For abroad studies the most important thing that is required is English proficiency in basic aspects like listening, reading, writing and speaking. The type of test depends on the Country, University and Course which you are selecting for further studies. Tests which focus only on English are – IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo English test.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
IELTS is one of the most widely known test for studying abroad. Some important features of this test are -1. Widely accepted – Recognised by over 11,000 institutions in more than 140 countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand.
2. Academic and general training – Academic training for students applying for higher education and general training for those who want to go for immigration and work purpose.
3. Four modules tested -
i) Listening – 40 minutes
ii) Reading – 60 minutes
iii) Writing – 60 minutes
iv) Speaking – 11-14 minutes
- Each module is allotted from 0 – 9 bands and most universities require a
minimum of 6.0 – 7.5 band overall with each section not below 6 bands.
4. Test-takers can choose between paper-based or computer-delivered
formats.
5. Test-scores are valid for 2 years after which one might have to
retake the test.
6. The IELTS test fee in India is ₹18,000 for Academic or General
Training, with slightly higher fees for UKVI and other services.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
1. Widely accepted – Accepted by over 11,500 universities and institutions in more than 160 countries preferred especially by institutions in the USA and Canada.2. Four modules tested -
i)
Listening – 60–90 minutes
ii) Reading – 60–80 minutes
iii) Writing – 50 minutes – typed essays
iv) Speaking – 17 minutes – using a microphone
3. Internet
based test – i) The most common version is TOEFL
iBT (Internet-based test).
ii) Fully computer-based, including speaking, which is recorded and graded by
AI and human raters.
iii) Also available as TOEFL iBT Home Edition (test from home) and paper
edition in select locations.
4. Scoring
System (0–120 Scale)
Each section is scored from 0 to
30.
Total score = 120.
Most universities require a minimum
score between 80–100, but top programs may ask for higher.
5. Test-scores are valid for 2 years after which one might have to
retake the test.
6. TOEFL iBT is offered over 60 times a year
in more than 150 countries.
7. The TOEFL iBT test fee in India is ₹16,900, with additional charges
for rescheduling, late registration, and extra score reports.
PTE (Pearson Test of English):
1. Widely accepted – Accepted by 3,000+ institutions worldwide.Recognized by governments for student visas and immigration, especially in:
•
Australia
•
New Zealand
•
The UK
•
Canada
(increasingly accepted)
•
The USA (by
many universities)
2. Fully
Computer-Based Test -
•
Entire test is taken on a computer, including speaking via microphone.
• Uses AI scoring, ensuring quick, unbiased results.
3. Three modules tested -
i) Speaking & Writing
(combined) – 54–67 minutes
ii) Reading – 29–30 minutes
iii) Listening – 30–43
minutes
4. Scoring system (10 – 90) -
•
Each skill is scored from 10 to 90.
•
You also receive an overall score.
• Universities generally require 50–65+, with top institutions asking for 70+.
5. Duolingo English Test:
Fully Online- Can be taken from home with a computer and internet connection.
i) Short Duration: Lasts about 1 hour.
ii) Quick Results: Scores available within 48
hours.
iii) Affordable: Costs
around $59 USD.
iv) Integrated Skills: Tests reading,
writing, listening, and speaking together.
v) Wide Acceptance: Accepted by over 4000
institutions worldwide.
vi) Unlimited Score Reports: Send scores to
as many institutions as you like at no extra cost.
Other Important Exams for Studying Abroad:
GRE
(Graduate Record Examinations):
- Required for admission to graduate, MBA, and PhD programs.
•
Tests verbal, quantitative, and analytical
writing skills
•
Duration: ~1 hour 58 minutes (shortened
version)
•
Scores: Verbal & Quant (130–170),
Writing (0–6)
•
Computer-based & adaptive
•
Valid for 5 years
•
Fees: ₹22,000
for the GRE General Test
•
Accepted worldwide
•
Can retake every 21 days (max 5 times/year)
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test):
- Required for MBA/business school admissions•
Tests Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights (no essay
in GMAT Focus)
•
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
•
Score range: 205–805
•
Computer-based and adaptive
•
Valid for 5 years
•
Fee: ₹23,000 - ₹25,000
•
Retake: Every 16 days, up to 5 times/year
• Accepted by 2,400+ business schools worldwide
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test):
•
Sections:
Reading & Writing, Math
•
Total score:
400–1600
•
Duration: 2
hours 14 minutes (digital format)
•
Adaptive test (section-level)
•
Fee: ~$104 USD
(approx. ₹8,600)
•
Computer-based
(digital only from 2023)
•
Score valid
for 5 years
•
Accepted by 4,000+
universities worldwide
•
Can be retaken
multiple times a year
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Test:
•
University
Requirements: Always check the specific requirements of the universities
and programs you are applying to.
•
Country of Study:
Different countries may favor certain tests.
•
Course of Study:
Some courses may require specific tests (e.g., GMAT for business).
• Personal Preference: Consider the test format and your strengths and weaknesses.
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