official practice tests are useful resources to track your readiness throughout this period.

Tips for Balancing GRE with Other Commitments:

It is not always easy to prepare for the GRE day in and day-out. To stay committed to your GRE preparation, you need to set a schedule for your preparations. The following are some of the important tips that you can follow:

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  Create a fixed daily or weekly study slot and stick to it.
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  Use flashcards and mobile apps for quick practice and revision.
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  Join study groups or online forums for motivation, new discussion and overall subject improvement.
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  Track progress weekly and adjust the plan if needed. Make sure you include revision in your plan.

GRE remains a flexible, globally recognized exam that opens doors to graduate programs across various countries and fields.

Frequently Asked Questions