GRE Registration 2026: How to Register, Documents, Fees and Dates for Indian Students

GRE registration is done online through an ETS account, and Indian students can book the General Test on any day of the year. The rules below follow the 2026-27 GRE Information Bulletin (valid July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027). For the exam structure, see the GRE Exam Overview.

• Registration deadline: Book online at least 2 calendar days before your test date.
• Registration fee: $249 (₹25,522) for registrations made on or after August 1, 2026.
• Registration mode: Online through your ETS account; phone booking is available for test center slots in most locations.
• Official website: ETS GRE Registration
• Test dates: General Test year-round; Subject Tests only in fixed windows.
• Test mode in India: Prometric test centers or GRE at home with a live proctor.
• ID for Indian citizens: Valid original passport only.

Also Check: GRE Fees in India

GRE Registration for Indian Students 2026

Indian students need an ETS account, passport, a payment card, and a chosen date and test mode. Keep these ready before you start.

ETS Account

Every GRE booking is made through an ETS account, which is free. The same account is used to view, change, or cancel your registration and to see scores.

• New test takers: Create one account at ets.org/mygre.
• Existing account: Confirm the account name still matches your passport.
• Name mismatch: Contact GRE Services to correct it before booking.

Personal Details

Your first and last name must exactly match your passport, excluding accents. A mismatch can stop you from testing or lead to cancelled scores.

• First name: Full given name; no nickname or initial.
• Last name: Complete surname as printed, including two-part surnames.
• Middle name: Optional; leave the field empty if you have none.
• Long names: Enter as much of the full legal name as the field allows.

Identification Document

Indian citizens testing in India must show a passport with name, photograph, and signature. ETS lists the Aadhaar card as unacceptable. See GRE Eligibility for Indian Students for who can take the test.

• Original only: Photocopies and digital IDs on a phone are not accepted.
• Valid on test day: Expired documents are rejected.
• Supplemental ID: May be asked for if the passport is questioned; it cannot fix a name mismatch.

Background Information

The form uses ETS code lists for a few background details. No marks or certificates are asked for.

• Intended major: From the GRE department and major field codes.
• Citizenship and country: From the GRE country code list.
• Native language: From the GRE native language code list.

Preferred Test Date

You choose one date and time from the seats shown in your ETS account. Seats are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Official scores reach universities about 8 to 10 days after the test, so plan around your deadlines. City-wise slots are on GRE Exam Dates.

Test Mode

You can test at a center or at home. The at-home test has the same content, format, and on-screen experience.

• At-home availability: Offered based on the country of your account address.
• At-home system: Desktop or laptop, Windows or Mac, Chrome, and a phone as a second camera.
• At-home booking: Online only through your ETS account.

Payment Method

The fee is paid online in full; cash is not accepted. The 2026-27 Bulletin lists these methods.

• Cards: Visa, Mastercard, RuPay Global, American Express, Diners Club International, Discover, JCB and UnionPay.
• Other: PayPal and authorization vouchers.
• India-specific options: The Bulletin refers test takers in India to ETS India; options appear at checkout.
• Verification: Your bank may ask for an OTP or 3D Secure code; a wrong entry rejects the payment.

ETS fee reduction vouchers are limited to people testing in the US and its territories, so they do not apply in India.

How to Register for GRE

To register for the GRE online, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to the official ETS GRE India website. (Link Here). Click on “Register for GRE.”

Step 2: Sign in or create an account if you do not already have one.

Step 3: After signing in, click on “Register Now.”

Step 4: Select the test as “GRE General Test” and choose your exam mode (test center or at-home). You can also select the date range to check availability.

Step 5: You will then be able to see the list of available test dates and centers. Select your preferred date, center, and time slot, and click on “Register”.

Step 6: Check your test details and read and acknowledge all the policies.

Step 7: Make sure your name exactly matches the name on the ID you will present on test day. For Indian test takers, the primary accepted ID is a valid passport with your name, photograph, and signature.

Step 8: Accept or Reject sharing your information with ETS partners for admissions, scholarships, fellowships, or other educational opportunities.

Step 9: Answer the mandatory background information, like your country of residence, your current study level, intended study level, etc.

Step 10: After this, you will see a list of all the official prep materials that you can buy along with the test. These include practice tests and books.

Step 11: Review all the details carefully and then make the payment. Use valid payment methods and remember to enable international transactions on your card.

Step 12: You will receive an email confirming your test and all its details. You can also access this information anytime from your ETS GRE account.

Valid payment methods:

Note: ETS may change the look of its portal. Screen names can differ, but the information asked stays the same.

GRE Registration Dates and Deadlines

The GRE General Test has no fixed registration window because it runs year-round. The deadlines below are counted from your own test date.

The 4-day rule counts back from the test day. For a Saturday test, the cut-off is Tuesday.

To check the exact GRE dates available in different cities and states, refer to GRE Exam Dates 2026.

GRE Subject Tests run only in fixed windows. The windows still open in the 2026-27 cycle are below.

GRE Registration Fee 2026

The GRE General Test fee is $249 for registrations made on or after August 1, 2026. The table separates the base fee, taxes, and extra charges as ETS lists them.

GRE Registration Confirmation

Your registration is confirmed once payment succeeds and ETS sends a confirmation email. The booking also shows in your ETS account.

• Appointment confirmation number: Needed to change or cancel a booking by phone.
• At-home email: Carries the Start Your Test link and a QR code for ID verification.
• What to bring to a center: ETS lists only valid, acceptable ID.

Watch out: If money is deducted but no booking appears, do not pay again straight away. Check your account first, then contact ETS support for India.

Changes After GRE Registration

You can reschedule or cancel a GRE booking online until 4 days before the test. After that, the test fee is forfeited.

Rescheduling

Yes, the test date can be changed for $55 (INR 5,650) in your ETS account. The new date must fall within one year of the original appointment. For step-by-step help, see GRE Rescheduling. Center change rules are covered under Test Centers above.

Cancellation and Refund

Yes, a cancellation made on time returns half the test fee. Cancel online in your ETS account.

Service fees, prep material, and other services are not refunded. ETS India says refunds go to the original payment method and may take about 15 business days.

Correction of Registration Details

Yes, but name changes need documents. ETS processes a name change once it approves the supporting documents sent through GRE Services. Mailing address changes can be made online in your ETS account.

No-Show Policy

No, there is no refund if you miss the test. Universities are not told about the absence. To test again, register and pay afresh.

Common Mistakes While Registering for GRE

Most GRE registration problems come from the name, the ID, or the 4-day rule.

• Using initials: Writing an initial in place of the surname printed in the passport creates a mismatch.
• Relying on Aadhaar: It is listed as an unacceptable ID; only the passport works.
• Passport expiring before test day: Expired documents are rejected at check-in.
• Skipping the equipment check: At-home tests that fail system rules get no refund or free reschedule.
• Late IDVaaS verification: A failed check on test day means you cannot test as scheduled.
• Missing the 4-day cut-off: Later changes forfeit the test fee.
• Not picking free recipients: Later score reports cost $40 each.

GRE Registration for Indian Students

A few rules apply to Indian students in ways not covered above.

GRE registration for Indian students is open year-round through an ETS account and closes 2 calendar days before each test date. The General Test costs $249 plus a 4% service fee, with taxes included. Indian citizens need a valid passport, since Aadhaar is not accepted. Changes and cancellations close 4 days before the test, and an on-time cancellation returns 50% of the test fee.