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Are you planning to appear for the GRE exam anytime soon? If you are, we suggest referring to the GRE Eligibility Criteria mentioned below before registering for the exam.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a global level computer-based entrance test, offered and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to measure your academic preparedness for a Masters Degree or Ph.D. in any field. The exam has two test formats — General Test and Subject Test. While the General Test tests you on general topics such as analytical writing assessment, verbal ability, and quantitative reasoning, the Subject Test focuses on a specific field of study such as biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, psychology etc.
Most of the graduate schools accept GRE scores as one of the selection criteria for admission to their master programs. Hence, if you’ve decided to take the exam, it’s important to be aware of the GRE eligibility criteria. Read this article for more information regarding the same.
Who is Eligible to Take the GRE?
ETS, the conducting body of the GRE hasn’t officially stated specific eligibility requirements for taking the GRE Exam. Anyone who wishes to study abroad can register and appear for the exam. However, there are some conditions that make you eligible for taking the exam. Let’s take a look at those.
- Valid ID – When you register for the GRE exam, you are asked to provide some ID information. While doing this, make sure you fill in the first and last name exactly as it appears on the ID proof. Besides, you must carry the same ID during the registration to the test center (if you are taking the test center exam) on the exam day. You are considered ineligible for the exam if you present an invalid ID during the exam day or your name on the application doesn’t match with the name on the ID proof. Hence, make sure you go through the ID requirements for different countries before registering for the exam.
- GRE Age Limit – Age is not a barrier for taking the GRE exam. You can apply and appear for GRE 2021 irrespective of your age. There is no maximum age limit for GRE.
- Educational Qualification – No matter what your educational qualification is, you can appear for the GRE exam. However, the universities or colleges you wish to apply to would have set some educational qualification requirements. Before applying for the exam, you can check for such prerequisites by visiting the websites of the colleges of your choice.
- Number of attempts- The GRE is conducted all year round and you can take the exam multiple times in a year, based on the slot availability. However, the maximum number of retakes you have in a year is five. Also, there should be a minimum gap of 21 days between two consecutive retakes. There’s no lifetime limit for taking the GRE.
- Year Gaps- You can appear for the GRE exam even if you were not working after graduation and have some year gap. The gap years won’t defer your eligibility for taking the exam. However, colleges you apply to could be particular about these gaps. Hence, if you have a valid reason, you might have to show it to the university during admissions.
- Nationality – GRE is a global level entrance test. Hence, there are no restrictions on nationality. You can appear for the exam regardless of which nation you belong to. However, if you are from Mainland China or Iran and are opting for GRE at-home (online exam), you might not be able to give the exam due to certain restrictions.
We hope the GRE Exam Eligibility Criteria is clear to you. So, before registering for the exam, consider all these conditions and then apply.
Good luck!
