There are no official eligibility rules for the GRE Exam 2026. Anyone can register and take the test, no matter their age or education level.
Here are the main GRE eligibility requirements for Indian students:
- There is no minimum or maximum age limit.
- Students from any educational background can take the GRE 2026.
- You do not need to submit your graduation certificate while registering for the exam.
-
The GRE is mainly used for admission to master's (MS, MBA) and PhD programs. So, most students take it after completing or while finishing their bachelor's degree.
- A valid passport is mandatory. It is the only accepted ID for Indian students on the GRE test day.
Who Should Take the GRE?
You should take the GRE if you plan to apply for:
- Master's (MS) programs abroad
- MBA Abroad programs that accept GRE scores
- PhD or doctoral programs
- Graduate schools in countries like the USA, Canada, Germany, the UK, Australia, and many others
In short, if you meet your university's admission requirements and have a valid passport, you are eligible to take the GRE.
- GRE Exam Eligibility 2026 for Indian Students
- GRE Subject Test Eligibility 2026
- GRE Registration 2026
- FAQs Related to GRE Eligibility
GRE Exam Eligibility 2026 for Indian Students
The GRE is an exam for students who want to study for a Master's or PhD. The rules for taking the test are very simple. Most people can take it without any problems.
Key GRE Eligibility Criteria for Indians
- Age Limit: No minimum or maximum age requirement to register.
- Academic Qualification: ETS requires no specific degree to take the exam. However, universities typically require a recognized bachelor's degree for postgraduate admission.
- Education Gaps: Gap years after school or college do not impact your eligibility.
It means people of any age can complete GRE registration.
Mandatory ID Proof for Indian Students
ETS enforces strict identity verification protocols at test centers across India and for the Home Edition:
- Valid Original Passport: You must present an unexpired, physical passport featuring your full name, photograph, and signature.
- Unacceptable Identifications: Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, driver’s licenses, and college IDs are not accepted as primary ID.
Attempt Limits & Score Validity
- 21-Day Retake Rule: You must wait at least 21 calendar days between attempts.
- Annual Limit: You can take the exam up to 5 times within any rolling 12-month period.
- Score Validity: GRE scores remain valid for 5 years from your test date.
System Requirements for GRE at Home
- Hardware: Desktop or laptop (Windows or macOS). Tablets, phones, and Chromebooks are strictly prohibited.
- Audio & Video: A 360-degree movable webcam, microphone, and speakers (headsets and earphones are not allowed).
- Environment: A quiet, private room with a clear desk surface.
Commonly asked questions
Yes! As per the GRE Eligibility criteria, students from any educational background can appear in the exam. Here students need to keep in mind that without having a valid UG degree they can not apply for admission in Graduate, business and law course to study abroad.
Students who want to take Graduate Record Examination test to study abroad should know that ETS GRE Exam allows test-takers up to five attempts within a year. Note that, you can take the GRE General Test once after every 21 days. You need to complete the GRE registration process everytime to appear for the exam.
Yes, a class 10th pass out is also eligible to take GRE. There is no age restriction. But GRE is for MS or MBA courses and those who are pursuing bachelors take this exam.
GRE Subject Test Eligibility 2026
The GRE Subject Test is designed for students who want to show their expert knowledge in a specific field. Unlike the General Test, the Subject Test is highly specialized. For the 2026 intake, the eligibility remains very flexible.
GRE Subject Test does not have strict "pass or fail" rules for entry. Instead, it focuses on your academic background and readiness for advanced study.
| Category | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Education |
|
| Age Limit |
|
| Required ID (India) |
|
| Required ID (Global) | A valid, government-issued photo ID (National ID or Driver's License). |
| Available Subjects |
|
| Attempt Limit | You can take the test once every 14 days. |
| Test Schedule | Typically held 3 times a year in September, October, and April. |
Commonly asked questions
To get into MS in Computer Engineering program offered by any top 20 US university, students should have at least in the range of 320-340. score in Gradute Record Examination. However, this is just a general guideline. Getting a high score in GRE does not gurantee you for getting admission in your desired course/university. Specific requirements can vary depending on the university and the program.
Max is 340. Min is 260. For USA, you usually need 300. Big schools like Stanford want 325+. If you get 290, it is tough. risky for admission. Aim higher.
For top universities, a "safe" score is usually 320+ (out of 340). If you want admission in Ivy League or top engineering colleges, try for 325+. For average universities, a score of 310 is also good.
GRE Registration 2026
The GRE registration process is completely online and takes only a few minutes. Students need to create an ETS account, select their test details, and pay the registration fee to book the exam.
- Visit the official ETS website and create your ETS account.
- Select the GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test.
- Enter your personal and academic details carefully.
- Choose your preferred test date and test centre, or opt for the at-home test.
- Review all details before submitting the application.
- Pay the required GRE fees to complete your registration.
Once the payment is successful, ETS will send a confirmation email with your GRE test details.
Commonly asked questions
Yes, GRE registration is generally open year-round for the General Test. All you need to do is, select the suitable date of GRE and test centre. Your registration depends on slot availability at your chosen test center.
At the time of registration you just need to have a valid passport and no other document is required.
Yes! As a primary ID proof, ETS ask valid passport of student at the time of GRE test registration. Make sure all the detailes mentioned on passport should be same on your GRE registeration page. Earlier, the ETS was accepting Aadhar Card as primary ID proof but after Arpil 15, 2023, Passport is the only valid and primary ID proof to complete the GRE exam registration.
The proper registration details have been mentioned:
- Visit the official website of ETS GRE Exam and login to your account (First Time test taker register for the exam).
- Select the GRE test type (General Test/Subject Test).
- Pick the test date and location suitable for you.
- Pay the registration fee by using online payment method and confirm your resgitration.
- Take printout slip for future refrences.
FAQs Related to GRE Eligibility
Check out the common FAQs related to the eligibility of GRE:
Commonly asked questions
No, you need to carry a valid passport at the GRE test centre. It is the one and only mandatory document for Indian students to take the exam. So, if your passport is expired or under renewal, then wait till you get the passport.
There is no issue or effect in appearing GRE exam, due to your gap year. The Graduation Record Examinations have nothing to do with your gap year. However, your university may decline your admission to a selected course. You need to check with the university itself.
No, GRE 2026 has no restrictions on nationality or citizenship Students of any age can take this GRE test. Whether you are an Indian student or not, you can take this exam.
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