The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a common entrance test that tests your analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills. It is accepted across various countries as a standardized test to evaluate a candidate's preparedness for studies abroad. Preparing for the GRE is only one side of the coin with the other being the documents required for the GRE exam. Knowing the important documents required for GRE exam is important to ensure a smooth exam journey.
This comprehensive guide covers the important documents required for the GRE exam, documents that you need to carry on test day, and common mistakes to avoid.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) assesses your ability to manage graduate-level coursework. GRE is conducted by Education Testing Services (ETS) which is popularly known for its accurate measurement of a candidate's English proficiency. ETS is also known for its strict testing standards which makes the GRE a credible source.
GRE exam duration lasts for almost 2 hours with three sections namely analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allocated |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing (One section) | One task: Analyze an Issue | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning (Two sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes |
ETS demands certain documents during the registration process. Some documents might be optional depending on the candidate's background while some documents are necessary in order to register for the exam. Candidates should know all the important documents required for GRE exam to avoid discrepancies during the exam day.
A valid Identity should be provided while registering for the exam and this is the most important document while registering for the GRE. A passport, driver's license, or national identity card is generally considered valid ID proof. The ID should be valid and contain your full name, photograph, and signature.
Personal details including your name, date of birth, mobile number, email, etc, will be asked for while registering for the exam. Provide a working mobile and email to ensure you don't miss out on any updates regarding the exam.
Often due to exam stress, people tend to miss some important documents which brings them unnecessary disturbances on the test day. It is advised to ensure you carry the below-mentioned list of documents to avoid any delays during your exam.
A valid ID proof is required to ensure your identity and avoid any proxies during the exam. Your full name, photograph, and signature should be clearly visible in the Identity proof. Ensure you provide the same ID that you used while registering for the exam.
Important Note: Individual test centers have their limits and might accept different forms of IDs. Check ETS guidelines and test center requirements to avoid disturbances.
GRE Entrance ticket verifies your registration and permits access to the test center. Details like reporting time, exam date, and location are mentioned in the GRE admission ticket making it a crucial document. Maintain multiple copies to ensure that you readily have one, in case you have lost the other.
Candidates with changes in their name should submit proper documents such as court orders, or legal documentation. Inform ETS immediately after making changes in your names to ensure a flawless experience.
Test takers with special needs should submit proper evidence and medical documents for accommodation requests. Considering the processing time it is advised to submit those documents well in advance.
Documents required for GRE exam at home might vary as they appear for the exam in a different exam setting. However, they also have to follow strict documentation protocols to ensure the test integrity.
A valid identity proof is a common requirement for test takers. GRE online test takers have to show the valid ID proof to the camera while checking in for the exam.
You must log into your ETS account before the test day and ensure you have access to the online admission ticket. Keep this accessible during your online testing session.
You must ensure that your testing environment has:
These requirements ensure a smooth exam experience.
Organizing your documents and ensuring you make all the necessary changes before the exam can prevent any delays and ensure a smooth exam process. Candidates often tend to make these mistakes. Review these common mistakes to make sure you don't repeat them.
Candidates often fail to carry a valid ID proof which might lead to their exam cancellation. Check which forms of ID proofs are accepted and ensure you carry those on the exam day.
Some candidates will make name changes before the exam date. They need to submit valid legal documents like court orders to validate that the changes are legal and not intentional.
Register early to avoid last-minute issues, especially if you are applying to graduate programs with firm deadlines.
Arrive early to the testing center or ensure your online setup is working well in advance.
Preparing for the GRE involves more than just studying for the test—it requires understanding the documentation requirements for both registration and test day. By ensuring you have the proper ID, admission ticket, and other necessary documents, you can avoid unnecessary stress and focus on doing your best on the exam. Whether you're taking the GRE at a test center or at home, being proactive in managing your documentation will help ensure a smooth testing experience.
Important documents required for the GRE exam include:
Although a passport is widely accepted as valid ID proof across most countries, some countries also accept a driving license as valid proof. Check with the specific requirements of your country for acceptable forms of identity proof.
The following are the documents that you need to carry for GRE exam:
The exam cost of the GRE in India is around ₹22,550 (INR).
Pencils and pens are not allowed during GRE.
Published: December 18, 2024 | Reading Time: 4 minutes