GRE and TOEFL exams are two very important entrance exams for studying abroad. While GRE is taken to pursue graduate studies, TOEFL is a trusted English proficiency exam. Both GRE and TOEFL are conducted by ETS or Educational Testing Service. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the education system all over the world. GRE and TOEFL have also been affected by it. ETS has previously made major changes to the GRE and TOEFL testing methods by introducing at-home exams. Candidates can now take their GRE General Test at home by ensuring health safety. TOEFL iBT home edition also enables candidates all over the world to take the exam except for Mainland China and Iran.
ETS has recently announced another news to make it easier for the candidates taking tests. ETS is going to accept Aadhar Card as the ID for GRE and TOEFL exams temporarily. This rule will be effective from 1st July onwards. ETS has mentioned in a statement how they are concerned about the well-being of the candidates. They are strictly following the global public health situation regarding the COVID-19. ETS has made this decision based on the constant spread of the virus and the irregular lockdowns occurring in various parts of the country. The acceptance of the Aadhar card will make it easier for the test takers to arrange. ETS’ office of testing integrity has arranged for the acceptance of the Aadhar card as the ID.
The acceptance of an Aadhar card as the ID is applicable for the following exams - TOEFL iBT Test, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL Essentials Test which is beginning from August 2021, GRE General Test, GRE General Test at-home, and GRE Subject Test (beginning from October 2021).
There are some strict rules regarding the acceptance of the Aadhar card. Candidates are required to produce an original full version of their Aadhar card. They need to use this Aadhar card for taking the GRE or TOEFL in-person, at a third-party test center, or at home. ETS is not going to accept any photocopied or printed documents. The ID cannot be presented on a mobile or any other electronic device.
Candidates planning to take the GRE had to submit their Passports. Passport was the only acceptable form of ID proof accepted during GRE registration. This is also similar for candidates planning to take TOEFL. The general requirements that ETS has regarding ID proofs are:
- It needs to be an original document. No photocopied or printed documents are accepted
- It needs to be validated by the government
- It needs to be valid
- It should have the full name exactly the one used by the candidate during registration
- It should have a recent and recognizable photograph
- It should include the candidate’s signature. The name of the candidate and the signature should match.
ETS doesn’t accept ID proofs like international driver’s license, draft classification card, international student ID, credit/debit card, notary-prepared letter or document, birth certification, social security card, employee ID card, any temporary card, and diplomatic, consulate or embassy card.
The Executive Director of the Office of Testing Integrity at ETS, namely Ray Nicosia has stated about the issues that are faced with Passport as ID. Most of the cities in India are facing sporadic lockdowns which are implemented quite suddenly. This has resulted in the shutting down of maximum shops, offices, institutions, and the Passport offices are also included. This is further resulting in students unable to reach out to the Passport offices to apply for it. Some are also unable to renew their passports due to the lockdown. Eventually, they are facing issues in taking the GRE and TOEFL exams. Since the Aadhar card is an important identification document nationally in India, most of the candidates will be having it. It will be easier for them to produce the Aadhar card as identity proof. Candidates will be able to register for GRE and TOEFL in a smooth manner with the Aadhar card in acceptance.
Indian candidates can therefore make use of their Aadhar card for registering for GRE and TOEFL in a hassle-free way. There will be no issues with the renewal or applying of passports.
