The GRE General Test is conducted throughout the year, giving you the flexibility to choose a date that suits your preparation timeline. Whether you plan to take the test at a centre or at home, ETS offers multiple GRE exams available in 2026 on an on-demand basis.

GRE Exam Modes in India

In India, the GRE is available only in the computer-based format. The paper-based test is offered only in regions without reliable internet, which excludes major Indian cities. Test-takers can choose to appear for the GRE either at a physical test centre or from the comfort of their home via the GRE at Home option.

GRE 2026 Examination Dates

ETS GRE exam dates in India are available throughout the year as there is no single fixed exam day. The GRE General Test is offered on demand across 47 Indian cities, with slots available on most days of the month, subject to seat availability at your chosen centre. ETS no longer publishes fixed monthly or city-wise date calendars; instead, you select any available day that suits you at the time of booking.

A few key points on GRE examination dates in India:

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  The GRE General Test at a centre is available on multiple dates every month, varying by city and centre availability.
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  The GRE at Home option is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and appointments can be booked as early as 24 hours after you register.
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  High-demand months such as January to March and August to October fill up faster, so early booking is advisable.

To see live GRE exam available dates for your city, check the ETS GRE registration portal.

GRE Subject Test Dates 2026

GRE Subject Tests assess a candidate's proficiency in a particular subject and are required by specific programs only. Unlike the General Test, the Subject Tests are not available year-round. As per ETS, they are offered for two weeks per month in three windows each year in April, September, and October at computer-delivered centres worldwide, with limited at-home dates in those months.

Based on current information, the 2026 Subject Test window confirmed so far is:

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  April 20 – May 3, 2026

The exact September and October 2026 windows are expected to follow the same annual pattern but had not been officially published by ETS at the time of writing. Since Subject Test slots are limited and fill quickly, we strongly recommend confirming the exact dates and booking early on the ETS official website. Note that "At Home" testing for the GRE Subject Test is not available in India.

How to Book GRE Test Dates?

You can register for the GRE in one of the following ways:

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  Online (the only option to book in India): ETS Registration Portal
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  By phone
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  By mail
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  By fax

Please note that booking by phone, mail, or fax is not available in India. Test dates are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend registering 2–3 months in advance to get your preferred slot and avoid any rush that can affect your exam planning.

GRE Exam Date Selection Tips

The following are some important tips to follow while choosing your GRE exam date:

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  Application Deadlines: Choose a date that gives you enough time to send scores before university deadlines.
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  Preparation Time: Estimate how long you need to prepare. Most students take around 4 months, but this is relative, there is nothing wrong with taking longer. Always make the desired score your target, not the number of months.
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  Score Reporting Time: GRE General Test scores are typically reported within 8–10 days of the test.
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  Retake Buffer: Leave enough gap for a retake if needed (you can retake the GRE only after 21 days).
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  Scholarship Deadlines: Some scholarships have earlier submission dates than regular applications. You can check scholarship details to know more.

Exam Day Checklist

On the day of the exam, keep the following in mind:

For GRE at Test Center:

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  A valid passport (with your full name matching the one on your GRE account)
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  Confirmation email or test appointment details (a printout is a safe backup)
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  Arrive at least 45 minutes early to prevent any last-minute issues
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  Wear comfortable clothes and carry light snacks (for break time)

For GRE at Home:

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  A quiet, well-lit room with a reliable internet connection. Consider a backup connection in case of issues.
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  A computer that meets ETS's system requirements. You can check the ETS system requirements on the ETS official website.
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  A passport for ID verification
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  Run the ETS equipment check tool the day before if taking the test at home
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  Due to security reasons, you cannot take notes on paper. However, you may use a small whiteboard with an erasable marker for rough work.

The flexibility of GRE dates and centres in 2026 means you can plan your test around your study schedule and location. Keep checking the official ETS website for the most up-to-date test availability in your city. We recommend practising with official GRE material. Prepare early, book early, and walk in confidently on your test day.

Frequently Asked Questions