GRE At Home Test Guide for Nepali Students

GRE At Home Test Guide for Nepali Students explains how to confirm eligibility, run the ETS Secure Browser check, prepare the computer and private room, set up the required second camera, complete IDVaaS verification, check in and respond to technical problems. At-home delivery uses the same GRE content and format as a centre test but places equipment and environment compliance on the candidate.

Information checked on 24 July 2026 using current ETS at-home registration and test-day pages. Run the live equipment check and reread the appointment instructions because technical rules can change.

At-home requirements at a glance

Confirm that at-home delivery appears for the account

ETS says the at-home General Test is offered wherever the test is normally available, based on the country of the account address. The candidate must still see and select an eligible appointment in the live registration flow.

Do not enter a false country or address to obtain a different option. Identity, payment, scheduling and score records should use truthful candidate information.

The scored test is the same format

ETS describes the at-home test as identical in content, format and on-screen experience to the test-centre General Test. It is monitored remotely by a human proctor.

The difference lies in check-in, equipment, room and monitoring procedures. A home candidate should practise the current 1-hour-58-minute format and separately rehearse the technical setup.

At-home appointments run around the clock

ETS currently says at-home testing is available around the clock, seven days a week. Actual bookable times remain subject to the live account and country availability.

Choose a Nepal time when internet use, electricity, household noise and concentration are most reliable. Verify the time zone displayed in the confirmation.

Use a desktop or laptop

ETS permits a desktop or laptop and does not permit a tablet, Chromebook, mobile device or Microsoft Surface Pro as the main test computer. Dual screens and multiple monitors are not allowed.

When using a laptop, ETS says to use its built-in monitor and built-in keyboard. Disconnect extra displays and keyboards before the final check.

Use a supported licensed operating system

ETS requires an approved licensed operating system and does not accept unlicensed or test-mode versions. Current guidance recommends Windows 11 or higher and lists macOS 11 or higher.

Check the live page for changes before booking. An operating-system update close to the appointment can affect permissions or software compatibility.

Install the ETS Secure Browser

Download the Mac or Windows Secure Browser only from the official ETS page. Open it and run the equipment check for webcam, microphone, system, network and software.

The Secure Browser itself does not connect the candidate to the proctor. Test-day connection begins from the At Home Check-In link in the confirmation email.

Run the equipment check several times

ETS notes that bandwidth varies with time and household use and recommends checks at different times, including the same day and time pattern as the appointment. Resolve every red result.

Run a final check shortly before the session. Use the exact computer, camera, microphone, speaker, network and room planned for the test.

Prepare reliable internet and power

The equipment check includes bandwidth, but Nepal candidates should also reduce competing streaming and downloads, test router stability and plan around known power interruptions. Keep permitted devices charged.

Do not change to an untested hotspot immediately before the test. A backup plan is useful only if it can satisfy ETS software and monitoring requirements.

Use speakers, not a headset

ETS requires an internal or external speaker and a microphone that is not part of a headset. Headsets and earphones are not allowed for the at-home GRE.

Test audio without echo and ensure the proctor can be heard. Remove wireless earbuds from the desk and room before check-in.

Prepare the movable main camera

The main webcam can be built in or separate, but it must be movable enough to show a 360-degree view of the room and the tabletop. A fixed desktop camera may need careful physical planning.

Practise showing the screen area and room without disconnecting cables. The proctor can ask for adjustments at check-in.

Set up the second camera

Effective 5 January 2026, ETS requires a fully charged smartphone or tablet with a working camera, iOS 12 or later or Android 8 or later, stable internet and a sturdy support.

After scanning the on-screen QR code, position the device about an arm’s length to one side so it shows the computer, keyboard, mouse, hands and side profile. Follow the proctor’s final placement instruction.

Keep the second camera stable

Use a heavy stand or support, connect the device to power and enable Do Not Disturb for the entire session. Test the angle without holding the device.

If the camera disconnects, ETS says the candidate can be prompted to rescan the QR code while the proctor temporarily stops the exam and provides instructions.

Complete IDVaaS verification early

For at-home tests booked and scheduled on or after 31 March 2026, ETS says to complete identity verification in the IDVaaS app at least 72 hours before the test. If registration occurs within 72 hours, verify immediately.

The process uses the QR code in the email or ETS account, an ID image, chip scan where applicable, selfie and biometric consent. Late verification can delay check-in.

Keep acceptable physical identification

IDVaaS does not remove the test-day requirement. The proctor confirms identity and ID, and the first and last names must match the ETS account.

Use the current Nepal-specific ID instructions. If the app cannot verify a country’s document, ETS describes retry or proctor and support paths, not permission to use an unacceptable ID.

Use a private room

ETS requires the candidate to be alone with no one entering. Parks, internet cafes, restaurants, glass-walled rooms and spaces visible to other people are not permitted.

Close all doors, blinds and curtains. Tell household members the full check-in and testing window so a well-intended entry does not invalidate the session.

Arrange the desk and door view

The computer and keyboard must sit on a desk or tabletop. Position the table and chair so the room door is visible to the proctor, who can request adjustment.

Clear the tabletop and surrounding area of unapproved phones, cameras, notes and study materials. Normal furniture and decor do not need to be removed unless instructed.

Sit in a standard chair

ETS says candidates must use a standard chair and may not sit or lie on a bed, couch or overstuffed chair. Food and drink are not allowed during the test without an approved accommodation.

Set chair height and screen position before check-in. Avoid leaving the camera view to fix furniture after the test begins.

Prepare permitted note-taking material

Regular paper, pen and pencil are not permitted for at-home notes. ETS allows one small desktop whiteboard with erasable marker or one sheet inside a transparent protector with an erasable marker.

Test the marker and eraser beforehand. At the end, the proctor requires the candidate to erase the notes and show both sides.

Keep face and ears visible

ETS requires ears to remain visible and does not allow face masks during the at-home session. Religious headwear is permitted when the ears remain visible.

Avoid jewellery and decorative accessories. Dress appropriately because the session is recorded and the candidate photograph can be shared with score recipients.

Close unneeded software

Before check-in, close browsers and applications that are not needed. Disable screen-sharing, remote-access, communication, Grammarly and spell-check software and prevent them from starting automatically.

A work or university network may block required proctor sharing. Test the actual network and avoid managed computers whose security settings cannot be changed.

Start check-in from the email link

ETS says to click the At Home Check-In link in the confirmation email 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Connection to a proctor begins from that link, not by opening the Secure Browser alone.

The proctor connection is available from five minutes before until 15 minutes after the appointment. Starting early leaves time for authentication.

Allow 20-30 minutes for check-in

ETS estimates that check-in takes about 20-30 minutes. The proctor reviews rules, verifies ID, requests screen access, checks the computer screen with a phone or mirror and inspects the room and tabletop.

The test timer begins after equipment checks and the test starts. Keep the entire pre-test window free rather than scheduling another obligation immediately before it.

Follow proctor instructions during the test

The human proctor monitors video and the computer screen. Stay visible, avoid suspicious movement and communicate only with the proctor.

To ask for help, speak or use chat. ETS says a reply can take 30-60 seconds, so remain in view and wait for instructions.

There are no breaks

ETS states that the current 1-hour-58-minute at-home General Test has no breaks and unscheduled breaks are not permitted. Prepare the body and room before check-in.

Approved accommodations can authorise different conditions. Never leave the view or take an assumed pause without proctor direction.

Respond to an internet interruption

If the connection drops briefly, ETS says reconnection to the proctor can occur automatically and the proctor may reopen the exam. If reconnection fails, restart the check-in process.

Speak or use chat as soon as a problem appears. Do not open unapproved applications, call another person or restart equipment without instruction.

Finish the session correctly

At the end, report or cancel scores under the displayed options, erase permitted notes in front of the proctor, submit the exam and close the Secure Browser only as instructed.

If reporting scores, ETS shows unofficial Verbal and Quantitative results and allows up to four included recipients with the available ScoreSelect choices. Analytical Writing is scored later.

Know the financial risk

ETS warns that failure to meet equipment or room requirements can result in no test, refund or free reschedule. Security-rule violations can also lead to dismissal or score cancellation.

Choose a test centre when compliant home conditions cannot be made reliably. Convenience is valuable only when the full setup passes.

At-home warning signs

• The main device is a Chromebook, tablet or Surface Pro
• A second camera and stable stand are missing
• IDVaaS verification is left until the appointment
• The room is shared, public or visible through glass
• Regular paper, pen, food or headphones remain at the desk
• Remote-access or communication software can launch automatically
• The candidate expects a scheduled break

At-home workflow

1. Confirm availability. Use the truthful ETS account country.
2. Test the computer. Install Secure Browser and resolve every failure.
3. Build the camera setup. Prepare movable main and stable second views.
4. Verify identity. Complete IDVaaS and preserve acceptable physical ID.
5. Secure the room. Clear the desk, close access and control interruptions.
6. Check in early. Use the email link 15 minutes before the appointment.
7. Follow the proctor. Stay visible, report issues and erase notes at the end.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• ETS: GRE at-home equipment and room requirements
• ETS: at-home test-day procedures
• ETS: GRE identification requirements
• ETS: current GRE structure
• ETS: 2026-27 GRE Information Bulletin

GRE at-home preparation and application support

For visible help with current-format practice and a technical rehearsal plan, visit MKS Prep GRE preparation in Nepal. To align the test date with university and application decisions, use MKS Education study in the USA guidance. ETS and each receiving program remain the final authorities for test delivery and admission requirements.