The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test used for admission to postgraduate programs like MS, MBA, and PhD. If you want to study abroad for your postgraduate degree, you might be curious about the GRE eligibility requirements.
ETS (Educational Testing Service) has an open-door policy, so there are no strict age limits or required minimum undergraduate GPAs to take the GRE. However, each university may set its own requirements.
GRE 2026: Key Highlights at a Glance
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Feature
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Details for 2026
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Age Limit
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No minimum or maximum age. |
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Education
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No specific degree required to test (though a Bachelor’s is usually needed for university applications). |
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Mandatory ID (India)
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Valid Indian Passport (Original and current).
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Test Duration
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1 Hour 58 Minutes (The “Shorter GRE” format).
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Score Validity
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5 Years. |
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Official Results
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Delivered within 8–10 business days. |
1. Dimensional Eligibility Criteria
Age Requirement
There is no age limit for the GRE. Whether you are a final-year student or a professional with over 10 years of experience, you can take the GRE.
Educational Qualifications
You do not need to show proof of graduation to take the GRE. However, since it is a graduate-level test, it is intended for those who have finished their undergraduate degree.
Number of Attempts
You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in a 12-month period. Having a gap in your education does not affect your eligibility.
ID
Indian students must show their original Indian passport. The name on your ETS account must match your passport. Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or driver’s license are not accepted.
What You Need to Take GRE at Home
3. The “At-Home” Exam Protocol (New for 2026)
If you choose to take the GRE at home, you need to meet certain technical requirements:
- Secondary Camera: Starting in 2026, many regions require a second camera, such as a smartphone or external webcam, to show a 360-degree view or side profile for security.
- Environment: You must be in a private room with a regular desk and chair. Public spaces and sitting on a bed are not allowed.
- Whiteboard: You must use a small desktop Whiteboard: You must use a small desktop whiteboard or a clear sheet with an erasable marker for rough work. Scratch paper is not allowed.on is handled entirely through the official ETS website.
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Service
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Estimated Fee (INR)
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GRE General Test
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₹22,550 (approx.)
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GRE Subject Test
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₹14,500 (approx.)
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Rescheduling/Location Change
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₹5,000
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5. University Benchmarks for 2026
Although more schools are becoming test-optional, a high GRE score can still help you make up for a low GPA or earn a merit-based scholarship.
Many schools are becoming “test-optional” but a high GRE score
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University
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Expected GRE Range (2026)
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MIT / Stanford
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328+ (Quant focus) |
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Harvard / Oxford
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325+ |
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National Univ. of Singapore (NUS)
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320+ |
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University of California, Berkeley
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318+ |
6. Strategic Preparation for 2026
The 2026 GRE is now shorter, lasting just under two hours. You should focus more on accuracy than endurance.
- Master the Issue Essay: There is now only one essay, so make sure it stands out.
- Vocabulary in Context: Rote memorisation of 3,000 words is out; understanding how words funVocabulary in Context: Instead of memorizing thousands of words, focus on understanding how words work in complex sentences.
- Use Official Materials: Study with The Official Guide to the GRE from ETS to practice with the most accurate question types.
