ETS has recently released an official notice:
Starting from January 5, 2026, the GRE at Home test will implement dual-device proctoring.
Source: ETS
Introduction to GRE At-Home Dual-Device Proctoring
The dual-device mode requires test takers to use a smartphone or tablet as a second device for exam monitoring.
The primary device faces the test taker's face directly, while the secondary device is typically placed about an arm's length to the left or right, ensuring its field of view covers the test taker's computer, keyboard, mouse, hands, and side profile.
Since the advent of at-home standardized tests, proxy test-taking services have become increasingly rampant, leading to inflated scores. This has caused the credibility of at-home test scores to plummet, with many institutions no longer accepting them.
Columbia SIPA no longer accepts at-home GRE/GMAT scores
To address cheating rapidly, testing organizations have begun implementing dual-device proctoring. In May of this year, the TOEFL Home Edition fully adopted dual-device mode. Last October, Duolingo also introduced a two-camera system to ensure exam security and fairness.
Source: Duolingo
What GRE At-Home Dual-Device Proctoring Means for Test Takers
This official adjustment by ETS also means that GRE at-home testing will face further standardization and stricter oversight.
GRE Credibility May Rise, but Older Scores Might Be Treated Differently
The previous GRE at-home scores were visibly inflated, which is a fundamental reason many universities made GRE optional or not required.
After this major overhaul, the acceptance of GRE scores may improve.
However, it remains to be seen whether institutions will differentiate between at-home scores obtained before January 5, 2026, especially if ETS clearly announces the dual-device timeline and possibly coordinates with schools, using the new GRE at-home as a bargaining chip to reinstate GRE requirements.
Stricter Proctoring and More Cumbersome Procedures
The new at-home test introduces dual-device mode, further upgrading GRE's proctoring intensity. In addition to nearly 360-degree real-time monitoring, AI detection of abnormal behavior may also be enhanced.
During the single-device era, countless students experienced test failures due to equipment issues. With dual-device proctoring, the difficulty of device setup is expected to increase further, potentially leading to a higher failure rate.
In-Person Exams Gain More Favor; Seats May Be Scarce
The perceived value of in-person exams may continue to rise—you don't need to set up your own equipment, and score recognition is assured.
However, a mass migration of test takers to test centers will also lead to a shortage of seats, especially for those needing to test during peak periods, requiring earlier preparation.
Registration for the 2026 GRE in-person exams in mainland China is now open—secure your seat as soon as possible!
In 2026, there will be a total of 31 GRE in-person exam dates in mainland China, with at least one per month. You can choose a suitable session based on your study schedule.
The specific exam and registration schedule for the 2026 GRE General Test is as follows:
|
No. |
Exam Date |
Registration Period |
|
1 |
January 9, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – January 5, 2026 |
|
2 |
January 23, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – January 19, 2026 |
|
3 |
January 30, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – January 26, 2026 |
|
4 |
February 11, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – February 7, 2026 |
|
5 |
March 8, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – March 4, 2026 |
|
6 |
March 27, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – March 23, 2026 |
|
7 |
April 10, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – April 6, 2026 |
|
8 |
April 24, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – April 20, 2026 |
|
9 |
May 8, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – May 4, 2026 |
|
10 |
May 22, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – May 18, 2026 |
|
11 |
June 5, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – June 1, 2026 |
|
12 |
June 18, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – June 14, 2026 |
|
13 |
July 3, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – July 13, 2026 |
|
14 |
July 17, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – July 13, 2026 |
|
15 |
July 24, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – July 20, 2026 |
|
16 |
August 18, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – August 14, 2026 |
|
17 |
August 28, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – August 24, 2026 |
|
18 |
September 6, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – September 2, 2026 |
|
19 |
September 11, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – September 7, 2026 |
|
20 |
September 20, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – September 16, 2026 |
|
21 |
September 29, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – September 25, 2026 |
|
22 |
October 9, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – October 5, 2026 |
|
23 |
October 16, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – October 12, 2026 |
|
24 |
November 1, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – October 28, 2026 |
|
25 |
November 6, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – November 2, 2026 |
|
26 |
November 15, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – November 11, 2026 |
|
27 |
November 29, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – November 25, 2026 |
|
28 |
December 4, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – November 30, 2026 |
|
29 |
December 13, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – December 9, 2026 |
|
30 |
December 18, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – December 14, 2026 |
|
31 |
December 27, 2026 Morning session |
November 21, 2025 – December 23, 2026 |
*Information sourced from the NEEA official website
If seats are temporarily full, don't worry; the official body releases seats every Tuesday to Saturday at 10 a.m. Keep an eye out and book early.
