The GRE is a standardized test accepted at thousands of universities all over the world. Approximately 70,000 Indian students sit for the GRE every year.
Unlike many competitive exams in India, the GRE does not have a fixed annual exam calendar. It is offered year-round at Prometric test centers and via GRE at Home. This means you can take it on almost any day that suits you – but it also means you need to proactively check availability on the ETS portal.
There is no single exam slot that is better than others. It all depends on the universities and the course you are applying for – specifically their score submission deadlines.
How to Check GRE Exam Dates 2026 in India
Since the GRE is offered year-round, ETS does not publish a fixed master list of dates. Here is exactly how to find available dates near you:
- Visit ets.org/gre: Go to the official ETS GRE website.
- Log in or create an ETS account: Your ETS account is the central hub for all GRE activities.
- Click ‘Register/Find Test Centers and Dates’: This option is visible on your dashboard after logging in.
- Select GRE General Test: Choose between computer-based test center or GRE at Home.
- Enter your location: Enter your city or postal code to see nearby test centers and available dates.
- Choose your date: Pick a date and time from the available slots. Book 2-3 months in advance for best availability.
Tip: During peak season (October-January for winter/spring intakes), test center slots fill quickly. Book well in advance – or consider GRE at Home for more flexibility.
Find universities that accept your GRE score – AI-powered search across 40,000+ programs. Explore on GradRight
GRE at Home: Dates Are Even More Flexible
The GRE at Home option lets you take the test from your home on almost any day of the week, 24 hours a day. This is an excellent option if:
- Your preferred test center dates are fully booked.
- You want more flexibility in choosing your test time.
- You prefer taking the test in a familiar environment.
GRE at Home requirements:
- A Windows or Mac computer (not a tablet or phone).
- A stable internet connection.
- A quiet, well-lit, private room – no other people allowed.
- A valid photo ID.
Scores from GRE at Home are identical to test center scores. Universities accept both formats equally.
GRE Test Centers in India: City-wise List
Prometric test centers – which administer the GRE – are present across India. Here are the major cities with GRE test centers:
City | Test Center Availability |
New Delhi / NCR | Multiple centers – high availability |
Mumbai | Multiple centers – high availability |
Bengaluru | Multiple centers – high availability |
Hyderabad | Multiple centers – high availability |
Chennai | Multiple centers – high availability |
Pune | Multiple centers |
Kolkata | Multiple centers |
Ahmedabad | Available |
Coimbatore | Available |
Cochin / Kochi | Available |
Chandigarh | Available |
Jaipur | Available |
Nagpur | Available |
Visakhapatnam | Available |
Always verify test center availability on ets.org/gre -locations and availability change. Not all cities have centers open year-round.
GRE 2026 Planning Timeline: When to Book Based on Your Application
Since GRE scores are valid for 5 years, you have flexibility. But matching your test date to your application deadlines matters.
If You’re Applying For | Ideal Test Date | Book Slot By |
Fall 2026 (Aug/Sep start) | Sep-Dec 2025 | Jun-Sep 2025 |
Spring 2027 (Jan start) | Mar-Jun 2026 | Dec 2025-Mar 2026 |
Fall 2027 (Aug/Sep start) | Sep-Dec 2026 | Jun-Sep 2026 |
Rule of thumb: Take the GRE at least 3-4 months before your application deadline. This gives you time to retake if needed (you can retake after 21 days, up to 5 times in 12 months).
Key Facts About GRE Exam Dates and Registration
- Year-round availability: No fixed exam calendar. Dates available almost every day at Prometric centers.
- Retake policy: Once every 21 days; max 5 times in any rolling 12-month period.
- Book 2-3 months early: Popular slots, especially in peak season (Oct-Jan), fill up fast.
- Registration fee: $220 (~₹18,300). Pay via credit card or UPI on ets.org.
- Rescheduling fee: ₹5,000 if you change your test date.
- Score results: Unofficial scores within minutes after the test. Official scores in 8-10 days.
- Score validity: 5 years from the test date.
How to Study for the GRE Exam
To study for the GRE, you need a structured approach:
- Familiarize yourself with the revised test format: Since September 2023, the GRE is approximately 1 hour 58 minutes – 1 AW essay, 2 Verbal sections (41 min), 2 Quant sections (47 min). No more 3-section format.
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Take a mock exam to pinpoint areas that need improvement.
- Create a study schedule: Dedicate consistent study time each week. 3-6 months is the recommended preparation period.
- Use official ETS materials: ETS Official GRE Guide (4th Edition, 2024) and free POWERPREP online practice tests.
Also Read: GRE Exam 2026: Complete Guide – Format, Fees and Syllabus
Also Read: GRE Exam Pattern 2026: Revised Format Explained
Also Read: GRE Study Materials 2026: Best Books and Resources
