Study Abroad Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT Guide

The desire to study abroad has grown significantly among students in recent years. Research suggests about 1.5 lakh Indian students apply to study overseas annually, with around 25,000 studying in the US alone. After the United States, large numbers head to countries like Britain, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and New Zealand.

Securing a seat at a prestigious foreign university, especially in Europe, often requires clearing specific entrance tests. For US institutions, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, and SAT scores are typically required. Admission to UK institutions usually requires GCE qualifications. In Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand, you'll need to pass TOEFL or IELTS. If Australia is your destination, IELTS scores are widely accepted.

Here are the details of the key examinations.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Since English proficiency is crucial for most international universities, the IELTS exam tests a student's language knowledge. This examination is organized jointly by the British Council, Cambridge University ESOL, and IDP Education Australia. IELTS scores are valid at most US institutions, as well as academic institutions in Australia, the UK, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and about 35 other countries globally.

For Indian students' convenience, the exam is held twice a month in four metro cities: Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. More information can be obtained from IDP Education Australia, Nehru Place, New Delhi, and the British Council, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Almost all students aiming to study abroad must pass this English language entrance exam for admission to institutions in over 120 countries, including the US. It's mandatory; applications are not considered without it. For most postgraduate courses in the US, UK, and New Zealand, a TOEFL scorecard is required. While TOEFL scores are valid for two years, many institutes ask for fresh results. The Internet-Based Test (IBT) is now the standard at most centers.

The TOEFL test assesses reading, listening, writing, and speaking (IBT only). It evaluates comprehension, grammar, reading ability, and writing skills across four sections on a 667-point scale. Admission to undergraduate courses at reputable colleges typically requires a score of 500. For postgraduate and research levels, 550 points are generally needed.

The examination is conducted by TOEFL/TSE Services, PO Box 6151, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151, USA. In India, more information is available from the Director, Institute of Psychological and Educational Measurement, 119 W 25 A, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Civil Lines, Allahabad-11001, or the United States Educational Foundation in India, Fulbright House, 12 Hailey Road, New Delhi-110001 (Phone: 011-23328944).

GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test)

Admission to management colleges requires the GMAT exam. This test, started about 65 years ago in 1953, is accepted by about 2,000 business schools worldwide. Over 7,000 graduate management programs accept GMAT scores. Annually, around 300,000 students from across the globe take this exam at 600 test centers in about 100 countries.

The GMAT is organized four times yearly for management course admissions. It evaluates a student's verbal skills, managerial interest, mathematical information, and problem-solving abilities. The exam is divided into three sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative, and Verbal. Questions typically cover reasoning, comprehension, and problem-solving. GMAT scores are valid for five years.

The test assesses quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing. The total score (from verbal and quantitative sections only) ranges from 200 to 800, with two-thirds of test-takers scoring between 400 and 600. Section scores range as follows: Quantitative: 0-60; Verbal: 0-60; Integrated Reasoning: 1-8; Analytical Writing Assessment: 0.0-6.0.

Many coaching institutes in metro and tier-2 cities help students prepare for the GMAT. For detailed information, contact Graduate Management Admission Test, Educational Testing Service, PO Box G-103, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6103, USA.

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

Admission to US colleges and universities requires the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). This exam is also important for studying in many other developed countries. Conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service), it assesses understanding ability, math, and verbal skills through objective questions over three hours. The goal is to examine literal and arithmetic potential.

Two types of SAT exams are organized: SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests (SAT-2). The Subject Test duration is one hour, with a multifaceted question paper. Some universities do not mandate the SAT-2 exam.

For detailed information, contact the United States Educational Foundation in India at their offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata, or the Institute of Psychological and Educational Measurement in Allahabad.

LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized entrance test for law schools in the USA, Canada, and some other countries. Administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), it assesses reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and verbal reasoning proficiencies. Every year, over 100,000 students take this exam for admission to top colleges.

The exam duration is 35 minutes for each of the 6 sections, totaling 3 hours and 30 minutes (excluding breaks). Skills tested include reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and (unscored) writing. Scores range from 120 to 180 and are valid for up to 12 tests taken since 1 June 2008. In 2018, the exam was held five times: February, June, July, September, and November.

For more details, contact the Law School Admission Council, Box 2000, New Town, Pennsylvania 18940.

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

Admission to many graduate colleges in America is based on GRE scores. Generally similar to the SAT, the GRE is a computer-based test compulsory for master's and doctorate-level courses. Owned and administered by Educational Testing Service since 1949, it consists of three main sections evaluating language knowledge, logical ability, and mathematical skills.

Fees for the GRE General Test are $205 worldwide; the GRE Subject Test is$ 150 globally. Total duration varies, with scores ranging from 130 to 170 per section. The Analytical Writing score ranges from 1 to 6. Scores are valid for five years.

Students can contact the center registrar at Silver Testing Services Pvt. Ltd., Senior Plaza, 160 A Gautam Nagar, Yusuf Sarai, Behind Indian Oil Building, New Delhi-110049 (Phone: 011-26511649).

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

The MCAT, organized by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges), is required for admission to medical schools in the USA, Canada, and Australia. This standardized computer-based exam includes questions on Verbal Reasoning, Physical Science, Biological Science, and Writing Samples. The first three sections contain multiple-choice tests.

The MCAT is administered 25 times a year. There are no test centers in India; interested students must travel to nearby countries like Thailand, Malaysia, or Singapore. Check the International MCAT Testing Calendar for the current year's schedule.

Test of English for International Communication

This test assesses English language knowledge for business contexts. Organizations use it to evaluate corporate English skills. Questions cover corporate development, finance, budgeting, IT, personnel, technical matters, health, and business travel.

TWE (Test of Written English)

Often conducted with TOEFL, the TWE is a 30-minute essay test offered four times a year. Its scores are not added to the TOEFL score. The purpose is to give TOEFL candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their English writing ability.

For detailed information, contact The British Council, British High Commission, 17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi.

TSE (Test of Spoken English)

This score is required for most scholarships in English-speaking countries. Conducted on the same day as TOEFL, it does not add points to the TOEFL scorecard. Developed by Educational Testing Service, it measures the ability of non-native English speakers to communicate effectively. There are two sections: TSE-A for Research Scholars and TSE-P for vocational course certificates.