What happens when the GRE score's validity expires?

Once the GRE scores expire, they are deleted from the ETS records, which means you can neither access them nor send them to B-schools.

How long does it take to get GRE scores?

You can get the complete GRE results in your ETS account within 15 days of taking the computer-based exam. Your scores in the verbal and quantitative sections will be available on the same day that you take the exam.

Do B-schools prefer the latest GRE scores?

The requirements for admission to B-schools vary from institution to institution. It is necessary to check the admission policies of the institution you are applying to. Some of them prefer scores from exams taken within 2-3 years.

Can I send GRE scores for admission just days before their validity expires?

Yes, you can send your GRE scores just before they expire, as long as ETS processes the request before the five-year validity period ends. Once expired, scores can no longer be reported to universities.

When can I reappear for the GRE?

You can reappear for the GRE after 21 days from taking the previous test. You are allowed to take a maximum of 5 attempts in a continuous 12-month cycle.

Can You Use Expired GRE Scores?

No, you cannot use expired GRE scores. Most universities only accept GRE Scores that are within the five-year validity period from your test date.

GRE Score Validity in 2026: How Long Are GRE Scores Valid?

Planning your GRE timeline isn’t just about taking the test but also knowing exactly how long your scores remain useful. GRE results are released in just 15 days and are valid for 5 years from your test date. For example, a GRE taken on January 1, 2025 will remain valid until December 31, 2030. If you are looking for your GRE score validity, you have come to the right place.

In this blog, with all you need to know about GRE result validity, how GRE scoring works and what happens when the GRE Score expires.

Key Highlights:

GRE scores remain valid for 5 years from the test date.
Expired GRE scores cannot be reinstated or reported to schools.
Universities do not accept cancelled GRE Scores.
Score reporting and reinstatement must be done through your ETS account.
Reinstatement fee for GRE Score is USD 50 (approx INR 4000)

What is the GRE Score Validity?

The GRE score is valid for 5 years from your test date. This means you can use your GRE scores to apply to universities anytime within five years of taking the exam. After that period, your scores will no longer be reported. The five-year validity helps universities assess your recent skills and knowledge rather than older test performance.

GRE Test Date	GRE Score Validity	Current Status (as of 2025-26)
Before July 2015	Before June 2020	Expired (permanently deleted by ETS)
July 2015 - June 30, 2020	Up to June 30, 2025	Expiring or recently expired
July 1, 2020 - June 30, ’2025	5 years from your exact test date	Valid
July 1, 2025 - Present	5 years from test date	Newly valid

Note: ETS permanently deletes expired GRE scores. Once deleted, they cannot be reinstated or reported.

Suggested: GRE Score chart

Why GRE Score Validity Matters?

GRE score validity gives you enough time to plan your applications without losing your scores. Many students do not immediately enrol in business or graduate schools after taking the GRE exam. Some individuals may want to gain work experience, enhance their CV, or improve their skills before applying. A shorter validity period could waste your effort if you plan to apply 2-3 years later. Hence, understanding the validity of GRE scores is important.

It helps you plan applications better and know how long you can use your scores for university submissions.
You can also avoid retaking the test and use valid scores from within the past 5 years.
It helps you ensure your scores are valid when applying to programs and meet university deadlines.
Expired scores cannot be reported or retrieved from ETS to track your eligibility.
It helps in scheduling tests early if you plan to apply in future admission cycles.

How to Check Your GRE Score Validity?

Once your GRE scores are available, ETS will send you a scorecard with an email notification. Through the scorecard, you can verify your scores and GRE Score validity by following these steps:

STEP 1: Go to the official GRE website.
STEP 2: Click on Sign In or Member Login for existing users.
STEP 3: Enter the username and password you created when registering for the GRE.
STEP 4: After logging in, go to the GRE Scores or My Results section to view your scorecard.
STEP 5: Your scorecard will show your scores and the date until which they are valid.

For example, if you took the GRE on January 1, 2022, your scores will be valid until December 31, 2027. This means you can use these scores for any university applications before that date.

Suggested: What is GRE Score report?

What Happens After GRE Scores Expire?

Once your GRE scores pass the five-year validity, ETS removes them from the reportable list. This means the scores cannot be sent to universities, and most universities will not accept expired scores.

Actions to take if your GRE Score expires:

If your GRE score expires, planning carefully can save you time, money, and stress. By understanding score expiry and planning, you can ensure your GRE scores are valid when applying to universities. Here are your options:

Retake the GRE: The most common solution is to schedule a new test. This gives you a current score that can be officially reported to universities.
Score Select: If you have multiple GRE attempts within the validity window, you can choose and send the best scores to universities. This is useful if some of your attempts are about to expire.
University Exceptions: A few universities may consider older scores internally, but this is rare and not reliable for official submissions.

Download GMAT Syllabus PDF

What is a Cancelled GRE Score & How to Reinstate it?

A cancelled GRE score means that the scores aren’t reported to any institutions. When you take the GRE and you can either request cancellation of your score at the test centre/online immediately after the test, or communicate the cancellation via your account. Shortly after, your score is “Cancelled” and is not accepted by universities.

To Reinstate (Recover) a Cancelled GRE Score:

ETS gives you the option to cancel your GRE score right after completing the test if you feel your performance wasn’t up to the mark. Once cancelled, the score will not appear on your report or be sent to any universities. However, ETS allows you to reinstate your cancelled GRE score within 60 days of your test date by paying a score reinstatement fee of approximately INR 4,000 (USD 50).

GRE Score Validity Across Universities

GRE scores are officially valid for five years from the test date, meaning you can report them to institutions during this period. However, some universities or specific programmes (especially in fast-moving fields like STEM or analytics) may internally require more recent scores (for example, within the last 2-3 years) even though the official window is five years.

Here’s how you can check the validity of the GRE Score across different types of institutions:

Programme Type	Typical Score Validity	Description
Master’s programmes (general)	Up to 5 years	Programs like MBA, Master of Public Policy (MPP), or MA in Economics, align with the official 5-year validity window.
STEM/analytics Programmes	Usually 2–3 years preferred	Programs such as MS in Data Science, MS in Computer Science, or MS in Business Analytics often prefer scores from the last 2–3 years, even though older scores may still be reportable.
Scholarships/ Fellowships	Up to 5 years	Many scholarships like Fulbright, DAAD, or Commonwealth Scholarships typically accept scores within 5 years, though each has its own eligibility rules
Global cohort Programmes	Up to 5 years	Competitive programmes such as MIM, Global MBA, or International Relations master’s accept scores across the full validity window due to a diverse global applicant pool

From the Desk of Yocket

Now that you understand everything about GRE score validity, it’s time to focus on what truly matters. Having a clear score target helps you stay motivated, plan better, and reach your dream university with confidence, and this is one of the first pieces of advice our Yocket Experts share with every Yocketer!

To make this journey easier, we’ve created Yocket Prep, a smart platform designed to help you prepare efficiently. With Yocket Prep and Yocket Prep+, you get access to personalised study plans, real-time progress tracking, and expert insights to help you improve faster.