GRE Score Validity 2026

Did you know? Over 60% of international students miscalculate their GRE test timeline relative to application cycles. Indian applicants can avoid this by mapping GRE test dates, score validity, and university deadlines on a simple calendar.

GRE score validity refers to the period during which your GRE scores can be officially reported to universities. For both the GRE General and Subject Tests, ETS allows scores to be valid for five years from the test date. This means if you took the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) on January 1, 2025, your scores remain reportable until December 31, 2029. Understanding this window is crucial for planning your applications, as submitting expired scores can affect admission and scholarship opportunities. 

In this blog, you’ll learn everything about GRE score validity, including how universities interpret scores, strategies to plan your test date, what to do if your score is nearing expiration, and tips for Indian students applying abroad. We’ll also cover timelines and actionable planning advice to ensure your scores remain valid for your target programs. 

Understanding “GRE Score Validity” 

GRE score validity is the period during which your GRE scores can be officially reported to universities. For both the GRE General Test and Subject Tests, this validity lasts five years from the test date. In simple terms, if you take your GRE today, you have five years to submit your scores to any program that requires them. This window ensures universities are evaluating your current abilities rather than outdated performance. 

Understanding this concept is crucial because it affects application timing, retake strategies, and eligibility for scholarships. Many students mistakenly assume scores last indefinitely, which can lead to missed deadlines or the need to retake the exam. 

Key Points About GRE Score Validity: 

• Applies to both General and Subject Tests 

• Validity starts from the test date 

• Scores cannot be officially reported after five years 

• ETS ScoreSelect lets you choose which scores to send within this period 

Term	Explanation
Validity Period	5 years from test date
Reporting Window	The timeframe you can send scores to universities
ScoreSelect	ETS feature to report only selected scores

It’s also helpful to know the difference between validity for reporting and validity for internal evaluation. Reporting validity refers to the five-year official submission window, while some universities may consider older scores internally, although they won’t accept them officially. 

Official Validity Period for GRE Scores 

Your GRE scores have a clearly defined official validity period set by ETS. For both the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests, scores remain reportable for five years from the test date. This means universities can receive your official scores during this window, and any attempts to send scores after this period will be rejected by ETS. 

Understanding the official validity period is crucial for planning your applications, especially for international programs, where deadlines and visa processing can take several months. Misaligning your GRE score with your application cycle can force a retake, adding stress and cost. 

How It Works: 

Test Type	Validity Period	Notes
GRE General Test	5 years	Scores are reportable for any program worldwide within this period
GRE Subject Test	5 years	Some universities may require recent scores, depending on the field

ETS ScoreSelect Feature: 

• Lets you choose which test scores to send to universities within the validity period 

• Helps manage multiple attempts without affecting your application 

Example Scenario: 

• If you took your GRE on March 1, 2022, your scores remain valid until February 28, 2027. You can submit them to as many universities as you like during this period. 

Key Considerations: 

• Scores cannot be retroactively reported once expired. 

• Some universities may require more recent scores, especially for fast-changing fields like STEM. 

• Always confirm deadlines to ensure your scores fall within the five-year validity window. 

Why Five Years? The Rationale Behind the Validity Window 

The five-year validity period for GRE scores isn’t arbitrary; it reflects how universities and ETS evaluate current academic ability. Skills tested on the GRE, such as critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning, can change over time. A five-year window ensures that your scores represent your recent abilities, giving admissions committees a reliable measure of readiness. 

For students applying internationally, especially from India, this timeline is crucial. Aligning test dates with university deadlines ensures scores are valid for applications, scholarships, and visa processes. According to a survey of international applicants, nearly 60% of students misalign their GRE scores with application cycles, which can lead to unnecessary retakes or missed deadlines. 

Key Points About the Five-Year Window: 

• Maintains relevance of test scores 

• Reflects academic growth or changes in abilities 

• Provides a flexible but limited window for multiple applications 

Example: 

Test Date	Last Reportable Date	Years Remaining
Jan 15, 2021	Jan 14, 2026	5
Jul 10, 2022	Jul 9, 2027	5

Practical Implications for Students: 

• Plan your test strategically: Early testing may risk expiry, late testing may reduce prep time 

• ScoreSelect usage: Send only your best scores within the validity period 

• Retakes: Only necessary if scores are nearing expiration or below target 

How Universities Interpret GRE Score Validity 

Understanding GRE score validity is only part of the puzzle. How top universities interpret this five-year window can significantly affect your application strategy. Most universities worldwide accept scores that are up to five years old, but some programs may have stricter requirements, especially for highly competitive or fast-changing fields. 

Key Points: 

• Standard Policy: Most universities follow ETS’s five-year validity rule. 

• Exceptions: Certain programs, particularly in STEM or analytics-heavy courses, may require more recent GRE scores to ensure students’ skills are current. 

• Application Strategy: Always check program-specific requirements before submitting scores. 

University GRE Validity Policies:  

University Type	GRE Policy	Notes
General Admission	Accept 5-year-old scores	Standard for most programs
Competitive STEM Programs	Prefer ≤ 3 years	Ensures up-to-date quantitative skills
Scholarship Consideration	Check each scholarship	Some require recent scores for eligibility

Tips for Applicants: 

• Review official program pages for score validity policies. 

• Contact admission offices if your scores are close to expiry. 

• Use ScoreSelect to send only your best scores within the valid period. 

Note: Even if your scores are within the official five-year window, submitting more recent scores can sometimes strengthen your application, particularly for programs emphasizing current quantitative or verbal reasoning skills. 

Implications for Indian Students & Study-Abroad Applicants 

For Indian students planning to study abroad, understanding GRE score validity is crucial for aligning test dates with university deadlines, scholarships, and visa timelines. The five-year validity window gives some flexibility, but poor planning can lead to expired scores or rushed preparation. 

Key Considerations for Indian Applicants: 

• Application Timeline: Ensure your GRE scores are valid at the time of submission. For example, if your scores expire before you submit your application, you will need to retake the GRE. 

• Scholarships & Fellowships: Some scholarships require recent scores (within 2–3 years), even if ETS allows five-year validity. 

• Visa Processing: Certain universities require official score reports during visa documentation; expired scores can delay the process. 

Scenario Planning Table: 

Scenario	Risk	Recommendation
Test early, 4–5 years before application	Scores may expire before submission	Retake if necessary; use ScoreSelect
Test late, close to deadlines	Limited prep time; increased stress	Plan study schedule carefully; early registration recommended
Score nearing expiry	Application deadlines overlap	Check university policy; consider retaking

Tips for Indian Students: 

• Do: Check deadlines, plan test dates in advance, and keep track of score validity. 

• Don’t: Assume scores remain valid indefinitely; never delay sending scores. 

• Do: Use ETS ScoreSelect to submit only your best scores within the five years. 

What If Your GRE Score Expires? Options & Strategy 

Even with careful planning, there’s a chance your GRE score may expire before you submit your applications. Once scores pass the five-year validity window, ETS will not report them, and most universities will not accept expired scores. Understanding your options and having a strategy can save time, money, and stress. 

Options When Scores Are Nearing Expiration: 

• Retake the GRE: The most common solution is to schedule a new test. Retaking ensures your scores are current and reportable. 

• ScoreSelect: If you’ve taken multiple GRE attempts within the validity window, you can choose the best scores to send. This is helpful if some attempts are approaching expiry. 

• University Exceptions: Very few universities may consider older scores internally, but this is rare and usually not reliable for official submissions. 

Expired or Near-Expiry Scores:  

Scenario	Recommended Action	Notes
Score expired before application	Retake GRE	The only way to submit official scores
Score valid but close to expiration	Submit early	Use ScoreSelect to send immediately
Multiple GRE attempts	Use ScoreSelect	Send only the best within the validity period

Strategies to Avoid Expiry Issues: 

• Plan your test well in advance of your application deadlines. 

• Keep a personal timeline tracking your test date, last reportable date, and target application dates. 

• Consider retaking earlier than necessary if your score is borderline for your target program. 

Conclusion 

Understanding GRE score validity is essential for planning your test dates, submitting applications on time, and maximizing your chances for admission and scholarships. With a five-year reporting window, students have flexibility, but careful planning is key to avoiding expired scores and unnecessary retakes. 

For Indian students and international applicants, aligning your GRE test date with application deadlines, scholarship timelines, and visa processes can make a significant difference. Using tools like ETS ScoreSelect allows you to report only your best scores within the validity period, giving you greater control over your applications. 

Start your GRE journey with a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad today and send your best scores with confidence!