Are you preparing for the 2024 GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) and seeking clarity on its eligibility criteria? Wondering if your target GRE score would help you meet the admission requirements of your dream university? Don’t worry. We're here to support you with your GRE journey.
Administered by over 1,000 test centers across 160 countries, the GRE exam is one of the widely accepted standardized tests for admission to graduate schools abroad. However, before delving into preparation, it's important to understand the GRE exam eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, and more.
The GRE is an internationally accepted standardized examination that is designed to measure overall academic readiness in students for graduate schools. Conducted and managed by the Education Testing System (ETS), the GRE examination, aims to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills of the applicants acquired over a long period of learning.
Offered as a computer-based exam, the GRE General Test is administered at various testing centers and assesses students comprehensively, not in a specific domain. GRE Subject Tests, on the other hand, are designed to test the knowledge in the specific areas of Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. A high score on the GRE test will positively impact your application to graduate or business school. So, it’s critical to look at everything starting from guidelines, GRE exam eligibility, and important takeaways of the GRE examination before you start preparing for it.
Eligibility Criteria for GRE Entrance Examination
Age Criteria
ETS, the conducting body of the GRE examination, has not set any official age criteria or prerequisites for test-takers. No upper age limit is set for candidates wanting to appear for their GRE test. The GRE examination is intended for applicants who are graduates or undergraduate students who are about to graduate. The test is taken for taking admission to master’s, MBA, and doctoral degrees. It is not meant for high school or school-level graduates. The difficulty level is set per a regular graduate students' abilities, so the ideal applicants are usually the graduates. A good percentage of GRE applicants are above 30 years.
Education Qualification
ETS has not given any official statement regarding the qualification required to appear for the GRE Exam. However, candidates must have a graduate degree from a recognized university in any discipline. There is no official educational requirement as well. Since the test is meant to evaluate the readiness of graduate students to be admitted to postgraduate programs, the ideal academic degree would be a full-time and recognized graduate degree.
Grades and Scores
There is no official eligibility for the GRE entrance exam in terms of previous academic scores and grades. There are no minimum cut-off marks as well. However, this should not be confused with the academic score requirement to get admission to universities and colleges. To take the GRE examination, you don’t need any minimum or maximum score in graduation or high-level school examination.
Language
Fluency in English is important. The test takers must be proficient in English speaking and writing skills. To take admission in master’s programs and degrees in reputed Universities of English-speaking countries, applicants must be fluent in English.
Work Experience
There are no official eligibility criteria in terms of work experience. For the GRE, work experience will not have any relevance. Applicants can be fresher or industry experts, which will not matter anyway in the GRE examination.
Documentation
The applicants appearing for the GRE examination need to provide a valid passport. They must produce a National Photo ID proof or Military Identification Card if they don't have a passport.
What is GRE at Home & its Eligibility
The GRE at Home is a convenient and flexible way to take the GRE exam from the comfort of your home. However, it is important to be prepared and meet all requirements before you start the test. Following are the requirements to take the GRE at Home test:
Age: Test-takers must be at least 18 years old on the test day. Minors must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian to take the test.
Education: There is no formal education requirement for the GRE General Test. However, most graduate programs require applicants to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Citizenship: Test-takers can be of any nationality to take the GRE General Test.
Equipment Requirements for GRE at Home
Computer: You must use a desktop or laptop to take the GRE at Home test. Tablets, Chromebooks, and mobile devices are not allowed.
Operating system: Your computer must have a licensed operating system. Windows 10 or higher or macOS X 10.13 or higher are required.
Web browser: You must use Chrome or Firefox to take GRE at Home. Other browsers are not supported.
Webcam: Your computer must have a built-in or external webcam. The webcam must be able to provide a clear view of your face and the surrounding area.
Microphone: Your computer must have a built-in or external microphone. The microphone must be able to clearly record your voice.
Environment Requirements for GRE at Home
Room: You must take the test in a quiet and well-lit room. The room should be free of clutter and distractions.
Table and chair: You should sit at a table or desk in a chair with a backrest. The table or desk should be large enough to accommodate your computer and any other necessary materials.
Internet connection: You must have a reliable internet connection to take the test at home.
Additional Requirements for GRE at Home
Government-issued ID: You must show a valid government-issued ID to the proctor on the day of the test.
Personal items: You are not allowed to have any personal items with you during the test, including cell phones, smartwatches, and books.
Food and drink: You are not allowed to eat or drink during the test.
What is GRE Eligibility for Disabled Candidates
The GRE exam is open to all students, regardless of disability. Students with disabilities can request special adjustments from ETS Disability Services to ensure that they can take the test under fair and equitable conditions.
To request accommodations, students must complete a Testing Accommodations Request Form and submit it to ETS at least 30 days before their test date. The form must be accompanied by supporting documentation, such as a letter from a qualified professional that states the student's disability and the accommodations they need.
ETS offers a variety of accommodations, including extended time, breaks between sections, use of a computer, use of a reader or scribe, and use of assistive technology. Students can request specific accommodations based on their individual needs.
Proof of GRE Eligibility for Disabled Candidates:
Students with disabilities must submit the following documents to prove their eligibility for GRE accommodations:
A letter from a qualified professional that states the student's disability and the accommodations they need
A copy of the student's most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan (if applicable)
A copy of the student's most recent medical report (if applicable)
ETS is committed to providing students with disabilities with the accommodations they need to succeed on the GRE exam. For more information, please visit the ETS Disability Services website.
Conclusion
The GRE scores are used and accepted by top-ranked Universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe. It is an ideal entrance examination to prove the overall academic readiness of undergraduate and graduate students. The GRE is an essential factor in the selection process at many global universities. Go through the below-recommended articles to gain an in-depth understanding of this popular examination.
Download these useful guides to ace your GRE preparation
GRE Eligibility FAQs
Q1. Who can appear for the GRE examination?
GRE examination is a general eligibility test for taking admission to master’s and doctoral degree programs worldwide. It is mainly taken by graduates or undergraduate students who are about to graduate. Fluency in English is assumed. ETS sets no official eligibility or prerequisite for taking the test. Anyone seeking the need to prove their readiness in the field of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking to get admission in a master’s program can take the test.
Q2. What is the age limit to appear for the GRE examination?
There is no prescribed age limit or qualification required for candidates to appear for the GRE. However, since the GRE is an assessment test for admission to graduate courses, candidates are expected to have completed their undergraduate program. It can be taken by applicants who are about to graduate. There is no upper age limit to take the GRE test. The standard of the GRE examination is set as per the graduate level and proficiency, so it is recommended for graduate students to take the test.
Q3. What are the eligibility criteria for re-attempts in the GRE examination?
GRE examination has no strict limitations on the number of attempts. You are allowed to take the GRE test any number of times. However, as set by ETS, there is an important guideline for re-attempts. GRE can be taken only once, 21 days from the day of the exam every year. It can be taken a maximum of 5 times a year. There must be a 21-day gap between any two successive trials as per the guidelines placed by ETS. For paper-based examination, re-attempts can be taken as often as it is offered.
Q4. What is the registration fee for the GRE examination?
GRE General registration fee is INR 22, 550. The fee is subject to changes. GRE Subject Test registration would cost Indian students INR 14,500. If the applicants want to change the center or reschedule the test, they would be required to pay an extra fee for the same.
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