GRE Registration: Step by Step Application Process
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test widely accepted by graduate, business, and law schools globally. In the previous year, approximately 319,101 individuals took the GRE General Test, with non-U.S. citizens comprising 69% of the examinee population.
If you plan to pursue graduate, business, or law school in 2025, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a crucial step in your application journey. In this blog, you’ll walk through the entire process on how to register for the GRE exam, from creating your ETS account to selecting your test date and location.
How to Register for the GRE Exam?
GRE General Test registration is available year-round through the ETS official website. Test-takers can choose from multiple test dates and locations or opt for the GRE at-home testing option, providing flexibility to schedule the test at their convenience.
The process is managed through the official ETS website, which allows candidates to register for both the GRE General Test and Subject Tests. Registering for the GRE in 2025 is straightforward, whether you choose the General Test or a Subject Test.
Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you follow the registration process smoothly:
Create an ETS Account: Visit the ETS registration portal to create a free account. Ensure your name matches your ID exactly (excluding accents).
Select Test Format: Choose between testing at a center or at home. At-home testing requires meeting specific equipment and environment criteria.
Pick a Test Date and Location: For test center exams, select a convenient location and date. For at-home tests, schedule a suitable time slot.
Provide Identification Details: Ensure the name on your ETS account matches your valid, government-issued ID. Review your country's specific ID requirements.
Pay the Test Fee: The GRE General Test fee is $220 (INR 18K) worldwide. Additional fees apply for rescheduling or changing test centers.
Confirm and Submit Registration: Please review all details carefully before submitting. After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email with your test details.
Confirm and Submit Registration: Carefully review all entered details before submitting your registration. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email containing your test date, time, and other essential information.
Additional Tips:
Early Registration: Registering early ensures the availability of preferred test dates and centers.
Rescheduling Policy: You can reschedule your test up to four days before the test date for a fee of $55 (INR 4.6K).
Review Test Day Procedures: Familiarize yourself with what to expect on test day by visiting the ETS test day page.
What are the 3 Ways for GRE Exam Registration?
Registering for the GRE in 2025 offers flexibility to suit various preferences and circumstances. Whether you prefer online convenience, phone assistance, or traditional mail methods, ETS provides multiple registration options to accommodate your needs.
1. Online Registration via ETS Account
The most efficient and widely used method is registering through your ETS account. This platform allows you to schedule your test, select test centers or at-home options, and manage all aspects of your GRE experience.
How to Register: Visit the ETS Registration Portal to create or log into your account.
Test Availability: You can register for the GRE General test at the official portal and for Subject Tests at the Subject Test Registration Portal.
Payment: Pay test fees securely online.
Confirmation: Receive immediate confirmation and access to your test details.
2. Phone Registration
Phone registration is available for those who prefer personal assistance or have specific queries. This method is beneficial for individuals requiring accommodations or those without internet access.
How to Register: Contact ETS at 1-609-771-7670 or 1-866-473-4373 (toll-free in the U.S.).
Availability: Phone support is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Assistance: Get help with scheduling, accommodations, and payment options.
3. Mail Registration
For those who prefer traditional methods or cannot register online, mail registration is an option. This method requires more time for processing and confirmation.
How to Register: Download the GRE Information Bulletin and complete the registration form.
Submission: Mail the completed form and payment to the address in the bulletin.
Processing Time: Allow additional time for mail delivery and processing.
How to Register for the GRE General Test?
The GRE General Test is highly opted by students. Are you also up for the same? Well, let us then walk you through the GRE General Test registration process below:
Visit the official website of ETS and create a user profile by adding all information.
Choose GRE General Test and select the convenient test centre, time and test date.
Re-check all the information and pay the GRE registration fee.
How to Register for GRE Subject Test?
You need to follow a different process if you wish to take the GRE Subject Test. Is it critical?, if you may ask. No, definitely not! Let us simplify it for you below:
Visit the official ETS website to create a profile to take up the GRE exam.
Choose the GRE subject test from the option and select the subjects of your choice.
Submit the GRE test registration form
Choose the GRE exam registration date and test centre from the list
Confirm all the details and make the GRE registration fee payment.
What Is the GRE Exam Registration Checklist?
Registering for the GRE requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth process. Proper planning and attention to detail can help you avoid common pitfalls and meet all requirements.
Below is a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the necessary steps and requirements.
1. Valid Email Address: Ensure you have access to a valid email address, as all communication from ETS, including registration confirmations and score reports, will be sent to this address.
2. Government-Issued ID: Prepare a valid, government-issued photo ID that matches the name you used during registration. This ID will be required on the test day for identity verification.
3. ETS Account: Create an ETS account at https://ereg.ets.org/ to manage your registration, schedule your test, and access your scores.
4. Test Selection: Decide whether you will take the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test. General Tests are available year-round, while Subject Tests are offered in specific months.
5. Test Format Choice: Consider your location and preferences when taking the test at a test center or opting for the at-home testing option.
6. Test Date and Location: Select your preferred test date and location (for test center testing) or schedule your at-home test session through your ETS account.
7. Payment Method: Prepare a valid payment method to cover the test fees. The GRE General Test fee is $220 (INR 18,600) worldwide, with additional costs for rescheduling or changing test centers.
8. Score Recipients: Decide which institutions to send your scores to. You can send scores to up to four recipients for free during testing.
9. Special Accommodations (if applicable): If you require special accommodations due to a disability, submit your request to ETS well before your desired test date. Approval may take several weeks.
10. Review Registration Policies: Familiarize yourself with ETS's registration policies, including rescheduling and cancellation procedures, to avoid surprises.
GRE Slot Booking
The next important step after GRE test registration is GRE slot booking. This is another leverage given to GRE test takers. Appear for the test on your preferred date and time. Isn’t it great?
There is absolutely no need to wait for the ETS to declare the exam date after registration. You can choose the one that best suits your comfort and study plans.
Steps to book your GRE exam slot:
Sort the available options using the "By Date" and "By Distance" tabs in the page's top-left corner and choose the preferred options.
You may also scroll through the calendar or enter your nearby location for GRE slot booking.
Select "Register" and review all the test information. Check the "Testing Policies" checkbox, click "Next," and give your preference for GRE Exam registration. Click on "Next" again.
Enter all necessary information and add the free GRE preparation items to your cart for payment.
Click "Next" and select the "Proceed to Checkout" button.
Review the details and select the "Pay Now" button.
Enter your payment information and click on the "Buy" button.
Check the confirmation page and registration confirmation email to ensure GRE slot booking by ETS is successfully confirmed.
What is GRE Registration Fees?
Registration process? Checked!
Slot Booking? Checked!
Now let us explore the last segment of your GRE registration- the fees.
The GRE registration fees is different for different countries. The GRE registration fee in India is INR 22,550. Let us have a look at the GRE fee for some of the top countries below:
Country Name | GRE Fee |
|---|---|
China | USD 231 |
India | INR 22,550 |
Rest of the world | USD 220 |
GRE Registration Fees Breakdown:
Test Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
GRE General Test | $220 | INR 22,550 | Includes both computer-based and at-home testing options. |
GRE Subject Test | $150 | INR 14,500 | Available for Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. |
GRE At-Home Test | $220 | INR 22,550 | Same fee as the General Test; requires specific technical setup. |
Rescheduling Fee | $50 | INR 5,000 | It must be done at least 4 days before the original test date. |
Test Center Change | $50 | INR 5,000 | Applicable for both General and Subject Tests. |
Additional Score Report | $30 | INR 2,900 | Free for the first four reports; charges apply thereafter. |
Score Review | $60 | INR 5,900 | Available for Analytical Writing Assessment. |
Score Reinstatement | $50 | INR 5,000 | Reinstates previously canceled scores. |
Returned Payment Fee | $30 | INR 2,900 | Applies if payment is returned due to insufficient funds. |
Accepted Payment Methods:
Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Rupay, American Express.
UPI Payments: Including PhonePe, Google Pay, and BHIM UPI-enabled apps.
PayPal: Available for international transactions.
eCheck: For U.S. bank accounts, it is not applicable in India.
Digital Wallets: These are accepted in select regions; check with ETS for availability.
GRE Fee Reduction Program
ETS offers a Fee Reduction Program to assist individuals facing financial hardships. Eligible candidates can receive:
General Test: Reduced to $100 (approximately INR 8,200).
Subject Test: Reduced to $75 (approximately INR 6,200).
Free Test Prep Materials: Access to POWERPREP PLUS® Online Practice Tests and ScoreItNow!™ Online Writing Practice.
How Can You Reschedule or Cancel Your GRE Exam Registration?
Life is full of unexpected events, and sometimes you may find it necessary to adjust your GRE test plans. If you're facing issues like a family emergency or sudden work travel, you may need to reschedule your GRE exam through your ETS account at least four days in advance.
For those requiring more prep time, you can cancel your current slot and rebook a new date when you're ready via the ETS scheduling portal.
Rescheduling Your GRE Exam:
Minimum Notice: At least 4 days before your scheduled test date.
Fee: $50 (approximately INR 4,170).
Method: Can be done online through your ETS account or by contacting GRE Services.
Limitations: Appointments cannot be rescheduled beyond one year of the original appointment date.
Note: Rescheduling fees are non-refundable. It's advisable to confirm the new test date and location before finalizing the reschedule.
Cancelling Your GRE Exam:
Minimum Notice: At least 4 days before your scheduled test date.
Refund: 50% of the original test fee.
Method: Cancellation can be done online through your ETS account or by contacting GRE Services.
After the Deadline: No refund is provided if cancellation is made less than 4 days before the test date.
Note: Refunds are processed using the original payment method and may take several business days to reflect.
Changing Your Test Center:
Fee: $50 (approximately INR 4,170).
Method: Request through your ETS account or by contacting GRE Services.
Considerations: Availability of test centers may vary; ensure your preferred center has open slots.
Note: Changing your test center is subject to availability and may not be possible in all regions.
