The GRE is somewhere on your radar if you’re thinking about applying to universities abroad in the US, Canada, or parts of Europe. For most postgraduate courses, this test is part of the application process, and it’s often treated like a big deal. But here’s what many people don’t realise early on: the date you pick for your GRE plays a much bigger role than you’d expect.
It’s not just about choosing a random slot that fits your schedule. Your GRE exam date needs to line up with your university deadlines, give you enough breathing room to prepare properly, and maybe even allow for a second attempt just in case the first one doesn’t go as planned. Think of it as one of those small decisions that can have a big impact down the line.
In India, thousands of students apply for the GRE exam each year. But when should you book your slot? What happens if you need to reschedule? How close is the application deadline is too close? These are the kinds of questions we’ll clear up in this guide.
This guide isn’t just about dates on a calendar. It’s about helping you plan smarter so you can step into your test centre (or home setup) fully ready. We’ll break down all the key details around GRE exam dates.
GRE Exam 2025: When Can You Expect to Take the Test?
To give you a better sense of how things look month by month, here’s a rough breakdown of GRE test availability in 2025 and beyond:
Tentative GRE General Test Dates in 2025 (India)
| Month | Test Mode | Frequency | Usual Registration Cut-Off |
| January | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
| February | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
| March | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
| April | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
| May | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
| June | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
| July | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
| August | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
| September | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
| October | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
| November | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
| December | Centre / At Home | Weekly or more | ~7 days before test date |
Note: Slots can fill up quickly, especially around application season (Aug–Dec). It’s best to book your date at least a month in advance.
What About Subject Tests in the GRE Exam?
The GRE Subject Tests for subjects like Physics, Psychology, and Math aren’t available year-round. These are only held three times a year, typically in:
- April
- September
- October
If you’re applying for a course that asks for a subject test score, don’t leave this to chance. Plan ahead, especially since missing one window could mean waiting months for the next.
Honest Advice:
If you’re aiming for the Fall 2025 intake, try to give your GRE by August or September at the latest. That way, you’ll have enough time to send scores, finish applications, and, if needed, give the test again. Booking a December slot when your application is due in January may not be suitable.
Also, as you go about registering, remember that ETS lets you reschedule your test with a fee, and it only works if you do it early enough. So having a backup plan (and a few weeks of buffer) never hurts.
Also Read: All About the GRE Exam Fee
Before You Register: Know Which GRE Exam Dates Fits Your Plan
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The GRE General Test
This is the standard GRE most students know about. If you’re applying for a master’s programme in business, economics, computer science, public health, or even English, this is the one you’ll likely need.
- It covers basic maths, reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and an essay.
- It’s accepted by thousands of universities across the globe, and it doesn’t test deep subject knowledge, just how well you think.
- You can sit for it pretty much any week of the year. You can either go to a test centre or take it from home.
Unless a university asks for something specific, the General Test is your best bet.
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The GRE Subject Tests for Niche Courses
There’s a second type of GRE called the Subject Test, and it’s only needed for very specific fields. Think PhDs or research-heavy master’s programmes in areas like:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Psychology
These tests dig deeper into the subject and they’re not available all year. You only get three chances: April, September, and October.
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Which One Do You Need?
The simplest way to figure it out is by checking the course requirements on the university’s website. Most don’t need a Subject Test, but it’s worth double-checking if you’re heading into hardcore research territory.
Quick Comparison
| GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test | |
| Who needs it | Most master’s applicants | Select PhD/Research programmes |
| Covers | Verbal, Quant, Essay | Subject-specific knowledge |
| Test format | Online (centre or home) | Paper-based |
| Frequency | Year-round | Only in Apr, Sep, Oct |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
Rescheduling Your GRE: What You Need to Know
If you decide you want to take the test on a different day, ETS allows you to reschedule your exam. But it’s not free. The rescheduling fee varies depending on when you make the change.
Generally, the earlier you reschedule, the lower the fee. For example, if you reschedule more than a week before your test, you might pay less than if you wait until the last minute. It’s a good idea to act quickly once you know you want to change your date because availability also plays a role. Some popular test centres fill up fast, especially in busy months, so you don’t want to wait too long.
When you reschedule, check the new test date carefully. It should still give you enough time to prepare and fit with your application deadlines.
Cancelling the GRE Exam: When and How
Sometimes you might decide it’s best to cancel altogether as you want to take a break or postpone your plans.
The cancellation policy works like this:
If you cancel well in advance of your test day, you’ll get part of your fee back. But if you cancel too close to the test, you might lose the entire fee. So don’t wait until the last minute to decide.
What Happens if You Just Don’t Show Up?
If you don’t take the test on your scheduled day and haven’t cancelled or rescheduled properly, you’ll lose your entire test fee. Unfortunately, ETS treats this as a no-show with no refund.
So if you know you can’t make it, it’s always better to cancel or reschedule to avoid losing your money completely.
At-Home vs Test Centre GRE: What’s Different About the Dates?
The GRE now gives you two ways to take the test either at a test centre or from your home. Both have their own pros to keep in mind.
Test Centre Dates: Fixed and Sometimes Limited
When you book the GRE at a test centre, you choose from specific dates that the centre offers. These are set in advance, and you’ll find that popular centres in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore can fill up quickly, especially around August to December when most students apply.
So if you want to take the test at a centre, book your slot early. Otherwise you might have to wait for weeks to find an open date.
At-Home GRE: More Flexibility, But With Conditions
Taking the GRE from home is fairly new and lets you pick a date and time that suits your schedule as long as it fits within ETS’s testing hours. The big plus is you don’t have to travel anywhere. You do need a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection, and you have to take the full test in one go without interruptions.
The testing windows for at-home GRE can be a bit flexible but they do have limits, so it’s not completely open-ended.
A Quick Heads-Up About Retakes
No matter which way you take the GRE, you’ll have to wait 21 days between attempts if you want to try again.
How to Plan Your Prep by Working Backwards From Your GRE Exam Date?
When you have fixed the GRE exam date, you can plan your preparation by starting from that day and moving backwards.
Step 1: Lock in Your Test Date and Make It Visible
First thing, get your GRE exam date written down where you’ll see it every day. It could be a wall calendar, your phone’s reminders, or even sticky notes on your desk. Treat this date like a non-negotiable appointment. Knowing there’s a deadline keeps your prep focused and prevents procrastination.
Step 2: Set Your Final Full-Length Practice Test Date
Plan to sit for a full-length practice test under exam-like conditions about a week before the exam. This means timing yourself strictly and simulating the test environment as closely as possible. Aim to do this at least seven days before your actual test day to work on trouble areas.
Step 3: The Last Week Should Be Gentle and Restful
In the seven days leading up to your exam, slow down the pace of studying. Focus on light review. This week is about reinforcing what you know and resting your mind. Ensure you get plenty of sleep, eat nourishing food, and avoid any stressful distractions. Your brain will thank you for it on test day.
Step 4: Two to Four Weeks Before the Exam
This is when you want to buckle down and really put in the work. Spend this time reviewing all the important topics, practicing sections under timed conditions, and polishing your test-taking skills. Work on improving both your accuracy and speed.
Step 5: One to Two Months Out
Depending on how much time you can dedicate each day, this is typically when your serious prep begins. Create a weekly study schedule that covers all sections of the GRE: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
Break down the topics into manageable chunks and set small goals. This way, progress feels steady, and it’s easier to track what you’ve accomplished.
Step 6: Start With a Diagnostic Test
Before diving into your preparation, take a diagnostic GRE test. This can be your starting point to show you where you’re strong and where you need the most work. It’s a useful way to avoid wasting time on areas you’re already comfortable with and to focus your energy where it matters most.
Putting It All Together – A Sample Timeline
Say your GRE exam date is set for 1st October. Here’s an example of how you might plan:
- 1st October: Test day
- 24th September: Full-length practice test to gauge readiness
- 17th – 23rd September: Light review and rest
- 10th – 16th September: Intensive practice, focusing on weaker topics
- 1st – 9th September: Deep study sessions, timed practice sections
- August: Begin your structured prep schedule, setting clear weekly targets
- July: Take your diagnostic test and start planning your study approach
Where to Find GRE Prep Material That Won’t Cost You an Arm and a Leg?
Getting ready for the GRE often feels like it’ll cost a small fortune. Between pricey prep books, courses, and practice tests, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how much you need to spend just to get started. However, there are several ways to prepare well without emptying your wallet.
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Start With the Official Free Stuff
Before you buy anything, head straight to the official GRE website run by ETS (the folks who create the test). They offer free practice questions and even a full-length practice test online. Using their materials means you get a feel for the real exam without spending a rupee.
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Check Out Your Local Library
Many people forget that libraries are goldmines when it comes to exam prep. Most public and university libraries carry popular GRE prep books you can borrow at no cost. Even if the physical book isn’t available, many libraries have digital borrowing services where you can download eBooks or audiobooks.
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Buy and Sell Used Prep Books on BookMandee
One of the smartest ways to cut down your GRE prep costs is by buying second-hand prep books. Many students who’ve finished their tests sell their gently used materials for a fraction of the original price. BookMandee is an online marketplace tailored just for this. You can find everything from popular prep guides to specialised subject test books. Once you’re done, you can sell your books there again. It’s a win-win.
GRE Exam Dates FAQs and Answers
What are the GRE exam dates for 2025?
The GRE General Test is offered throughout the year at most test centres. You may be able to choose almost a GRE exam date that fits your schedule. Even though the exam is ‘year-round,’ your local test centre might have fewer slots during certain times. So, check the official ETS website early and book as soon as you find a date that works.
How early should I book my GRE test date?
Booking your GRE exam date about one to two months in advance is usually a good rule of thumb. If you wait too long, especially during the popular months, you might find your preferred test centre or date is already full.
Are there days when the GRE isn’t offered?
Generally, the GRE General Test is available almost every day of the year. However, some test centres close for public holidays or special events. So it’s not unusual for certain dates to be unavailable at your chosen centre. The GRE Subject Tests, on the other hand, are more limited. They’re only offered three times annually, usually in September, October, and April.
Can I change my GRE exam date after I’ve booked?
Yes, you can change your test date, but it’s not completely flexible. ETS requires you to reschedule at least four days before your exam date, and there’s a fee involved when you do. Trying to reschedule less than four days before isn’t allowed. So, it’s best to pick a date you’re fairly confident about from the start to avoid extra charges or complications.
When will I get my GRE scores after the test?
Right after you finish the GRE General Test, you’ll get unofficial scores for the verbal and quantitative sections on screen. But the official, full score report, which includes your essay (analytical writing) score, typically takes about 10 to 15 days to reach your ETS account. For GRE Subject Tests, it takes around five weeks. So, keep these timelines in mind when planning your applications.
When is the best time of year to take the GRE?
The best time to select the GRE exam date depends on your application deadlines. If you’re applying for courses starting in the fall, many people choose to take the GRE between August and October. For spring or summer admissions, you might want to sit the exam earlier in the year.
How long are GRE scores valid?
Your GRE scores remain valid for five years from the GRE exam date. This gives you some flexibility to take the test early and apply to schools later. Just ensure your target universities accept scores within this five-year window.