GRE Exam Dates 2025: Complete Schedule and Timeline

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Updated GRE Dates and Timeline

The GRE General Test offers unmatched flexibility. You can take it at home 24x7 or at test centers on most days of the week. This year-round availability helps applicants choose dates that suit both their prep plans and university deadlines.


GRE General Test Dates (July 2025)

The GRE General Test is available on the following dates in July 2025:

July 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31


Key Details:

  1. At-Home Test: Available 24/7 with scheduling
  2. Test Center Test: Available most weekdays
  3. Retake Rule: Once every 21 days, up to 5 times in 12 months


GRE Subject Test Dates (2025–26)

The GRE Subject Tests are held in limited windows.


Upcoming Test Windows:

  1. September 2025: Sept 8–21
  2. October 2025: Oct 13–26
  3. April 2026: Apr 20–May 3


Paper-Based Test Dates:

  1. February 2025
  2. October 2025
  3. November 2025

(Dates may vary; check ETS updates regularly.)


GRE Registration Dates and Deadlines

General Test Registration

  1. Minimum Registration Time: 2 days before test
  2. Recommended: Book 4–6 weeks in advance
  3. Peak Season: Sept–Dec (book 8–10 weeks early)
  4. Last-Minute Booking: Up to 24 hrs before test, subject to availability


Subject Test Registration

  1. Early Access: Opens 4 months before test window
  2. Regular Deadline: Closes 3 weeks before the test
  3. Late Booking: Available with extra fee (till 1 week before test)
  4. Final Cutoff: 3 days before test window starts


Registration Timeline (2025–26)

  1. Portal Opens: July 2025
  2. Sept 2025 Test: Register from May to Aug
  3. Oct 2025 Test: Register from June to Sept
  4. Apr 2026 Test: Register from Jan to Mar 2026


GRE Result Dates and Score Reporting

When to Expect Scores

  1. Unofficial Scores: Instant (Verbal + Quant)
  2. Official Scorecard: In 10–15 days
  3. Subject Test Results: Released in 4–6 weeks
  4. Score Validity: 5 years


Score Sending Rules

  1. Free Reports: Send to 4 institutions on test day
  2. Extra Reports: $27 each
  3. Delivery Time: 5–7 business days
  4. Rush Delivery: Not applicable


Counseling and Admission Timeline

Aligning with University Deadlines

  1. Fall Intake: Take test by Oct–Nov (previous year)
  2. Spring Intake: Take test by July–Aug
  3. Summer Intake: Take test by Feb–Mar
  4. Rolling Admissions: Test 2–3 months before application


Special Application Requirements

  1. Early Decision: Test by Sept–Oct
  2. Regular Decision: Test by Dec–Jan
  3. Assistantships: Test by Nov–Dec
  4. Scholarships: Test in early application rounds


Key Planning Deadlines

Before the Exam

  1. Begin Prep: 3–4 months before test
  2. Confirm Booking: At least 1 week before
  3. Retake Buffer: Plan 2–3 attempts
  4. Application Buffer: Ensure scores reach colleges 2–3 weeks before deadlines


Changes and Cancellations

  1. Reschedule By: 4 days before test
  2. Fee: $50 (may vary)
  3. Cancel By: 4 days before test
  4. Refund: 50% of test fee


Test Day Instructions

  1. Reach Early: 30 minutes before slot
  2. ID Proof: Govt-issued photo ID
  3. Banned Items: Phones, notes, food, drinks
  4. Test Duration: Approx. 3 hours 45 minutes


Best Time to Take GRE: Strategy Guide

Smart Test Planning

  1. First Attempt: 3–4 months before application deadline
  2. For Retakes: Maintain 21-day gap
  3. Expected Improvement: 2–5 points per section
  4. Applying to Multiple Schools: Use earliest deadline to plan


Seasonal Trends

  1. High Demand: Sept–Dec (limited slots)
  2. Less Crowded: Jan–May
  3. Holidays: Check for center closures
  4. University Schedules: Sync with academic cycles


For International Applicants

  1. Time Zones: Adjust for score delivery delays
  2. Holidays: Match with local calendars
  3. Visa Timeline: Allow extra time
  4. Other Exams: Avoid clashes with local tests


Test Center & Slot Availability

Booking Tips

  1. In Cities: Book 4–6 weeks ahead
  2. Smaller Towns: Book 2–3 weeks ahead
  3. At-Home Option: Flexible, but confirm early
  4. Always Have Backup: Keep alternative dates and centers ready


Tracking Slots

  1. Check Weekly: New slots open often
  2. Waitlist Option: Available at select centers
  3. Last-Minute Cancellations: May open slots
  4. Nearby Centers: Expand your search radius


Final Tip:

Plan your GRE test strategically. Begin preparation early, track test dates weekly, and register well in advance. A clear timeline helps you avoid last-minute stress and meet your admission goals on time.