Introduction
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the most widely accepted standardized tests for admission to graduate programs, including MS, MBA, and PhD courses worldwide. Conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE is designed to assess candidates on their analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning skills.
Unlike other competitive exams, the GRE does not have strict eligibility criteria. Candidates from all educational backgrounds and age groups can register for the exam, making it accessible to a broad range of students and professionals.
This article provides a detailed overview of GRE eligibility criteria for 2025, covering age limits, educational qualifications, ID requirements, and the number of allowed attempts.
Who Can Take the GRE Exam?
The ETS (Educational Testing Service), which conducts the GRE, does not impose any specific eligibility requirements. This means:
- No Age Limit &ndash There is no upper or lower age restriction for taking the GRE. Candidates of all age groups can register.
- No Educational Qualification Requirement – Candidates from any academic background can take the GRE. However, since the exam is primarily for master’s and PhD admissions, having an undergraduate degree is advisable.
- Valid Passport Required – Candidates must have a valid, original Indian passport with their name, photograph, and signature as the primary ID proof for GRE registration and test-day verification.
GRE Eligibility Based on Age
Most international universities do not have an upper age limit for admission, and ETS does not impose any age restrictions on GRE test-takers. Whether a candidate is a fresh graduate or a working professional, they can register for the GRE at any time.
This flexibility makes the GRE suitable for students, as well as professionals looking to switch careers or pursue higher education abroad.
GRE Eligibility Based on Educational Qualification
ETS does not mandate any minimum educational qualification for taking the GRE. However, candidates should note the following:
- The GRE is primarily used for graduate admissions, so universities usually expect candidates to have completed their undergraduate degree.
- Some programs and universities require GRE scores as part of their admission process, while others may not. It is advisable to check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are applying to.
- The GRE is not required for undergraduate admissions. It is meant for students seeking admission to MS, MBA, and PhD programs.
ID Requirements for GRE Registration
To register for the GRE, candidates must provide valid identification. In India, the only acceptable ID proof is a valid, original passport.
Important ID Requirements:
- The passport must be original, valid, and unexpired.
- It should include the candidate’s full name, photograph, and signature.
- No other ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN Card, Driving License, etc.) is accepted for GRE registration or at the test center.
Candidates should ensure their passport is valid before registering for the GRE to avoid any last-minute issues.
Number of Attempts Allowed for the GRE
The GRE is designed to offer flexibility, allowing candidates to retake the exam if needed. However, ETS has set certain limits:
- A candidate can take the GRE up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period.
- There must be a minimum gap of 21 days between two GRE attempts.
- Scores from all attempts are recorded in the ETS system, but candidates can use the ScoreSelect option to send only their best scores to universities.
This 21-day gap allows test-takers to analyze their performance, improve their weak areas, and retake the exam for a better score.
Who Should Take the GRE?
The GRE is ideal for:
- Students planning to pursue a Master’s (MS), MBA, or PhD abroad.
- Professionals looking to switch careers or pursue higher education.
- Candidates who want to apply to universities in the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries where GRE scores are accepted.
- Students applying for STEM, Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities programs that require GRE scores.
Since many top universities worldwide consider GRE scores as a part of their admission process, taking the GRE is a strategic step for students aiming for competitive graduate programs.
Conclusion
The GRE is an accessible and flexible test with no rigid eligibility criteria, making it a great option for students and professionals seeking international education.
- There are no restrictions on age or educational background, but candidates should have completed undergraduate studies for meaningful GRE use.
- A valid passport is required for both registration and test-day identification.
- Candidates can take the GRE multiple times, but they must wait 21 days between attempts and can attempt it a maximum of 5 times per year.
Before registering, students should research their target universities’ GRE requirements to ensure their scores will be considered in the application process.
By preparing strategically and utilizing multiple attempts wisely, test-takers can maximize their GRE scores and improve their chances of admission to top universities.
_0.jpg?null)
.jpg?null)
_7.jpg?null)
