The GRE General Test is available year-round at test centers worldwide and online at home. Below is a comprehensive overview of scheduling options, Subject Test dates, registration deadlines, and fees for 2026–2027.
Unlike many standardized tests, the GRE gives you enormous flexibility over when you sit for it. This guide walks through General Test availability, the Subject Test windows for 2026–2027, how to time your test around application deadlines, fees, rescheduling rules, and when scores arrive. If you also want to know what's on the exam, see our GRE format guide and GRE study plan.
Unlike many standardized tests that are offered on fixed dates, the GRE General Test can be taken on nearly any day of the year. You have two options for where to take the test: at a test center or at home.
| Testing Option | Availability | Registration Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| At Home (Online) | 24/7, year-round | As early as 24 hours before |
| At a Test Center | Year-round (varies by location) | At least 2 days before; recommend 3–4 months ahead |
At-home testing offers maximum flexibility — you can register for a slot as soon as the day after next, with appointment times available from early morning through late evening. The at-home test is identical to the test center version in content, format, scoring, and acceptance by graduate programs. You'll be monitored by a human proctor via webcam throughout the session.
At test centers, availability depends on your location. Major cities tend to have daily or near-daily availability, while smaller locations may only offer testing on certain days. There are over 1,000 ETS-approved test centers in 160+ countries. We recommend registering 3–4 months in advance to secure your preferred location and date.
Unlike the General Test, GRE Subject Tests are only offered during specific testing windows each year — two weeks per month in September, October, and April. Subject Tests are available in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology, and are computer-delivered at authorized test centers, with an at-home option available on certain dates.
| Testing Window | Expected Dates | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | Sep 7 – Sep 20, 2026 (projected) | Opens ~July 2026 |
| October 2026 | Oct 12 – Oct 25, 2026 (projected) | Opens ~July 2026 |
| April 2027 | Apr 19 – May 2, 2027 (projected) | Opens ~July 2026 |
You can take a GRE Subject Test once every 14 days, and only one Subject Test per testing month. When selecting a test date, make sure your scores will be reported in time for your application deadlines — allow time for both score delivery and processing by your institutions.
Your ideal GRE test date depends on your application deadlines and how much preparation time you need. As a general rule, plan to take the GRE 4–6 months before your earliest application deadline. This gives you time for preparation, score delivery (8–10 days), and at least one retake if needed (21-day wait between attempts).
| Phase | Timing | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Spring – Early Summer | Study and take practice tests |
| Testing | Summer (June – August) | Take the GRE General Test |
| Applications | Fall (October – December) | Submit applications with scores |
| Phase | Timing | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Fall | Study and take practice tests |
| Testing | Late Fall – Winter (Oct – Dec) | Take the GRE General Test |
| Applications | Winter – Spring (Jan – March) | Submit applications with scores |
Registration for both the General Test and Subject Tests is done through your ETS account online. Here's what you'll need before registering:
An ETS account — create one on the ETS website if you don't have one. The name on your account must exactly match the name on your primary ID.
A valid ID — a passport is the most universally accepted form of identification. Check the ETS website for ID requirements specific to your country.
A payment method — credit/debit card, PayPal, or authorization voucher. ETS does not accept checks, money orders, or cash.
Once logged in, select "Register/Find Test Centers" from your dashboard, choose the GRE General Test or Subject Test, enter your preferred location and date range, and follow the prompts to complete your registration.
The cost of taking the GRE varies by test type and location. The fee is the same whether you take the General Test at home or at a test center.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| GRE General Test (worldwide) | $220 |
| GRE General Test (China) | $231.30 |
| GRE General Test (India) | ₹22,000 |
| GRE Subject Test (worldwide) | $175 |
| Rescheduling / changing test center | $50 |
| Cancellation refund | 50% of fee (must cancel 4+ days before) |
| Additional Score Reports | $35 per recipient |
| Score Reinstatement | $50 |
On test day, you can send your scores to up to 4 institutions for free. Additional score reports beyond the first 4 cost $35 each. Scores are reportable for 5 years after your test date.
ETS offers a Fee Reduction Program for U.S. citizens or resident aliens who demonstrate financial need, are unemployed and receiving unemployment compensation, or are currently serving in the Peace Corps. Eligible individuals pay $100 for the General Test and receive free access to GRE prep materials valued at $100.
You can reschedule your GRE test date through your ETS account. To avoid forfeiting your registration fee, you must reschedule at least 4 full days before your test date (10 days in Mainland China). The rescheduling fee is $50.
If you need to cancel entirely, you'll receive a 50% refund of the registration fee provided you cancel at least 4 full days before your test date. Cancellations made within 4 days forfeit the entire fee. All refunds are processed in U.S. dollars.
After taking the GRE, you'll see unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores immediately on screen. Official scores, including Analytical Writing, are available approximately 8–10 days after your test date. Electronic scores are delivered to institutions twice a week.
When selecting a test date, allow enough time for score delivery and processing by your institutions. If you plan to retake the test, remember the 21-day waiting period plus another 8–10 days for score reporting.
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Unofficial scores (Verbal & Quant) | Immediately after test |
| Official scores available | 8–10 days after test |
| Score delivery to institutions | Twice per week (electronic) |
| Minimum wait between retakes | 21 days |
| Score validity | 5 years from test date |
The GRE General Test consists of five sections: one Analytical Writing essay (30 minutes), two Verbal Reasoning sections (12 + 15 questions), and two Quantitative Reasoning sections (12 + 15 questions). The total testing time is 1 hour and 58 minutes with no scheduled breaks between sections.
The test uses section-level adaptive testing — your performance on the first section of each measure determines the difficulty of the second section. An on-screen calculator is available for all Quantitative Reasoning questions. For a full breakdown of question types and pacing, read our complete GRE format guide.
GRE® is a trademark registered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this guide. For the most up-to-date test dates and registration information, visit the official ETS GRE website.