GRE - SPLessons

GRE Test Eligibility

Home > Lesson > Chapter 2
SPLessons 5 Steps, 3 Clicks
5 Steps - 3 Clicks

GRE Test Eligibility

GRE Test Eligibility


shape Introduction

GRE - GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION, currently known as GRE revised General Test, is owned and administered by ETS ( Educational Testing Service, a US-based organization). GRE revised General Test is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for most Graduate Schools and Business Schools across the globe. GRE was first created in 1949 by ETS. GRE primarily aims to measure the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills of the aspirants of higher education and is not related to any particular academic discipline or field.. GRE is recognized as a standard agreed-upon test by several universities around the globe. GRE is offered as a computer-delivered test year-round at Prometric testing centers around the world and as a paper-delivered test up to three times a year in areas where computer-delivered testing is not available.

shape Eligibility

There is no particular eligibility criteria set by ETS for the aspirants of GRE. Any candidate with a valid and acceptable identification (which clearly shows name, photograph, and signature) is eligible to take the GRE test. The ID requirements depend on where a candidate plans to take the test and his/her country of citizenship. CLICK HERE - GRE TEST - ID REQUIREMENTS COUNTRY/LOCATION WISE. Below mentioned are the General ID Document Requirements.

  1. The ID document should be an original document; photocopied documents are not acceptable.

  2. The ID document should be a government-issued national/state/province identity card that is recognized by the country in which the candidate is a citizen or permanent resident.

  3. The ID document should be valid; expired documents (bearing expiration dates that have passed) are not acceptable.

  4. The ID document should bear full name exactly (excluding accents) as it was when registering for the test including a recent, recognizable photograph.

  5. The ID document should include the candidates signature. (the name and signature on the ID document must match)

Prospective Graduate and Business school applicants from all around the world who are interested in pursuing a Master's, MBA, specialized Master's in Business, Doctoral degree (PhD) in any discipline are eligible to take the GRE General Test and/or GRE Subject test. Different countries have different measures of grade system. GRE ensures a common measure and fairness for comparing candidates'qualifications of varying educational and cultural backgrounds.


The only requirement for registering for the GRE Test is a valid passport (which clearly shows name, photograph, and signature). In India, the test taker should have a valid passport and have to get the original passport (not photocopies) which clearly shows their full name, photograph, and signature. No other identification documents (like birth certificate, international driving license etc.) can be used as an alternate identity proof.
The following are the primary requirements of universities/schools that accept GRE scores.
  • There is no particular eligibility criteria set by ETS for the aspirants of GRE.

  • Any candidate with a valid passport (which clearly shows name, photograph, and signature) is eligible to take the GRE test. No other identity proofs are accepted except the original passport (not photocopies).

  • The first name, last name, and date of birth given at the time of registration has to match with the identification proof presented by the test taker on the day of the test.

  • In India, the only identification proof accepted at a GRE test center is a valid passport.

  • Unless the ID document is valid on the day of the test the test taker will not be allowed to take the GRE.

  • Test takers can register for the GRE if they have applied for a passport or plan to apply for one before taking the GRE.

  • The GRE cannot be taken more than five times within a rolling 12- month period.

  • Test takers must wait at least 21 days after they have taken the GRE before they can retake the test.

  • For the GRE Test aspirants can choose from many test locations, one can take the GRE General Test at more than 1,000 locations worldwide, in more than 160 countries.

  • With the GRE General Test aspirants can choose from thousands of graduate and business school programs around the world/, including top-ranked MBA programs according to The Financial Times, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Business Week.

  • With the GRE General Test aspirants can keep the options open, if unsure about what to do after graduation. Take the most widely accepted graduate admissions test and get more opportunities for success.

  • With the GRE General Test aspirants can save money, the GRE General Test is less expensive than other graduate admissions tests that measure the same skills.

  • Aspirants can Get FREE test preparation materials and more - created by the ETS to help the aspirant to do their best.

  • Aspirants can sign up for the free GRE search service to help the schools find them.

  • The GRE General Test is the most widely accepted measure of a student's readiness for graduate-level work - and the only test that can help one to get into graduate and business school, giving them more opportunities for success.

  • The GRE General Test features a flexible test-taker friendly design that provides a superior test experience for a test taker.

  • The Score Select option helps one to approach test day with more confidence because it lets the test taker decide which scores institutions see.

Information Source: ETS

GRE - Related Information
GRE - ETS Official Website
GRE - Test Registration