The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a globally recognized standardized test accepted by over 1,300 business schools and 94 countries for graduate, MBA, and doctoral admissions. Conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE evaluates your verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing ability.
Understanding GRE exam eligibility is essential before registering. The good news? There are no official age or educational qualifications required by ETS. Whether you’re a final-year undergraduate student or a working professional, you can apply for the GRE.
In 2024, over 500,000 candidates took the GRE, highlighting its popularity among Indian and international students alike. However, some universities may have specific requirements, such as a bachelor’s degree or valid ID proof like a passport.
This guide covers who can apply, GRE age limit, educational criteria, ID rules, retake policies, and more everything you need to know before booking your GRE slot.
GRE exam eligibility is highly flexible, making the test accessible to a broad range of applicants. ETS, the official conducting body, does not impose any specific age, academic, or professional restrictions for the GRE General Test.
Here are the key GRE eligibility highlights:
Undergraduate Students: Those in their final year or recent graduates preparing for graduate programs in fields like engineering, social sciences, or humanities.
Working Professionals: Individuals seeking career advancement through master’s degrees, MBAs, or other professional programs.
Career Changers: People transitioning to new fields who need a graduate degree to qualify.
Non-Traditional Learners: Candidates returning to education after a long hiatus or those without a formal academic background.
The GRE Subject Tests, which focus on specific disciplines (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Psychology), are primarily for candidates with relevant academic preparation. While no formal degree is required, these tests are typically taken by:
Applicants to graduate programs that require or recommend a Subject Test score to demonstrate specialized knowledge.
Pro Tip: Always check with your target programs, as some may not require GRE scores or may prioritize other admission factors, such as work experience or portfolios.
GRE Eligibility Criteria for Indian and International Students
When it comes to GRE exam eligibility, ETS maintains a uniform standard for all applicants, regardless of nationality. This means both Indian and international students are equally eligible to appear for the GRE General Test and Subject Tests.
Indian Students
Registration: Register via the ETS GRE website, by phone, or through authorized test centers in India. Create an ETS account to manage your test booking and scores.
Identification: A valid, unexpired passport is mandatory for Indian test-takers. The name on the passport must exactly match the name used during registration. Other IDs, such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, or driver’s licenses, are not accepted.
Test Options: Choose between test-center testing (available in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad) or at-home testing, which requires a compatible computer, stable internet, and a private, proctor-approved environment.
International Students
Registration: Similar to Indian students, international candidates register through the ETS website. Ensure you select a test center or at-home option available in your country.
Identification: A valid passport is the primary ID for most international test-takers. In some countries, alternative government-issued IDs (e.g., national ID cards) may be accepted, but this varies. Check ETS’s country-specific ID requirements.
Test Availability: The GRE is offered in over 160 countries, with test centers in major cities and at-home testing widely available. Confirm availability in your region when scheduling.
At-Home Testing Considerations
The GRE at-home, introduced by ETS, is a convenient option for Indian and international students but comes with strict requirements:
Technical Setup: A desktop or laptop (no tablets/mobile devices), reliable internet, a webcam, and a microphone are required.
Environment: A quiet, private room with no interruptions. Proctors monitor via webcam to ensure compliance.
ID Verification: Present the same ID (typically a passport) to the online proctor as you would at a test center.
For both Indian and international students, ETS recommends registering early to secure preferred test dates and locations, especially during peak seasons (e.g., fall for U.S. graduate school applications).
GRE Exam Age Limit and Educational Qualification
One of the most appealing aspects of GRE exam eligibility is its flexibility—there is no official age limit or minimum educational qualification set by ETS. This makes the GRE accessible to a wide pool of candidates worldwide.
Age Limit
No Minimum or Maximum Age: Candidates of any age can take the GRE, from young undergraduates to retirees pursuing further education. Whether you’re 18 or 65, you’re eligible as long as you meet registration and ID requirements.
Parental Consent: Not required, even for minors, as the GRE is a voluntary test for academic purposes.
Educational Qualification
No Degree Requirement: ETS does not mandate a bachelor’s degree or specific coursework to take the GRE General Test or Subject Tests. Candidates with high school diplomas, associate degrees, or no formal education can register.
Program-Specific Requirements: While ETS imposes no academic prerequisites, graduate programs often require a bachelor’s degree for admission. Some programs may also specify coursework or GPA thresholds. Research your target schools’ admission criteria to ensure alignment.
For GRE Subject Tests, while no degree is required, familiarity with undergraduate-level content in the relevant field (e.g., calculus for the Mathematics test) is essential for a competitive score.
ID Requirements for GRE Exam 2025
Proper identification is a critical component of the GRE testing process, ensuring security and score validity. ID requirements are strict and vary by country.
General ID Guidelines
Primary ID: A valid, unexpired government-issued ID with a recent, recognizable photo and a name matching the registration details.
Acceptable IDs: Passports are universally accepted and required in most countries, including India. In select regions, other IDs like national ID cards or driver’s licenses may be permitted.
Name Matching: The name on your ID must match the name entered during registration, including spelling and order. If you have a name change (e.g., due to marriage), update your ETS registration or bring supporting documentation.
For Indian Test-Takers
Mandatory Passport: A valid passport is the only acceptable ID for both test-center and at-home testing in India. Other documents, such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, or college IDs, are not permitted.
Test Day: Bring your passport to the test center or have it ready for the at-home proctor. Ensure it’s not expired.
For International Test-Takers
Passport Preferred: Most countries require a passport. In regions where alternative IDs are allowed (e.g., EU countries with national ID cards), confirm acceptability on the ETS website.
Supplemental ID: If your primary ID lacks a photo or signature, you may need a secondary ID (e.g., a debit/credit card or student ID). Check country-specific rules.
At-Home Testing
ID Presentation: Show your ID to the proctor via webcam at the start of the test. Ensure good lighting and clarity.
Backup Plan: Have a secondary ID ready in case of technical issues or proctor requests.
ID Requirements by Region (2025)
Region
Primary ID
Alternative ID
India
Passport (mandatory)
None
United States
Passport, driver’s license, state ID
Student ID, government-issued ID
EU Countries
Passport, national ID card
Driver’s license, student ID
At-Home Testing
Passport (preferred)
Varies by country
Important: ID policies may change. Always check the ETS GRE ID requirements page at least one month before your test date to confirm compliance.
How Many Times Can You Take the GRE?
ETS offers flexibility for candidates to retake the GRE to achieve their target scores, with clear guidelines on frequency and score reporting.
Frequency of Attempts
GRE General Test: You can take the test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous 12-month period (365 days). This limit applies even if you cancel scores from a previous attempt.
GRE Subject Tests: Offered less frequently (typically 2–3 times per year, depending on the subject). There’s no limit on retakes, but availability may restrict scheduling.
Test Formats: The 21-day rule and five-test limit apply to both test-center and at-home testing for the General Test.
Score Reporting
ScoreSelect Option: After taking the GRE, you can choose which scores to send to schools (e.g., your highest score or all scores from the past five years). This applies to both General and Subject Tests.
Program Policies: Most graduate programs consider your highest score, but some may request all scores or average them. Confirm with your target schools.
Score Validity: GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date, giving you flexibility in applying to programs.
Strategic Planning
Preparation Time: Allow 4–8 weeks between attempts to study and address weak areas, using resources like ETS’s Official Guide or practice tests.
Test Scheduling: Book early, especially for test centers in high-demand areas like India, where slots fill quickly during peak seasons (August–December).
Study Abroad Preparation Course
What does the Course include:
12 Weeks of Dedicated Coaching to Build a robust profile for Top 1% Universities
SOP & Personal Statements For Academic Writing
25 hours of live online classes with mock tests for IELTS
Visa, University Application & Submission
Country-specific Support with Education loan Guidance
International Faculty Masterclass
Special Accommodations for GRE Test Takers
ETS is committed to ensuring the GRE is accessible to all, offering accommodations for candidates with disabilities, health-related needs, or other documented conditions. Accommodations aim to provide a fair testing experience without altering the test’s integrity.
Types of Accommodations
Time Adjustments: Extended time (e.g., 1.5x or 2x standard time) or extra breaks.
Assistive Technology: Screen-reading software (e.g., JAWS), adjustable font sizes, or ergonomic keyboards.
Physical Accommodations: Separate testing rooms, wheelchair-accessible centers, or adjustable lighting.
Medical Needs: Permission to bring medical devices (e.g., insulin pumps) or snacks for health conditions like diabetes.
Eligibility for Accommodations
Documented Conditions: Disabilities (e.g., visual/hearing impairments, learning disabilities), chronic health conditions, or temporary conditions (e.g., injury).
Supporting Documentation: Medical reports, psychological evaluations, or letters from healthcare providers detailing the condition and recommended accommodations. Documentation must meet ETS’s guidelines.
Application Process
Create an ETS Account: Log in to your GRE account on the ETS website.
Submit Request: Complete the accommodations request form and upload documentation via the ETS Disability Services portal.
Processing Time: Approval typically takes 6–8 weeks, longer for complex cases. Submit requests well before your desired test date.
Test Scheduling: Once approved, schedule your test with accommodations through ETS’s Disability Services team (not the standard registration portal).
At-Home Testing Accommodations
Availability: Some accommodations (e.g., extended time, extra breaks) are supported for at-home testing, but options like separate rooms or specialized equipment may be limited.
Verification: Discuss your needs with ETS during the approval process to ensure compatibility with at-home testing.
Download these useful guides to ace your GRE preparation
Conclusion
Understanding GRE exam eligibility is the first step in your graduate admission journey. ETS has kept the process flexible; there are no fixed age or educational criteria, making it accessible to students and professionals worldwide.
However, while ETS doesn’t restrict who can apply, individual universities may set their own prerequisites such as a bachelor’s degree or valid ID proof (like a passport). It's important to align your GRE plans with the admission requirements of your target programs.
Whether you're aiming for a Master’s, MBA, or PhD, knowing the GRE exam eligibility criteria in 2025 helps you avoid application errors and prepares you for success. For a focused two-month study plan, explore this GRE preparation guide from upGrad to structure your prep effectively.
Important Resources For PTE/SAT/ACT Exam
PTE Examination Eligibility Criteria
There are no specific PTE exam eligibility criteria set by Pearson VUE – the organizers of the test./
The PTE exam pattern is designed to test whether candidates can study at international institutions that have English as the main language for instructions./
Canada is a country that is renowned for the quality of its educational infrastructure. As a result, it is no surprise that a list of PTE accepted universities in Canada is sought-after./
The SAT exam dates fall on Saturdays and the test is generally conducted on 7 Saturdays every year; the deadline for registration is four weeks prior to the date of the test./
According to the latest update on SAT syllabus 2022, SAT Subject Tests and the SAT optional essays have been discontinued which has now reduced the duration of the exam by 50 minutes./
Understanding the SAT exam pattern is of paramount importance for all those who want to study undergraduate courses from universities or colleges abroad./
The College Board India Scholars Program offers the SAT scholarship for Indian students. This scholarship helps students receive education from renowned institutes worldwide./
How to register for the SAT examination? Stay assured that the procedure is not at all complex. Students desirous of obtaining admission into bachelor’s or undergraduate courses in the US or Canada will find this to be an important examination./
It is very important for ACT aspirants to be aware of the complete ACT exam syllabus, as it will help them to avoid any surprises on the day of the examination./
The ACT is a widely accepted and standardized examination in the U.S. and several other countries. It is used majorly for undergraduate admissions into several colleges and universities./
Registration of the ACT examination is done through the official website online. Applicants need to register for the test at least two months before the test date. /
The American College Testing– ACT score is a part of the college applications in the United States of America (USA), depending on the institution students apply to. There are no fixed passing marks for this examination./
Carefully curated list of the top SAT prep material can prove invaluable to reducing aspirants' efforts. So, to simplify your research, here are 10 SAT exam books to consider for thorough preparation./
What is the minimum qualification for the GRE exam?
There is no specific minimum qualification set by ETS for the GRE exam. However, most candidates are in the final year of their undergraduate program or already hold a graduate degree. It’s important to meet the academic requirements of your target university.
What are the requirements for the GRE exam?
To take the GRE exam, you must have a valid ID (passport for Indian students), an ETS account, and access to either a test center or a quiet, well-equipped home environment for the online version. There are no academic or age-based eligibility criteria.
What is GRE exam in India and how is it conducted?
The GRE exam in India is conducted by ETS and is the same as in other countries. Indian students can choose between test center and online formats, but must carry a valid passport as ID. The test evaluates verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills.
What is a GRE qualification and who recognizes it?
A GRE qualification refers to your test score, which serves as an admissions requirement for thousands of graduate, MBA, and PhD programs worldwide. Universities assess your score along with academic records and other application materials.
Is GRE tougher than GATE for Indian students?
The GRE is generally considered less challenging than GATE for Indian students, especially for those strong in English. While GATE is subject-specific and technical, the GRE focuses on general aptitude like reasoning, math, and English comprehension.
GRE is valid for how many years?
GRE scores remain valid for five years from the date you take the test. This gives you enough flexibility to plan your higher education goals or retake the test if needed, without the pressure of immediate application.
What are the GRE exam criteria for working professionals?
Working professionals can easily take the GRE as there’s no age limit or work experience requirement. Many take it to apply for master’s or MBA programs abroad, especially flexible or executive courses that value work experience.
Can I take the GRE after 30 or 40 years of age?
Yes, you can take the GRE at any age. There’s no age limit defined under GRE exam eligibility. People in their 30s, 40s, or even older often appear for the GRE for career transitions or overseas education.
Does the GRE exam require coaching or can I self-study?
You don’t need to attend coaching classes to crack the GRE. Many candidates successfully prepare using self-study tools like ETS official guides, online practice platforms, and mock tests, based on their personal learning preferences.
What is the GRE full form and what is it used for?
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. It is a standardized test accepted by universities around the world for admission into graduate, MBA, and doctoral programs across disciplines like business, engineering, and science.
Is the GRE accepted for MBA programs?
Yes, many top business schools across the USA, Canada, Europe, and even India accept GRE scores as an alternative to GMAT. Programs that promote flexibility or value diverse academic backgrounds often list GRE among their accepted tests.
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.
GPA CALCULATOR
EXPENSE CALCULATOR
Ielts band calculator
Education Loan Calculator
University partner
ACCOMMODATION
experience-center
our offices
)
