GRE Eligibility 2025: Who Can Apply and What Are the Requirements?

Planning to pursue a master’s, MBA, or PhD abroad? Understanding GRE eligibility is the first step in your journey. GRE eligibility in 2025 comes with no strict rules; there’s no age limit, no minimum academic percentage, and no work experience required. ETS, the exam’s official body, allows anyone to take the GRE exam, whether you’re a student, graduate, or working professional planning to study abroad.

Most universities prefer applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree or be in their final year of undergraduate study. For Indian students, a valid, unexpired passport is mandatory for GRE registration.

This blog outlines who can apply for the GRE, ID and documentation requirements for Indian students, retake rules, and special provisions. Whether you're a student or a working professional, this guide will help you assess your eligibility and plan your GRE journey with confidence.

Who is Eligible for the GRE Exam?

The GRE exam eligibility is broad and inclusive. There are no specific academic qualifications, age restrictions, or nationality-based limitations imposed by ETS. The GRE is widely accepted for master’s and MBA programs across countries like the USA, Germany, and Canada. 

You can explore top programs such as MS in Computer Science in Germany or MBA programs in the US to get started.

Here’s who is eligible:

• Final-year undergraduate students or those who have completed their bachelor’s degree.
• Working professionals planning to pursue an MBA, MS, or PhD abroad.
• International students, including Indian applicants, who meet ID and documentation requirements for the GRE exam.

There’s no minimum GPA or percentage required to appear for the exam. However, individual universities may have their own admission criteria beyond GRE scores.

If you're wondering, “What is the GRE exam in India and who can take it?” — the answer is simple: anyone aiming for higher education abroad, regardless of academic stream, can register and appear for the GRE.

GRE Eligibility Criteria – Detailed Overview

The GRE eligibility criteria are straightforward but important to understand before registering for the exam. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key requirements you need to consider:

1. Educational Qualifications

While ETS does not impose any minimum educational qualification for the GRE, most universities and institutions require candidates to have completed a bachelor’s degree or be in their final year of undergraduate study. This is typically the standard for GRE eligibility for Indian students and applicants worldwide.

2. Age Limit

There is no age limit for the GRE exam. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional, you can take the GRE at any age.

3. Nationality

The GRE is open to candidates of all nationalities. There are no nationality-based restrictions, and Indian students are among the largest groups taking the GRE to pursue postgraduate studies abroad.4. Number of Attempts

You can take the GRE exam up to five times in one year, with a minimum of 21 days between each attempt. This allows flexibility for those aiming to improve their scores.

5. GRE Scores Validity

Your GRE scores are valid for five years, so you have plenty of time to send your scores to universities after taking the test.

6. ID Requirements for Indian Students

Indian students must present a valid passport during registration and on the exam day as proof of identity. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months before the test date.

7. Language Proficiency

The GRE exam is conducted in English. While no specific language proficiency test is required, a strong command of the English language is recommended to perform well, especially in the verbal reasoning section.

Now that you know the eligibility, the next step is understanding what the GRE tests. Here’s the complete GRE syllabus to help you prepare effectively.

GRE Eligibility for Indian Students

For Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad, the GRE exam is an essential step. While the general GRE eligibility criteria remain the same worldwide, there are some unique aspects that Indian candidates need to be aware of to ensure they meet all the requirements. 

1. Educational Qualifications

Indian students must have completed or be in their final year of an undergraduate degree (such as B.Tech, B.Sc., B.A., etc.). The degree should be recognized by an accredited institution. Universities abroad typically require this as part of their eligibility for master's or PhD programs.

2. Age Limit

There is no age limit for Indian students to appear for the GRE. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional seeking to further your education, you can appear for the exam at any point in your career.

3. ID Requirements

For Indian students, a valid passport is the mandatory form of identification required during both GRE registration and on the exam day. It is the only acceptable ID for Indian test-takers, so it’s crucial to ensure that your passport is valid and matches the name used during registration.

4. GRE Score Validity

Just like other international candidates, the GRE scores for Indian students are valid for five years from the test date. You can take the GRE multiple times and submit your highest scores to universities.

5. Language Proficiency

While the GRE exam itself is in English, Indian students are typically not required to submit separate TOEFL or IELTS scores unless specifically mandated by the universities they are applying to. However, a good command of the English language is critical for success, especially in the verbal reasoning section.

6. GRE Exam Fees for Indian Students

The GRE exam fee in India is approximately INR 15,000-16,000 (subject to change). This fee includes sending your scores to up to four universities of your choice. Additional score reports can be sent to other institutions for an extra fee.

7. GRE Test Dates and Locations in India

Indian students can take the GRE throughout the year. The exam is conducted at various ETS-approved test centers across major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. You can check the available dates for your preferred test center during the registration process.

Want to know the GRE format? Get a quick overview of the GRE exam pattern to understand the structure and scoring.

GRE Exam Retake Eligibility

The GRE exam retake policy allows you to retake the test multiple times to improve your score. You are allowed to attempt the GRE up to five times a year, with a mandatory 21-day gap between each attempt. It’s important to note that only your most recent score will be sent to universities, so strategic planning for retaking the test is key.

Below is a detailed table that breaks down the key eligibility rules and guidelines for retaking the GRE:

GRE Exam Retake Eligibility

Aspect	Details
Maximum Attempts per Year	You can attempt the GRE five times per year.
Time Between Attempts	A minimum of 21 days must pass before retaking the exam.
Retake Scores Visible	Only your most recent score will be visible to the universities you apply to.
Retake Validity	GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.
Retake Fee	The cost to retake the exam is the same as the initial test fee (approximately INR 15,000-16,000).

GRE At Home – Eligibility and Technical Requirements

The GRE at Home exam was introduced to provide students with an alternative to taking the test in-person, especially during the pandemic. This option is still available for those who prefer a more convenient setting, or who may not have access to a nearby test center. However, there are specific eligibility criteria and technical requirements for taking the GRE from the comfort of your home.

1. Eligibility for GRE At Home

• Same Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility requirements for the GRE at Home exam are the same as the regular GRE exam. You must have completed or be in the process of completing an undergraduate degree, with no age restrictions for test-takers.
• Global Availability: The GRE at Home is available globally, but you must check if it is offered in your country at the time of registration.
• Test Availability: The GRE at Home is available only for the General Test, not for the Subject Tests. It can be taken at any time the test is available in your region, with the same number of attempts per year (up to five times).

Ready to start prepping? Check this GRE study guide for expert tips and strategies.

2. Technical Requirements for GRE At Home

To ensure a smooth testing experience, you need to meet the following technical requirements:

Device Requirements:

• Computer: A desktop or laptop is required. Mobile phones, tablets, or other devices are not allowed for the GRE at Home.
• Operating System: Your computer must have a Windows or Mac operating system. Ensure that your system is up to date for compatibility with the exam platform.

Webcam:

• A functional webcam is essential to monitor the test-taker during the exam. It should be able to capture both the test-taker's face and the entire workspace to prevent cheating or any prohibited behavior.

Internet Connection:

• A stable internet connection is a must. It should be broadband speed (at least 1 Mbps for download and 1 Mbps for upload).
• A wired internet connection is preferred over a wireless one to minimize the risk of connection issues during the exam.

Proctoring Software:

• The GRE at Home exam is proctored remotely via the ETS Secure Browser. The software will restrict the use of other applications and websites during the test to prevent cheating.

3. Testing Environment

• Your testing environment should be private, quiet, and well-lit.
• The room must be free of distractions and unauthorized items. The proctor will visually check the room before the test begins to ensure compliance with these conditions.

Room Setup:

• You should have your computer set up on a desk or table, ensuring that your entire workspace is visible to the proctor via your webcam.
• No one else should be in the room while you are taking the exam.

4. Security Measures

• During the GRE at Home test, you will be monitored by a live proctor via your webcam and microphone.
• Identity verification will take place before the exam starts. You will be asked to show a valid ID (preferably a passport).
• Cheating Prevention: The system uses artificial intelligence (AI) along with human monitoring to detect any suspicious behavior. If any irregularities are detected, the exam will be terminated.

5. Cost and Registration

• The GRE at Home exam costs the same as the regular GRE (approximately INR 15,000-16,000 for Indian students).
• You can register for the GRE at Home through the official GRE registration portal. After selecting your preferred test date, you'll be given the option to choose whether you want to take the in-person or at-home exam.

Conclusion

GRE eligibility is flexible and inclusive, welcoming applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds. Whether you're a final-year undergraduate, a recent graduate, or a working professional, you’re likely eligible to appear for the GRE. With no age limit, no work experience mandate, and minimal restrictions from ETS, preparing for the exam is more about planning than meeting rigid criteria.

If you're an Indian student, make sure to have a valid passport ready for registration. Also, understand the retake rules, technical requirements for at-home testing, and any university-specific expectations.

For a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for the GRE in 2 months, check out this 2-month preparation strategy to maximize your chances of success.