GRE Registration: A Complete Guide to Booking Your Test Without Errors

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a globally accepted entrance exam required for MS, MBA, and doctoral programs. To register for the GRE, choose between taking the test at one of 1,000+ centers across 160 countries or from the comfort of your home. 

A smooth, well-timed GRE registration helps you secure your preferred slot and avoid last-minute issues. 

This guide explains each step of the GRE registration process in detail, ensuring you meet deadlines, submit accurate information, and set yourself up for success on test day.

GRE Registration Process - Overview

Registering for the GRE may seem straightforward, but overlooking even a minor detail could lead to delays or complications. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the registration process so that you’re fully prepared.

Step 1: Create an ETS Account to Access the GRE Portal

Before you can register for the test, you must create an account on the official ETS website. This account is your central dashboard for everything GRE-related.

• Visit the ETS website and click on “My GRE Account.”
• Fill in your name, date of birth, and contact details exactly as they appear on your ID.
• Set up a strong password and save your login credentials securely.
• Choose your communication preferences (email updates, reminders, etc.).

Step 2: Choose Between the GRE General Test and Subject Test

Depending on your academic goals, you need to select the appropriate test.

• GRE General Test is widely accepted for most graduate and business programs.
• GRE Subject Tests are required for specific programs (like Psychology or Mathematics).
• For this blog, we focus on the GRE General Test only.

Also, decide whether you want to take the GRE at a test center or GRE at home, a new format introduced by ETS.

Step 3: Select the Most Suitable Test Date and Location

Availability of test slots can vary, especially during peak seasons. ETS allows you to search for test dates based on your location.

• Use the test center locator on the ETS website.
• You can view dates 6 months in advance.
• Booking at least 2 months ahead is recommended to avoid last-minute unavailability.

Step 4: Accurately Fill Out Personal, Educational, and Background Information

Once you select your slot, you’ll need to provide detailed personal and academic information.

• Ensure your name and date of birth match your passport.
• Include undergraduate college, major, and your intended field of study.
• Optional survey questions help ETS with research and don’t impact your application.

Step 5: Choose Score Recipients for Free Reports

ETS allows you to send your GRE scores to up to four institutions for free on test day.

• Carefully enter university names or codes during registration.
• Additional reports can be sent later at an extra fee.

Step 6: Pay the Registration Fee and Finalize Your Booking

Once you confirm all your details, proceed to payment.

• GRE fee: INR 22,000
• You can pay via:
  • Credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
  • PayPal
  • Money orders or ETS vouchers (if available)

After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your test date, time, and location (or online link for at-home tests).

GRE Registration Deadlines and Slots

Unlike other exams with fixed deadlines, GRE offers flexible scheduling. However, that doesn’t mean you should leave things for the last minute.

• GRE is available year-round.
• Test centers and at-home formats offer rolling slots that fill up quickly during peak times (August–December).
• Rescheduling is allowed but must be done at least four days in advance of your scheduled test date.

💡 Tip: If you’re targeting fall admissions, aim to take your GRE between July and October to have time for retakes if necessary.

Ready to Book Your GRE Slot?

Don’t wait until the last minute—secure your ideal test date now! Follow our expert-backed steps, avoid common mistakes, and stay ahead of deadlines.

GRE At Home vs Test Center: Registration Differences

Both GRE at home and GRE at a test center follow a similar registration flow, but the technical and procedural requirements vary slightly. Here's how they compare:

Criteria	GRE At Home	GRE at Test Center
Availability	24x7, any day	Fixed test dates
Proctoring	Live online proctor	In-person supervisor
ID Verification	Webcam and AI tools	Manual check
System Requirements	System check mandatory	Not required
Environment	Quiet, private space	Controlled testing room

To register for the GRE at home, you'll need to:

• Download and run the ETS system check tool.
• Ensure you have a webcam, mic, and stable internet.
• Choose "GRE at Home" option during registration.

Looking for specific test center details? Check out our guide on GRE Test Centers in India: GRE Test Locations Availability to find the location most convenient for you.

Documents Required for GRE Registration

To avoid any rejections or issues on test day, ensure the following documents and details are accurate and available during the registration process:

• Valid Passport (for Indian students): Must be current and match the name on your GRE profile.
• Email Address: Use an active email to receive confirmation and test-day instructions.
• Academic Information: Including your undergraduate institution and prospective graduate field.
• Payment Method: Keep your debit/credit card details ready.

✅ Make sure to double-check all details before confirming your booking.

If you're wondering whether you meet the criteria to take the exam, check out this detailed guide on GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Who is Eligible for GRE Exam for a closer look at all the requirements.

GRE Registration Fee & Additional Costs

While the base fee for GRE is standardized globally, additional services like rescheduling or sending extra score reports can add to your overall cost.

Service	Fee
GRE General Test	INR 22,000
GRE Subject Test	INR 14,500
Rescheduling Fee	INR 5,000
Additional Score Reports	INR 2,900
Score Review (Analytical Writing)	INR 5,000
Test Center Change	INR 5,000

Get the latest updates on GRE exam fees in India, including registration, rescheduling, and score report costs.

👉 Check the full fee breakdown now and plan your budget smartly!

Special Registration Cases: Disabilities & Accommodations

ETS offers accommodations to ensure fair testing for individuals with:

• Physical disabilities
• Learning disabilities (like dyslexia)
• Health-related needs (such as diabetes)

How to apply:

• Create an ETS account and go to the Disability Services section.
• Submit relevant documentation (medical certificates, psychological evaluations).
• Wait for ETS approval before scheduling your test.
• Accommodations may include:
  • Extended time
  • Extra breaks
  • Screen readers or Braille materials

How to Reschedule or Cancel GRE Registration?

Life happens, and plans may change. ETS allows test-takers to reschedule or cancel their GRE test—but only within specified timelines.

Rescheduling Policy:

• Can be done up to 4 days before the test
• Costs $50 (INR 4,255)
• Done through your ETS account

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancel at least 4 days before for a 50% refund
• No refund if cancelled less than 4 days in advance

Common GRE Registration Mistakes to Avoid

A simple oversight can lead to rejection or issues on test day. Watch out for these frequent errors:

• Entering a name that doesn't match your ID
• Waiting too long to book your slot
• Selecting the wrong test format (home vs. center)
• Forgetting to pick your 4 free score recipients
• Using a payment method that gets declined

✅ Double-check every detail. Take screenshots of your confirmation page and email.

Tips for Smooth GRE Registration

Here are some final tips to make your registration process smooth and efficient:

• Use a desktop or laptop for registration—avoid mobile browsers.
• Preferred browsers: Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox (updated versions).
• Don’t wait till the deadline—register early to get your preferred date and location.
• Make use of ETS resources like the GRE Bulletin and registration video tutorials.

For an in-depth strategy to ace the exam, explore our guide on How to Prepare for GRE Exam- Best Way to Prepare for GRE.

Conclusion

GRE registration is more than just booking a test—it's your first step toward studying abroad and building a global career. With multiple test formats, flexible scheduling, and support for accommodations, ETS has made the process accessible for everyone. 

Follow the steps outlined in this blog to register with confidence, avoid costly errors, and begin your preparation journey with a clear roadmap.