GRE Test Dates 2026: How to Choose and Register for Your Exam

Planning to take the GRE in 2026? Choosing the right GRE test date and navigating the registration process can feel overwhelming, especially with options to test at a center or online, multiple test types, and a variety of application deadlines to consider. This guide breaks it all down, so you can choose the best time to take the GRE, avoid common pitfalls, and register with confidence.

We’ve pulled insights directly from the ETS website, top admissions coaches, and real test takers to help you plan ahead and maximize your score. Whether you’re applying to a U.S. graduate school, business program, or international university, you’ll find everything you need here.

Read: How Late Can You Take the GMAT/GRE for MBA Applications?

2026 GRE Test Dates Overview

The GRE General Test is offered year-round at authorized test centers and through the GRE online examination (also known as the at-home GRE). ETS allows you to schedule your test almost any day of the year, though availability varies by location and demand.

If you're planning ahead for 2026, here’s what to know:

• You can register for the GRE up to 6 months in advance.
• Test dates tend to fill quickly from August–December (peak grad school application season).
• You must leave at least 21 days between attempts, and you can take the GRE General Test up to 5 times per 12-month period.

Use your ETS account to find the desired test date and location early.

Pro Tip: Seats in mainland China, India, and other high-demand regions fill up fast. Plan your testing window at least 2–3 months in advance.

Read: How Long Is the GRE? Test Length, Section Breakdown, and Timing Tips

GRE Exam Dates (2025–2026 Cycle)

While the General Test is flexible, the GRE Subject Test follows a fixed global schedule. These are the confirmed testing windows from ETS:

GRE General Test vs. GRE Subject Test: Key Differences and When to Take Each

Before registering, it’s critical to understand which version of the GRE you need. They serve very different purposes and are evaluated differently by graduate programs.

GRE General Test

The GRE General Test is the standard exam required by most graduate, business, and law programs. It assesses core academic skills and is structured into three sections:

• Verbal Reasoning: reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking
• Quantitative Reasoning: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation
• Analytical Writing: two essays measuring your ability to construct and evaluate arguments

You can take the General Test year-round, either online or at a physical test center. The content, scoring, and score validity are the same regardless of format.

This is the version accepted by nearly all U.S. and international graduate programs across disciplines.

GRE Subject Test

The GRE Subject Test is designed to measure in-depth knowledge in specific academic fields. It’s only offered in four subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Physics

Unlike the General Test, Subject Tests are paper-based, offered only three times per year (typically in April, September, and October), and must be taken in person at select test centers. These exams are used by certain research-heavy or highly competitive STEM graduate programs to assess subject mastery.

Read: How Long Is Each GRE Section? Timing Tips for Every Part of the Test

Which One Do You Need?

Most applicants only need the GRE General Test. However, if you're applying to a program that specifically recommends or requires a Subject Test, it can help demonstrate subject-matter expertise—particularly if your undergraduate background is in a different field or if you're applying to top-tier research programs.

Plan accordingly. Subject Test dates and locations are limited, and registration can fill quickly.

Important note for online test-takers: If you’re taking the GRE online, your testing environment must meet ETS’s technical and environmental standards. That includes approved equipment, a private testing space, and ID verification. ETS offers a system check to confirm your setup before test day.

How to Choose the Best GRE Test Date

Choosing the right GRE test date isn’t just about availability; it’s about optimizing your admissions strategy, study timeline, and mental performance. Here’s how to make a smart, personalized decision.

1. Work Backward from Your Earliest Application Deadline

GRE scores are valid for 5 years, but you’ll want to ensure your score reports arrive in time for your schools’ deadlines.

Use the table below to reverse-engineer your ideal test window:

2. Give Yourself Enough Time to Prepare

Most students need 8–12 weeks of consistent study to build the skills and confidence for a serious first attempt. If you're working full-time or managing school, give yourself even more lead time. Leave at least 21 days between test dates if you’re planning to retake the exam.

Many students don’t hit their target score on the first try, so it’s smart to schedule your initial test early enough to leave room for a second attempt if needed. Factor in ETS's score release timeline as well. Official GRE scores are typically available 8–15 days after your test date, and it can take additional time for them to reach your schools.

If you’re aiming for a 320+ or applying to top-tier graduate programs, testing earlier in the cycle gives you more flexibility and peace of mind.

3. Consider Your Learning Style and Schedule

Your actual performance on test day is shaped not only by how well you prepare, but also by when and how you take the exam. Choose a date and time that matches your natural energy levels and daily routine. Think about what time of day you tend to focus best. Some students are sharper in the morning, while others perform better after lunch. GRE testing slots vary, so align your test time with your peak hours.

Weekends often book quickly, but may also come with more distractions. Some students find midweek exams less stressful and easier to manage. Consider your work or academic schedule, and avoid dates that coincide with major deadlines, travel, or life events. If you're testing from home, make sure your space will be quiet, secure, and free from interruptions. The online GRE has strict requirements around equipment, lighting, and room setup.

To simulate the real experience, take a full-length practice test at the same time and setting you plan to test. This gives you a realistic sense of how you’ll perform under those conditions.

How to Register for the GRE (Step-by-Step)

You can register online through your ETS account. Here's how:

Step 1: Create or Log In to Your ETS Account

Start at the official ETS website. You'll need an ETS account to register, manage test appointments, and send score reports.

When setting up your account, make sure the name exactly matches the ID you’ll present on test day. Mismatches (even minor ones) can prevent you from being admitted to the test.

Be prepared to enter:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Country of citizenship
• Contact information
• Academic background and intended field of graduate study

Step 2: Select Your Test Type and Format

ETS offers two types of GRE exams:

• GRE General Test: Available either online (at home) or in-person at a test center. Most graduate, business, and law programs require this version.
• GRE Subject Test: Only available in-person and offered three times a year at select locations. Required by some specialized STEM programs.

Choose the format that aligns with your needs and testing environment. If you're testing at home, confirm your equipment and room setup meet ETS's requirements before booking.

Step 3: Choose a Test Date and Location

Select accommodations if needed (you must request accommodations in advance), and agree to the ID requirements and policies. Use your ETS account to search for available test dates by city or zip code. For in-person tests, you’ll see a list of nearby centers. For the online option, you’ll be shown available time slots.

If you're applying to multiple programs or might retake the test, register early to secure your ideal test date, especially during peak seasons (August–December).

Step 4: Complete the Registration Form

You'll now complete your registration by providing:

• Background information (used in aggregate reporting)
• School selection (you get 4 free score reports included in your test fee)
• Test accommodations, if applicable (must be requested and approved in advance)
• Agreement to the GRE policies, ID requirements, and the testing code of conduct

Double-check your entries, especially your test date, time zone, and ID details.

Step 5: Pay the Test Fees

Test fees vary by country, typically ranging from $220–$240. You can also purchase additional score reports, reschedule options, and prep materials. You can also add extra score reports (beyond the 4 included), purchase official GRE prep materials, or opt for rescheduling and cancellation flexibility

5. Confirm and Prepare

Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Prepare by reviewing your test content, securing a quiet computer and testing room, and gathering acceptable IDs. Log in to your ETS account to verify everything is accurate.

If you’re taking the online GRE, now’s the time to run the ETS system check and finalize your testing setup. For in-person tests, review your center’s location and plan your logistics in advance.

Important: ETS allows cancellations and reschedules, but you must act at least 4 days before test day to qualify for a partial refund or to avoid additional fees.

Online GRE: What You Need to Know

The GRE online examination (also known as the GRE General Test at home) offers the same content, scoring, and acceptance as the in-person version. It’s a flexible option for students who want to test from home, but it comes with strict equipment and environment requirements that can affect your eligibility and experience.

The online format is ideal if you have:

• A quiet, private space free from interruptions
• A compatible computer and internet connection
• Limited access to a test center or prefer to test from home

However, the GRE online examination is not available in all regions. You’ll need to log in to your ETS account to check whether GRE online test dates are offered in your country or city.

Required Equipment and Environment Setup

ETS enforces strict equipment and environment requirements to ensure test security. If you don’t meet them, you won’t be allowed to take the test even if you’ve already registered.

Here’s what’s required:

Testing Room & Environment

• You must be alone in an enclosed room with no one entering during the test.
• No notes, books, phones, or unapproved materials in your workspace.
• Your testing room must meet ETS's standards for lighting, camera angles, and noise control.

Computer & Internet Requirements

• Desktop or laptop (no tablets or mobile devices)
• Windows or Mac OS (no Chromebooks)
• Functional webcam, microphone, and speakers (headphones are not allowed)
• Reliable, high-speed internet connection
• You must complete and pass the ETS system check before registering

How to Find and Schedule GRE Online Test Dates

Availability of GRE online test dates varies by region and demand. ETS opens new test slots continuously, but some locations (especially outside the U.S.) may not offer the online option due to regulatory restrictions.

To find available online GRE dates:

1. Log in to your ETS account
2. Choose the “At Home” test delivery option
3. Enter your address to check regional availability
4. Browse available test dates and register as early as possible

If online testing isn’t available in your country (e.g., mainland China or Iran), you’ll need to register for an in-person test at an authorized center.

Key Differences Between Online and In-Person GRE

Treat the online GRE like a professional exam. Do a full-length practice test under the same conditions and confirm your setup days in advance. If there’s any doubt that your equipment and environment won’t meet ETS standards, it’s safer to test in person.

For the most accurate availability and to begin the registration process, always use your official ETS account to view options and confirm that the GRE online examination is supported in your region.

GRE Test Fees and Costs

Here’s a breakdown of key test fees:

Check the ETS website for your country’s rates.

Final Checklist for Test Registration

Before you register for the GRE, make sure you:

• Know your application deadlines
• Have a clear study plan
• Understand your test center or online option
• Check your ID requirements
• Prepare your testing room (if testing from home)
• Budget for test fees and extras

Get Help Planning Your GRE Strategy

Most students aren’t just wondering when to take the GRE; they're also asking: how many times should I take it? How early do I need to start? What’s a good GRE score for me? These are the kinds of questions we help with every day.

Work with a GRE coach 1:1 to build your timeline, pick your test date, and hit your target score. Browse top GRE coaches here. Also, check out our GRE exam prep bootcamp and free events and group classes to learn more strategic insights!

See: The 10 Best GRE Tutors

Read next:

• What Is a Good GRE Score? Percentiles, Targets, and What Schools Want
• How Late Can You Take the GMAT/GRE for MBA Applications?
• GRE Arithmetic: Guide, Formulas, Tips, & Practice Questions
• GRE Geometry: Guide, Formulas, Tips, & Practice Questions
• GRE Quantitative Practice Resources: Where to Find the Best Questions & Practice Tests
• GRE Score Percentiles, Scoring Scale, & Averages Explained
• The 3 Biggest Mistakes People Make Preparing for the GRE

FAQs About GRE Test Dates and Registration

What is the best month to take the GRE in 2026?

• Most students take the GRE between August and November to meet fall deadlines. However, if you're applying early or want time to retake, aim for June–September.

Can I register for both the GRE General and Subject Tests?

• Yes, but they are separate registrations. Subject tests are only offered on specific dates.

How far in advance should I register?

• Register 2–3 months ahead to secure your desired test date, especially in high-demand locations.

How long are GRE scores valid?

• GRE scores are valid for 5 years from your test date.

What are the ID requirements for GRE registration?

• Valid, government-issued ID (passport for international test takers) matching the name on your ETS account.