Whether you are planning to gain admission to universities or universities abroad or are a working professional charging for a global opportunity, it is important to know ‘how’ to complete the GRE exam registration correctly.
From selecting your test date to navigating identification requirements, being well-informed can help eliminate common loopholes and enhance overall preparation. This guide will explore how to complete your GRE registration without any hassle to ensure you’re ready to take the exam with confidence!
Registration for GRE Exam
- Flexible Scheduling: The GRE offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing you to choose an exam date that suits your preparation and schedule. Unlike fixed exam dates, you can pick from a variety of test dates available throughout the year.
- Test Centers Availability: The GRE is administered in various test centers across the country. While you can take the test in numerous cities, available test dates and time slots may vary depending on the location. It’s important to check the official GRE website for an updated list of test centers and available dates.
- Early Registration: Similar to IELTS, GRE test slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular dates fill quickly, so it’s recommended to book your test 2-3 months in advance to secure your preferred time slot. Late registration may result in limited options.
- Advanced Registration: You can register for the GRE up to six months before your preferred test date. If slots are available, you might also be able to register closer to the exam, but availability may be limited.
- Late Registration: Although registering up to a day before the exam is possible in some cases, booking closer to the test date can limit your choices. For the best options, early registration is highly advised.
Steps to Register for GRE Exam
| Step | Description |
| Step 1: Visit the Official Website | Go to the official ETS website and click on the “ETS Account” icon (top right corner). Ensure your registration name matches your ID documents. |
| Step 2: Create Your Account | If no account is created, click “Create an Account” and follow a three-stage procedure. Ensure all details are entered correctly as they can’t be changed later. |
| Step 3: Fill Up Personal Information | Enter your full name, date of birth, address, email address, etc. Ensure all personal details are correct. |
| Step 4: Set Up Username and Password | Choose a Username, Password, and Security Question to generate login information. Account details will need to be reviewed and submitted. |
| Step 5: Register for Your Appointment | Sign in to your ETS account. Click on the blue “Register” button to begin your GRE registration. |
| Step 6: Selection of GRE Exam Date and Time | Choose your preferred test center, date, and time. Complete registration within 20 minutes after selecting the date and center to avoid cancellation. |
| Step 7: Verification of Your Details | Verify your personal details, choose if you want to use GRE Search Service, and enter background information for test prep. |
| Step 8: Payment of Registration Fee | Select your payment method (Debit/Credit Card, etc.) and pay the registration fee. |
| Confirmation Mail | After payment, you’ll receive an email confirming your GRE exam date, location, and time. Save the confirmation page or take a printout. |
How to Choose GRE Exam Dates?
Here is a step-by-step guide for choosing GRE Exam Dates:
| Step | Action | Description |
| Step 1: Identify Application Deadline | Check Application Deadlines | Determine the GRE registration deadline for your desired test date. This will guide your timeline and help plan your prep schedule. |
| Step 2: Allocate Time to Application | Plan Enough Time for Application | Ensure you have enough time to complete your GRE application, submit documents, and make payment. Allow at least 1-2 weeks before the deadline. |
| Step 3: Plan for Retake (if needed) | Consider Retake Dates (if applicable) | If you anticipate needing a retake, plan a second attempt date 2-3 months after your first exam, so you have enough time to improve your score. |
| Step 4: Choose Your First Test Date | Select Your First Test Date | Choose your test date based on your application deadline and the amount of preparation time available. Ensure you have 1-3 months for study. |
| Step 5: Set Your Study Start Date | Plan Your Study Schedule | Start studying at least 8-12 weeks before your exam. Set a study start date based on how much time you need to prepare effectively. |
| Step 6: Create a Study Plan | Breakdown Your Study Goals | Create a detailed study plan that covers all GRE sections (Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing). Focus more on weaker areas. |
| Step 7: Monitor Progress and Adjust | Track Your Progress and Adjust Study Time | Take regular mock tests to assess your progress. Adjust your study plan based on mock test results, focusing more on areas that need improvement. |
Common Mistakes while Registering for GRE
Avoiding common mistakes is important while registering for GRE exam. Here are few points to keep in mind:
| Mistake | Explanation |
| 1. Not Choosing the Correct Test Type | Failing to select the correct GRE test type (General Test vs. Subject Test) based on your goals. Ensure you choose the right option based on your academic or career objectives. |
| 2. Incorrect or Incomplete Personal Information | Providing inaccurate personal details (name, ID, etc.) or leaving out necessary information. Double-check all information to ensure it matches your ID documents. |
| 3. Not Reviewing the Terms and Conditions | Skipping the review of the GRE Terms & Conditions before registration. Always read and understand the terms before proceeding with the test registration. |
| 4. Missing the Application Deadline | Not registering on time or failing to check the registration deadlines. Make sure to register well in advance to avoid missing the application window. |
| 5. Forgetting to Upload Required Documents | Failing to upload the required documents (e.g., a valid ID, passport). Ensure that you have scanned and uploaded all necessary documentation in the correct format. |
Eligibility for GRE Registration
| Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old (Candidates under 18 may need parental consent depending on the country and test center). |
| Educational Requirement | No specific educational qualifications required for registration. GRE is exclusively for master’s admission; a candidate must have an undergraduate degree in the relevant subject |
| Purpose of GRE | Accepted for graduate school admissions, business schools, and various professional programs. |
| Test Types | – General Test: For all programs (most common). – Subject Tests: For specific fields of study (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics). |
| Identification Document | A valid passport, national ID, or government-issued ID (based on country and test center requirements). |
| Score Range | GRE General Test scores range from 130-170 for Verbal and Quantitative sections, and 0-6 for Analytical Writing. |
GRE Exam Day Tips
Here are some helpful tips for GRE exam day to ensure you’re prepared and can perform your best:
| Tip No. | Tip | Description |
| 1 | Arrive Early | Aim to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to avoid any stress or last-minute issues. |
| 2 | Bring Required Documents | Ensure you have your valid passport or government-issued ID (based on test center requirements). No other forms of ID are accepted. |
| 3 | Follow the Instructions Carefully | Listen carefully to the instructions given by the test proctors. If you have any questions, ask for clarification before starting. |
| 4 | Stay Calm and Relaxed | Stay calm, take deep breaths, and avoid panic. A clear mind helps improve your focus and performance. |
| 5 | Use the Break Wisely | Use the short break between the Analytical Writing and the Verbal/Quantitative sections to hydrate, stretch, and clear your mind. |
| 6 | Check Your Equipment (For Computer-delivered Test) | If taking a computer-delivered GRE, check that the computer, mouse, keyboard, and headphones are working properly before starting. |
| 7 | No Personal Items | Leave personal items such as bags, phones, and notes in the designated area outside the testing room. Only allowed materials are your ID and acceptable items (e.g., a jacket). |
| 8 | Manage Your Time | Keep track of time for each section and avoid spending too long on any one question. Leave some time to review your answers at the end. |
| 9 | Stay Hydrated and Eat Well | Eat a light, healthy meal before the test and drink water to maintain focus and energy throughout the exam. |
GRE Test Centers in India
Here are some important test centers in India for GRE:
| Cities | States & UTs |
| Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot | Gujarat |
| Allahabad, Noida | Uttar Pradesh |
| Assam, Guwahati | Assam |
| Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Hubli–Dharwad | Karnataka |
| Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore | Madhya Pradesh |
| Chennai, Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| Delhi | Delhi |
| Dehradun | Uttarakhand |
| Goa | Goa |
| Gurugram, Faridabad | Haryana |
| Jammu, Srinagar | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala |
| Kolkata | West Bengal |
| Ludhiana | Punjab |
| Mumbai, Pune | Maharashtra |
| Hyderabad, Warangal | Telangana |
| Ranchi | Jharkhand |
| Jaipur | Rajasthan |
| Jalandhar | Punjab |
| Jamshedpur | Jharkhand |
| Patna | Bihar |
| Raipur | Chhattisgarh |
| Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to apply for GRE Exam in 2024?
The steps to apply for GRE Exam are as follows:
Visit the ETS GRE Website: Create a new account or log in to your existing one.
Choose Your Test Type: Select either the GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test.
Select a Test Center: Choose the nearest GRE test center or opt for “GRE At Home.”
Check Availability: Ensure there are open slots for your preferred dates.
Modify Choices: Review and adjust your selections if needed.
Confirm Registration and Payment: Finalize your registration and pay the exam fee of INR 22,550.
How much does GRE cost in India?
As per the official ETS website, GRE Exam fee in India for general test is INR 22,550 and for Subject test, the fee is INR 14,500 in India.
How to apply for GRE in India?
We can apply for GRE in India are:
Visit the ETS website.
Create your account.
Fill out your personal information.
Set your username and password.
Register for your appointment.
Select your GRE exam date and time.
Verify your details.
Pay the GRE registration fees.
Is GRE required for MS in USA for fall 2024?
International students who are aiming to study in the USA for master’s level courses would either have to submit GMAT or GRE scores. There are however some universities in the US that do not require GRE scores.
Is GRE tough for Indian students?
The GRE is not tough for Indian students and get familiar with format and syllabus and do focus study.
