Documents Required for GRE Exam Registration

The Graduate Record Exam, or GRE Exam, is one of the most widely accepted graduate admission tests at top universities abroad accepting foreign students. The GRE exam is a standardized test that measures the overall academic excellence of a candidate opting for graduate courses abroad. The GRE exam is one of the requirements for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada and some other countries. So, candidates hoping to get admission to foreign universities must prepare for GRE exams if they want to study at some of the best universities in the world. On this page, you will get an idea of what documents to bring and what not to bring while appearing for the exam.

What is GRE?

The GRE exam, i.e. Graduate Record Examination, is a graduate entrance test which is internationally accepted by top universities in the world for various graduate programme admissions in many countries. The GRE exam is conducted by an international testing agency, Educational Testing Service (ETS). Evaluation of the GRE General Test is based on the candidate's analytical writing, quantitative ability, and verbal reasoning skills. The general test measures the readiness of a candidate, both academically and mentally, to study abroad. The GRE Subject Test only extends to subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Psychology. The GRE subject test evaluates a candidate's knowledge of a particular subject. The ETS GRE exam is held multiple times a year, thus allowing candidates to have the option of appearing for the test from the designated GRE test centre or from home by choosing the 'GRE at Home' option.

General ID Documents Requirement for GRE Exam

When applying for the test, candidates are supposed to submit the necessary documents for GRE exam as defined below. There can be a few exceptions, but the below-mentioned document requirements for the GRE exam should be met by citizens of all nationalities.

• The document procured should be an original one. Photocopies of documents or an e-copy of the documents are not accepted as valid ID proof for the GRE exam. 

• The ID should be in physical form. Electronic ID that is issued to a mobile phone or any other electronic device shall not be entertained.

• The ID card should be a government-issued national/state/province identity card that proves the nationality of the candidate appearing for the GRE exam.

• The ID card procured should be valid. Expired ID cards (bearing expiration dates) are not acceptable.

• The ID card should bear the candidate's first and last name exactly (excluding accents) as the name they used to register for the GRE test.

• The ID card should include a recent, recognizable photograph.

• The ID document should include the candidate's signature (the name and signature on the ID document must match).

Primary ID Documents Acceptable for GRE Exam

Primary ID documents that are acceptable for GRE exams will be different for different countries. Indian citizens appearing for GRE exams are required to have the following ID proofs if they are appearing for the test:

Within India:

• Passport with the candidate's name, signature and photograph.

• The Aadhaar card is also temporarily being accepted by ETS as primary ID proof for GRE exam from candidates taking their exams in India until further notice. The Aadhaar card must be original as photocopied/printed documents are not acceptable.

Outside India:

• The candidate must procure a valid passport with their name, signature and photograph as primary ID proof. 

• There is no exception/alternative to this requirement.

Unacceptable ID Documents for GRE Exam

There are certain documents which cannot be passed as primary or supplemental ID for GRE exams under any circumstances. The following list contains the type of documents not accepted for the GRE exam:

• Expired or photocopied documents

• Birth certificate

• Mobile or International Driver’s license

• Documents not bearing the first and the last of the candidate as has been used at the time of GRE registration.

• Documents being presented on a cell phone or any other electronic device at the GRE test centre.

• Employee ID card

• Draft classification card

• Any document or letter prepared by the notary

• Social security card

• Diplomatic, consulate or embassy ID card

• Temporary ID card except for driver’s license, employment authorisation card renewals, resident card, etc.)

• Documents unrecognised by government agencies.

Register and connect with us to find out everything related to preparing and applying for the GRE exam this year with the help of experienced study abroad counsellors.

Supplemental ID Documents for GRE Exam

The candidate may sometimes be required to present supplemental ID Documents for GRE exams in certain situations such as:

• The test administrator is not satisfied with the candidate's primary ID Document and can ask for a supplemental ID document

• The candidate's primary ID is otherwise acceptable but does not contain the first and the last name, or a recent photograph or signature.

The following list of documents are generally accepted as Supplemental ID documents if the candidate faces any problem with the primary ID document:

• Government-issued ID cards (including those listed under the primary ID document) 

• Student ID card

• A letter from the candidate's educational institution on the original letterhead of the institution confirming their identity. 

What if I am Unable to Procure ID Documents for GRE Exam?

If the candidate is a refugee, or has been given political asylum, or is otherwise unable to procure the required ID documents, they must contact the ETS Office of Testing Integrity (OTI) at least seven days before registering to test. The approval from the OTI is a must for such candidates before registering to test. The candidate must also be ready to submit any documents requested by the OTI prior to receiving approval.

ID Verification for GRE Exam

The candidates might be required to go through an ID verification process at the time of check-in at the designated GRE test centre which may include:

• Biometric voice verification

• Photo identification

• Fingerprint/thumbprint verification

• Videotaping

• Signature comparison

The candidates wanting to add a star to their academic profile by opting for a reputed foreign university must first start with their preparation for the GRE exam. A good GRE score is the first big step towards achieving their dream of success. Candidates are advised to have a good idea of the exam by registering and connecting with our team of study abroad experts.