GRE Exam Centres in India 2026
Choosing the right test location is almost as important as your preparation. A noisy environment or a stressful commute can impact your focus on exam day. For the 2025 testing cycle, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is more accessible than ever, with ETS expanding its network across India.
Currently, there are over 22 active GRE exam centres in India, spread across major metros and an increasing number of Tier-2 cities. Whether you are in New Delhi or Nashik, finding a “GRE test center near me” is now easier. However, with the rising number of applicants for Fall 2026, slots in high-demand cities like Bangalore and Mumbai fill up months in advance.
This comprehensive guide lists every official GRE exam centre in India, helps you decide between a center and the home-based test, and provides crucial booking tips to ensure your test day goes smoothly.
Complete List of GRE Centres in India (City-Wise)
India has a robust network of test centers managed by Prometric and other authorized partners. ETS has recently focused on adding capacity in Tier-2 cities to reduce travel time for students.
Below is the city-wise breakdown of major GRE test centers.
Table: GRE Exam Centres in India (Major Cities)
City | GRE Exam Centre Names | Availability |
New Delhi | Prometric Testing (Connaught Place), Merit (Qutab Inst. Area), Council for American Education (Defence Colony) | Very High |
Mumbai | Prometric (Goregaon), Everonn Systems (Andheri East), Bradford Aviation (Vile Parle) | High |
Bangalore | Prometric (Whitefield), iDomain Technologies (Koramangala), St. Joseph’s College (Subject Test) | Very High |
Hyderabad | Prometric (Gachibowli), Kapil Towers (IT Park) | High |
Chennai | Prometric (Kodambakkam), Everonn Systems (Nungambakkam) | Moderate |
Pune | Grad Dreams (Kondhwa), Vishwakarma Institute (Bibwewadi) | Moderate |
Kolkata | Prometric (Salt Lake, Sector V), Indexpo Corp (Park Circus) | Moderate |
Ahmedabad | Prometric (Prahladnagar), Indo-American Education Society (Navrangpura) | Moderate |
Gurgaon | Prometric (Sohna Road), ETS Onsite Lab (DLF Phase 2) | High |
Tier-2 Hubs | Centers in Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Mysore, Trivandrum, Bhopal, Nagpur, Nashik | Limited Slots |
Note: Availability varies significantly by season. August to November is the peak season for Fall applications, where slots can be booked out 2-3 months in advance.
GRE Exam Centres – Capacity, Availability & Facilities Overview
Test centers in India are standardized to meet global ETS requirements. Here is what you can expect in terms of infrastructure:
- Technology: All centers are equipped with standard desktop computers. You will not use a laptop.
- Security: Strict biometric check-ins, including passport scans and photos.
- Comfort: Noise-canceling headphones are provided at most Prometric centers to block out typing sounds.
- Capacity: Metro centers (Delhi, Mumbai) can handle 15–20 students per slot, while smaller centers may only have 5–10 seats.
- Power Backup: Essential for the 2-hour exam; centers are required to have UPS backup to prevent disruptions.
GRE Test Centers in India – How to Choose the Right One?
Not all centers are created equal. A center located in a busy market area might have more ambient noise than one in an IT park.
- Proximity vs. Traffic: Don’t just pick the closest center. Check the traffic route. A center 10km away might be faster to reach than one 5km away in gridlock traffic.
- Slot Timing: Some centers offer 8:00 AM slots, while others start at 10:00 AM. Choose a time that matches your biological clock.
- Weekend Availability: Centers in IT hubs (like Bangalore and Hyderabad) fill up their weekend slots instantly. If you need a Saturday slot, book at least 2 months prior.
- Infrastructure Reputation: Prometric centers generally have a higher standard of hardware compared to smaller third-party partners.
GRE Exam Centres in India – City-Wise Detailed Availability
Understanding regional availability helps you plan better, especially if you need to travel to a nearby city to take the test.
Table: GRE Centre Availability by Region
Region | Cities | Availability Level |
North India | Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Dehradun | High (Multiple daily slots) |
South India | Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Trivandrum, Coimbatore, Cochin | High (High demand, book early) |
West India | Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Nashik, Vadodara | Moderate (Steady availability) |
East India | Kolkata, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati | Low (Fewer centers, plan ahead) |
Key Insight: Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru have the maximum seat capacity but also the highest number of test-takers. Students in East India often find it safer to book slots in Kolkata well in advance due to fewer alternatives.
GRE Exam Centres vs GRE at Home – Which Is Better?
The “GRE General Test at Home” offers convenience, but recent scrutiny on home-based tests has made centers a safer bet for many.
- GRE Exam Centres:
- Pros: Standardized environment, no internet/power outage anxiety, scratch paper provided.
- Cons: Commute stress, passport mandatory.
- GRE at Home:
- Pros: Comfort of home, flexible 24/7 slots.
- Cons: Strict proctoring (risk of exam termination for minor movements), requires a private room and stable high-speed internet.
Recommendation: If you have an unstable internet connection or a noisy home environment, always choose a test center. It eliminates technical risks.
GRE Test Center Slot Availability & Booking Tips
Slots are released on a rolling basis for the entire year.
- The “45-Day” Rule: Try to book at least 45 days before your intended test date.
- Last-Minute Slots: Occasionally, slots open up 1-2 weeks prior due to cancellations, but this is risky.
- Rescheduling: If you don’t find a slot, check neighboring cities. A quick trip to Pune from Mumbai or Mysore from Bangalore might save your application timeline.
Table: Best Time to Book GRE Test Center Slots
Month | Slot Availability | Recommendation |
Jan – March | High | Ideal for early birds; easy to get preferred dates. |
April – June | Moderate | Slots start filling up; book 1 month ahead. |
July – Sept | Low (Peak) | Application season rush; book 2–3 months ahead. |
Oct – Dec | Very Low | Last-minute rush; flexible dates are rare. |
GRE Exam Centres in India – Required Documents on Test Day
ETS is extremely strict about identification. Turning up with the wrong ID means you will be denied entry and forfeit your fee.
- Mandatory ID: A valid, original Passport with your name matching the registration exactly.
- NOT Accepted: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving License, or Student ID are NOT accepted at test centers in India.
- Confirmation Email: Print your appointment confirmation email.
- Mask policy: While relaxed in many places, carry a mask just in case the specific center requires it.
Test Day Experience at GRE Test Centers – What to Expect?
- Arrival: Reach 30-45 minutes early. Latecomers are strictly not allowed.
- Locker Access: You will be given a locker to store your bag, phone, watch, and wallet. No items are allowed in the testing room.
- Security Check: Expect a metal detector scan and a check of your pockets/glasses.
- Stationery: You will be provided with a scratch pad (booklet) and pencils/pens. You cannot bring your own stationery.
Breaks: The new shortened GRE has no scheduled breaks. If you take an unscheduled break, the timer keeps running.
Common Issues at GRE Exam Centres & Solutions
- Noise Distractions: Even with headphones, you might hear typing. Solution: Practice with background noise at home.
- Hardware Glitches: Rarely, a PC might freeze. Solution: Raise your hand immediately. The proctor will restart it, and your timer will resume from where it stopped.
- AC Temperature: Exam halls are often very cold. Solution: Bring a light jacket or sweater (though you may be asked to shake it out for security).
- Passport Name Mismatch: If your passport name (e.g., “Given Name”) doesn’t match your registration, you won’t test. Solution: Verify this before booking.
Conclusion – Choose the Best GRE Exam Centre in India for a Smooth Test-Day Experience
Your choice of GRE exam centre can set the tone for your performance. A center that is easy to reach and well-managed allows you to focus entirely on your Verbal and Quant sections without logistical stress.
Remember, availability is dynamic. Don’t wait until the last minute—check the GRE test center slots near you today and lock in your date. A well-planned test day is the first step toward your dream university!
Feel free to reach via contact us form.
Have a question?
There are over 22 active test center locations across India, covering all major metros and several Tier-2 cities like Nagpur, Chandigarh, and Coimbatore.
Yes, as of late 2023, the GRE General Test has been shortened to just under 2 hours. All centers in India administer this new format only.
New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have the highest number of centers with robust infrastructure managed directly by Prometric, offering the most reliable experience.
For the peak Fall intake season (August to December), book 60–90 days in advance. For other times, 30 days is usually sufficient.
Only a valid original Passport is accepted. Photocopies or other Indian IDs like Aadhaar are not accepted at physical centers.
Yes, but it is considered a “reschedule.” You will have to pay a rescheduling fee (approx. ₹5,000 depending on exchange rates) to change the location or date.
Top Ivy League Admits
