GRE Eligibility Criteria 2024: Check Age Limit, Educational Qualification, Minimum Score

GRE

Raj Vimal

Raj VimalStudy Abroad Expert

Updated on Sep 9, 2024 12:34 IST

The GRE Exam does not impose any specific eligibility criteria on candidates looking to take the test. The Graduate Record Examination is open for registration to individuals of all backgrounds. According to ETS, there is no official rules for GRE Exam Eligibility and there are no set age limits or educational qualifications mandated for the Graduate Record Examination. It is one of the largest assessment programs for admission to graduate courses in MS & MBA studies worldwide. Students planning to pursue admission to graduate programs abroad are required to undertake the GRE test.

Here are some points to understand the GRE Eligibility for Indians easily

  • No Age Limit: Candidates of any age can appear for the GRE Test 2024.
  • No Educational Qualification: Anyone from any educational background can take the test. You do not need to show your graduation certificate. However, the GRE is only for admission in master's or their PhD courses, so without having a graduate degree, there is no point in appearing in the exam.
  • Valid Passport: A valid passport is an important document to appear in GRE exam 2024.

The journey to appear in the Graduate Record Examination starts with completing the registration process. Register for GRE Now!

GRE exam eligibility

Q:   What is the qualification required to write GRE exam?

A:

The Graduate Record Examination conducting body ETS has not set any official minimum qualification for the GRE Exam. However, students must have a graduate degree from a valid university to apply for various PG programmes. The GRE is mainly famous among students for a Master’s degree in business, MBA, law, or more. A certain score in the UG examination is not required for   GRE eligibility.

Q:   What are the GRE requirements?

A:

According to the Educational Testing Service (ETS), there are no set eligibility requirements for taking the Graduate Record Examination. Students from any educational background can appear for the exam as there is no age limit as well. All you need to do is complete the GRE registration for the exam and select the slot and dates to appear in the exam.

Q:   What is the minimum age for taking the GRE Exam?

A:

There is no minimum age required to appear for GRE exam. Students of any age can take the Graduate Record Examinations. However, this exam is for getting admission for Master's degree programs in various fields like Business Administration, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, and more. So, it is suggested that appear for GRE only if you are going pursue PG course abroad.

Q:   Do i need a degree to appear for GRE? Can i appear as a final year student?

A:

No, you don't need a degree to appear in the GRE exam. Many final year students apply and appear in the GRE exam as there are no specific GRE eligibility criteria about educational background. However, you need to have a valid degree at the time of PG admission in your desired course to study. 

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024

If you're curious about the necessary educational prerequisites for the GRE, it's important to note that the GRE Exam does not have specific eligibility criteria. As a result, the GRE test is open to all interested candidates. However, it's worth mentioning that since the GRE is primarily used for master's degree admissions, candidates typically need an undergraduate degree in the relevant field of study.

GRE Exam Eligibility Age requirement

Universities abroad do not have an upper age limit to pursue education. Hence, there is no GRE age limit set by ETS - the conducting body of the GRE exam. In other words, since there is no GRE exam age limit any candidate irrespective of his/ her age can register for the GRE exam.

GRE Exam Eligibility Qualification Requirement

There is no mandatory qualification required to appear for the GRE exam. However, since the GRE is an assessment test for admission to graduate courses, candidates are expected to have successfully completed their undergraduate programmes to go ahead with their GRE test. Candidates should note that not all programmes and universities require candidates to have a GRE score for admission to their graduate programmes. Whether a candidate requires his GRE scores as part of the application process is entirely at the discretion of the university and the course he is pursuing.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024 ID Requirements

Currently, only valid Indian passports in original with your name, photograph and signature are being accepted as your primary ID. There are no exceptions to this policy. Hence, it is important for candidates to keep their valid Indian passports during the GRE registration process and carry them to the GRE Test Center for Identification Verification purposes. No other documents are being accepted as part of the GRE eligibility criteria. 

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024 GAP Years

Candidates often drop a year or two to prepare for competitive exams or in general prepare to go abroad. Hence, gap years do not affect your eligibility to take the GRE exam.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024 Re-attempts

As it is clearly mentioned on the ETS website, candidates are only eligible to take the GRE exam 5 times in a rolling year and with at least 21 days of cooling off period. These 21 days can be utilized to prepare better and close any gaps there might be in the GRE preparation strategy.

Q:   Can I get admission in USA without GRE?

A:

Most of the Universities in the USA accept international student applicants without GRE scores. Apart from MS courses, US universities allow students to study PhD courses without GRE. There are many popular universities as MIT-Massachusetts Institute of Technology accept applications in its popular Electrical Engineering and Computer Science courses without GRE scores.

Q:   Can I take GRE without graduation?

A:

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. 

Q:   Can I take the GRE every month?

A:

Yes, you can appear for Graduate Record Examination every month but with some certain conditions. 

  1. The gap between two exams should be 21 days or above.
  2. A student can appear for a maximum of 5 times in a year.

Apart from this, there is no condition for appearing in GRE exam. Keep in mind, retaking the exam is not a bad thing but preparing well for the exam is an effective approach.

Score Predictor

Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!

Share 12th Board, Percentage, english score
Get estimated scores or IELTS, TOEFL & PTE


GRE Eligiblity 2024 for Top Universities

In this section, we are going to be talking about the minimum GRE eligibility criteria required for admission to top 10 universities in the world.

Top Universities in the World GRE Eligibility 2024 Scores

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Shiksha Grade A++

320.0 & Above

Cambridge University

Shiksha Grade A++

GRE: Accepted

Oxford University

Shiksha Grade A++

GRE: Accepted

Harvard University

Shiksha Grade A++

GRE: Accepted

Stanford University

Shiksha Grade A++

GRE: Accepted

Imperial College London

Shiksha Grade A++

GRE: Accepted

ETH Zurich

Shiksha Grade A++

n/a

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Shiksha Grade A++

GRE: Accepted

University College London (UCL)

Shiksha Grade A++

GRE: Accepted

University of California, Berkeley Campus

Shiksha Grade A++

GRE: Accepted








GRE Eligibility 2024: Universities Accepting GRE

It is a common misconception that most universities teaching MBAs only accept GMAT scores. Universities teaching MBA in Canada don’t ask for only GMAT scores, GRE scores are also widely accepted in Canada. So if you are aiming to pursue MBA in Canada, make sure you have appeared for either of the two exams. Check out the list of universities accepting GRE scores in Canada.

Along with many other countries, the UK also accepts GRE scores for MBA courses in their universities. The reason why the number of colleges accepting GRE scores is less is that PGD courses take the primary spot in being the popular choice. Check out the list of universities accepting GRE in the UK. Apart from GMAT, many American B-schools also accept GRE scores for admission to MBA courses. GRE scores are usually required for MS courses, but the trends are now changing. A lot of American B-schools are now accepting GRE scores. Check out the list of universities accepting GRE in the US.

GRE Exam Eligibility Universities

GRE Eligible Verbal Scores

GRE Eligibile Quantitative Scores

GRE Eligibile Writing Scores

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

158

159

5.3

Stanford University

159

158

4.8

University of California, Berkeley

153 – 156

167

4.5

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

155

167

5.0

University of Virginia

163

166

4.5

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

160

167

5.0

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

158

160

4.5

Georgia Institute of Technology

158

167

4.3

University of California – San Diego

162

160

5.5

University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign

155

165

4.0

University of Wisconsin – Madison

163

163

4.5

University of Washington

156

167

4.0

Pennsylvania State University

150

165

3.0

University of Florida (UFL)

154

165

3.0

The University of Texas, Austin

155

165

4.0

Ohio State University

156

165

4.0

California Institute of Technology

160

157

5.0

Duke University

160

160

4.5

The University of Chicago

158

167

4.0

Northwestern University

160

160

5.0

Washington University in St. Louis

161

160

5.0

Johns Hopkins University

163

164

4.8

Rice University

160

167

5.0

Emory University

153

163

4.0-6.0

University of Notre Dame

165

165

5.3

Vanderbilt University

157

166

4.8

College of William and Mary

158

160

4.5

Johns Hopkins University

159 162

4.2







Q:   Is it right? Many universities offer seats without GRE.

A:

There are many universities around the world that don't ask for the GRE score to offer admission. The administration of these universities asks other requirements like a high GPA score, letter of recommendation, work experience or research experience and more. It's recommended to check the eligibility criteria of the course you want to pursue on the university website before applying.

Q:   Can I know about GRE exam?

A:

The GRE exam is popularly known as Graduate Record Examination and ETS (Educational Testing Service) is the conducting body of this exam. There is no official eligibility for this exam. It is important to appear in GRE exam for those students who want to apply for various graduate, business and law school programs across the world. This aim of this test is to assess verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing skills of candidates. You can explore some common GRE FAQs to know more about the exam.

How to Send GRE Score to Universities

One important thing to know about the GRE fee is that it enables candidates to send their GRE scores to four colleges or scholarship programs as part of the fee package. Candidates who have opted for the computer-delivered GRE results will be asked to select the score receivers at the test centre. In case candidates opt for the paper-delivered GRE format, they will be asked to select four score-receiving colleges on their admission ticket during registration. If a college of choice is not listed, candidates can ask the administrator at the test centre for the list of unlisted institutions. After the test, candidates can order Additional Score Reports for $27 per college.

Types of GRE Tests

There are basically two types of GRE tests:

GRE General Test

The GRE General Test takes into account verbal reasoning, quantitative ability, and analytical writing skills. Most universities accept the general test score and usually a majority of students opt for this test. It takes place all around the year and candidates can choose the date of taking the exam at their convenience.

GRE Subject Test

The GRE Subject Test measures the candidate’s achievement in a particular subject area. These tests are conducted for the following subjects, Biochemistry (Cell and Molecular Biology), Biology, Chemistry, Literature (English), Maths, Physics, and Psychology. The exam is conducted on a fixed date for everyone like an entrance exam. This test is required for specialized courses.

Related Pages

GRE Important Dates GRE Syllabus
Best Books and Resources for GRE Taking the GRE Practice Test

GRE Registration

There are multiple ways to register for the GRE test. Popular ways through which aspirants can register for the GRE exam are online and over the phone. Apart from this, aspirants can also register through mail or even by fax. For booking a slot for the GRE test candidates would require a debit or credit card to pay the registration fee of US$228 and have a valid passport or Aadhar Card during the registration process. 

Ways to Register for GRE Test

  • GRE Online Registration
  • GRE Phone Registration
  • GRE Mail Registration
  • GRE Fax Registration

How to register for GRE online?

Candidates are required to follow the below-mentioned steps to register for GRE via the online method. 

  • Candidates need to create an ETS account on the official website: https://www.ets.org/mygre 
  • Select the type of GRE exam they want to take – the GRE General or GRE Subject Test.
  • Select the date when they want to appear for the GRE Exam and find the nearest test centre.
  • Give their academic details.
  • Proceed ahead and pay the GRE registration fee of $228.

How to register for GRE over the Phone?

Candidates can call the Regional Registration Center (RRC), which is ‘Prometric’ located in Gurgaon, Haryana. The phone number is 91-124-4147700. The call must be made at least two business days before your preferred test date. A confirmation number, reporting time, and the test centre address will be provided to you when you make the call for registration. You can make the payments online through JCB, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or Visa credit or debit card. As mentioned, other methods of registering for your GRE Exam include mail and Fax.

Download this guide to read it offline

Tell Us About Yourself
When do you plan to start?
Have you given any study abroad exam?

GRE Preparation 2024

GRE accepting universities in the USA for MS: Candidates looking to perform well in their GRE test would be required to follow a solid GRE Preparation strategy to achieve their desired goal. Read on to unlock the GRE study plan to score well in your next GRE exam.

Similar to other exam prep, you can choose to study on your own or join a coaching centre to prepare for the GRE exam. The decision lies entirely to you, as you need to see whether you have enough time and resources for both. Newer methods of studying are gaining popularity, like GRE preparation online. It includes both self-studying and coaching class methods. You join a virtual classroom and you learn in the comfort of your home. To choose the best method how to prepare for GRE you first need to look at your criteria and decide accordingly. Read: Best Books and Resources to Prepare for GRE 

Top 10 GRE Preparation Tips

A lot of students are confused and ask, How to study for the GRE? We are going to dive right in and discuss the best GRE study material for them. Study abroad expert, Rachael Brandt writes the top 10 Tips and Tricks for the GRE, which are

  1.     Plan ahead
  2.     Know what you're getting into
  3.     Take lots of practice tests
  4.     Start studying vocabulary
  5.     Focus on your subject
  6.     Don't ignore the other subject
  7.     Use good materials
  8.     Know question types
  9.     Keep an error log
  10.   Plan on taking the exam twice

Effective GRE Preparation Strategies

The first section on the GRE is always the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. This section comprises two analytical writing tasks -- an analysis of an issue task and an analysis of an argument task. These two tasks are timed separately and you get 30 minutes to complete each task. This section is followed by two Verbal Reasoning sections, two Quantitative Reasoning sections, and an unidentified unscored section, either a Verbal Reasoning section or a Quantitative Reasoning section. For students to master the section-wise preparation for GRE, we have Subhajit Bandyopadhyay, Academics - Head (Emeritus) writing about the Section-wise Preparation Tips for GRE for our readers - a must-read.

Also, Read

GRE Exam Eligibility FAQs

What is the eligibility for the GRE exam?

ETS – the conducting body of the GRE test has not prescribed any eligibility guidelines for test-takers.

Who can take the GRE test?

Candidates who are looking to study abroad at universities that require GRE scores for admission or scholarship eligibility are advised on appearing for the GRE test.

Given the pandemic, is the GRE test available to test takers at home?

In response to the ongoing pandemic COVID-19, ETS - the conducting body of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) has decided to launch the GRE General Test at home for locations where the computer-based format of the GRE Test was earlier available for the convenience of students wanting to study abroad. 

When are the scores available to the candidates appearing for the GRE test?

Viewing your GRE scores have never been easier. Around 10-15 days after your test date, you will receive an e-mail informing you that your score result is available. All you have to do is log in to your ETS-GRE account on the website and click ‘view scores’ to see your scores. GRE at Home scores will also be available to candidates in 10 to 15 days from the date of the GRE test.   

Is one month enough for GRE preparations?

Candidates are advised to completely prepare themselves before booking their GRE test. Candidates should understand that these are expensive tests and reappearing would only cost them more money. Hence, candidates should have been satisfied with their preparation before booking their GRE test slot.

What is a good GRE score?

There is no such thing as a good GRE score. Every university would have its own GRE Score cut-off and students are required to achieve scores equal or higher than the set grade. Candidates should note that higher GRE scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat in the university and also make them a front runner for any scholarships being offered by the university.

Can I take the GRE without studying?

Candidates are highly advised against appearing for any test leave alone GRE unprepared. It is recommended that candidates prepare well for their GRE exam before booking their GRE exam slot.

How many hours of study are required for the GRE exam?

This is entirely a personal experience and depends from individual to individual. Candidates should not follow a set schedule but create a timetable that is tailored according to their strengths and weaknesses.

What is the highest GRE score?

The GRE Quantitative Section and GRE Verbal Section are each out of 170 points making the highest possible score on the GRE at 340

Is GRE easy for Indian students?

Candidates who come prepared for their GRE test would find the exam easy to score.

Is GRE difficult?

You should understand that the GRE test has been introduced to check the academic awareness of the candidate. Hence a candidate who has prepared for the GRE test should not consider the GRE as a tough exam.
Browse universities abroad

Comments

(506)

R

Rutul Kumar

6 months ago

Hi I am unable to book my GRE Physics Test in Ahmedabad, even though test centre are initially showing, but at the time of registration it is showing this error since last two months "No test centers found based on your search criteria. Change search criteria or enter a specific city location and tr

...more

Reply to Rutul Kumar

A

Abhay kumar

5 months ago

go for GRE at home, only Arizona state university doesn't accept GRE at home except them every college in USA accept GRE at home

R

Rutul Kumar

8 months ago

When should I apply for GRE Physics April Session in Ahmedabad, India?

Reply to Rutul Kumar

H

Hari

10 months ago

How is physically handicapped dear and dumb?

Reply to Hari

R

Rahul Singha

7 months ago

Hello Hari. Kindly elaborate on your query for me to be able to assist you better.

hi i am architectural student so i need to join cullen university of space architecture college , i.e, university of houston , USA .

Reply to Reshmi Kadamati

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Reshmi. If you are looking for assistance with university admissions, do reach out to our team of Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply You can know all about the University of Houston, here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/usa/universities/university-of-hous

...more

A

Akshat Mishra

a year ago

Hey Studyabroad.shiksha! The dates given for 2023 for gre 2023 are in Jan,Feb,Mar,Apr,May,June. What if I wish to appear in Sep-Oct? Will this be possible? Does ETS reveal new dates as the months pass by?

Reply to Akshat Mishra

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Akshat. Yes, GRE dates for September to December have been updated on our GRE exam dates page: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/exams/gre/important-dates Please feel free to go ahead with your GRE slot booking.