8 study abroad exams for Indian students for their international educational journey

By Vaibhav Gupta

For Indian students aspiring to pursue education overseas, navigating through the myriad of entrance exams can be a daunting task. These exams serve as gateways to prestigious institutions and programs across the globe. Let’s delve into the key examinations that Indian students need to be acquainted with for their international educational journey.

Test of English as a Foreign Language

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a pivotal assessment managed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for Indian students eyeing international study opportunities. This globally recognized exam evaluates the English language proficiency of non-native speakers, a fundamental requirement for admission to universities worldwide, including prominent destinations like the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and over 160 other countries.

With no specific eligibility criteria set by ETS, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent education level. The exam include 4 different sections, which is, reading, writing, listening and speaking making a total score of 120 points.

In India, the exam fee amounts to Rs 16,900, with scores remaining valid for two years. Whether opting for the Internet-based (iBT) or paper-delivered version, candidates face a comprehensive evaluation lasting around 3 to 3.5 hours.

International English Language Testing System

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) serves as another crucial evaluation for Indian students aspiring for global education. Recognized by universities worldwide, particularly in English-speaking countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, the IELTS assesses language proficiency across various modules.

Indian students have the flexibility to choose between the General and Academic modules based on their educational or immigration goals. Comprising listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections, the IELTS offers both online and offline formats. Test scores, valid for two years, play a significant role in admission decisions. In India, the exam fee is Rs 17,000, making IELTS an indispensable step toward international study endeavors.

Scholastic Aptitude Test

For Indian students aspiring for undergraduate studies abroad, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) holds immense significance. Administered by the College Board, the SAT evaluates critical skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, providing colleges and universities with a standardized measure of applicants’ readiness for higher education.

With a format encompassing Evidence-Based Reading, Writing, and Mathematics sections, the SAT allows students to demonstrate their academic potential. Indian students can take advantage of multiple test dates throughout the year, with scores remaining valid for five years. The exam fee, approximately Rs 8,536 in India, opens doors to undergraduate programs in the US, Canada, the UK, Italy, and Australia, among others.

American College Testing

Another essential entrance exam for Indian students seeking undergraduate admissions abroad is the American College Testing (ACT). This MCQ-based online exam evaluates candidates’ skills in written communication, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and science.

With a duration of 2 hours and 55 minutes, the ACT comprises English, mathematics, reading, and science sections, with an optional essay component. Accepted by numerous US universities and some international institutions, ACT scores are valid for five years. I

ndian students can attempt the exam up to 12 times, with an exam fee of approximately Rs 16,703. The ACT serves as a vital tool for assessing students’ academic preparedness for undergraduate study.

Graduate Record Examination

For Indian students eyeing postgraduate studies abroad, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a prerequisite. Conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE assesses skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative analysis, and analytical writing, essential for admission to various graduate programs worldwide.

With test dates available throughout the year, candidates can attempt the GRE up to five times annually, with scores remaining valid for five years. The exam fee in India is Rs 22,550, inclusive of the non-US regional fee. Comprising Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning sections, the GRE is a critical step toward fulfilling academic aspirations abroad.

Graduate Management Admission Test

Indian students aspiring for graduate management programs like MBA or Masters in Finance abroad must tackle the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT assesses skills in analytical writing, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and reading in English.

With test appointments available throughout the year, candidates can attempt the GMAT up to five times annually, with scores valid for five years. The exam fee, approximately Rs 22,800 for test centers and Rs 24,600 for the online version in India, opens doors to top-ranked business schools globally.

Medical College Admission Test

For Indian students wanting to study medicine abroad, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) has become a ‘mandatory’ experience. Administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the MCAT measures a candidate’s ability to succeed in medical school, relevant for medical schools in the US and Canada.

Lasting for a total of 7 hours 30 minutes, the MCAT has four sections: biological and biochemical foundations of living systems, psychological, biological and social foundations of behaviour, and critical analysis, chemical and physical foundations of biological systems, and reasoning skills. Scores are valid for two or three years and candidates can re-take it as many times as needed. The standard registration fee for the test is Rs 27,060.

Law School Admission Test

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is for Indian students aiming for legal education abroad. Conducted by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the LSAT assesses reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning abilities, essential for law school admissions. With a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, the LSAT comprises sections on logical reasoning, reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and an unscored variable section.

Candidates can attempt the LSAT up to seven times, with scores remaining valid for five years. The exam fee in India is Rs 3999, with late applicants subject to a fee of Rs 7998. The LSAT serves as a standard requirement for legal education abroad, facilitating admissions to prestigious law schools worldwide.

(Author is CO-founder & CMO, iSchoolConnect)