GRE General Test Eligibility: Age Limit, Educational Qualification & Score
There are no official eligibility criteria set by ETS for appearing in the GRE General Test. The GRE General Test is open to candidates from all academic and professional backgrounds. There are no restrictions based on age, academic, or professional backgrounds. Neither are there limits based on age, educational qualifications, or work experience. As one of the most widely accepted assessments for MS and MBA admissions globally, the GRE General test is can be taken by anyone planning to pursue graduate studies abroad.
Candidates aiming to pursue graduate studies in countries like the USA, Canada, and Germany must take the GRE General test as part of their application process. Since no mandatory conditions are to be met to take the test, the test is inclusive and accessible to all aspirants. Let us explore the GRE eligibility criteria based on age, education, and number of test attempts in detail!
GRE General Test Eligibility: Key HighlightsÂ
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Age Requirement | No upper or lower age limit; candidates of all age groups can take the GRE 2025. |
| Academic Qualification | No minimum qualification required; even a graduation degree is not mandatory to register. |
| GRE General Test Purpose | Designed primarily for students applying to master’s or/and doctoral programs abroad. |
| Identification Documents needed | A valid passport is mandatory for Indian candidates to appear for the GRE General Test. |
Why Take the GRE General Test?
If you’re aiming to pursue an MBA or MS abroad, taking the GRE General Test can give your application a competitive edge. GRE scores are accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools not only in the USA but also in countries like Canada, the UK, Germany, and Australia, among others.
What makes it more appealing is that the GRE test’s eligibility criteria are simple – there are no strict age or academic requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of candidates. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional, the GRE General Test allows you to showcase your readiness for advanced studies.
Read Also: GRE Syllabus
GRE General Test:Flexible Eligibility Criteria
The GRE General Test’s eligibility criteria are designed to be inclusive and flexible. Conducted by ETS, the GRE does not impose strict eligibility requirements, making it accessible to candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.Â
There is no age limit, no minimum educational qualification, and no restriction on the number of attempts, making it ideal for anyone planning to apply for graduate and doctoral, programs globally. Whether you’re a final-year student or a working professional, you can easily register and take the GRE General Test without worrying about being ineligible.
GRE General Test Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit
There is no minimum age limit for appearing for the GRE exam. ETS allows candidates of any age group to register for the GRE, making it accessible to both students and working professionals. Therefore, you can complete the GRE registration process regardless of your present age.
GRE General Test Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification
ETS does not prescribe any minimum academic qualification for taking the GRE General Test. However, since the GRE is used for admission into graduate and doctoral programs like MS, MBA, and PhD, candidates are typically expected to have completed their undergraduate studies or at least be in the final year of their undergraduate studies. It’s important to note that GRE scores may not be required by all universities, so applicants should check specific university guidelines.
GRE General Test: ID Requirements in India
To be able to succesfully register for and attempt the GRE General Test, candidates are required to possess (during registration) and present (at the start of the test), a valid Indian passport in original, with their full name, clear photograph, and a signature. This is the only accepted primary at all GRE test centers.
Read Also: GRE Exam Pattern
GRE General Test: Attempt Limit
There is no restriction on the number of attempts a GRE aspirant can make in his/her lifetime on the GRE General Test . However, ETS does set a limit on the number of attempts in a calendar year: Candidates may take the GRE up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, with at least21 days between each attempt.
GRE General Test: Work Experience Requirement
Work experience is not mandatory to be eligible to take the GRE General Test. While relevant work experience may enhance your graduate school application, it is not required to appear for the GRE General Test.
GRE General Test: Accommodation for Differently-Abled Candidates
ETS ensures an inclusive testing experience by offering special accommodations for differently-abled candidates. Applicants must submit the required documentation via the forms available in the ETS bulletin.
GRE General Test-: ‘At – Home’ Testing Guidelines
Candidates opting for the GRE ‘at-home’ exam must take the test in a quiet, well-lit space. A tabletop setup and a functioning webcam are mandatory for remote proctoring. Note that only the computer-based GRE General test is available in India to be taken ‘at-home’, as the paper-based GRE General test is no longer administered in India.
Read Also: GRE Preparation
GRE Test: Requirements for Top Universities
| University Name | GRE Eligibility Criteria |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | GRE score of 320 and above |
| Cambridge University | GRE Accepted |
| Oxford University | GRE Accepted |
| Harvard University | GRE Accepted |
| Stanford University | GRE Accepted |
| Imperial College London | GRE Accepted |
| ETH Zurich | Not Applicable N/A |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | GRE Accepted |
| University College London (UCL) | GRE Accepted |
| University of California, Berkeley Campus | GRE Accepted |
GRE Test: Preparation Roadmap
| Preparation Aspect | Details |
| Exam Name | GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test |
| Purpose | Required for admission to MS, MBA, and PhD programs in the USA and other countries |
| Preparation Duration | ~3 to 6 months (varies based on individual proficiency) |
| Test Format | Computer-based (at test centers or at-home version). A paper-based test is administered in specific locations. |
| Sections to Prepare | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. |
| Recommended Study Time | 2–3 hours/day on weekdays; 4–5 hours on weekends |
| Mock Tests | Minimum 6–8 full-length mock tests before the exam |
| Resources (Books) | ETS Official Guide, IMs Manya,Manhattan Prep, Magoosh, Kaplan, Barron’s |
| Online Platforms | ETS PowerPrep, GREedge, Magoosh, Princeton Review, IMS |
| Sectional Tips | Quant: Practice Data Analysis & Algebra
Verbal: Focus on vocabulary & comprehension AWA: Practice structured essay writing |
| Daily Practice | Vocabulary (10–15 words), 1 RC Passage, 10 Math Questions |
| Weekend Strategy | 1 Full-Length Mock Test + Analysis (towards second half of preparation) |
| Eligibility Reminder | No age or academic restrictions; a valid passport is required for Indian applicants |
Read Also: GRE Exam Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Which degree should I possess to be eligible for the GRE ?
There is no specific degree required to be eligible for the GRE test. However, since the GRE is typically used for admission to graduate programs like MS or MBA, candidates are generally expected to have completed or be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree in any relevant field of study.
Is the GRE tough for Indian students?
The GRE can be challenging for Indian students due to its emphasis on advanced vocabulary, analytical writing, and critical reasoning—areas not always emphasized a lot in Indian academic systems. However, with consistent preparation, mock practice tests, and strong English skills, Indian students can perform well and achieve competitive GRE scores for global admissions.
What is a 90% GRE score?
A 90th percentile GRE score means you scored better than 90% of test takers. This typically translates to 162 or more in Verbal Reasoning, a 169 or more in Quantitative Reasoning, and a 5.0 or more in Analytical Writing. Such a score significantly boosts your chances of admission to top-tier graduate or business programs worldwide.
