GRE Eligibility: Qualification, Criteria, Documents

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test that students take to gain admission to graduate programs abroad. Administered in over 1,000 test centres across 160 countries, the GRE is applicable for a wide range of graduate programs, including law, business, and other disciplines. Before the students start preparing for the GRE, it is crucial to understand the GRE eligibility requirements. 

As to taking the GRE, there are no specific eligibility criteria, making it accessible to a wide range of students. However, candidates need to hold an undergraduate degree, as the GRE is primarily for master's program admissions. Specially-abled students can request accommodations by submitting the necessary documentation to ETS Disability Services. 

GRE Eligibility Criteria 2024 

The good news is that the GRE examining body does not promote any specific eligibility guidelines regarding education or age. So, the GRE test is open to all candidates willing to pursue graduate programs overseas. But, even though the GRE primarily may not have rigid eligibility criteria, students would still need to fulfil other educational requirements for further processes of their master’s degree admissions.

GRE Eligibility - Qualification Requirement

If the students are wondering about the required educational qualification for the GRE, there are no specific eligibility criteria for the GRE Exam. With that, the GRE test is accessible to all aspirants. However since the GRE is exclusively for master's admission, a candidate must have an undergraduate degree in the relevant subject. After all, it is a primary requirement for a master's at top universities abroad.

GRE Eligibility - Age Requirement

Like the educational requirements, ETS has no upper age limit for the GRE exam. Hence, anyone, irrespective of their age, can apply for the examination and pursue further education. 

GRE Eligibility - Documents Requirement

Currently, the students would be required to own a valid Indian passport with their name, signature and photograph, to be eligible for the GRE. This is a primary GRE identification document and must be presented while appearing at their designated GRE test centre with no exception. Do note that mainly a government-authorised ID is required for the test and must meet the following requirements:-

• The ID presented at the exam centre must be original. Photocopies or scanned copies are not acceptable.
• Showing the student’s ID on a mobile phone or any electronic device is not permitted. Only physical copies are accepted.
• For Indian candidates, the ID must be government-issued and prove Indian citizenship.
• The name on the ID must match the name used for GRE registration exactly. Any spelling mistakes will result in disqualification.
• The ID must include a recent photograph and a valid signature of the candidate.
• Expired identification documents are not accepted for GRE eligibility. Ensure that the student’s ID is current and valid.

GRE at Home Eligibility Criteria

As the after-effect of the pandemic in 2020, ETS initiated the GRE at home edition, keeping the safety concerns of candidates on priority. To take the GRE at-home exam, the students must complete it in an environment similar to a test centre. This means sitting at a proper table or desk, rather than on a bed or any other comfortable spot. An online proctor will monitor the entire exam, making this setup a critical requirement for GRE at-home test eligibility. However, here are some guidelines that the students should follow while taking the GRE at home:-

GRE Eligibility for Disabled Candidates

The GRE exam eligibility guidelines include specially-abled candidates and students from all categories. 

• Specially-abled students must complete a testing accommodations request form and submit it to ETS Disability Services. 
• Available accommodations include extended test time, additional breaks, and exam assistance. To qualify, these students must also provide documentation proving their eligibility for GRE accommodations.

GRE Eligibility for GAP Years

Sometimes, candidates choose to take a year or two off to prepare for competitive exams or to plan for studying abroad. Therefore, gap years do not impact in any way to the student’s eligibility to take the GRE exam. 

GRE Score Eligibility Criteria

GRE scores are valid for five years, allowing students to use them for admissions within that timeframe. Therefore, students must ensure they meet the GRE exam eligibility requirements.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024 Re-attempts

In case the students do not achieve the required GRE scores for admission to the desired institutions, they have the option to retake the GRE. The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the exam, allows students to retake the GRE up to five times within a year. There must be a minimum gap of 21 days between each attempt, providing ample flexibility for students to improve their scores. However, they must submit a fee of INR 3,800 (500 USD) to retake the GRE test.

GRE Eligibility for Top Universities

GRE Accepting Countries

There are more than 90 countries all over the world that accept the GRE score. Some of those prominent study-abroad destinations are -