Raj
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Updated on Apr 14, 2026 08:28 IST
GRE or the Graduate Record Examinations is perhaps the most widely accepted exam for graduate students planning to take up their masters from abroad. Accepted across various top universities around the world, even for management programs, there is no wonder that you are planning to write one.

GRE Subject Test is a specific test conducted by ETS to assess the knowledge of students in Math, Physics and Psychology subjects. ETS conducts GRE Subject Test in online mode. Unlike the GRE General Test, Indians can not take the Subject Test at home.

gre subject tests

The GRE Subject Test is one of the types of Graduate Record Examinations. It is a special exam for students who want to show they are experts in one area. While the General GRE covers many topics, this test focuses on only one subject.

Why take the GRE Subject Test? No matter if you want to get enrolled in management or other PG programs offered by universities worldwide, the GRE result is an important eligibility requirement.  It helps you stand out when applying for a Master’s or PhD. It shows foreign universities that you have deep knowledge of your favorite subject. Available Subjects

Currently, you can take the GRE Subject Test in three areas: Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. 

When to take it? The GRE Subject Test happens only three times a year. You can take it in April, September, and October. The test is now taken on a computer. You should study your college textbooks to do well.

Before you book, always check your university website. Some schools require it, while others make it optional. Picking the right date helps you finish your application on time.

Table of contents
  • What is GRE Subject Test?
  • GRE Subject Test vs GRE General Test
  • GRE Subject Test Subjects & Syllabus
  • FAQs About GRE Subject Test

What is GRE Subject Test?

GRE Subject Test is a computer-delivered test. It assesses the knowledge and skills of the candidate in a particular subject. For instance, the GRE Mathematics test would test the level of knowledge in maths. Unlike General Tests, Subject Tests are specific and limited to one subject.

These often have drawn out a syllabus that tests the students on various aspects of the subject. Designed to test the skill level in a particular subject area or field, these tests are an excellent way to showcase your understanding of a specific subject, as suited to the career of your choice. Check out some important information about the GRE Subject Test below:

GRE Subject Test Overview
Test Type Paper-Based Test
GRE Subject Test Date 2026

April 20, 2026 - May 3, 2026

Exam Frequency 3 Times a Year (April, September, and October)
GRE Subject Test Subjects
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology
Purpose To get admission in MS abroad
GRE Subject Test Fees 2026 INR 14,500

GRE Subject Test vs GRE General Test

Most students take the General test to show they have basic skills in math and reading. However, some students need to show they are experts in one specific area. This is where the Subject test comes in. It is much deeper but focuses on only one topic, like Physics or Math. It helps prove your skills to top universities abroad.

Feature GRE General GRE Subject
Purpose Broad skills Specific subject expertise
Sections Verbal, Quant, Writing Subject-specific questions
Difficulty Moderate High (Specialized)
Who should take Most applicants Specialized programs

GRE Subject Test is ideal for students applying to specialized STEM or psychology programs. It helps prove deep knowledge in a single field, while the General test measures basic graduate-level readiness.

GRE Subject Test Subjects & Syllabus

The GRE Subject Test syllabus is designed to match what you learned in college. These tests are very detailed. You must know your subject well to score high. Below is a simple breakdown of what is covered in each of the three main exams. GRE fee for Subject Test is INR 14,500.

  • Mathematics: This test has about 66 questions. It is for students who love numbers and logic. Most questions come from Calculus, but you also need to know Algebra and other math theories.
  • Physics: This exam has about 70 questions. It covers classic physics and new science too. You will need to solve problems about how things move and how energy works.
  • Psychology: This test has around 144 questions. It looks at how people think and behave. It covers everything from how the brain works to how people act in groups.
Subject Main Topics Difficulty Level
Mathematics Algebra, Calculus, Analysis, Discrete Math Advanced (College Level)
Physics Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Physics, Optics High (Specialized)
Psychology Cognitive, Social, Clinical, Developmental, Biological Comprehensive

FAQs About GRE Subject Test







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Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is GRE Subject Test?
A: 

The GRE Subject Test evaluates the candidates’ ability in Mathematics, Physics and Psychology subjects. It is a computer based test. Generally, the GRE Subject Test is required for getting admission to specialised courses/technical programmes. The GRE Subject test is primarily held three times a year in September, October and April months. The total duration of the GRE Subject test is 2Hrs and 50 minutes and candidates are required to appear for only one of the subjects from the list mentioned below:

  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology
Q:   How many times a year are GRE Subject Tests offered?
A: 

ETS conducts GRE Subject Test three times a year: in September, October, and April. These computer based test is available during specific two week windows within those months. You can take a GRE Subject Test once every 14 days. 

Q:   Where can I find the official GRE Subject Test schedule?
A: 

ETS released the schedule every year in the month of July on their official website. Applicants can check official webpage of ETS GRE subject test to get the exam schedule.

About the Author
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Written by
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Hi, I am Raj. I help Indian students figure out study abroad without the confusion. For 8+ years, mostly in Ed-Tech, I have written about the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. I cover what peo Read Full Bio
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Comments

(92)

A

Ashmi Dahiwale

3 years ago

hello . I am b.tech student of (IT)branch and have to apply for master. So which GRE should I refer GRE general test Or subject test ?

Reply to Ashmi Dahiwale

R

Rahul Singha

3 years ago

Hello Ashmi. Most universities require candidates to opt for the GRE General Test. However, if you are looking to specialize in a particular subject, you would be required to opt for the GRE Subject Test. I would request you check the admission requirements of your university. They would have clearl

...Read more

P

Pradnya Salve

3 years ago

Hello! I want to pursue M.Sc in Biotechnology in Germany. Some universities require a certain GRE score. Which GRE subject test should I give? Please help. Thanks in advance.

Reply to Pradnya Salve

R

Rahul Singha

3 years ago

Hello Pradnya. You will have to know whether the university is looking for a GRE General Test Score or a GRE Subject Test Score and register for the GRE exam accordingly. Currently, GRE Subject Tests are only available in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.

L

Legally Manisha

3 years ago

Hello how are you? I want to pursue for masters of laws in New Zealand. I am having 57% in Bachelors with 2 year work experience. I want a suitable university for masters with an affordable fee. Please please guide me I am planning after 2023. Thank you

Reply to Legally Manisha

R

Rahul Singha

3 years ago

Hello Manisha. I am good, thank you. I hope you are doing fine yourself. You can take a look at popular universities in New Zealand, here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/new-zealand You can also get in touch with our Shiksha Counsellors for assistance with university applications here: https://stu

...Read more

hi!, I want to apply for graduate program in mechanical engineering. So should i take GRE general test Or subject test ?

Reply to Mohammed Arqam Mohiuddin

R

Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Mohammed. The admission requirements would depend on your preferred university. if they require GRE (Subject) scores as part of their admission criteria then you would be required to apply for the same. If they require GRE general test then you would have to appear for the GRE general test.

A

Anshu

4 years ago

Hi, I am doing Masters after advance diploma in Spanish language. i want to apply for phd in US. Should i take the gre test? Is Spanish available in universities of US?

Reply to Anshu

R

Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Anshu. You can take a look at popular universities in the US here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/usa The admission requirements would depend on your preferred university. if they require GRE (Subject) scores as part of their admission criteria then you would be required to apply for the sam

...Read more