GRE Exam Eligibility: Who Can Apply and What You Need to Know

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a globally recognized standardized test accepted by over 1,300 business schools and 94 countries for graduate, MBA, and doctoral admissions. Conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE evaluates your verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing ability.

Understanding GRE exam eligibility is essential before registering. The good news? There are no official age or educational qualifications required by ETS. Whether you’re a final-year undergraduate student or a working professional, you can apply for the GRE.

In 2024, over 500,000 candidates took the GRE, highlighting its popularity among Indian and international students alike. However, some universities may have specific requirements, such as a bachelor’s degree or valid ID proof like a passport.

This guide covers who can apply, GRE age limit, educational criteria, ID rules, retake policies, and more everything you need to know before booking your GRE slot.

Who is Eligible to Take the GRE Exam?

GRE exam eligibility is highly flexible, making the test accessible to a broad range of applicants. ETS, the official conducting body, does not impose any specific age, academic, or professional restrictions for the GRE General Test. 

Here are the key GRE eligibility highlights:

• Undergraduate Students: Those in their final year or recent graduates preparing for graduate programs in fields like engineering, social sciences, or humanities.
• Working Professionals: Individuals seeking career advancement through master’s degrees, MBAs, or other professional programs.
• Career Changers: People transitioning to new fields who need a graduate degree to qualify.
• Non-Traditional Learners: Candidates returning to education after a long hiatus or those without a formal academic background.

The GRE Subject Tests, which focus on specific disciplines (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Psychology), are primarily for candidates with relevant academic preparation. While no formal degree is required, these tests are typically taken by:

• Students with an undergraduate major or significant coursework in the subject.
• Applicants to graduate programs that require or recommend a Subject Test score to demonstrate specialized knowledge.

Pro Tip: Always check with your target programs, as some may not require GRE scores or may prioritize other admission factors, such as work experience or portfolios.

Learn more in this detailed guide: Top Benefits of Taking the GRE 

GRE Eligibility Criteria for Indian and International Students

When it comes to GRE exam eligibility, ETS maintains a uniform standard for all applicants, regardless of nationality. This means both Indian and international students are equally eligible to appear for the GRE General Test and Subject Tests.

Indian Students

• Registration: Register via the ETS GRE website, by phone, or through authorized test centers in India. Create an ETS account to manage your test booking and scores.
• Identification: A valid, unexpired passport is mandatory for Indian test-takers. The name on the passport must exactly match the name used during registration. Other IDs, such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, or driver’s licenses, are not accepted.
• Test Options: Choose between test-center testing (available in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad) or at-home testing, which requires a compatible computer, stable internet, and a private, proctor-approved environment.

International Students

• Registration: Similar to Indian students, international candidates register through the ETS website. Ensure you select a test center or at-home option available in your country.
• Identification: A valid passport is the primary ID for most international test-takers. In some countries, alternative government-issued IDs (e.g., national ID cards) may be accepted, but this varies. Check ETS’s country-specific ID requirements.
• Test Availability: The GRE is offered in over 160 countries, with test centers in major cities and at-home testing widely available. Confirm availability in your region when scheduling.

At-Home Testing Considerations

The GRE at-home, introduced by ETS, is a convenient option for Indian and international students but comes with strict requirements:

• Technical Setup: A desktop or laptop (no tablets/mobile devices), reliable internet, a webcam, and a microphone are required.
• Environment: A quiet, private room with no interruptions. Proctors monitor via webcam to ensure compliance.
• ID Verification: Present the same ID (typically a passport) to the online proctor as you would at a test center.

For both Indian and international students, ETS recommends registering early to secure preferred test dates and locations, especially during peak seasons (e.g., fall for U.S. graduate school applications).

GRE Exam Age Limit and Educational Qualification

One of the most appealing aspects of GRE exam eligibility is its flexibility—there is no official age limit or minimum educational qualification set by ETS. This makes the GRE accessible to a wide pool of candidates worldwide.

Age Limit

• No Minimum or Maximum Age: Candidates of any age can take the GRE, from young undergraduates to retirees pursuing further education. Whether you’re 18 or 65, you’re eligible as long as you meet registration and ID requirements.
• Parental Consent: Not required, even for minors, as the GRE is a voluntary test for academic purposes.

Educational Qualification

• No Degree Requirement: ETS does not mandate a bachelor’s degree or specific coursework to take the GRE General Test or Subject Tests. Candidates with high school diplomas, associate degrees, or no formal education can register.
• Program-Specific Requirements: While ETS imposes no academic prerequisites, graduate programs often require a bachelor’s degree for admission. Some programs may also specify coursework or GPA thresholds. Research your target schools’ admission criteria to ensure alignment.

For GRE Subject Tests, while no degree is required, familiarity with undergraduate-level content in the relevant field (e.g., calculus for the Mathematics test) is essential for a competitive score.

ID Requirements for GRE Exam 2025

Proper identification is a critical component of the GRE testing process, ensuring security and score validity. ID requirements are strict and vary by country.

General ID Guidelines

• Primary ID: A valid, unexpired government-issued ID with a recent, recognizable photo and a name matching the registration details.
• Acceptable IDs: Passports are universally accepted and required in most countries, including India. In select regions, other IDs like national ID cards or driver’s licenses may be permitted.
• Name Matching: The name on your ID must match the name entered during registration, including spelling and order. If you have a name change (e.g., due to marriage), update your ETS registration or bring supporting documentation.

For Indian Test-Takers

• Mandatory Passport: A valid passport is the only acceptable ID for both test-center and at-home testing in India. Other documents, such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, or college IDs, are not permitted.
• Test Day: Bring your passport to the test center or have it ready for the at-home proctor. Ensure it’s not expired.

For International Test-Takers

• Passport Preferred: Most countries require a passport. In regions where alternative IDs are allowed (e.g., EU countries with national ID cards), confirm acceptability on the ETS website.
• Supplemental ID: If your primary ID lacks a photo or signature, you may need a secondary ID (e.g., a debit/credit card or student ID). Check country-specific rules.

At-Home Testing

• ID Presentation: Show your ID to the proctor via webcam at the start of the test. Ensure good lighting and clarity.
• Backup Plan: Have a secondary ID ready in case of technical issues or proctor requests.

ID Requirements by Region (2025)

Region	Primary ID	Alternative ID
India	Passport (mandatory)	None
United States	Passport, driver’s license, state ID	Student ID, government-issued ID
EU Countries	Passport, national ID card	Driver’s license, student ID
At-Home Testing	Passport (preferred)	Varies by country

Important: ID policies may change. Always check the ETS GRE ID requirements page at least one month before your test date to confirm compliance. 

How Many Times Can You Take the GRE?

ETS offers flexibility for candidates to retake the GRE to achieve their target scores, with clear guidelines on frequency and score reporting.

Frequency of Attempts

• GRE General Test: You can take the test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous 12-month period (365 days). This limit applies even if you cancel scores from a previous attempt.
• GRE Subject Tests: Offered less frequently (typically 2–3 times per year, depending on the subject). There’s no limit on retakes, but availability may restrict scheduling.
• Test Formats: The 21-day rule and five-test limit apply to both test-center and at-home testing for the General Test.

Score Reporting

• ScoreSelect Option: After taking the GRE, you can choose which scores to send to schools (e.g., your highest score or all scores from the past five years). This applies to both General and Subject Tests.
• Program Policies: Most graduate programs consider your highest score, but some may request all scores or average them. Confirm with your target schools.
• Score Validity: GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date, giving you flexibility in applying to programs.

Strategic Planning

• Preparation Time: Allow 4–8 weeks between attempts to study and address weak areas, using resources like ETS’s Official Guide or practice tests.
• Test Scheduling: Book early, especially for test centers in high-demand areas like India, where slots fill quickly during peak seasons (August–December).

Special Accommodations for GRE Test Takers

ETS is committed to ensuring the GRE is accessible to all, offering accommodations for candidates with disabilities, health-related needs, or other documented conditions. Accommodations aim to provide a fair testing experience without altering the test’s integrity.

Types of Accommodations

• Time Adjustments: Extended time (e.g., 1.5x or 2x standard time) or extra breaks.
• Assistive Technology: Screen-reading software (e.g., JAWS), adjustable font sizes, or ergonomic keyboards.
• Physical Accommodations: Separate testing rooms, wheelchair-accessible centers, or adjustable lighting.
• Medical Needs: Permission to bring medical devices (e.g., insulin pumps) or snacks for health conditions like diabetes.

Eligibility for Accommodations

• Documented Conditions: Disabilities (e.g., visual/hearing impairments, learning disabilities), chronic health conditions, or temporary conditions (e.g., injury).
• Supporting Documentation: Medical reports, psychological evaluations, or letters from healthcare providers detailing the condition and recommended accommodations. Documentation must meet ETS’s guidelines.

Application Process

1. Create an ETS Account: Log in to your GRE account on the ETS website.
2. Submit Request: Complete the accommodations request form and upload documentation via the ETS Disability Services portal.
3. Processing Time: Approval typically takes 6–8 weeks, longer for complex cases. Submit requests well before your desired test date.
4. Test Scheduling: Once approved, schedule your test with accommodations through ETS’s Disability Services team (not the standard registration portal).

At-Home Testing Accommodations

• Availability: Some accommodations (e.g., extended time, extra breaks) are supported for at-home testing, but options like separate rooms or specialized equipment may be limited.
• Verification: Discuss your needs with ETS during the approval process to ensure compatibility with at-home testing.

Check out: GRE Exam Duration: What is Duration of GRE Exam

Common GRE Accommodations (2025)

Accommodation Type	Description	Examples of Eligible Conditions
Extended Time	Additional testing time (1.5x, 2x, or custom)	Learning disabilities, ADHD, visual impairments
Extra Breaks	Additional or longer breaks during the test	Anxiety, chronic pain, diabetes
Assistive Technology	Screen readers, magnification software, ergonomic keyboards	Blindness, low vision, motor impairments
Physical Adjustments	Separate room, adjustable seating, accessible test centers	Mobility impairments, sensory sensitivities
Medical Allowances	Permission to bring medical devices, snacks, or medications	Diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions

Learn more about the detailed GRE exam structure here: GRE Pattern – A Quick Look at the Exam Format

Conclusion

Understanding GRE exam eligibility is the first step in your graduate admission journey. ETS has kept the process flexible; there are no fixed age or educational criteria, making it accessible to students and professionals worldwide.

However, while ETS doesn’t restrict who can apply, individual universities may set their own prerequisites such as a bachelor’s degree or valid ID proof (like a passport). It's important to align your GRE plans with the admission requirements of your target programs.

Whether you're aiming for a Master’s, MBA, or PhD, knowing the GRE exam eligibility criteria in 2025 helps you avoid application errors and prepares you for success. For a focused two-month study plan, explore this GRE preparation guide from upGrad to structure your prep effectively.