Graduate Record Examination or the GRE test has been taken by 1.14 lakh Indian students, which has doubled since the last decade according to The Indian Express. Also, the difference in examinee counts between India and the USA is merely 10,000. If you are a student aspiring to attempt the GRE test, then you need to be prepared not just for the exam but also for the fees for the test. This blog will give you a detailed overview of the latest information on GRE exam fees, the payment policies, the GRE fee reduction programme and more!

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GRE Exam: Introduction

The GRE or the Graduate Record Examination is an essential first step for students hoping to pursue graduate and doctorate studies in a variety of subjects, including business, engineering, science, and the humanities. The GRE is a test that opens doors to higher education and attests to a candidate's intellectual ability. It is mostly taken by students who aspire to attend colleges in the USA, Canada, and other international countries.

This computer-based, multiple-choice test, is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The distinct format of the exam enables it to assess a wide range of abilities, including college-level vocabulary and proficiency in basic mathematics, geometry, arithmetic, and data analysis. The exam also evaluates a candidate’s ability to measure critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to read, comprehend, and assess written content.

The exam comprises three separate sections which include:

• Analytical Writing: This examines the critical thinking skills and capacity to effectively convey complicated concepts via written communication.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This assesses numerical ability in areas such as algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and data analysis.
• Verbal Reasoning: This evaluates vocabulary mastery and the ability to comprehend and analyse written content.

The Analytical Writing portion is assessed on a range of 0 to 6, with half-point increments, while the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections are rated on a scale of 130 to 170, each. This scoring method guarantees a proper evaluation of a candidate's skills and gives graduate schools a thorough measure to analyse possible candidates.

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What are the Fees for the GRE Exam?

Preparing for the GRE is a significant step in your academic journey, and so is understanding the associated costs. GRE is a standardised test that many graduate schools require for admission, but how much does it cost? Let's break it down: 

GRE Exam Fee India

For students in India, the GRE is more than just preparing for the test; it's also about budgeting for it.

GRE General Test Fee: The application fee for the GRE General Test in India is ₹22,550 INR.

GRE Subject Test Fee: If you opt for a GRE Subject Test, the GRE Exam Fee India is  ₹14,500 INR.

It's important to keep in mind that these are just the basic fees. If you need to reschedule your test or change the test centre, there will be additional charges.

GRE Test Fees Around the Globe

GRE fees vary based on your location. Here's a quick glance at what it costs in different parts of the world:

GRE Reschedule Fee

When planning to take the GRE, it's important to be aware of potential fees associated with rescheduling or cancelling your test. The following sections aim to clarify these costs to help you be prepared for such situations.

Rescheduling the GRE

Deadline: You must reschedule your GRE General Test at least four days before your original test date. Failing to do so can lead you to lose your entire GRE exam fee.

GRE Reschedule Fee: There is a fee of $50 for rescheduling your GRE test. This fee applies each time you reschedule.

Process: Rescheduling can be done through your ETS (Educational Testing Service) account, which is the same platform where you initially registered for the test.

GRE Cancellation Fees

Deadline: Similar to rescheduling, if you wish to cancel your GRE test, you must do it at least four days before your test date.

Cancellation Fee: Unlike rescheduling, cancelling does not incur a specific fee. However, you will not receive a full refund.

Refund: Upon cancellation before the deadline, you are entitled to a 50% refund of your GRE exam fee. This means if you cancel, you will only get half of the test fee back.

No Refund: In the case wherein you miss the four-day deadline, you will not receive any refund.

Special GRE Fees for Special Handling Services

In addition to the standard rescheduling and cancellation fees, there are other fees for specific services, often referred to as "special handling services". These fees cover situations like late registration, changing your test centre, or other administrative changes. 

This table details the fees for various special handling requests that might arise during your GRE preparation and registration process.

GRE Fees for Scoring Services

This table outlines the fees related to scoring services, which can be relevant if you need additional score reports or other scoring-related services.

GRE Home Test Fee

Depending on the nation of your account address, the GRE General Test at Home is accessible in all locations where the GRE is typically administered, providing test takers with a convenient and secure choice. Using a computer from home or at another secure place, applicants can take the exam in the same format as in a testing facility. Every at-home test is observed by a human proctor online via ProctorU® to guarantee the test's integrity. Being flexible and accessible around the clock, this option is a great benefit for those with hectic schedules or those who would rather be safe and comfortable in their own home. The GRE Home Test Fee is $228. 

GRE Test Fee: Payment Policies

To ensure a smooth registration process, you need to have a good understanding of the payment policies for the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). Here is a detailed overview of these policies:

• No Cash, Checks, or Money Orders: Payments for GRE services must be made through other means, as cash, checks, and money orders are not accepted.
• Outstanding Balances: If your ETS account has an outstanding balance, your scores will be withheld. A non-refundable service fee of $30 is added for outstanding balances.
• Withholding Services for Nonpayment: ETS may withhold services, including score reporting if there are unpaid fees.
• Clearing Past Balances: Any outstanding balances from previous ETS tests or services must be paid in full before you can register for any future ETS tests or services.
• Payment in Local Currency or USD: When registering online, you may have the option to pay in your local currency, if supported by your card issuer, or in US dollars (USD).
• Cardholder Identity Verification: During payment, your bank may ask you to verify your identity by entering an authentication code (such as a 3D-secure passcode). Failure to provide correct information will lead to the rejection of the transaction. If you're unfamiliar with your 3D-Secure passcode or password, and cannot enroll online during the payment process, you should contact your bank.
• Payment Options Subject to Change: ETS reserves the right to modify, add, or delete payment options at any time without prior notice.

GRE Fee Waiver Programme

The GRE Fee Reduction Programme is a valuable initiative designed to make the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) more accessible to individuals facing financial challenges. This programme offers a substantial discount on the test fees for eligible individuals.

Fee Reduction Details

GRE General Test: Eligible individuals get to pay a reduced fee of $100 to register for the GRE General Test.

GRE Subject Test: For the GRE Subject Test, the fee is halved, costing $75 instead of the regular test fee.

Free Test Preparation Materials: Those registering for the General Test through this programme also receive free access to GRE test preparation materials, costing $100.

Eligibility and Application Process for Fee Waivers

For those who are struggling financially, the GRE Fee Reduction Programme is a fantastic way to support their academic aspirations. By lowering the cost of GRE fees, the programme contributes to increasing graduate school accessibility.  You can check your eligibility for the GRE Fee Reduction Programme if you belong to the following categories:

• Individuals Demonstrating Financial Need: Those who can prove they are in financial need are eligible for the programme.
• Unemployed Individuals: People who are currently unemployed and receiving unemployment compensation qualify for the programme.
• Underrepresented Groups and First-Generation College Students: The programme also supports individuals involved with national programmes focusing on underrepresented groups, first-generation college students, and those with financial need.

Application Process

To apply, eligible individuals should:

• Complete the GRE Fee Reduction Request Form: This form is available as a PDF document.
• Submission of Materials: Follow the instructions on the form for submitting materials to ETS (Educational Testing Service).
• Voucher Issuance: Upon ETS approval, which typically takes about 2 weeks, voucher numbers are sent to recipients via email.

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