Planning to study abroad? If GRE is part of your admission plan, GRE slot booking is one of the first things you’ll need to get right. Each year, thousands of Indian students rush to book their GRE exam slot, and slots during peak months like August to December go fast—especially in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru.
To start, you need to log into the official ETS portal and go through the GRE exam slot booking process. It’s simple, but a missed step or delay can cost you your preferred date or time. Many students also ask how early to book slot for GRE exam—the sooner, the better.
You can take the test at a center or from home, based on availability. This blog will guide you through the entire GRE test date booking process, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.
Let’s make your GRE slot booking quick, stress-free, and clear.
GRE Exam Dates – Picking a date soon? See which ones are still open this year.
Booking your GRE exam slot is a simple process once you know the steps. You’ll need to log in to the ETS official website, pick your GRE test date, choose your test format (at home or at a center), and confirm the location.
Schedule Your GRE General Test
Before you move to book your GRE exam slot, it’s important to understand how often you can take the test and how timing affects your entire application process.
You’re allowed to take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period. This rule applies even if you canceled your scores from a previous attempt.
Where to Book GRE Exam Slot
All GRE test slots are booked through the official ETS website: www.ets.org/gre. Create an ETS account if you don’t have one. This is your main dashboard to schedule, reschedule, cancel, or view your test appointment.
GRE Exam Fee – Wondering what you'll pay for the test? Here’s the latest fee.
What You Need Before GRE Slot Booking
Before you begin, keep the following ready:
A valid passport (mandatory for Indian test-takers)
Debit or credit card for payment (international transaction enabled)
Preferred test format: Online at home or at a test center
List of universities to send free score reports (up to 4)
When Should You Book Your GRE Slot?
Plan to book your GRE slot at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance—earlier if you're targeting dates between August and December. These are high-demand months as most Indian students prepare for fall intakes abroad.
Booking early gives you:
More flexibility with test dates and time slots
A better chance of getting a weekend or morning slot
Time to reschedule if needed (with lower fees)
How to Book GRE Slot: Step-by-Step
Step
Action
1
Visit the ETS GRE website and log in or create an account
2
Go to “Find Test Centers and Dates” under your profile
3
Choose test format – GRE at Home or Test Center
4
Select your preferred location (for test center format)
5
Pick available dates and time slots
6
Enter personal details as per your passport
7
Review and pay the test fee (USD 220 as of now)
8
Receive confirmation email with test details
Once your GRE test date booking is done, you can prepare with more focus and less stress.
Here's how the timeline for the score report works:
Step
Timeline
Receive score report
8–10 days after test date
Score delivery to schools
Twice a week (for electronic delivery)
Processing time by universities
Varies by institution—can take a few days to a week
GRE Exam Formats: Test Center vs GRE at Home
You can take the GRE in two formats—at a physical test center or online from home. Both follow the same syllabus, scoring, and structure. The right format depends on what works best for you.
Differences Between Test Center and At-Home GRE
Feature
Test Center
GRE at Home
Environment
Controlled setup, no tech worries
Comfort of home, but needs reliable setup
ID Requirements
Passport
Passport + room scan via webcam
Internet Dependency
Not required
Strong, stable connection is essential
Equipment Needed
Provided by test center
Your own computer, webcam, microphone
Availability
Fixed centers, more in cities
Flexible, offered more frequently
GRE At Home – Want to skip travel and test from home? Read this first.
Ask yourself: Do I have a quiet space to take the test? Is my internet reliable? Do I feel more focused in a formal test setup?
If you’re unsure about your tech setup or feel more comfortable with a traditional environment, a test center is the safer option. If flexibility and comfort matter more, and you're well-prepared with the right equipment, the GRE at home is a solid choice.
Format Availability in India vs Abroad
In India, metro cities offer more test center slots. Smaller towns may have limited availability, so the online format is a good alternative. Abroad, availability may vary depending on country and region—but ETS runs both formats worldwide.
GRE Slot Booking for Fall vs Spring Intake
Timing your GRE slot booking right is important—especially if you’re targeting a specific intake. Most Indian students apply for either Fall (August–September) or Spring (January–February) admissions.
Ideal GRE Dates Based on Intake
Intake
Application Period
Recommended GRE Test Window
Fall
Oct to Jan (previous year)
June to October
Spring
Feb to April (previous year)
August to November
Universities take 10–15 days to receive official scores, and you’ll need time to prepare other documents like SOPs, LORs, and transcripts. That’s why early booking matters.
If you're planning to take the GRE for the first time, getting your GRE slot booking right is just as important as preparing for the exam. A few smart steps can help you book your GRE exam slot without hassle and avoid last-minute surprises.
Best Practices to Secure Your Ideal Date
Create your ETS account well in advance
Keep your passport and payment details ready
Check slot availability regularly, especially during peak months (Aug–Dec)
Finalize your test prep timeline before selecting a date
Book early to get your preferred test center and time
How to Avoid Common Booking Errors
Mistake
How to Avoid It
Name mismatch with passport
Double-check all personal details
Waiting too long to book
Lock your GRE test date booking at least 4–6 weeks ahead
Ignoring time zone differences (for GRE at Home)
Verify local time before confirming slot
Entering wrong university codes
Have your shortlist ready before booking
Morning vs Afternoon Slots: What’s Better?
Morning slots work better if you feel alert and focused early in the day. Afternoon slots may suit you if you prefer a relaxed start. Take mock tests at different times to see when your performance peaks. Once you know, book slot for GRE exam based on that preference.
How to Study for GRE – Use your time wisely after booking. This guide shows how.
How to Reschedule or Cancel Your GRE Slot
Plans change. If you need to reschedule or cancel your GRE test, ETS gives you that option—but it comes with rules. Before making changes to your GRE exam slot booking, understand the policies and fees involved.
ETS Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy
Action
Timeframe
Fee/Refund
Reschedule
Up to 4 days before test
USD $55 fee
Changing your test center
Up to 4 days before test
$55
Cancel
Up to 4 days before test
50% refund
Reschedule or Cancel within 4 days
Not allowed
No refund or rescheduling option
Rescheduling is allowed once per booking. After that, you’ll need to cancel and book again.
Fees are stated in US dollars, effective July 1, 2024, and are subject to change without notice.
How to Reschedule or Cancel Your GRE Slot
Log in to your ETS account
Go to your GRE slot booking details
Choose “Reschedule” or “Cancel”
Pick a new date (for rescheduling) and confirm
Pay the applicable fee (if any)
Check your email for updated confirmation
GRE Results – Know when your scores will be ready after test day.
Rescheduling fees and refund policies are the same for GRE slot booking in India and abroad. To avoid extra charges, make changes at least a week before your original GRE test date booking.
What Happens After Booking Your GRE Slot?
Once your GRE slot booking is done, it’s important to know what comes next. A few quick checks, saved documents, and some planning will help you stay organized and exam-ready.
How to Confirm Your Booking
Right after you book your GRE exam slot, you’ll receive a confirmation email from ETS. Here's what it includes:
Confirmation Details
What to Check
Test Date & Time
Confirm your slot matches your prep plan
Test Format
GRE at Home or Test Center
Location
For test center exams only
Confirmation Number
Needed for rescheduling or cancellation
Also, log into your ETS account and check the same details under the “Upcoming Tests” section.
What Documents or Emails You’ll Receive
Once the slot is booked, ETS sends a set of important documents and guidelines.
Document or Email
Purpose
Booking Confirmation (PDF)
Contains all exam details and your registration ID
Test Day Instructions
Step-by-step guide for test center or home testing
GRE at Home Setup Guidelines
Info on technical setup, room check, and rules (if applicable)
Tip: Always download and save these files. Take a printout of your confirmation if you're going to a test center.
GRE Percentiles – Curious where your score will land? These percentiles explain it.
GRE Benefits – Your GRE score isn’t just for admissions.
GRE Slot Availability
Test availability depends on your location, test format, and the time of year. In India, GRE slot booking patterns can vary widely between cities.
Indian Cities with More Frequent Test Dates
These cities generally have better availability due to more test centers and higher demand:
City
Format Options
Frequency
Bengaluru
Test Center + At Home
High
Delhi NCR
Test Center + At Home
High
Mumbai
Test Center + At Home
High
Hyderabad
Test Center + At Home
High
Pune
Test Center + At Home
Medium
Chennai
Test Center + At Home
Medium
GRE at Home is available across all cities if you have the right setup and internet connection.
Cities That Get Booked Fastest
Some cities and dates fill up quickly—especially during August to December. Popular test centers include:
Delhi
Mumbai
Bengaluru
Hyderabad
These often get booked weeks in advance. Students applying for Fall intake usually rush to book slot for GRE exam during this period. That’s why early planning matters.
Planning Your GRE Timeline? Start with upGrad Abroad
Don’t waste time guessing where to start. upGrad Abroad gives you the exact details you need—GRE syllabus, test pattern, scoring system, and prep strategies that work. Our blogs are written for Indian students aiming for top universities abroad.
You’ll know when to book your GRE slot, how to plan around deadlines, and what to focus on during prep. It’s all in one place, clear and to the point.
Check out our GRE guides or talk to an advisor to plan your test timeline the right way.
GRE Guide Ebook – Want a weekly prep plan after booking your slot? Grab this free guide.
No. Indian students must have a valid passport to book and take the GRE. It’s the only ID accepted by ETS at both test centers and for the at-home version.
How many days in advance should I book my GRE test?
Book your slot at least 30 to 45 days in advance. During peak months (August to December), book even earlier to get your preferred date and location.
Do Indian GRE centers offer weekend test slots?
Yes. Most GRE centers in India have Saturday and Sunday slots. These tend to fill up first, so plan ahead if weekends work best for you.
Can I change my test city after booking the slot?
Yes, you can change your test city if slots are available in the new location. Login to your ETS account to reschedule. A rescheduling fee will apply.
What if all nearby test centers show no availability?
Try expanding your search to nearby cities or check again after a few days. New slots may open up due to cancellations or ETS adding more dates.
Can I book more than one GRE slot at a time?
No. ETS allows only one active GRE registration at a time. You must complete or cancel your current test before booking another.
What’s the deadline to cancel a GRE slot and still get a refund?
You need to cancel at least 4 days before your test date to receive a 50% refund. After that, no refund is given.
Will booking late affect university deadlines?
Yes. Booking late could limit your chances of getting a test date that allows enough time for score reporting. Always work backward from the university deadline.
Can I take the GRE at home using a mobile hotspot?
It’s not recommended. A stable broadband connection is required. Mobile hotspots may lead to interruptions, which can void your test session.
What’s the difference between available and unavailable test slots on the calendar?
Available slots show real-time openings. Unavailable slots are either full or not offered on that date. Choose a green-highlighted date when booking.
Is GRE slot availability different for General and Subject tests?
Yes. GRE General Test is offered year-round. GRE Subject Tests have limited dates, usually 2–3 times a year. Always check the ETS website for updates.
Can I appear for GRE in a country other than my passport country?
Yes. You can take the GRE in any country, as long as you follow ETS ID requirements. Indian students can take the test while living or studying abroad.
What happens if my payment fails during GRE slot booking?
Retry the payment or use a different method. If the amount is deducted but the slot isn’t confirmed, contact ETS customer support with your transaction details.
How can I confirm if my GRE slot is successfully booked?
You’ll get a confirmation email from ETS. You can also check your test details anytime by logging into your ETS account dashboard.
Do I need to upload a photo during slot booking?
No. You don’t need to upload a photo while booking. Your photo will be captured on the test day at the center or during the check-in process for at-home tests.
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.
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