GRE Exam Fee in India 2026: Registration Costs, Hidden Charges & Discount Codes
- qaiserahmadcs
- Dec 16
- 6 min read
Introduction
For Indian engineering aspirants dreaming of an MS in the USA or Germany, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is the first major financial investment.
However, the cost of the GRE is not just a single swipe of a debit card. With the fluctuating USD-INR exchange rate, the GRE exam fee in India 2026 has become a significant expense—hovering near the ₹20,000 mark. And that’s just the registration.
Many students make the mistake of budgeting only for the exam slot. They forget to calculate the costs of rescheduling (which happens often due to lack of prep), sending scores to more than 4 universities, or reinstating cancelled scores. Suddenly, a ₹20,000 exam turns into a ₹40,000 affair.
In this detailed guide, we provide a transparent breakdown of the total GRE exam fee in India 2026. We cover everything from the base registration cost to the hidden "Additional Score Report" fees, and—most importantly—how you can save money using ETS discount codes.
1. What is the GRE Exam Fee in India 2026? (The Base Cost)
As of the 2026 testing cycle, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) charges a global fee, but they often have specific pricing for India to support the massive volume of test-takers here.
The Breakdown:
Global Fee: $220 (Base Rate).
India-Specific Surcharge: Due to taxes (GST) and exchange rates, the effective fee usually sits around $228.
In Indian Rupees: Assuming an exchange rate of roughly 1 USD = ₹86 - ₹87 (projected for 2026), here is what you pay:
Exam Type | Fee in USD | Estimated Fee in INR (2026) |
GRE General Test | $228 | ₹19,800 – ₹20,500 |
GRE Subject Test | $150 | ₹13,000 – ₹13,500 |
Note: ETS India sometimes locks the price in INR (e.g., ₹22,550 fixed). Always check the official ETS India portal before paying.
2. The "Hidden" Costs: Rescheduling & Cancellation
Life happens. You might fall sick, or your mock scores might be stuck at 305 a week before the exam. This is where the GRE exam fee in India 2026 starts adding up.
Unlike some Indian exams where rescheduling is cheap, ETS charges a premium in dollars.
A. Rescheduling Fee
If you want to move your exam date to a later slot:
Cost: $50 (approx. ₹4,350).
Deadline: You must reschedule at least 4 days before your test date. If you wait until 3 days before, you forfeit the entire fee.
B. Cancellation Fee
If you decide not to take the test at all:
Refund Policy: You get a 50% refund ($114) if you cancel at least 4 days in advance.
Last Minute: If you cancel within 4 days, the refund is $0.
C. Changing Test Center
Cost: $50.
Tip: If you booked a center with bad reviews (e.g., noisy keyboards) and want to switch to a better one, you pay this fee.
3. The "Score Sending" Trap: Why Engineers Pay More
This is the most critical section for MS applicants.
When you take the GRE, ETS allows you to send your scores to 4 universities for FREE. You must select these 4 colleges on the day of the exam (right after you finish the test).
The Problem: Most ambitious engineering students apply to 8 to 12 universities (2 Ambitious, 4 Target, 4 Safe).
The Cost of Extra Reports:
Fee: $35 (approx. ₹3,050) per university.
The Math: If you apply to 10 universities:
First 4: Free.
Next 6:
35 x 6 = 210 (approx. ₹18,200).
Verdict: The cost of sending the scores is almost equal to the cost of taking the exam. Plan your shortlist carefully!
4. Other Miscellaneous Fees (2026)
Here are fees for services you hopefully won’t need, but should know about.
Service | Cost (USD) | Approx. INR |
Late Registration Fee (Booking within 2 days) | $25 | ₹2,175 |
Standby Testing (Walk-in) | $50 | ₹4,350 |
Score Review (Re-checking) | $50 | ₹4,350 |
Score Reinstatement (If you accidentally cancelled) | $50 | ₹4,350 |
5. How to Pay the GRE Exam Fee in India?
In 2026, ETS has made payments much easier for Indian students. You no longer strictly need an international credit card.
Accepted Payment Methods:
Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB. (Ensure "International Usage" is enabled on your card).
UPI (Unified Payments Interface): Yes! ETS India now accepts UPI payments for local registrations. This saves you from bank transaction charges on foreign currency.
PayPal: A secure option if your card is getting rejected.
Warning: Do not use a RuPay card unless the portal specifically says it is supported (often RuPay Global works, but domestic does not).
6. GRE Discount Codes 2026: Can You Save Money?
Is there a way to lower the GRE exam fee in India 2026? Yes.
ETS India frequently runs promotional campaigns to compete with GMAT and Study Abroad consultants.
How to find codes:
Seasonal Sales: Look for codes like GREINDIA2026 or FLASH25 during festivals (Diwali, Independence Day).
Retake Discounts: If you took the GRE once and want to retake it, ETS often emails a unique code for $50 off on the second attempt.
Combo Offers: Sometimes, booking the GRE + TOEFL together gives a bundle discount of roughly 25%.
Actionable Advice: Before booking, always Google "ETS India GRE Promo Code" or check the banner on the official ets.org website.
7. GRE At Home vs. Test Center: Is the Fee Different?
A common myth is that the "GRE General Test at Home" is cheaper because you use your own electricity and internet.
The Reality: The fee is exactly the same ($228).
Which one offers better value?
Test Center: You pay for the infrastructure, scratch paper, noise-canceling headphones, and peace of mind (no internet crash risks).
At Home: You pay for convenience, but you take the risk of technical glitches. If your WiFi drops, you might have to pay a rescheduling fee to take it again.
Recommendation: For the same price, the Test Center is a safer investment for your ₹20,000.
8. Why is the GRE Fee So High? (Is It Worth It?)
For an Indian middle-class family, spending ₹20,000 on a 2-hour exam feels excessive. Why is it so expensive?
Global Standardization: Creating adaptive questions that are culturally neutral and fair to students from 180 countries costs millions in R&D.
Security: The biometric security measures (palm vein scans, AI proctoring) are high-tech and costly.
The Return on Investment (ROI):
Think of the ₹20,000 as an investment key.
A high GRE score (325+) can unlock Scholarships worth $20,000+ (₹17 Lakhs).
It creates a massive ROI multiplier. Spending ₹20k to save ₹17 Lakhs is a smart financial move.
FAQs regarding GRE Exam Fee in India 2026
1. What is the current GRE exam fee in India 2026 in Rupees?
Based on current exchange rates, it is approximately ₹19,800 to ₹20,500. However, bank charges for currency conversion might add another ₹500-₹800 if you don't use UPI.
2. Can I get a fee waiver for GRE?
GRE Fee Waivers exist, but they are extremely limited for international students. They are mostly reserved for US citizens with financial hardship. However, some NGOs in India occasionally offer vouchers.
3. If I fail, do I have to pay the full fee again?
Yes. There is no discount for failing. Every attempt costs the full $228. (Unless you have a specific retake promo code).
4. Does the fee include study material?
Registration gives you access to 2 Free PowerPrep Online Practice Tests. Any additional books or mocks must be purchased separately.
5. How much does it cost to send scores to 10 universities?
First 4 are free. The next 6 will cost $35 each. Total for 10 universities=
Exam Fee(228) + Score Fees (210)= 438 (approx. ₹38,000).
Conclusion
The GRE exam fee in India 2026 is a significant expense, but it is a non-negotiable part of your study abroad journey.
To ensure you don't waste money:
Prep Hard: Don't book the date until you are scoring 310+ in mocks to avoid rescheduling fees.
Pick 4 Universities: Have your list of 4 free score recipients ready before you walk into the exam center.
Check for Codes: Spend 10 minutes hunting for a discount code before paying.
Ready to book your slot?[Register on ETS Official Site] or [Download Free GRE Practice Test] to ensure your money doesn't go to waste.
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