GRE Registration 2025: Step-by-Step Guide & When to Book Your Test

Planning to pursue graduate school? Your GRE registration marks the first concrete step toward that dream. While the process itself takes just 15-20 minutes, strategic timing can significantly impact your application success. This guide walks you through every step of registering for the GRE in 2025, along with crucial insights on when to book your test for optimal results.

How to Register for the GRE: A 7-Step Process

The GRE General Test is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and can be taken either at a test center or from home. Both options cost the same and deliver identical test experiences.

Step 1: Create Your ETS Account

Visit the official ETS website (ets.org/gre) and create your account. This is critical—the name you enter must match your passport or government-issued ID exactly. Any mismatch between your account name and your identification documents on test day can result in being denied entry or having your scores cancelled.

Step 2: Choose Your Test Type

Select the GRE General Test for most graduate programs. The GRE Subject Tests (Mathematics, Physics, Psychology) are offered separately and only on specific dates—April, September, and October 2025.

Step 3: Select Test Center or At-Home Testing

You have two options:

• Test Center: Choose from 1,000+ authorized centers across 160 countries. Ideal if you prefer a controlled testing environment.
• GRE At Home: Available 24/7 with flexible scheduling. Perfect for those with unpredictable schedules or limited access to test centers.

Step 4: Pick Your Test Date and Time

For test centers, availability is first-come, first-served. Popular dates during late summer and fall fill up quickly—these align with most graduate application deadlines. For at-home testing, you can often schedule as soon as 24 hours after registration.

Step 5: Verify Your ID Information

Confirm that your identification details match exactly with your ETS account. For international students, a valid passport is typically the only accepted ID.

Step 6: Pay the Registration Fee

The GRE General Test costs $220 USD for most countries. In India, the fee is ₹22,550. Payment methods include credit/debit cards, PayPal, and e-checks. Your registration includes four free score reports to institutions of your choice.

Step 7: Receive Confirmation

After payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with your test date, time, and location (or at-home testing instructions). Save this email—you'll need these details on test day.

When Should You Book Your GRE Test?

Strategic timing is where most test-takers make costly mistakes.

The 2-3 Month Rule

Schedule your GRE 2-3 months before your earliest application deadline. If your deadline is December 1st, aim to test in September or October. This buffer accounts for:

• Score delivery time: Official scores take 8-10 days to reach institutions
• Retake opportunity: You must wait 21 days between attempts
• Score improvement prep: If you need a retake, 3-4 weeks of additional preparation typically yields meaningful improvement

Register Early for Your Preferred Slot

Book your test 3-4 months before your intended test date—especially if you're targeting a test center. Slots during peak application seasons (August through November) fill up rapidly. You're competing not just with other GRE takers but also with GMAT test-takers and medical board exam candidates who often share the same testing facilities.

Optimal Testing Windows for 2025

• Fall 2025 Enrollment: Take the GRE between June and August 2025
• Spring 2026 Enrollment: Aim for October through December 2025

GRE Registration Fees & Key Policies

Key Policies:

• Retake Policy: Take the GRE once every 21 days, up to 5 times per 12-month period
• Score Delivery: Official scores available in 8-10 days
• Score Validity: GRE scores remain valid for 5 years
• Free Score Reports: 4 included with registration (select before/on test day)

Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting Too Long to Book: Popular test centers and preferred time slots disappear quickly. Morning slots tend to be more available than afternoon sessions.

Ignoring University Deadlines: Different programs have different deadlines. Some priority deadlines fall as early as November, requiring you to test by September or October.

Not Planning for Retakes: Most successful applicants to competitive programs take the GRE at least twice. Build retake time into your schedule from the start.

Your GRE Registration Checklist

Before clicking "Register," confirm you have:

• ☐ Valid passport or accepted ID matching your ETS account name
• ☐ List of target schools and their application deadlines
• ☐ Preferred test date with built-in retake buffer
• ☐ Payment method ready
• ☐ 4 schools selected for free score reports

The GRE registration process is straightforward, but your timing strategy can make or break your application timeline. Register early, plan for contingencies, and give yourself the flexibility to achieve your best score.

FAQ Section (Structured for Featured Snippets)

How much does GRE registration cost in 2025?

The GRE General Test costs $220 USD for most countries. In India, the fee is ₹22,550. This includes four free score reports to institutions of your choice.

How far in advance should I register for the GRE?

Register 3-4 months before your intended test date to secure your preferred slot. Schedule your actual test 2-3 months before your earliest application deadline to allow time for score delivery and potential retakes.

Can I take the GRE at home?

Yes, the GRE At Home test is available 24/7 and is identical to the test center version in content, format, and cost. You'll need a quiet room and a computer that meets ETS technical requirements.

How long are GRE scores valid?

GRE scores remain valid for five years from your test date.

What happens if I need to reschedule my GRE?

You can reschedule at least 4 days before your test date for a $50 fee. Rescheduling after this deadline forfeits your full registration fee.