Introduction

GRE - 1,13,304, GMAT - 25,853, SAT - 25,000. Don't get confused! It is not the exam fees, but these figures represent the number of Indian students who have taken these tests to study abroad every year. These are amongst the must-know exams for each one seeking global education. Read and Discover: Top 6 study abroad exams for Indian students for their international educational journey.

Entrance exams top the list of requirements of the universities and programs. We have shortlisted 6 essential exams for studying abroad from India, i.e., GRE, SAT, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Detangle each one of them and secure your seat in the world's best universities for a master's degree.

Top exams for Indian students studying abroad

Students must clear the entrance exam for abroad studies, and its preparation begins way back than the exam date. Now, you might be thinking about which exam to prepare for. You must know the unique purpose of these exams and the opportunities to find their answers.

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

Indian students applying to graduate, business, and law schools abroad appear for the GRE. Its scores are most relevant for study in the US, Canada, and other world-class colleges/universities. Besides business, you can appear for subject-specific tests in various fields like biology, chemistry, and literature. It evaluates vital skills such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing to ensure preparedness for advanced overseas studies.

Format: GMAT is a computer-based test with MCQs; however, some regions continue to take paper-based tests. It evaluates the candidates on three major fronts, i.e., problem-solving, critical thinking, and abilities to analyze and evaluate written material.

• Sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment
• Duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes
• Markings: Verbal & Quantitative Reasoning - 130-170 (1-point increment), Analytical Writing - 0 to 6 (0.5 increments)

Note: It is quite a popular test. For this reason, it has 1000 test centers in over 160 countries to facilitate test-takers around the globe.

Also Read: How to Prepare for IELTS in Bhopal: Tips and Resources

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

Another test from the Indian students' study abroad exam list is the SAT. It is for the students heading towards pursuing a bachelor's degree abroad. Most colleges in the US, UK, Australia, and Singapore, along with 85 other countries, prefer the SAT for admissions in the bachelor's program. It assesses a student's readiness for college by testing skills in evidence-based reading, writing, and mathematics.

Format: The questions are a mix of MCQs and manual responses. The good news for you is that there are no negative markings. In case, you don't know the answer, you can try your luck.

• Sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math (calculator/no calculator)
• Duration: 2 hours and 14 minutes
• Markings: EBRW (54 Questions) - 800 Marks, Maths (44 Questions) - 800 Marks

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

GMAT is amongst the best exams for studying abroad from India. It is designed for students seeking admission into most in-demand business programs for overseas education, such as MBA. Therefore, every 9 of 10 new MBA enrollments are made using GMAT scores. It critically evaluates your abilities and skills in a business setting. A decent score ensures you can think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively in a business setting.

Format: You need to solve 80 questions based on Integrated Reasoning skills, Quantitative skills, Verbal skills, and Analytical Writing Assessment in the given time.

• Sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights
• Duration: 3 hours and 7 minutes
• Markings: Scored on a scale of 200-800, combining all three sections.

Note: GMAT is a criterion for admissions in approx. 7500 programs in 2K plus business schools in more than 200 countries.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

It is a globally recognized test used by millions of students every year. It evaluates students' proficiency in English across four key areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Top colleges, companies, and immigration offices worldwide accept IELTS scores in either the academic or general training format. iKounselor prepares you with offline and online IELTS training programs, equipping students to excel and achieve their desired scores on the first attempt.

Format: It has four sections that have questions such as recorded conversations or monologues, passages, charts, graph, tables or diagram.

• Sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
• Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Markings: Scored on a nine-band scale, 9 representing expert-level proficiency

Note: There is no minimum age requirement to take the IELTS exam.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Next in line is TOEFL, which is a measure of English requirement for universities abroad. With a good TOEFL score you can apply to 12000 universities in 160 countries worldwide. If you are someone who dreams of studying or working overseas in a non-English speaking country, this test is a must for you. Moreover, a high score can confirm your admission into your desired university abroad.

Format: Each question and task tests more than one skill. You must prepare well before taking the test. Prepare with iKounselor: the Top Study Consultant in Bhopal, and get access to resources like Mock Tests, Study Materials, and more.

• Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing
• Duration: 3 hours
• Markings: 48 questions and 6 tasks, scores ranging from 0 to 120

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based exam designed to assess English language proficiency for non-native speakers. Widely accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities, PTE evaluates your speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills through a dynamic and adaptive testing format. With quick results and flexible test dates, PTE is an efficient and reliable option for individuals aiming to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries.

Format: Each question and task tests more than one skill. You must prepare well before taking the test. Prepare with iKounselor: the Top Study Consultant in Bhopal, and get access to resources like Mock Tests, Study Materials, and more.

• Sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening
• Duration: 2 hours
• Markings: 20 questions, scores ranging from 10–90

Preparing for Study Abroad Exams in India: Practice Tips

Knowing about these key exams for Indian students for international studies might have given you clarity about their relevance and suitability. Now, it's time for some practice tips that are not less than hitting a treasure. Give it a read and maximize your success.

Tip 1: Daily Practice Quizzes & Mock Tests
Make practicing quizzes and mock tests a ritual. It will help you increase familiarity with the exam format.

Tip 2: Use Flashcards for Vocabulary
Flashcards can help you with memorization and improving vocabulary.

Tip 3: Focus on Weak Areas
Use diagnostic tests to identify your weak spots and concentrate your study efforts on improving those areas to ensure balanced preparation.

Tip 4: Join Study Groups
Join study groups and online forums, which are great sources for facilitating knowledge exchange.

Tip 5: Professional Coaching
Seek professional guidance from experts like iKounselor. You will get structured guidance, expert tips, and personalized feedback.

By practising these tips for your International study exams, you can maximize your efforts and error-proof your performance. This way, you can achieve the scores needed to succeed in your international educational journey.

Conclusion

To sum up, this was a comprehensive guide outlining the Top 6 study abroad exams for Indian students for their international educational journey (GRE, SAT, GMAT, IELTS, TOFEL, and PTE) . Moreover, the practice tips include vitamins that are essential for obtaining good scores in language training and entrance exams.