Key Highlights

• Two main categories of entrance exams for studying abroad: language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo) and standardised/subject-specific (SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT). 

• IELTS and TOEFL remain the most widely accepted English exams, but PTE and Duolingo are catching up. 

• The US relies heavily on SAT/ACT and GRE/GMAT, while the UK and Canada combine English tests with subject-specific exams like UCAT or LSAT. 

• Niche exams like MCAT, BMAT, OET, and DAT matter for professional courses. 

• Smart preparation, official resources, and early planning can drastically improve your outcomes. 

Introduction 

For Indian students planning to study abroad, clearing the right exam is often the first big milestone. Universities want to see proof of two things: 

Language proficiency – to ensure you can thrive in an English-medium academic environment. 

Standardised or subject-specific aptitude – to measure your readiness for higher education in particular fields (engineering, management, law, medicine, etc.). 

This guide explains the key exams for abroad studies after 12th as well as postgraduate entry tests, with comprehensive details on structure, scoring, acceptance, costs, and smart preparation tips. 

Language Proficiency Tests 

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 

Purpose: Measures listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English. 

Format: 4 sections; ~2 hours 45 minutes. 

Scoring: Band scale from 0–9. Most universities ask for 6.5–7.5 overall, with no section below 6. 

Acceptance: Over 12,000 institutions worldwide (UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, US, Europe). Also required for visas in many countries. 

Validity: 2 years. 

Cost in India: ~₹16,250–18,000. 

Retakes: Unlimited; can be taken 48 times a year. 

Tip for Smart Preparation: Practise with British Council/IDP resources and try the IELTS exam online prep tools to simulate real conditions. 

Planning to take IELTS? Here’s the complete IELTS exam guide 

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 

Purpose: Favoured by North American universities, tests academic English in reading, listening, speaking, writing. 

Format: 4 sections; ~3 hours (shorter versions introduced in 2023). 

Scoring: Total score out of 120. Top schools ask for 100+; many accept 80–90. 

Acceptance: Over 11,000 universities in 160+ countries (especially strong in US/Canada). 

Validity: 2 years. 

Cost in India: ~₹16,900. 

Retakes: Every 3 days; no lifetime limit. 

Tip for Smart Preparation: Use ETS’s official TOEFL practice test series and MyBest scoring to combine section bests. 

Considering TOEFL For Step up? See TOEFL format, scoring, detail guide here 

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) 

Purpose: Computer-based English proficiency test with fast results (48 hours). 

Format: 3 sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening; ~2 hours. 

Scoring: Scale 10–90. Universities typically require 60–75+. 

Acceptance: 3,000+ universities globally (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, some in the US). 

Validity: 2 years. 

Cost in India: ~₹14,700–15,900. 

Tip for Smart Preparation: AI-driven scoring means fluency and pronunciation matter. Record yourself during practice. 

Duolingo English Test (DET) 

Purpose: Convenient, affordable online test. Popular during COVID, still growing. 

Format: Adaptive test for Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening + video interview; ~1 hour. 

Scoring: 10–160. Universities ask for 105–125+. 

Acceptance: 4,000+ universities in 76+ countries (strong presence in US, Canada, Europe). 

Validity: 2 years. 

Cost in India: ~$59 (~₹5,000). 

Tip for Smart Preparation: Great backup if IELTS/TOEFL dates are booked. It is ideal for last-minute applications. 

Other English Exams 

• CELPIP: Canadian test used for immigration and sometimes universities. 

• Cambridge English (C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency): Accepted by many UK/European institutions; scores do not technically expire. 

• Oxford Test of English (Advanced): Growing slowly; maps to CEFR B2–C1 levels. 

Standardised and Subject-Specific Exams 

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) 

Purpose: Undergraduate admissions test for US and some global universities. Known as the SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test. 

Format: Reading and Writing, Math; ~3 hours. (Essay discontinued in most places.) 

Scoring: 400–1600; 1300+ is competitive for selective US schools. 

Acceptance: US colleges, some in Canada, UK, and Singapore. 

Validity: 5 years. 

Cost in India: ~$60 (~₹5,300). 

Tip for Smart Preparation: Khan Academy offers free adaptive practice partnered with College Board for the SAT exam in USA applicants. 

Get exam-day ready with our SAT Writing insights and last-week hacks check details 

American College Testing (ACT) 

Purpose: Alternative to SAT for US undergrad admissions. 

Format: English, Math, Reading, Science + optional Writing; ~3 hours (3h 35m with essay). 

Scoring: 1–36; 28+ is competitive. 

Acceptance: Widely accepted in US; also recognised in Canada and some global universities. 

Validity: 5 years. 

Cost in India: ~$176 (~₹15,500). 

Tip for Smart Preparation: Known for speed; practise timed mock tests to handle the tight pacing. 

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) 

Purpose: Entry test for Master’s, PhDs, and some MBAs. 

Format: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning; ~2 hours. 

Scoring: 260–340 (Verbal + Quantitative) + 0–6 (Writing). 320+ is excellent. 

Acceptance: 90+ countries; most popular in the US for MS, PhD, MBA; also Canada, Europe, Australia. 

Validity: 5 years. 

Cost in India: ~$220 (~₹19,300). 

Tip for Smart Preparation: Focus equally on quant and vocab-heavy verbal; official ETS PowerPrep is best practice. 

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) 

Purpose: MBA and Management-related Postgraduate Programs. 

Format: Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing; ~2h 15m (GMAT Focus Edition). 

Scoring: 200–800; top B-schools look for 700+. 

Acceptance: 5,400 MBA programs across 2,000+ B-schools Worldwide. 

Validity: 5 years. 

Cost in India: ~$275 (~₹24,200). 

Tip for Smart Preparation: Practise data sufficiency and critical reasoning, unique to GMAT. 

Law School Admission Test (LSAT) 

Purpose: Admission into Law programs abroad. 

Format: Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension + writing sample; ~3.5 hours. 

Scoring: 120–180; 160+ for top schools. 

Acceptance: US, Canada, some law schools globally. 

Validity: 5 years. 

Cost in India: ~$222 (~₹19,500). 

Tip for Smart Preparation: Logic games are unique. It requires consistent practice with past papers. 

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) 

Purpose: Medical school admissions (US, Canada, Australia). 

Format: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Critical Analysis; ~7.5 hours. 

Scoring: 472–528; 510+ is strong. 

Acceptance: US and Canadian medical schools; some in Australia. 

Validity: 3 years (varies by school). 

Cost: ~$330 (~₹29,000). 

Availability in India: No centres; must travel abroad (Singapore, UAE). 

Tip for Smart Preparation: Requires deep science background. Start preparation a year in advance. 

Other Entrance Exams 

• University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT): Required by UK medical and dental schools. Tests reasoning, decision-making, and situational judgment. 

• BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT): UK/Europe medical schools. Tests problem-solving, scientific knowledge, and essay writing. 

• Occupational English Test (OET): For healthcare professionals; assesses English in real-life medical contexts. 

• Dental Admission Test (DAT): US dental schools; covers natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading, and quantitative reasoning. 

Smart Preparation Strategies 

• Plan 9–12 months in Advance: Choose exams based on deadlines, results timelines, and validity. 

• Use Official Resources: British Council for IELTS, ETS for GRE/TOEFL, Pearson for PTE, GMAC for GMAT. 

• Take Full-length Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions and track progress. 

• Target Weak Areas: Build vocabulary for GRE/TOEFL, focus on quant for GMAT/GRE, practise logic games for LSAT. 

• Manage Time: Many exams (ACT, GMAT) are as much about pacing as knowledge. 

• Check Retake Policies: Build buffer time if you plan to reattempt. 

• Stay Updated: Formats evolve (ex: shorter GRE, GMAT Focus Edition, digital SAT). 

Conclusion

Your study abroad dream begins with the right exam. Whether it is IELTS for the UK, GRE for the US, or UCAT for medicine in the UK, each test is a gateway to global opportunities. Choose carefully based on your course, country, and strengths. Prepare smartly, give yourself time, and remember: a strong score not only unlocks admissions but also scholarships and smoother visa approvals. 

At Mentora Overseas Education, we guide you through applications and admissions and support you in your test preparation and training. From personalised coaching for IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT to mock tests and strategy sessions, our study abroad consultant help you understand each exam’s structure, master proven techniques, and build the confidence to excel. With the right mentorship, you can turn preparation into performance and give your applications a powerful boost. Connect with us today to begin your journey with the right plan, the right exam, and the right guidance.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both a language and an aptitude test? 

Not always. It depends on your country and course. For example, US undergraduates often need SAT plus TOEFL/IELTS, while UK undergraduates may only need IELTS. 

Which test is cheapest? 

Duolingo (~₹5,000) is cheapest, followed by PTE (~₹15,000), IELTS/TOEFL (~₹16–18k). GRE/GMAT are costlier (~₹18–25k). 

Can I reuse one score for multiple universities? 

Yes. Scores are valid for their entire duration and can be sent to multiple institutions. 

Are retakes allowed? 

Yes, but policies differ. GRE allows 5 per year, GMAT allows 5 per year with 16 days’ gap, TOEFL allows retakes every 3 days, IELTS up to 48 times a year. 

Do scores impact scholarships and visas? 

Absolutely. Many scholarships and visa approvals have minimum score thresholds.