The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is held by the Educational Testing Service(ETS) in more than 1000 centers and in more than 160 countries. Taking the test benefits the students who are seeking to gain admission into graduate, managerial or doctorate courses. There are two types of GRE tests available: GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test. The General test is offered in computer and paper-based form, while the Subject test is offered in only the paper-based format. The registration process for both forms of the test are the same, since it has to be done online.

Two very important things you need before you book your slot for the exam are:
(i) a valid passport
(ii) and a credit/debit card with which you can pay the test fee of US$205.

Follow the steps given below to make the GRE exam registration process completely effortless.

Registration Checklist

Before starting any procedure, it is important to understand all the policies, processes and the fee structure, so that you won’t come across any unwelcome surprises. Make sure you understand each step. Here are some important points you should keep in mind before registering for GRE:

1. Your ETS GRE application form must match the name as mentioned in the authenticated ID like your passport, driving license etc. In case, of any discrepancies in the name, the test authority can prohibit you from entering the test center.
2. Similarly, the name that you register in the ETS page should also be the same as the one in your passport. There has to be an exact match with the name in the ID and the name with ETS. You may not be allowed to enter the test center if the names don’t match.
3. Before filling the application form, read the policies about changing the test date/center, cancelling the exam, etc carefully.
4. Find which test taking format is available in your location and which one you’ll be comfortable with.

• Create your ETS Account

Before you can start the GRE registration process, it is compulsory for you to create an account on the official ETS (Educational Testing Services) website. ETS account is necessary not only to book a slot or register for GRE; it is also used for viewing the score and for accessing other services. Before you start creating your account, review relevant info like the name you can use for registering and what can be done in case you will require to change the name.

• Requirements of ID

It is your responsibility for bringing valid ID proofs to the exam centers. The name on the ID proof, your ETS account and the registered name for the test should be the same.

• Test Centers and Dates

You can view the available test centers and test dates for the exam. Register according to your comfort. The available seats for computer-based exams can also be seen on the ETS website. But registering for GRE cannot be initiated until you have logged into your GRE account.

Choosing the test date is in your hands. However, it is advisable to book your test date slot three months before commencing your GRE preparation. As this will provide you with enough motivation for regular  study for the upcoming months. In case you are unhappy or dissatisfied with the test score, you can retake the test after 15 days from the day you have taken your test. Plan the test in such a way that you have enough time for preparing for the test and time to send in your applications to universities before the deadlines. The GRE computer-based test can be taken in either one of the three sessions: morning, afternoon and evening as well.

After choosing the test date, you will have to select the test center. After you enter your location, the ETS website will show the nearest available test centers. The test centers are powered by Prometric, the official GRE test provider. But there are other test providers from whom you can choose as well.

After choosing the date of the exam and the location, you will proceed further to select the actual test centre. In this step, ETS will show if the specific test centre is available to take the test or not. Occasionally the slot gets free later when some other candidate cancels their appointment.

• Registering for the Computer-based Test

Computer-based exam is conducted all year-round and booking a slot is easy. For booking a slot, log into your ETS GRE account and register for the computer-based exam.

• Registering for the Paper-based test

Paper-based test is conducted just thrice a year and that too only at places where the computer-based exam is not available. Registering for the paper-delivered test is same as the  computer-delivered test but with a slight difference in choosing the options. Select paper-delivered test icon on the screen in place of choosing the icon present for the computer-delivered exam.

• Complete your Registration

To complete the slot booking process, you have to complete your payment for the GRE exam fee through any of the payment modes available. The common mode of payment is through credit/debit card or through Paypal. The USD 205 fee includes one attempt of the GRE test and also allows you to send the GRE Score Reports to four universities or fellowship organisations shortlisted from your end.

Rescheduling or Canceling the Test

Rescheduling or cancellation of test can be done four days before the test. A fine money of $50 will be required for rescheduling the test. If you cancel the test, you will get a refund of half of the original fees which was paid.

Reporting the Score

You can report your score to a maximum of four graduate schools for free, but after that, you need to pay extra $27 for sending your GRE scores.

These are the few essential bits of information before a person starts filling up the form and registering for GRE through the official site of ETS. If you find yourself stuck at some point, don’t lose your composure and look for an answer on the ETS website, as it contains all the authentic information that you may need.  

BYJU’S will be glad to help you in your GRE preparation journey. You can ask for any assistance related to GRE from us by just giving a missed call at 08884544444, or you can drop an SMS. You can write to us at gre@byjus.com.