Top 7 International Entrance Exams for Indian Students
Table of Contents
- jaro Education
- 20, May 2024
- 10:05 am
Every year, millions of students dream of pursuing higher studies abroad, like in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany. You’re almost ready for your flight, with your bags packed and excitement building, but there’s one crucial step remaining before you can embark on your international studies: taking the required entrance exam.
These are international programs that require proficiency, from language to academic readiness, to ensure you meet the standards of some of the leading universities in the world. Here is an in-depth guide breaking down all that you need to know, from types of exams for abroad studies to preparation tips. Everything to help you fulfill the dream of studying abroad.
So, here we are with this all-comprehensive blog post to help Indian students wrap their heads around the nitty-gritty of studying abroad and the top 7 international entrance exams for abroad studies they should consider.
1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examination is one of the accepted proficiency tests for the English language worldwide. It gauges the language competence of persons desiring to study or work where English is used as a language for communication. The test covers four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking included in international exams.
IELTS is managed by the British Council, working in a joint venture with IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. More than 9,000 organizations around the world have recognized the test, ranging from universities to employers, professional bodies, and immigration authorities. There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training for exams for foreign studies.
The Academic test is for admission to higher education or seeking registration with professional bodies, and the General Training test is normally for migration purposes, seeking entry to Australia, Canada, or the UK, secondary education, training programs, and work experience in an English-speaking environment.
Scoring System
IELTS scoring varies from 0 to 9 according to English proficiency levels. Each participant receives four sectional scores, and the overall band score is an average of the four sectional scores. Different institutions or organizations may set different requirements for them, and thus, it is recommended to visit the specific requirements as per the purpose of study, work, immigration, etc.
Preparation Tips for International Exams
- Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format: Have a good idea about how each part should function and what kinds of questions should be answered to eliminate anxiety, if any, on test day.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Use mock tests and sample questions to greatly strengthen your skills. The ticking of the clock will prepare you to be in real test mode.
- Have an Ever-Increasing Vocabulary: A good vocabulary will assist in all sections, but will help especially in reading and writing; flashcards and vocab apps would be so useful.
- Seek Feedback: If one can, it would be good to find a professional teacher or tutor who will give constructive feedback to the student about their writing and speaking.
- Be Friendly and Confident: On an exam for abroad studies day, stay rested the day before, and arrive early for the exam for abroad studies. Breathe in and out deeply while walking into each new section of the test with confidence.
The more knowledge of the test, its scoring system, and preparation methods under the belt of a candidate, the further the chances of obtaining high scores and reaching their language goals will be.
One of the reasons for its popularity is that most universities and institutions, which include those in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, accept IELTS scores for exams for foreign studies. In most countries, including the UK and Australia, proof of English proficiency is a visa condition for applicants. For IELTS test-takers, they need to understand the test format, grasp the scoring system, and prepare thoroughly across all four skills. A large number of Internet materials are involved in preparing candidates. They represent tests, courses, and examples of tasks to be carried out.
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most widely accepted general English language ability test for students who want to enroll in programs taught in English at English-speaking universities. This is globally identified, such as in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and many other countries. Therefore, that makes it very important for an international student to take that step.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) The iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the most common type of TOEFL, consisting of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It has been designed to measure an individual’s ability to communicate in an English-speaking academic environment. Sections in this paper measure critical abilities required for individuals to be successful within an academic setup in effective communication. It includes:
- Reading: Consists of 3-4 passages from academic texts, followed by questions to assess comprehension.
- Listening: Includes lectures and conversations in an academic setting, with questions to test understanding.
- Speaking: Measures the ability to communicate effectively in English in an academic environment through six tasks.
- Writing: Involves two tasks where you write essay responses based on reading, listening, and listening tasks, and also on an independent topic.
The whole test takes around 4.5 hours, and its 4 sections are scored in a 30-point system. That is, in other words, after taking a TOEFL test, a student can get a maximum of 120 points. Scores can be available within four days after the test, and the TOEFL can be retaken as many times as one would like, given that each is at least 12 days apart from the last (ETS).
Scoring
The TOEFL iBT is scored on a scale of 0 to 120, with no section receiving a score below 0 or above 30. The total score of the TOEFL is the aggregate of the scores for the four sections. Requirements regarding score criteria vary according to the institution, and the onus lies on the student to check with the respective institution for the required score in exams for foreign studies.
Preparation Tips for International Exams
- Familiarization with the Format: Knowing the layout of the exam for abroad studies and the types of questions asked is a path to improving performance. Practice test material is to be done on official TOEFL material to get familiar with the exam.
- Regular Practice: Practice all four language skills every day. Practicing speaking and listening takes good textbooks and online courses, but above all, find a person or group to be language partners with for practice.
- Mock Tests: Mock tests help a candidate in preparing time management skills and also lower anxiety levels on the real exam for abroad studies day.
- Vocabulary enrichment: Vocabulary is the key to success on the TOEFL. Read academic material and consciously try to teach yourself new words and phrases.
- Seek Feedback: Try and obtain feedback from teachers or peers for areas of possible improvement in speaking and writing.
In most of these institutions, due to many reasons, the TOEFL iBT has become a preferred choice in evaluating academic English skills properly; in essence, it becomes a very critical step for all non-native English speakers pursuing further studies in an English-speaking country.
3. PTE (Pearson Test of English)
The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic is a test of the English language that is academic in nature and is delivered on a computer. It assesses the readiness of a non-English native speaker to take part in a program taught at the university level and given in the English language. Widely accepted throughout Australia, the US, the UK, and other countries, PTE Academic focuses on the real-life English language used in academic environments.
The other three key main parts under the test format are speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The skills range from spoken and conversational English to academic English. This type of assessment is broad in its range, meaning that the test taker is guaranteed practice for just about any sort of scenario or demand that could be found within an English-speaking academic environment.
Scoring System
It is a unique scoring system for PTE, which scores from a range of 10 to 90 points. Final scores are given based on all tests. The results are announced within 48 hours. There are different criteria, such as accuracy in pronunciation, fluency, and coherence, under which a score is given for both speaking and writing tasks.
Preparation Strategies for International Exams
Here come the best preparation strategies for gaining a high score on the PTE:
- Know the pattern of the exam: Knowing well the pattern and the kind of questions asked in each of the sections might help you achieve a good performance.
- Practice often: Keeping in touch with sample tests and practicing from various sources would provide an enriching experience in the improvement of language efficiency and confidence.
- Official resources: You might find the preparation helpful using official materials, such as practice tests, as well as study guides provided by Pearson.
- Get into study groups: Joining study groups can serve as extra motivation and also support as you try to practice some things through feedback.
- Get Expert Guidance: Enrichment courses or even a private tutor can also be resorted to for tailored courses and concentrated practice.
You can enroll with Jaro Education for career counseling and guidance.
Why Jaro Education?
The Skill Gap Calculator Powered by AI
Jaro Education has developed a groundbreaking AI-enabled Skill Gap Calculator that will revolutionize personalized career guidance. It looks into all aspects of an individual, both soft and hard skills, thus providing a complete career report to people. It further lists the needed improvements in areas like communication, leadership, and time management. Also, it includes the latest required skills, such as data science and product management. It bridges the gap between personal skills and what the industry requires, thereby putting professionals in the best position to develop action plans for their career advancement.
Career Development Officers
At Jaro Education, there are dedicated Career Development Officers who assist students, as well as professionals, in preparing strategic career development plans under the individual’s aspirations and market requirements. They educate students on building a professional network and emphasize continued learning as well as overcoming career challenges. They also extend personalized job search support options, including resume building and interview preparation.
Test results, usually within five days, are effective in getting people who need their English test results quickly. PTE Academic offers significant benefits to students seeking to evaluate their academic English language proficiency and real-world, conversational English language skills. This is what sets PTE apart from other English language tests of an academic-oriented nature, such as IELTS and TOEFL.
4. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a very frequent test and a key step for thousands of candidates applying to the world, and most specifically, to MBA graduate business programs. It is a test of the mentioned abilities, conducted in English, with standard criteria. Accepted globally, a strong GMAT score can easily boost your application and increase your chances of getting admitted to the elite B-schools, if not the possibilities of scholarship offers.
Over time, the layout of the GMAT examination structure has changed a little, in the direction of better representation of the necessary skills for today’s business world. The current GMAT Focus Edition is composed of three major sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning: It covers skills in mathematical and numerical literacy with measures of problem-solving abilities in areas of arithmetic and elementary algebra.
- Verbal Reasoning: This test is designed to measure both your reading comprehension and critical reasoning skills in drawing inferences and conclusions from material provided to you.
- New Section: Data Insights. The next new section will test your ability to interpret and analyze data—a skill that is fast gaining importance in the field of business.
Scoring
The GMAT score falls anywhere between 200 and 800, with an average score of about 550. Each section has its score, and these scores combined give the total score. The AWA is rated between 0 and 6, while the IR section is graded between 1 and 8. Most business schools have some score expectations; therefore, research the programs you wish to apply to.
Tips for Success for International Exams
- Stay Calm: Test anxiety is very common, but practicing a few relaxation techniques will help you to remain calm and focused.
- Time Management: Keep checking your clock during the exam for abroad studies to ensure that you have enough time to answer every question.
- Read Instructions Carefully: A slight misunderstanding of the question may lead to avoidable mistakes.
- Stay Healthy: Before the test, make sure you get enough sleep, eat proper meals, and exercise to keep your mind sharp.
The GMAT Focus Edition will take a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes, as it will cover all the important competencies one must exhibit for business school success in a streamlined experience. Other intriguing features of the test would be the Question Review & Edit tool, which allows the user to have better control over his or her test answers by reviewing all the answers within each section. In addition, the order of taking sections and when to take an optional break is up to you, just to customize testing according to your preferences and strengths.
Most results are available within 3–5 days. GMAT provides detailed insight into one’s performance and may be used by one and his or her programs to understand whether one is ready for graduate management education. The average GMAT costs about $275 at the test center, but location might play a huge factor in the cost.
Being computer-adaptive simply means certain questions are always adjusted in their level of difficulty based on your performance; in other words, you will be dealing with a personalized test every time you do your stuff, measuring your abilities as accurately. You can take the GMAT as frequently as every 16 days, with up to 5 tests within any continuous 12-month period. That means lots of opportunities to get that score you are looking for.
5. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is an admission test to thousands of graduate, business, and law school programs in the United States, Canada, and the world. The test includes verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing aptitude sections. The GRE is designed to report scores for a wide range of graduate and professional programs. It measures abilities developed over a long period of learning that are important to success in a wide variety of graduate and professional school programs.
Scoring for International Exams
The GRE is scored on a 130-to-170 scale for the verbal and quantitative sections, in one-point increments. The analytical writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. The total GRE score is the sum of verbal and quantitative scores.
The overall testing time is close to 1 hour and 58 minutes; it is comprised of five sections. The Analytical Writing section, as is usual, is, in fact, first in order, and it contains one task, “Analyze an Issue,” to be completed within 30 minutes. What’s more, the Verbal Reasoning section and the Quantitative Reasoning section have two subsections, with different numbers of questions in each section and different time limits for each section.
In the Verbal Reasoning section, you will be given 18 minutes to solve 12 questions, while in the other sections, each containing 15 questions, you will be given 23 and 23 minutes, respectively. In the Quantitative Reasoning sections, 12 and 15 questions are to be solved in 21 and 26 minutes, respectively.
6. SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
The SAT, administered by the College Board, is one of the standardized tests for college entry in the United States. The test aims to assess school students’ readiness for college by examining skills in evidence-based reading, writing, and math. The structure and content of the SAT will “be changed” to better reflect what the test believes to be the skills and knowledge most required for college and career success.
The test is divided into sections that cover Reading, Writing and Language, and Math.
The Math section includes some but not all parts in a calculator-included section. It also has an optional section for the SAT Essay, which some colleges may require. Essentially, it administers a prompt based on which the student is supposed to develop an essay while doing an all-around analysis of the argument that has been given.
Preparation is the key to doing well on the SAT, and the College Board offers many materials, from tests to prep books, for the student preparing to take this test. Get more information on the format of the test and the nature of the questions, and get enough practice through authentic SAT questions. As a result, the SAT is a very important step on the path to college for many students; thousands of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries accept it.
7. ACT (American College Testing)
The American College Testing (ACT) is a standard examination that is taken by all American high school students seeking ways to determine the level of readiness and preparedness of the student to cope in an advanced college environment. Developed by ACT Inc. in 1959 for International Exams, ACT has now become one of the most widely accepted college admission tests in the world, together with the SAT. More than a million students take the ACT each year, obviously underscoring the importance that is attributed to it in college admission.
The major parts that will be tested during the ACT include English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The ACT itself will be organized in the following way:
- English: 75 questions in 45 minutes, focusing on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
- Mathematics: 60 questions in 60 minutes, covering algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Reading: 40 questions in 35 minutes, assessing reading comprehension.
- Science: 40 questions, 35 minutes, measuring skills in analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, reasoning, and problem-solving with data.
The optional writing section involves a 40-minute essay. The ACT, with an optional writing section, will last 3 hours and 35 minutes in total. Without the optional writing section, the whole test will take an overall time of 2 hours and 55 minutes. If you decide to take the writing section, then the overall time for the whole test adds up to 3 hours and 35 minutes.
Scoring
The ACT involves a scoring system ranging from 1 to 36 in all four major sections. The composite score is their average. Students are scored from 2 to 12 points in the optional Writing section. Colleges may then consider including both in their admissions process: composite and writing.
Scores in the ACT range from 1 to 36, while the composite is an average of scores from the four major sections. The writing section will have a separate score, independent of the composite score and not related to performance in other sections. Each section’s raw score (the number correct) receives a scaled score that ranges within this one, and all the scaled scores are averaged so that a composite score is provided. The average general ACT score is around 21.
Cost of International Exams for Abroad Studies
| Exam for Abroad Studies | Cost of Exam for Abroad Studies |
|---|---|
| IELTS | INR 18,000 |
| TOEFL | INR 16,900 |
| PTE | INR 14,700 |
| GMAT | roughly ₹13,000 to ₹15,000 |
| GRE | INR 17,000 |
| ACT | around ₹12,000 |
| SAT | INR 5122.65 |
Abroad Universities For Indian Students
The recent release of the World University Rankings 2025, by Times Higher Education, saw where the University of Oxford stand first, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Princeton University, and the University of Cambridge.
World-University Rank: Times Higher Education
| Times Higher Education Rank 2025 | University Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oxford |
| 2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| 3 | Harvard University |
| 4 | Princeton University |
| 5 | University of Cambridge |
World’s Top Universities: QS World University Rankings
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | Names of Universities and Institutions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| 2 | Imperial College London |
| 3 | University of Oxford |
| 4 | Harvard University |
| 5 | University of Cambridge |
Exam Summary By Country All In One
- For the United Kingdom: IELTS, UCAS (if necessary), GRE (some courses);
- For Canada: IELTS/TOEFL, SAT (undergraduate), GRE/GMAT for graduate levels;
- Australian institutions require IELTS/TOEFL and sometimes SAT or GRE;
- In Germany, TestDaF (for German-taught courses), IELTS, and TOEFL tests are also accepted; GRE scores are also accepted.
- France: TCF, DELF for French, IELTS, and GMAT for business programs.
Conclusion
The international higher education for international exams higher education is replete with opportunities for Indian students who find the foreign pathways to prestigious institutions and the cultural diversity offered by them rather exciting. Studying abroad is more than just for international exam exposure or flavoring up a resume with some foreign degree; it is the mindset that grows toward successful living in the interdependent world of today.
Thus, this road starts with many entrance examinations that are made to fit some specific destination countries or institutions and present the academic and language abilities of prospective candidates. Preparation is a key to success, and students can find resources to familiarize themselves with the formats of these exam for abroad studies Making the students prepare and understand the relevance of these examinations and devising a proper strategy of preparation would be able to help students open vistas of academic excellence and development on the global front.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trending Blogs
