The GRE is an important step for students from India who would like to pursue higher studies abroad. While preparation towards the test requires dedication with time, it is by all means equally important for understanding the associated costs when budgeting well. And that’s what this post will do: break the GRE exam fees down—and show you some of these potential hidden expenses—so that you can better plan a budget for your academic journey.
GRE Exam Fees: The Basics
Standard GRE Exam Fee
From now on, for test-takers of the GRE General Test, India currently charges $228 (₹18,000-₹19,500) per test. This amount varies depending on the applicable current exchange rate. To have the most accurate, updated fee details, go and check their official website at ETS.org, and that before you register.
Additional GRE Fees
Besides the registration fee, you may also be required to pay the following additional charges:
- Rescheduling Fee: You are charged an extra $50 (₹4,000 approximately) for changing your test date. This could be saved with some good planning.
- Test Center Change Fee: You are charged $50 (₹4,000 approximately) for test center change.
- Additional Score Report Fee: ETS allows you to send your scores to four universities for free. For each additional score report, you'll be charged $30 (₹2,400 approximately)
- GRE Subject Test Fee: For subject-specific tests, the fee for registration is about $150 (₹12,000 approximately).
- Late Registration Fee: Missing the due date requires an additional payment of $25 (₹2,000 approximately).
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Test Preparation Materials
- Books and Online Resources: The cost of preparation books ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000. Online courses or subscriptions may be needed, and their prices can range from ₹7,000 to ₹20,000.
- Mock Tests: Candidates prefer investing in practice tests that would cost around ₹2,000 to ₹6,000.
Travel and Accommodation
If the nearest GRE test center is in another city, add travel, accommodation, and food expenses to your budget, which can go up to ₹3,000 to ₹5,000.
Visa and Passport Fees
- For GRE registration, a valid passport is required, and applying afresh might cost approximately ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 in India.
- Besides this, students aiming to study in the U.S. also need to consider visa-related expenses, including the SEVIS fee and F1 visa charges, which come to more than ₹30,000.
Fees for University Applications
Every university charges an application fee, generally in the range of ₹3,500 to ₹7,000 per university. Add that to your overall budget, especially if you intend to apply to multiple universities.
Tips to Reduce GRE Costs
- Register Early: Avoid late fees or book the test date in advance along with the booking of your test location.
- Leverage Free Resources: ETS and other platforms provide free GRE preparation materials, including practice questions and full-length tests.
- Group Discounts: Most coaching institutes have bundled packages with discounted rates for both GRE coaching and study materials.
- Strategic Score Submission: Use your four free score reports wisely by selecting universities carefully.
- Avail Scholarships: Check if there are any GRE fee reduction programs or any other financial aid options that could make studying abroad easier.
Conclusions
Preparing for the GRE means an investment in your future. Knowing precisely what the test costs, plus the hidden costs that will emerge, would better help plan and avoid financial stress. Be it early registration, using free resources, or strategic financial planning—every bit helps. Ready to take it to the next level? Have a look at our comprehensive guide on how to ace the GRE and start your study abroad journey today!