GRE Exam 2026: Registration, Fees, Syllabus, Preparation Tips
Studying a master’s degree abroad is a dream for many students, and the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) stands as a pivotal step in this journey. The GRE Exam is a standardised examination globally accepted by graduate, business, and law schools, serving as a crucial indicator of an applicant's readiness for advanced academic work.
The GRE Exam is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of subsequent sections adjusts based on your performance, providing a highly precise measure of your abilities. This transparent approach allows test-takers from diverse backgrounds to accurately demonstrate their skills.
This test is available in two formats: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. Let us understand the importance of both and walk through everything you need to know about taking the GRE Exam 2026 and using its score to secure admission abroad.
What is GRE Exam?
The GRE General Test is a computer-delivered examination that tests a candidate's verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. These are abilities developed over time and are not specific to any particular field of study. In contrast, the GRE Subject Test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s in-depth knowledge in specific academic disciplines, such as Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology.
While the GRE General Test helps graduate and business school admissions committees assess overall applicant qualifications, the GRE Subject Test allows applicants to highlight specialised knowledge for particular fields of study abroad.
The GRE General Test is broadly accepted by thousands of graduate schools for master's, MBA, specialised master's, and doctoral programmes in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and many other popular study destinations. Thus, taking the GRE General Test can open doors to a wide array of academic opportunities and demonstrate your aptitude for rigorous graduate-level coursework.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS), the official administrator of the GRE Exam, continually researches and updates the test. This ensures it remains a fair, valid, and reliable assessment of skills essential for success in graduate-level studies.
GRE Exam Eligibility 2026
The GRE Exam does not have specific eligibility criteria to appear for the exam, including age, minimum academic qualification, nationality, or any other requirements. It allows students from diverse academic backgrounds and at various stages of their educational journey to appear for the exam to test their academic rigour.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | NA - GRE Exam can be taken at any age. ETS has specified no lower or upper age limit. |
| Educational Qualification | NA - While no basic qualification has been specified by ETS for test-takers, most applicants have either completed or are about to complete their undergraduate degree to use the GRE scores for master’s admission abroad. |
| Nationality | All nationalities are eligible to take the GRE Exam. |
| Identification | A valid passport for identification is required. |
GRE Registration 2026
The GRE Exam Registration Process 2026 is quite straightforward and can be done online through the official ETS GRE website. You may follow the step-by-step instructions given below:
GRE Exam Registration Process 2026
- Create an ETS Account: Visit the official ETS GRE website (www.ets.org/gre.html) and register. Click on ‘Register’ or ‘Sign In’ and then ‘Create an Account’. Add personal information, ensuring it precisely matches your passport.
- Select Your Test: Select the ‘Register for a Test’ option. Choose GRE General Test (or ‘GRE Subject Test’, if applicable).
- Choose Test Mode: Choose your test centre or opt for the at-home test. For the ‘At Home’ option, verify your computer and environment meets ETS's specific technical requirements.
- Find Test Centres and Dates: Enter your preferred test location (city/country) and desired testing period. From the available options, select the one that best suits your schedule.
- Fill Out Registration Details: Complete the online registration form with all necessary personal, academic, and demographic data. Double-check all information for accuracy before proceeding.
- Select Score Recipients: This step is optional, but recommended if you know your target universities. You can select up to four graduate institutions or fellowship sponsors to receive your scores for free. Additional score reports can be sent later for a fee.
- Review and Confirm: Carefully check that the test type, date, time, and location are correct. Confirm that your name precisely matches your ID (passport).
- Pay the Test Fee: The GRE General Test fee is US $220 in most areas, and the GRE Subject Test fee is US $175. Payment can be made online using a valid debit/credit card, UPI, and/or other digital wallets like PayPal.
- Receive Confirmation: Once payment is successful, ETS will send a confirmation email with your appointment details, including date, time, and test centre address (or at-home instructions). Print this confirmation or save it for your records.
GRE Exam Registration Requirements 2026
- ID Requirements: Only an original and valid passport is accepted as primary identification at test centres. Ensure your passport is current and the name matches your ETS account.
- Rescheduling/Cancellation: This must be done at least four days before your test date to be eligible for a partial refund or avoid forfeiting your entire fee. Rescheduling or cancellation fees may apply.
- Test-taker Agreement: Before registration, it is advisable to read the comprehensive GRE Information Bulletin on the ETS website for detailed policies and procedures.
GRE Exam Dates 2026
The GRE Exam is offered year-round, whether you plan to take the test online or at home. This flexibility allows you to choose a date and time that best suits your application deadlines and test preparation schedule.
Choose your GRE Exam Date wisely. Give yourself enough time to prepare for the test, like 2-4 months before the exam date, depending on the score you are targeting to achieve for your programme.
GRE Test Centres 2026
The GRE Exam is offered at over 1,000 test centres globally in more than 160 countries. Here’s what you need to know about GRE test centers across the globe.
- Popular cities with test centres in India include New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
- At least one test centre in all 50 US states.
- In most regions, tests are available continuously throughout the year.
- In Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Korea, the test is offered up to three times per month.
Please refer to the official ETS GRE website using the ‘Find Test Centres and Dates’ tool during registration to avoid conflicts.
GRE Test Format and Location
- For areas with unreliable internet access, a paper-delivered test option might be available.
- Though computer-delivered test centres are the primary format for many locations, you can also take the GRE ‘At Home’.
GRE General Test 'At Home'
The GRE Exam allows the flexibility of taking the test from the comfort of your home. This test is monitored by a human proctor online. Before you opt for the GRE General Test 'At Home' option, ensure that your computer equipment and internet connection meet the requirements set by ETS, the conducting body of the GRE Exam. Carefully go through the stringent requirements for the testing environment as specified by ETS on their website to avoid any issues on test day.
GRE Exam Fee 2026
The GRE Exam fee varies, depending on the country or region where the test is taken for the General Test and is standardised for the Subject Test. The General Test is offered at US $220 in most parts of the world (whether taken at a test centre or at home), and the Subject Test is offered worldwide at US $175.
GRE Exam Fee in India 2026
The GRE Exam Fee in India for 2026 for the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test, along with charges for rescheduling, changing test centres, and sending scores, are detailed below:
| Fees Type | GRE Exam Fee |
|---|---|
| GRE General Test Registration Fee | INR 22,000 |
| GRE Subject Test Registration Fee | INR 14,500 |
| Special Handling Request | |
| Rescheduling Fee | INR 5,000 |
| Changing Test Centre | INR 5,000 |
| Subject Change Fee (GRE Subject Test) | INR 5,000 |
| Scoring Service | |
| Additional Score Reports (ASR) | INR 2,900 |
| Score Review | INR 5,900 |
| Score Reinstatement | INR 5,000 |
| Returned Payment | INR 2,900 |
Payment Methods: Fees can be paid online via credit/debit cards, UPI, and other digital wallets. Cards accepted include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB, among others.
GRE Exam Pattern 2026
As discussed before, the GRE Exam assesses skills crucial for graduate-level studies, including Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The exam is approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes long. There are no scheduled breaks during the exam, and any unscheduled breaks, if taken, do not stop the testing time.
Given below is a breakdown of the GRE General Test pattern:
| Section | Sub-Sections (Parts) | No. of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | Single section (1 task) | 1 Essay | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | Section 1 | 12 Questions | 18 minutes |
| Section 2 | 15 Questions | 23 minutes | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Section 1 | 12 Questions | 21 minutes |
| Section 2 | 15 Questions | 26 minutes |
GRE Exam Syllabus 2026
As established before, the GRE General Test assesses skills that are fundamental to success in graduate-level studies, rather than specific subject-matter knowledge (unlike the GRE Subject Tests). Its syllabus is divided into three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Here's the breakdown of the GRE Exam Syllabus for the General Test 2026:
Analytical Writing
This section measures your ability to articulate complex ideas, analyse arguments, and write a focused, coherent essay. Topics are general, requiring no specialised knowledge, and assess critical thinking, logical reasoning, and command of standard written English.
Verbal Reasoning
This section evaluates your ability to analyse and synthesise written material, identify relationships between words, and understand complex concepts.
- Reading Comprehension: Questions based on passages from various subjects.
- Text Completion: Fill in blanks in short passages with appropriate words.
- Sentence Equivalence: Choose two words that create sentences with similar meanings. Skills assessed include vocabulary in context, logical reasoning, and understanding textual nuances.
Quantitative Reasoning
This section measures your ability to interpret quantitative information, solve problems, and apply basic mathematical concepts in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Arithmetic: Integers, percentages, ratios, exponents, sequences.
- Algebra: Expressions, equations, inequalities, functions, coordinate geometry.
- Geometry: Lines, shapes, areas, volumes, Pythagorean theorem.
- Data Analysis: Statistics (mean, median), probability, interpretation of graphs and tables. Question types include Quantitative Comparison, multiple-choice (single and multiple answers), and Numeric Entry.
GRE Exam Preparation Tips 2026
To increase your chances of getting selected by your dream university abroad, you must start preparing early to score high on your GRE Exam. Effective GRE Exam preparation is crucial for a strong GRE score. Follow these tips and optimise your study plan for the GRE Exam in 2026:
- Understand Test Format: Familiarise yourself thoroughly with the new GRE exam pattern (shorter duration, 1 Analytical Writing task, section-level adaptive Verbal and Quantitative sections). Download the official GRE Information Bulletin from ETS for all policies and details.
- Create a Strategic Study Plan: With the help of old mock tests or diagnostic practice tests, pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. Develop a realistic schedule, dedicating focused time to each section based on your needs. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Verbal Reasoning Mastery: Systematically build vocabulary through flashcards and reading high-level texts. Actively practice Reading Comprehension by identifying main ideas and the author’s tone. For Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence, focus on contextual clues and logical flow.
- Quantitative Reasoning Strategies: Solidify your understanding of fundamental arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Practice diverse problem types, learn to use the on-screen calculator efficiently, and manage your time to answer all questions.
- Analytical Writing Approach: Understand the ‘Analyse an Issue’ task requirements. Practice brainstorming and outlining essays to develop clear arguments with supporting examples. Write timed practice essays and review them critically for clarity, coherence, and grammar, using ETS's scoring guides.
- General Test-Taking Acumen: Since there's no penalty for incorrect answers, always attempt every question. Utilise the ‘mark and review’ feature within sections. Simulate actual test conditions for practice tests to improve pacing and stamina. Prioritise overall well-being with adequate sleep and stress management.
GRE Exam Results and Score 2026
The unofficial GRE scores for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are displayed on screen immediately after you complete your computer-delivered GRE General Test, whether at the test centre or at home. However, these are unofficial.
| Exam Type | Announcement Timeline |
|---|---|
| GRE General Test | 8 to 10 days |
| GRE Subject Tests | 3 to 4 weeks |
How to Check Your GRE Exam Score?
Once your official scores are released, checking them is a simple process:
- Log in to your ETS Account
- Visit ‘My GRE Home’ page and look for ‘Scores’ or ‘View Scores’ tab.
- Generate the report for your scores for Verbal Reasoning (130-170), Quantitative Reasoning (130-170), and Analytical Writing (0-6), along with their corresponding percentile ranks.
GRE Exam Score Validity
5 Years - Your GRE Exam scores are valid for five years from your test date. For example, if you take the GRE on July 31, 2026, your scores will be valid until July 30, 2031. After this period, ETS will no longer report your scores, and you will need to retake the exam if you require a GRE score for future applications. Your score report indicates the date your scores are valid until.
How to Send Your GRE Exam Score to Universities Abroad?
- Free Score Reports: You can send scores to up to four institutions for free on test day.
- Additional Score Reports (ASR): After test day, you can send additional score reports for a fee (currently INR 2,900 per recipient). This can be done through your ETS account. Scores are sent to institutions within 5-7 business days of your request.
What is a Good GRE Score?
There is no universal ‘passing score’ for the GRE. What constitutes a good score depends on the specific graduate programmes and universities to which you are applying. Highly competitive programmes look for scores in the higher ranges (such as above 160 in both Verbal and Quantitative sections, and 4.0+ in Analytical Writing Assessment). You may research the average GRE scores of admitted students at your target institutions to set realistic goals for yourself.
Looking to register for the GRE Exam and confused about the best GRE preparation practices? Get in touch with our AECC experts for the best GRE Exam preparation guidance, practice material, and more.