Updated on Sep 05, 2025 | 10 min read | 2.81K+ views
Share:
Latest Update: As of mid-2025, the GRE exam fee in India has been updated: the GRE General Test costs ₹22,000 and the GRE Subject Test costs ₹14,500. Additional service fees like rescheduling and score reports remains unchanged.
As GRE exam gains popularity in India for pursing Master’s, MBA or PhD abroad, students ponder over the cost of taking it. In India, the GRE exam fees for the General Test currently stands at INR 22,000, while the Subject Test is priced at INR 14,500. These fees represent a considerable investment toward your future academic and professional goals.
Beyond the basic registration fee, candidates should also account for GRE Exam fees in India associated with additional services, that is rescheduling, changing test centres, extra score reports and more. Understanding this fee structure is essential for effective financial planning and avoiding unexpected charges.
Moreover, knowing the full breakdown from base fee to possible add-ons, helps streamline the preparation process and sets realistic expectations. With rising expenses and dynamic policies, a clear overview of GRE exam cost components empowers students to budget confidently and make informed decisions.
What is the GRE Exam Fees in India?
The GRE Exam Fees in India for 2025 are set by ETS and can vary slightly depending on exchange rate fluctuations. The GRE General Test typically costs between INR 22,000, while the GRE Subject Test is priced consistently at ₹14,500. These rates apply regardless of whether you're taking the test at a physical test centre or at home—India maintains parity in pricing across both modes.
Contrasting to other location like USA or UK, the fees is USD 220 (approx. INR 19,300) which shows that fees in India is comparatively higher than other locations.
Here is a General test vs subject test fee table for better readability:
Test Type
Fee (INR)
GRE General Test
22,000
GRE Subject Test
14,500
What additional fees do I budget for GRE Exam in 2025?
Even after paying the base GRE exam fees, many students incur extra charges for services they use after registration. These charges, set by ETS but collected in INR, includes fees for:
Rescheduling
Changing your test centre, or
Requesting additional score-related services
Understanding these fees up front will help you plan your full GRE exam cost more accurately.
H3: What is the cost of rescheduling or changing test details?
If you need to move your GRE test date or change the test centre, ETS charges a rescheduling or change fee. In India, both actions cost ₹5,000 each, provided the request is made at least four days before your scheduled test. Last-minute changes are not permitted and may lead to forfeiting your test fee.
After your GRE results are declared, you can send your score reports to four institutions of your choice. The initial registration fees covers sending score reports to 4 institutions for free, if you selected them at registration or immediately after the test.
Beyond these four, each additional score report costs ₹2,900 per recipient.
What are the other optional services (e.g., score review, reinstatement)?
ETS also offers optional post-exam services. These are rarely used but can be important if you dispute or reinstate your scores. Current charges in India are:
Service
Fee (INR)
Notes
Score Review Request (Analytical Writing)
₹5,900
If you believe your AWA was scored incorrectly
Score Reinstatement (if you cancelled scores)
₹5,000
Within 60 days of test date
Returned Payment Fee
₹2,900
Charged if payment fails or is reversed
Being aware of these charges helps you avoid unplanned expenses. For most students, careful scheduling and planning of universities can minimise or eliminate these additional GRE fees.
What are the GST, Markup and Payment Processing Charges?
The actual GRE exam fees is more than what is published officially. This is because since GRE is an international exam, international payment charges and GST tax taken by Indian government also adds up.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applied at 18% on the exam fee. Since ETS charges in US dollars, your bank converts the payment into INR, usually adding a foreign exchange markup of around 1–2%. In addition, some banks or payment gateways may charge a flat transaction fee or payment processing charge.
Following table illustrates the total expense incurred during registration.
Component
Amount (INR)
GRE General Test base fee
₹22,000
GST (18%)
₹3,960
Forex markup (approx. 2%)
₹440
Total estimated cost
₹26,400
It does not include additional costs as they are subject to situations. If you want to calculate by also adding those, first add all costs and then apply GST and markup charges on the combined base charges.
Key Points to Remember
Always check if your card issuer charges additional cross-currency conversion fees.
Using international cards with lower markup rates can save a few hundred rupees.
The GST component is mandatory, but forex markup can vary depending on the bank.
How much score should you aim for getting admissions in best universities abroad? Read GRE Scores
What Payment Methods are Accepted for GRE Exam in India?
There are several payment methods accepted for paying GMAT registration fees in India. Along with the international payment options, local online transactions like BHIM-UPI is now also being accepted as a payment option.
Debit Cards: Visa, Master Card, Maestro, Rupay Debit Cards etc.
Digital Wallets: Paytm, Amazon Pay, PhonePe, FreeCharge, JioMoney, OlaMoney, WhatsApp Pay, PayZapp, Airtel Money, MobiKwik etc.
UPI: Supported via Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, Bharat QR, and all BHIM UPI-enabled apps
Other Modes: DCC (Dynamic Currency Converter) for Visa and Master Cards are also supported
Can I get a refund if I cancel the GRE?
ETS allows you to cancel your GRE test appointment, but you must follow their deadlines to recover part of the fee. Understanding these policies is important because last-minute changes can cost you almost the full amount.
How can I cancel my GRE test and how much refund will I get?
If you cancel your GRE General or Subject Test appointment at least four days before the test date (10 days for China) you are entitled to receive 50% of your test fee as a refund. Cancellations after this deadline forfeit the entire fee.
Steps to cancel:
Log in to your ETS or ETS India account.
Select your scheduled test and click “Cancel”.
ETS will confirm cancellation and process the refund to the original payment method. Refunds generally take 7–10 business days to appear on your bank statement.
What is the GRE rescheduling policy and fee in India?
Instead of cancelling, you can reschedule your test for a later date. In India, ETS charges a rescheduling fee of about INR 5,000. This fee is the same for both at-home and test centre formats.
Key points:
Rescheduling must also be done at least four days before your appointment (10 days for China).
You can change either the date or the test centre (subject to availability).
If the new date’s fee is higher (rare but possible after price updates), you must pay the difference.
Knowing these timelines and fees can save you significant money and stress when your plans change.
Are GRE Fee Waivers or Reductions Available for Indian Students?
ETS runs a Fee Reduction Program for test takers facing financial hardship, and it also extends discounts through partner organisations. However, these waivers are more common in the U.S. and a few other countries. In India, availability is limited but still worth exploring.
What is the ETS GRE Fee Reduction Program?
ETS offers a 50% discount on the GRE General Test fee for eligible applicants. This program is aimed at students with demonstrated financial need, unemployed individuals, or participants in select national fellowship programs.
Key details:
Applicants must submit proof of financial need or participation in a qualifying program.
Approval is granted before you register for the test.
If accepted, you’ll receive a voucher code to apply during registration.
In India, the program isn’t as widely publicised, but some candidates applying for U.S. fellowships have been able to use it.
How else can Indian students reduce GRE exam fees?
Besides ETS’s official program, Indian students can sometimes cut costs through:
University or scholarship sponsorships: Some universities reimburse or cover GRE exam fees for shortlisted candidates.
Education NGOs or test-prep initiatives: A few organisations partner with ETS to provide discounted vouchers to high-achieving, low-income students.
Currency advantage on ETS India portal: Registering and paying through the ETS India page (rather than the global site) helps avoid foreign exchange mark-ups.
Group or institutional discounts: Occasionally offered through test-prep centres for bulk registrations.
By proactively looking for these programs or vouchers, Indian candidates can significantly reduce the GRE exam cost they bear personally.
Paying the GRE exam fees in India is a simple online process, but doing it correctly prevents failed transactions or delays in scheduling. The steps below apply when booking through the official ETS India portal (recommended for Indian candidates to access local payment methods like UPI).
You can register and pay for the GRE General Test or Subject Test entirely online:
Create or log in to your ETS account Visit ETS India GRE and sign up with your email ID.
Select your test Choose GRE General Test or Subject Test and select your preferred test centre or at-home option.
Pick your test date The portal shows an interactive calendar with available slots.
Enter your personal details Fill in your passport details, contact information and score recipient institutions (you get 4 free reports).
Review and confirm Double-check test details, date, and recipient codes.
Choose your payment method Options include Credit/Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard/AmEx), UPI-enabled apps (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM), PayPal, and in some cases Paper Check or e-Check.
Complete payment Enter card or UPI credentials. If using UPI, scan the QR or approve the request in your app.
Receive confirmation – ETS sends a confirmation email with your test details and payment receipt. Save it for future reference.
Tips to avoid payment issues
Enable international transactions on your card if paying in USD.
If your transaction fails, switch from card to UPI or PayPal on the ETS India site.
Pay well before the registration deadline to avoid late fees.
Always use the same name as on your passport to prevent registration errors.
Following these steps ensures your GRE exam cost is paid securely and your test date is locked in without hassle.
Understanding the GRE Exam Fees and related charges is essential for Indian aspirants planning higher studies abroad. By booking through the ETS India portal, candidates can view the latest GRE fees in India, pay securely via cards or UPI, and avoid unexpected forex mark-ups. Being aware of additional costs like rescheduling, score reports, and refund policies helps you plan your budget effectively. With the right information, managing your GRE exam cost becomes straightforward, letting you focus on preparing for your test.
Download these useful guides to ace your GRE preparation
Study Master Programs in USA
MS in Data Analytics and Visualization in USA
Dual certification - IIITB as well as Yeshiva University. End-to-end support for applications and visa./
Yes. When you register through the official ETS India portal, the price you see already includes GST. If you book through the global ETS site in USD, your bank may add GST and forex mark-ups separately.
Is there any price difference between GRE at home and test centre?
No. ETS charges the same base fee in India for the GRE General Test whether you take it at a test centre or at home. Any small variation comes only from your bank’s currency or service charges.
What happens if my payment fails while booking the GRE?
If a payment fails, ETS will not reserve your test slot. You must try again with another accepted method. A returned-payment fee (₹2,900) may apply if your bank reverses the transaction after submission.
Does ETS offer any discounts for repeat test takers?
ETS does not automatically discount the fee for repeat attempts. Each registration is billed at the full rate unless you have a valid voucher or have qualified for the official GRE Fee Reduction Program beforehand.
Are there special fees for GRE test takers with disabilities?
No separate fees are charged for approved disability accommodations. Candidates who are granted extra time or other accommodations still pay the standard GRE exam fee; ETS only requires additional documentation during registration.
Can I use UPI or Indian debit cards to pay GRE fees?
Yes. The ETS India portal accepts UPI-enabled apps such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm and BHIM as well as Indian debit cards (Visa/Mastercard). If paying via the global ETS site in USD, UPI may not appear.
How long does it take for a refund to process after cancellation?
After a successful cancellation made within the allowed time, ETS refunds 50% of the test fee to your original payment method. Refunds typically appear in 7–10 business days on Indian bank accounts or cards.
How can I minimize GRE fee costs?
Book early through the ETS India portal to avoid late or forex charges, use UPI to sidestep international card mark-ups, send score reports carefully (first four are free), and explore scholarships or fee-reduction vouchers.
Is GRE exam fees same for all locations in India?
Yes. ETS sets one unified price for Indian test takers regardless of city or test centre. The only differences you might see come from local bank charges or currency conversion if paying in USD.
Is there any fee reduction or vouchers for unemployed candidates?
Yes. ETS’s GRE Fee Reduction Program offers 50% off the General Test to candidates who can prove financial hardship or unemployment. You must apply and receive approval before registering to use the voucher code.
What is difference between GRE General Test and Subject Test?
The GRE General Test measures overall verbal, quantitative and analytical writing skills. GRE Subject Tests measure knowledge in a specific discipline (Mathematics, Physics, Psychology). Subject Tests are paper-based, shorter, and used by specialised graduate programs.
Is taking GMAT exam better than GRE?
It depends on your target program. Business schools widely accept both, but GMAT is tailored for MBA admissions, while GRE is broader and accepted for many master’s and PhD programs. Check your chosen school’s policy before deciding.
upGrad abroad Editorial Team |2859 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
