What to Expect on GRE Exam Day: Checklist and Tips
By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist| 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert
Introduction
Preparing for the day of the exam is more than knowing the formulas or the vocabulary. For Indian students, GRE exam day in 2025 brings with it new rules, a shorter format, and stricter ID requirements. See, this comprehensive guide takes you through the GRE test day rules, the GRE check-list, and the most effective GRE tips so that you can walk into your test centre calm, confident, and ready to perform at your best. This post is a result of Gateway International’s seventeen years of expertise and is meant to help you avoid common pitfalls and score high on the GRE.
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Why Does GRE Exam Day Matter for Indian Students in 2025?
On the day of the GRE exam, the student has completed the preparations of several months. GRE is the doorway to the best foreign universities for In 2025, the GRE examination syllabus and regulations have been changed, making it necessary to be fully up to date. The stakes are high: a smooth GRE exam day can be the difference between a dream admit and a missed opportunity.
- In the United States, over ninety percent of all universities that offer a degree in business administration and in the natural sciences.
- India is among the top three countries in the world where the GRE is taken, with more than 80,000 students sitting for GRE.
- The ETS has shortened the GRE to 1 hour 58 minutes. Time management and mental readiness are thus becoming increasingly important.
So what does it mean for you? It means you must be more organized, more aware of the GRE exam check-list, and more ready to follow every rule to the letter. The Exam Day Let’s break down exactly what to expect on the exam day.
🎯 Important: 2025 GRE Exam Day Updates
- Passport is mandatory: No other identification card was accepted for the.
- Test is now 1hr 58min: We had to be ready for a faster pace.
- Strict security: No e-waste, no notes, no personal possessions in the room.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early: For check-in and biometrics.
- Follow all COVID-19 and health protocols: According to the ETS/Prometric guidelines.
What Is the Ultimate GRE Exam Checklist for 2025?
The GRE Exam day Checklist is your essential tool for a stress-free test day. Here’s a direct answer. For Indian students, the GRE check-list for 2025 includes the original passport, the printed admit card or the confirmation email, a list of the permitted snacks and beverages, and a clear understanding of the items not allowed in the test.
| GRE Exam Checklist Item | Required/Allowed | Notes for 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Original Valid Passport | Required | No other ID accepted; must match GRE registration |
| Printed Admission Ticket/Confirmation Email | Required | Some centers may ask for this at check-in |
| Face Mask (if required) | Allowed/May be Required | Follow local COVID-19 guidelines |
| Water Bottle & Snack (clear bag) | Allowed (in locker) | Can be accessed during breaks only |
| Pen/Pencil & Scratch Paper | Provided by Center | Do not bring your own |
| Electronic Devices (phones, smartwatches) | Prohibited | Must be stored in locker; not allowed in test room |
The night before the exam, check your check list. No exceptions: if your passport is out of date or not in conformity with your registration, you won’t be allowed to.
How Have GRE Exam Rules Changed for 2025?
The GRE examination regulations for 2025 are stricter than ever. Direct answer: The only valid ID is a valid passport, the test is now shorter and the security measures are tighter. To know these rules is to avoid surprises.
- Identification: For Indian students, only the passport is accepted, not the Aadhar, PAN or driving license.
- Test Duration: GRE is now 1 hour 58 minutes with fewer questions per section.
- Security: Personal belongings, including electrical appliances, must be kept in the lockers provided.
- Surveillance: Video and audio monitoring are standard in all test centers.
- Breaks: Breaks only at specified times; you you know, must follow the instructions to enter and.
- COVID-19: Check your test center’s policy for any other restrictions.
If you’re taking the GRE exam day at home, you must follow the instructions of the proctor, keep your desk clear, and use only approved note-taking tools.
What Are the Best GRE Test Day Tips for Indian Students?
The best tips for GRE examination day in 2025 are: Arrive early, bring only permitted items, manage your time and use stress-reduction techniques. How do I prepare for the GRE exam?
- Plan your route and arrive at least half an hour early to avoid last-minute panic.
- Eat a balanced breakfast.
- Carry only your passport, your ticket, and the permitted snacks.
- Before entering the examination room, use deep breathing or meditation to calm your nerves.
- Read all the instructions carefully. Don’t rush over the questions.
- Keep an eye on the time, but don’t worry about it. Pace yourself, section by section.
- Attempt every question. There’s no negative marking in the GRE.
- Use your breaks wisely: drink, eat a light snack and stretch.
Remember, on exam day, you need to be as good at strategy as you The best way to prepare for the GRE test is to practice with official timed tests. Taking timed tests is one of the best.
🎯 Important: What to Do If You Face Issues on GRE Exam Day
- If you forget your passport or it doesn’t match your registration, you can’t test. Immediately reschedule.
- If you’re feeling unwell, please inform the staff at the examination centre.
- For all technical matters (GRE at home) contact the proctor for immediate assistance.
- Stay calm. Most problems can be solved if you communicate early and clearly.
How Should You Prepare Mentally and Physically for GRE Exam Day?
Your GRE exam performance is as much about mindset as it’s about knowledge. Direct answer: Sleep well, eat well, manage your stress, and you’ll perform at your best.
- The night before, get seven to eight hours of sleep. Rest is the best way to boost your focus.
- Eat a healthy breakfast. Avoid heavy, oily or sugary foods that can cause a dip in.
- Pack your GRE items the night before to avoid morning stress.
- Positive affirmations and visualization help build confidence.
- Arrive early, and use the waiting time for deep breathing or light stretching.
Mental preparation is one of the most neglected test-day tips, but it can make a big difference in your score.
🎯 Important: GRE Exam Day Do’s and Don’ts
- Do: Check your passport, confirmation email, and test center location.
- Do: Look, arrive early and follow the instructions of the test center staff.
- Don’t: Bring no prohibited items (electronics, notes, study materials).
- Don’t: Try to memorize the new material the night before. Concentrate on rest and review.
- Don’t: What should I do if I get stuck on a question? How do I move on and come back to it again?
What Are the Most Common Mistakes on GRE Exam Day and How to Avoid Them?
On the GRE exam day, the most common mistakes are forgetting your passport, arriving late, bringing forbidden objects and mismanaging time. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Set multiple alarms, and plan your commute with extra time to account for traffic and delays.
- The night before, lay out your check-list: passport, ticket, snacks.
- Carefully read all the instructions at the test site. Don’t assume you know the the procedure.
- Follow the examination rules strictly, and don’t use any unauthorized materials.
- If you make a mistake, stay calm. Concentrate on the next question and don’t dwell on your mistakes.
Avoiding these mistakes is one of the most effective GRE test tips for Indian students who want to score high.
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How to Manage Time and Stress on GRE Exam Day?
Time management and stress management are critical for success on exam day. Direct answer: Use pacing strategies, take breaks on time, and use stress-reduction techniques to stay calm and focused.
- Divide the time allowed for each section by the number of questions to. Determine the pace (for example, about 1-2. Minutes)?
- Flag the tough questions and come back to them when time permits.
- Use breaks to I mean, drink water, eat a light snack, and refresh your mind.
- The use of deep breathing or visualization before and during the exam can help you.
- Remember, each question counts equally, don’t dwell too long on one ques.
The time management and the control of the tension are among the most useful tips to get a good score.
Akshit Virdi
“My experience with Gateway International is too good and they supported me at every step. Moreover, they didn’t charge me anything for my whole process, which made the entire process even more majestic. I highly recommend all my friends and colleagues to get their Visa from Gateway International.”
Student Queries & Direct Q&A
Q1: What is the most important item to bring on GRE exam day?
Your original valid passport is the single most important thing for the GRE exam. Without it, you won’t be allowed to take the exam, whatever your other documents.
Q2: Can I bring my phone or smartwatch into the GRE test room?
No, all kinds of electrical devices, including watches and mobile phones, are strictly forbidden in the examination hall. Before entering, place them in the lockers assigned to you.
Q3: What should I eat before the GRE exam?
Breakfast: A balanced breakfast with complex carbohydrate and protein, such as oatmeal with fruit or eggs and whole-grain toast. Avoid rich, sugary, and heavy foods which can cause energy crashes.
Q4: How early should I arrive at the GRE test center?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time for the GRE examination to allow time for check-in, verification of ID and security procedures.
Q5: What if my passport does not match my GRE registration details?
You won’t be allowed to take the exam if the information on your passport doesn’t exactly match the information Before the day of the exam, check your registration and update it.
Q6: Are there breaks during the GRE exam?
Yes, there are short breaks during the Gymnasium classes. Use them to hydrate, eat a snack, and regain focus.
Q7: What is the new GRE test format for 2025?
The GRE is now one hour and fifty-eight minutes long, and the number of questions in you’ll need to manage your time well and be ready for a more rapid test.
Nidhi Vartak
“What truly sets Gateway International apart is their dedication beyond just admissions. They helped me find comfortable and budget-friendly accommodation, making my transition to a new country much smoother. She was always available to answer my queries, no matter how big or small, and her prompt responses gave me confidence at every stage.”
What Are the Benefits and Challenges of GRE Exam Day?
GRE is both an opportunity and a challenge. Direct answer: The benefits are access to top universities, scholarships, and opportunities for a career in a wide variety of fields. The challenges are strict rules, and time constraints.
Key Benefits of GRE Exam Day
- The University of Pennsylvania is widely accepted by the leading universities in the United States.
- The Indian Scholarship Fund opens up the possibilities of scholarships and financial.
- It demonstrates your analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills to admissions.
- Report your best scores to the institutions you choose.
Common Challenges of GRE Exam Day
- Strict security procedures, identification checks. One mistake, and you’ll have to reschedule your test.
- Time Management – A shorter test format means less time.
- Test anxiety can have an effect on on.
- A new exam system in 2025.
Hence, we help our students to overcome these challenges with our personalised GRE preparation, mock test sessions, and expert tips on GRE test day, especially for Indian students.
How Gateway International Helps You Achieve GRE Success
With over 17 years of experience in the field of overseas education, Gateway has helped over 50,000 Indian students achieve their We support you at every step of your GRE exam day journey.
Profile Evaluation & Personalization
- An expert counselor will examine your academic background and career.
- Adapted GRE check-list and preparation plan for maximum efficiency.
Country & Course Selection
- How to choose universities and programs that value GRE scores.
- For Indian students, exclusive partnership with the top global institutions.
Application & Visa Guidance
- Step-by-step support for university applications, SOPs, and LORs.
- Documentation for a visa and preparation for the interview.
Scholarship & Funding Support
- Access to the latest scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
- Instructions about loans for study through.Gateway EduConnect.
Pre-Departure & Post-Arrival Support
- Pre-departure briefings, assistance in finding a place to.
- After you reach your destination, you’re still supported.
Success Story Spotlight: Real Student Journey
Rahul, a working professional from Bombay, was worried about the GRE exam day and the new rules of the exam. With Gateway’s GRE exam check-list, mock test, and expert tips, he scored 325 and got a scholarship in a top university in the US. We helped him from the GRE registration to the visa approval.
Deepak Kumar
“With their help, I was able to secure a scholarship of £5000, which significantly reduced my tuition burden. My UK student visa was approved within just 8 days, all thanks to their timely and professional assistance. The overall experience with Gateway International was smooth and stress-free. They supported me at every step—from shortlisting universities to preparing documents and submitting my visa application.”
Conclusion
The GRE exam in 2025 is the gateway to your global education, but only if you’re fully prepared. By following the GRE test-day checklist, knowing the latest test rules, and using the proven test-day tips, you can avoid costly mistakes and perform at your best. Gateway International’s expert guidance, individualized support and student-first approach mean you never have to face GRE test day alone. Remember, success isn’t just about hard work, but about working smart and being ready for every challenge the GRE exam day brings.
Ready for the next step? Gateway International is with you at all times, throughout your GRE journey, and beyond.
About the Author
Abhinav Jain is the Founder & Director of Gateway International, a BTech, MBA, and serial entrepreneur with 17+ years of experience in study abroad consulting and AI-driven business solutions. He has guided over 50,000 students to global success and is recognized for his expertise in international education, admissions strategy, and student mentorship. Connect on LinkedIn.Frequently Asked Questions
You must bring your original valid passport, printed admission ticket or confirmation email, and permitted snacks and drinks in a clear bag. Other personal items are not allowed.
In 2025, the GRE exam is shorter at 1 hour 58 minutes, requires a passport as the only valid ID, and enforces stricter security measures at the test centers.
Eat a balanced breakfast with complex carbohydrates and protein to maintain energy. Avoid heavy, sugary, and fatty foods that can lead to energy crashes during the exam.
Yes, there are short scheduled breaks during the GRE exam where you can hydrate and refresh, adhering to the test center’s specific procedures.
If you encounter problems like a mismatching passport or health issues, inform the staff immediately for assistance. For technical issues during an at-home exam, contact the proctor.
Manage stress by arriving early, using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, and maintaining a positive mindset. Practice paced test-taking to reduce anxiety.
Pace yourself by dividing the time allowed for each section by the number of questions. Flag difficult questions to revisit if time permits, using breaks effectively to refresh.
