What Is the Age Limit and Minimum GRE Score to Qualify?
Understanding the GRE eligibility criteria is a crucial step for Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad in 2025. The GRE, accepted by universities worldwide, is often the gateway for postgraduate, business, and STEM programs in top destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, and Germany. Ensuring you meet the correct requirements will help streamline your application and increase your chances of securing admission and scholarships.
GRE Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students 2025
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) sets no strict eligibility for the GRE in 2025, making it accessible for graduates from all backgrounds. However, universities may have program-specific requirements. Here are the key eligibility points Indian candidates should note:
- No minimum or maximum age limit to take the GRE.
- Bachelor’s degree (in any stream) is recommended, as most universities require it for admission.
- A valid passport is mandatory as ID proof for Indian students.
- GRE is open to students of any nationality, gender, or academic background.
- There is no restriction on the number of GRE attempts, but only five per year are allowed.
- Specific fields (like engineering or management) may require relevant undergraduate degrees for university admission.
Exam Highlights – 2025
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Eligibility | No age/academic restrictions by ETS |
| ID Requirements | Valid Passport (Indian nationals) |
| Degree Requirement | Bachelor’s degree recommended |
| Attempt Limit | 5 times/rolling 12 months |
| Score Range | 260–340 (General Test) |
| Accepted In | USA, UK, Canada, Germany & more |
Country-wise & Degree-wise GRE Eligibility
While the GRE exam itself does not mandate field-specific requirements, different nations and programs apply their own criteria for admission. Hence, Indian students should check both GRE and university-specific eligibility before applying.
| Country | Typical GRE Requirement | Minimum Degree Required |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Required for most MS, MBA, STEM, PhD programs | Bachelor’s (16 years of study preferred) |
| Canada | Optional/Recommended for select programs | Bachelor’s |
| UK | Accepted for some master’s, not mandatory for all | Bachelor’s |
| Germany | Preferred for top engineering & management courses | Bachelor’s (Honours preferred) |
| Australia | GRE rarely required | Bachelor’s |
Engineering, business, and science aspirants should always verify program-specific GRE and degree eligibility on the respective university's official website. Some universities may consider students in the final year of their bachelor's for GRE-based admissions.
Top Universities Abroad Accepting GRE 2025
Leading global universities use GRE scores as an essential criterion for postgraduate admissions. Here is a selection of popular choices for Indian students:
| University | Country | GRE Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA | Mandatory for most MS/PhD |
| Stanford University | USA | Strongly recommended |
| University of Cambridge | UK | Accepted for certain programs |
| University of Toronto | Canada | Optional/Recommended |
| Technical University of Munich | Germany | Preferred for technical streams |
If you aim for Ivy Leagues or top global institutes, a strong GRE score, relevant bachelor’s qualification, and an impressive academic record are essential. For inspiration, discover more about top-ranked universities abroad.
ID & Document Requirements for GRE 2025
ETS mandates strict identification criteria for GRE registration and entry into test centers in India. Prepare these documents before applying:
- Valid, original passport (Not expired, mandatory for Indian test-takers)
- The name on your passport must match your GRE registration
- No e-Aadhaar, PAN card, or driving license is accepted as a primary ID
- Digital/soft copies of ID are not allowed
Note: For GRE at home, you must use a valid physical passport. Any mismatch or expired document can lead to application cancellation or denial of entry.
Age Limit, Attempts & Special Considerations
The GRE exam has no upper age limit; however, you must be able to secure a valid passport and fulfill university-specific age norms if required. You may take the GRE up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, with a minimum gap of 21 days between attempts.
- No maximum attempt restriction across a lifetime
- No minimum marks or academic cutoff by ETS—but university admission will require good grades and GRE scores
- Candidates under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult (at test centers)
Minimum GRE Score Required for Masters Abroad
There is no GRE pass or fail, but top universities benchmark specific minimum GRE scores for their MS, MBA, and PhD programs. Generally, a score above 310 is considered competitive for top 100 universities, whereas some programs may accept scores around 300. Business and engineering schools may set higher cutoffs, and scholarships often require higher results.
For detailed breakdowns, check university program pages or visit our GRE syllabus and prep guide.
Scholarships & Financial Aid Linked to GRE
A high GRE score opens doors to international scholarships and assistantships offered by universities and governments. Many top U.S. and European schools assess GRE results for:
- Merit-based scholarships for high scorers
- Graduate/research assistantships
- Fee waivers, stipends, and on-campus part-time work
Explore more study abroad scholarships designed for Indian students aiming for global universities.
How GRE Eligibility Links to Admission & Visa Process
While GRE eligibility is straightforward, admissions depend on your full academic profile, SOPs, and university-specific policies. Meeting GRE criteria does NOT guarantee admission, but is necessary for shortlisted programs. Further, student visa approvals require:
- Admission offer from a recognized university
- Valid GRE test score as per course requirement
- Complete academic transcripts and documents
Many countries reward high-achieving GRE applicants with post-study work options. Read our guide to post-study work visas in the UK for more detailed country info.
GRE 2025: Key Takeaways for Indian Students
- No official age, academic, or subject restrictions by ETS.
- Bachelor’s degree and strong academic profile recommended.
- Use a valid passport for GRE registration and test entry.
- Check degree/field requirements of each university before applying.
- High GRE scores boost admission, scholarships, and employability abroad.
With simplified eligibility and global acceptance, the GRE is a flexible entryway for Indian students seeking master's, MBA, or PhD programs abroad. Focus not only on meeting the basic criteria but also on excelling in your academics and application documents for the best outcomes. Check specific program requirements and prepare well in advance for a successful 2025 intake!
FAQs on GRE Eligibility Criteria & Requirements for 2025
1. What are the eligibility criteria for the GRE exam?
There are no specific educational, academic, or professional eligibility criteria required to appear for the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). The GRE is open to all candidates regardless of their nationality, age, gender, or academic background. However, candidates are typically advised to check the admission requirements of their target universities and programs, as individual schools may have their own prerequisites for accepting GRE scores.
2. What is the maximum age limit for the GRE exam?
There is no maximum or minimum age limit set by ETS for taking the GRE exam. Both undergraduate students, recent graduates, and working professionals can appear for the exam as long as they have a valid and acceptable ID proof.
3. Is there any specific GRE eligibility criteria for Indian students?
No, Indian students do not have any separate or additional eligibility requirements for the GRE. All candidates must have a valid passport as their primary ID proof while registering and appearing for the exam in India.
4. Are there GRE eligibility criteria for engineers or specific streams?
There are no stream-specific eligibility requirements for the GRE exam. Engineers, science graduates, and candidates from arts, commerce, or any other field can take the GRE. The only consideration is meeting the admission requirements of the target graduate program or university.
5. What is a GRE qualification?
A GRE qualification means that a candidate has taken the GRE and received a valid score report. There is no pass or fail in GRE; instead, candidates receive section-wise scores which are then submitted to universities during their application process.
6. What is the GRE score required to qualify for admission?
There is no official qualifying score set by ETS for the GRE. Each university and program has its own minimum score requirements or competitive score ranges. Typically, a Verbal Reasoning score of 155+, a Quantitative Reasoning score of 160+, and an Analytical Writing score of 4.0+ are considered competitive for top graduate schools, but requirements vary by institution.
7. What are the GRE eligibility criteria for master’s degree programs?
To apply for a master’s degree abroad, candidates usually require a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university. However, the GRE exam itself does not require proof of degree completion—eligibility depends on the requirements set by the target institution for admission.
8. What marks or scores are required to be eligible for the GRE exam?
There is no minimum academic percentage or marks required to register for the GRE exam. Candidates should simply ensure they have all required identity proofs and meet the eligibility criteria of their chosen postgraduate programs.
9. What are the GRE exam syllabus and sections?
The standard GRE General Test syllabus includes three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Analytical Writing
The test is designed to assess critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal and quantitative reasoning skills necessary for graduate study.
10. What are the GRE ID requirements for registration and exam day?
Candidates must present an original and valid passport as primary ID for GRE registration and on test day (for Indian students). The ID should:
- Be current (not expired)
- Contain the candidate’s full name matching the application
- Include a recent photograph and signature
11. How can a student apply for the GRE exam?
To apply for the GRE exam:
1. Create an ETS account at the official ETS GRE website.
2. Choose a test type and date available at your nearest test center or online.
3. Fill out the application form and upload the required ID details.
4. Pay the exam fee online to confirm your slot.
5. Download your confirmation and prepare for the test day.
12. Can I take the GRE multiple times, and is there a limit on attempts?
Yes, you can take the GRE General Test up to five times within a rolling 12-month period (365 days), with at least 21 days gap between attempts. Universities will consider your best or most recent scores as per their admission policies.
