The GRE exam is a necessary step in the journey for many Indian students eyeing graduate programmes overseas. Like most steps in the study-abroad process, it comes with a price tag. The GRE exam fee might seem like just another cost to deal with, but it’s worth looking into properly. Knowing how much it costs and how to avoid spending more than you need to can save you both money and stress. After all, your wallet is already getting pulled in a dozen directions between coaching, college applications, and visa formalities.
This guide is for anyone who wants a clear picture of what the GRE exam will cost. Let’s get into the details and help you budget for the GRE with your eyes wide open.
How Much Does the GRE Exam Actually Cost?
If you’re preparing for the GRE, you might’ve landed on a number in dollars as the exam fee, not rupees.
The GRE exam fee in India is $228. At the current exchange rate, that’s somewhere between ₹18,500 and ₹19,500, depending on the day you pay and your bank’s foreign transaction charges.
That’s for the GRE General Test, which is what most students need when applying to grad schools abroad. If you’re taking a GRE Subject Test (which only a small number of students do), that’s $150, or about ₹12,000 or so.
Here’s a quick table to keep it simple:
| Test Type | Fee (USD) | Approx. Fee in INR |
| GRE General Test | $228 | ₹18,500 – ₹19,500 |
| GRE Subject Test | $150 | ₹12,000 – ₹12,500 |
Since the GRE fee is set in US dollars, your final amount in rupees depends on the exchange rate on the day your payment goes through. Also, most Indian banks add an international transaction fee (usually 1-3%), which can sneak up on you if you’re not expecting it. So your bank might charge a bit more even if your calculator says ₹18,900.
Also Read: All About the GRE Exam
What Does the GRE Exam Fee Actually Cover?
The fee includes:
- Booking your test slot (either at a centre or online at home)
- Access to your official scores
- Sending your scores to four universities of your choice
Only four universities are covered in the basic fee. If you want to send your GRE scores to more schools, there’s a separate fee for that (detailed below).
What You Might End Up Paying Extra For?
The GRE exam fee covers the basics. What many students don’t realise is how easily the costs can stack up if you do not pay attention. Rescheduling, sending scores to more than four colleges, or even changing your test centre all come with separate charges.
Here’s a quick list of the common add-ons and what they’ll cost you:
| What You’re Paying For | Amount (USD) | When This Happens |
| Rescheduling the test | $50 | If you change the test date at least 4 days in advance |
| Changing your test centre | $50 | If you want to write the test at a different location |
| Sending scores to extra colleges | $30 per college | After the 4 free score sends that come with the test fee |
| Reinstating a cancelled score | $50 | If you cancel your score on test day, then change your mind |
| Score review (Quant or Verbal) | $50 | If you think your score is off and want ETS to double-check |
Note: These amounts are subject to change over time. Refer to the official GRE exam website for more details.
What Usually Catches Students Off Guard?
It’s not that these charges are hidden. They’re just not something people think about while registering. Here are a few common situations where students end up paying more than the basic GRE exam fee :
- Booking too early and then rescheduling after realising they’re not ready
- Panic-cancelling scores on test day and later regretting it
- Forgetting to use the 4 free score sends during the test
- Changing test centres because of unexpected travel or personal reasons
None of these are the end of the world. But they do cost money and are avoidable.
A Bit of Planning Goes a Long Way for GRE Exam
If you’ve planned your prep properly, most of these fees won’t apply to you. The key is to know your timeline, shortlist your colleges early, and avoid last-minute changes. That way, you only pay the standard GRE exam fee and skip the rest.
Can You Pay Less for the GRE Exam?
Paying ₹19,000 for one exam isn’t cheap, especially when you’re also looking at coaching fees, college application costs, passport renewals, and various other things that sneak up on you during this process.
So naturally, a lot of students start wondering: Is there any way to reduce the GRE exam fee?
Not really – at least not in India
ETS do offer something called a “Fee Reduction Program”. But it’s only available for students in the US. You need to meet specific eligibility criteria (like low income or being part of certain programmes) and fill out paperwork to get it.
If you’re based in India, this option isn’t available.
That said, here are a few practical things that might help shave off some of your overall expenses even if the GRE exam fee itself stays the same:
- Some universities waive their application fee if you ask politely and have a decent profile. It’s not guaranteed, but it happens more often than you’d think.
- A few scholarships (like the JN Tata Endowment or Inlaks) sometimes reimburse your GRE or TOEFL fee as part of their support. You’ll need to dig through their criteria though this isn’t the kind of thing they put in bold on their homepage.
- Half the prep materials out there are reused anyway. If you’re on a tight budget, pick up old GRE prep books from someone who’s already taken the test. You can easily find them listed for half the price (or less) on BookMandee, where students sell their competitive exam books instead of letting them gather dust.
You won’t find a waiver button while registering for the GRE. But that doesn’t mean there’s no way to ease the financial load. Even small savings like skipping a ₹6,000 coaching batch and grabbing a ₹700 used book add up.
How to Pay Your GRE Exam Fee from India Without the Headache?
Paying the GRE exam fee might seem like just another online payment. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind:
Step 1: Make your ETS account and pick your test date
Start by signing up on the ETS site. Choose when and where you want to take the test, either at a centre near you or online at home.
Step 2: Choose how to pay
Usually, you’ll use a credit or debit card. Ensure your card can handle international payments. Check with your bank if you’re unsure.
Step 3: Enter your card details carefully
Double-check everything – card number, expiry date, and your name before hitting pay. Typos can mean payment fails, and that’s a headache you don’t want.
Step 4: Save proof of payment
After you pay, ETS will send an email confirmation. Keep that safe. Also, take a screenshot of the confirmation page. It’s handy if you need to sort anything later.
Step 5: Watch your bank statement
The charge will be in dollars, but your bank will convert it to rupees. It might be a bit more than $228 because of exchange rates and fees.
Also Read: All About the GRE Exam Dates
Cancelling, Rescheduling, and Refunds – The GRE Exam Fee Fine Print
Here’s how to deal with different scenarios without losing your entire exam fee:
1. If You Need to Reschedule the Exam
You can reschedule your GRE, but there’s a cut-off: do it at least 4 days before your test date. Miss that window, and you’ll have to pay the full fee again.
Cost to reschedule is ₹4,000-ish (about $50), depending on currency rates. You’ll pay this directly through your ETS account when changing your test date or centre.
Heads-up:
- You can’t reschedule your test to a different country.
- You’ll need to cancel and rebook if you’re switching countries.
- The new date must be available as slots can fill up fast.
2. If You Decide to Cancel
If you’re not taking the test, cancel it but do it early. If you cancel more than 4 days before the test, you’ll get half your money back. If you cancel any later, there will be no refund.
Refunds usually go back to the card you used when booking. Depending on your bank, it might take a couple of weeks to show up.
A Small but Important Tip: If you’re even slightly unsure about your readiness, book your GRE for a slightly later date. It’s cheaper (and less painful) to push it back for ₹4,000 than to cancel and lose almost ₹10,000.
How Does the GRE Exam Fee Stack Up Against Other Exams?
If you’re planning to apply abroad, GRE isn’t the only test on your radar. TOEFL, GMAT, or IELTS may also be in the mix. It all starts to feel like one giant invoice after a point.
So, before you start swiping your card left and right, here’s a quick comparison of the GRE exam fee with some of the other big names in the study-abroad game:
What You’re Paying for Each Test (Ballpark figures)?
| Exam | Approx. Fee (₹) | Used For |
| GRE | ~₹19,000 | MS, PhD (mostly in the US/Europe) |
| GMAT (Focus) | ~₹24,000 | MBA & business-related programmes |
| TOEFL | ~₹16,500 | English test (mainly US/Canada) |
| IELTS Academic | ~₹16,250 | English test (UK, Aus, Europe etc.) |
| SAT | ~₹9,500 | UG admissions (US) |
Fees fluctuate with exchange rates and test updates. This is just to give you a rough idea.
Is the GRE Exam More Expensive?
Not the most, but it’s up there. The GMAT tops the chart, but the GRE exam isn’t far behind. When you factor in prep costs, it starts to pinch.
Saving on GRE Exam Costs Without Sacrificing Your Score
Prepping for the GRE can feel like a slow leak in your bank account. Between registration, materials, and mock tests, the costs pile up faster than you expect. But scoring well doesn’t have to mean spending blindly. There are smarter (and less obvious) ways to prepare without burning through your savings.
1. Buy Books Second-Hand (They Work Just Fine)
You will need GRE prep books for a few months. After that, they’ll either sit on a shelf or end up in a stack of scrap. So instead of buying brand-new ones at full price, check out BookMandee. You’ll find old competitive exam preparation books that are in great shape, often sold by students who just gave the exam.
2. Use Free Resources But Don’t Get Lost in Them
There’s no shortage of free GRE material online. One day it’s a YouTube shortcut video, the next day it’s a Reddit thread with conflicting advice. So, choose one or two solid resources and stick with them. Random scrolling isn’t preparation but procrastination in disguise.
3. Don’t Fall for the ‘More Mocks = More Marks’ Myth
Yes, practice tests help. But you don’t need a dozen paid ones. ETS gives you two official mocks for free. A few more from trusted sources are enough. What matters is how you review your performance, not how many tests you buy.
4. Skip Monthly Subscriptions Unless You Actually Use Them
Plenty of apps claim to be “must-haves” for GRE prep especially for vocab. But if you’re not opening them daily, that ₹799/month is just gone. Stick with free flashcard apps or one-time paid decks. Keep it simple.
5. Coaching Isn’t a Shortcut but a Choice
Some students do better with coaching. Others just need structure. Either way, don’t assume coaching is a must. Plenty of people score 320+ through self-study. Ask yourself if you are stuck or just unsure. If it’s the latter, save the coaching fee and put that energy into smart prep instead.
6. Book the Exam When You’re Actually Ready
If you rush to book the GRE and then realise you’re underprepared, you’ll either cancel (and lose half the fee) or reschedule (and pay extra). Prep first. Book later. Simple logic, big savings.
Recommended Read: Which is the Best Online Bookstore in India?
Old GRE Books Don’t Have to End Up in Scrap
When the GRE is behind you, the last thing you want is a pile of prep books reminding you of mock test stress. Those books don’t need to sit and gather dust. They can help someone else start their journey and help you earn back a bit of what you spent.
GRE Exam Fee: Real Questions, Straight Answers
How much does the GRE cost in India?
The GRE General Test fee is $220, which usually comes to around ₹18,000 to ₹19,000. Keep an eye on the official site though as exchange rates can change the exact amount.
Is the fee the same if I take the test online or at a centre?
Yes, the price is the same whether you sit for the test at a centre or at home online. Just pick whichever works best for you.
Are there extra charges besides the test fee?
There are no hidden fees. But sending your scores to more than four universities costs $30 each if done after the test. Also, rescheduling or changing your test centre will cost extra.
How much does it cost to reschedule the test date?
It costs $50 to change your test date, but you have to do this at least four days before your exam. If you miss that window, you lose your fee.
Can I cancel my GRE exam fee and get a refund?
You can cancel and get back half the fee if you do it more than four days before the test. After that, there’s no refund.
How do I pay for the GRE exam fee in India?
Payments are usually made by international credit or debit cards. Just ensure your bank allows international transactions before booking.
Can I take the GRE multiple times without paying again?
Each attempt costs the full fee. You can take it once every 21 days, up to five times a year.