• Updated on 17 Apr, 2026 by Disha Yadav
The GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026 is defined by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organisation that administers the GRE exam. ETS does not specify strict eligibility requirements for candidates who wish to take the GRE. According to ETS, there are no formal eligibility rules, and no mandatory qualifications or age requirements are set for the GRE 2026. As one of the most widely used admissions assessments for graduate programs, including MS and MBA programs, globally, students aiming to study abroad usually have to take the GRE.
GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview
ETS does not set any eligibility criteria for the GRE 2026. It does not limit or discriminate against any person according to age or background for GRE registration. While ETS does not set formal GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026, graduate schools often do require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for admission. ETS only requires an acceptable ID for the test day. A valid passport is mandatory for Indian candidates on the test day for identity verification. Here is the complete overview of the eligibility criteria for the GRE Test 2026:
| Criteria | Details |
| Age Limit | No age restriction for applicants. |
| Academic Qualifications | No official educational qualification is required by ETS. A graduation certificate is not needed. Graduate schools often do require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for admission. The GRE is typically taken by candidates planning to apply for master's or PhD programs. |
| Passport Requirement | A valid passport is mandatory for appearing in the GRE 2026 exam. |
| Number of Limits |
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Also Check: GRE 2026 Syllabus
GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026: Detailed Breakdown
For candidates seeking information on requirements for the GRE, it would be relevant to note that the GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026 are not clearly defined, and any candidate can sit for the examination. However, since the test is for entry to master's programmes, the usual requirement is for an undergraduate qualification in a subject area of study. Here are the key points in understanding the eligibility for the GRE in terms of age, academic qualification, and passport requirements for Indian candidates:
GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Criteria
There is no age bar set by ETS for the GRE examination. ETS does not impose any age restriction for taking the GRE exam; anyone can take the GRE at any age, according to their educational goals.
GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026: Academic Criteria
There are no specific educational qualifications that are mandatory to take the GRE. The test is for students applying for graduate programs. Thus, it is expected that candidates would have completed their undergraduate degree before taking the exam. Graduate schools often require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for admission. It is also important to know that not all programs or universities require GRE scores for admission. Whether GRE scores are needed depends on the specific university and program a candidate is applying to.
GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026: Valid ID Requirements
In India, ETS accepts only a valid passport as the primary identification document for the GRE exam, and it must have the candidate's name, photograph, and signature. No exception is made to this policy. Candidates must bring their valid passports when they want to register for the GRE, and this identification requirement will be brought to the test centre.
GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026: Number of Attempts
Candidates can take the GRE General Test multiple times; there is no overall limit, but it can only be taken once every 21 days and up to five times within 12 months. This allows test-takers to improve scores while planning applications strategically.
Also Read: GRE 2026 Registration Process
GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026 for Disabled Candidates
The eligibility criteria for candidates with disabilities in the GRE are made to ensure that everyone gets equal access to the test. ETS provides specific accommodations for candidates with disabilities so that they can take the test under conditions that do not hinder their performance. Check the GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026 for candidates with disabilities below:
- Professional Documentation: For candidates with disabilities, a letter from a qualified professional, including a doctor, psychologist, or educational specialist, is essential.
- Medical Report: Disabled candidates should display a medical report to confirm the disability. The report must explain the diagnosis and the degree of the condition that might impair the candidate's ability to take the GRE under standard conditions. This will ensure that the accommodations requested are both relevant and appropriate for the needs of the candidate.
- Most Recent Copy of 504 Plan: A most recent copy of the 504 plan, individualised education program, or other documentation must also be attached. Candidates who have a documented history of receiving educational support through an IEP or a 504 Plan should provide the most recent copy of these documents. These plans detail the accommodations the candidate has received in academic settings, which will help determine appropriate accommodations for the GRE.
Also Check: GRE 2026 Mock Tests
Important Documents for GRE 2026
For candidates in India, ETS accepts only a valid passport as an identification document. Other important documents include the GRE registration confirmation, any accommodation request approvals, and a photograph if required for identity verification at the test centre.
- Candidates should provide a valid original ID proof issued by the government.
- A recent photograph and signature are also required for the GRE 2026 exam
GRE 2026 at Home
Candidates willing to appear in the ‘GRE At Home’ in 2026 must remember a few things during the exam.
- An applicant for the GRE will use a desktop or laptop.
- The computer will have to be operating under a licensed Windows 10 and above or macOS X 10.13 and above.
- In addition, Candidates must install the ETS Secure Browser to take the GRE at Home test. For this, the computer will have a webcam, which can be either built-in or external, and a microphone.
- An applicant has to provide evidence of a valid government-issued ID to prove identification when provided to the proctor at the beginning of the examination.
Also Read: GRE 2026 Exam Pattern
Top Universities Accepting GRE 2026 Scores
Top universities around the world that accept GRE 2026 scores include elite institutions like MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Caltech, University of California (e.g., Berkeley, UCLA), and many other US, UK, Canadian, and European universities for graduate programs in science, engineering, business, and research fields. These schools consider GRE results as part of admissions, though some have made it optional for certain programs. A strong GRE score can improve chances for admission and scholarships at these globally recognised universities. Here is a list of top Universities that accept GRE scores:
|
University Name |
Score Accepted 320 and Above |
|
National University of Singapore (NUS) |
GRE Accepted |
|
Stanford University |
GRE Accepted |
|
Oxford University |
GRE Accepted |
|
ETH Zurich |
GRE Accepted |
|
University College London (UCL) |
GRE Accepted |
|
Harvard University |
GRE Accepted |
|
Imperial College London |
GRE Accepted |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
GRE Accepted |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
GRE Accepted |
|
Cambridge University |
GRE Accepted |
Also Read: GRE Test Result 2026
GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026 FAQs
What is the minimum GRE score required for admission to the MS program in Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University?
Stanford University has eliminated the requirement of GRE scores for its Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering program, and the scores will not be taken into consideration during the application process. The following documents are required from the applicant: Online application, Application fee, Statement of purpose, 3 letters of recommendation, and TOEFL scores.
What is the minimum and maximum score a candidate should obtain in GRE to get admission in the USA or an MS?
The GRE is a standardised test recognised all over the world for admission to MS programs. However, many universities in the USA offer MS course admissions without requiring GRE scores. There is no fixed minimum or maximum GRE score for admission. Even if an applicant's GRE score falls below the average for a specific program, they may still be considered if they demonstrate strong qualifications in other areas. It is recommended that one checks at the official site of the university for detailed information.
What is the frequency of the GRE?
ETS administers the GRE throughout the year, allowing students to select a test date that fits their schedule. ETS provides monthly test dates for designated exam centres across various cities in India. Additionally, students have the option to take the GRE at Home, enabling them to complete the exam from their own homes.
Do candidates need a degree for GRE 2026? Can a final-year student appear?
No degree is required to sit for the GRE. Many final-year students register and take the GRE since there are no specific GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026 regarding educational background. However, a valid degree is necessary at the time of admission to a postgraduate program in the chosen field of study. Some graduate schools often require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for admission.
Is there any minimum age limit for the GRE Eligibility Criteria 2026?
No upper limit of age is required for taking the GRE, as individuals of any age are eligible to take the Graduate Record Examinations. Yet, since the GRE tests are taken mainly for entrance into master's degree courses in fields like Business Administration, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, and other disciplines, it is suggested to take the test only if a graduate course overseas is planned.
Is the GRE score valid for 5 years?
Yes, the GRE 2026 score is valid for 5 years.