6 Entrance exams to study abroad for Indian students 2024
Studying abroad remains a cherished goal for many Indian students aiming for a world-class education, cultural exposure, and global career opportunities.
To achieve this dream, students typically need to clear specific entrance exams tailored to the requirements of international universities and programs.
These exams play a crucial role in evaluating applicants’ readiness and qualifications for global higher education opportunities.
In this article, we’ll explore six important entrance exams for abroad studies that Indian students can prepare for in 2024 to realize their aspirations of studying abroad.
Table of Contents
6 Entrance Exams to Study Abroad
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
- American College Testing (ACT)
- Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Exams to Study Abroad After Engineering for Indian Students
Entrance Exam for MS Abroad for Indian Students
Country-wise & Course-wise Entrance Exams to Study Abroad for Indian Students
Exams to Study Abroad After 10th for Indian Students
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
- Advanced Placement (AP) Program
- Foundation Programs
- Language Proficiency Tests
Entrance Exams for Abroad Studies After 12th for Indian Students
- Undergraduate Entrance Exams
- Language Proficiency Exams
- Admission Tests for Specific Institutions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the entrance exams to study abroad for Indian students?
- Which foreign country is best for Indian students to study?
- How can Indian students study abroad?
- Can I study abroad without exams?
- Is the GMAT easy for Indian students?
- Which exam is required for the USA?
- Is IELTS compulsory in the USA?
- How many exams are required to study abroad?
- What are the typical exams required for MS admission to universities overseas for Indian students?
- What are the foreign entrance exams for engineering?
6 Entrance exams to study abroad
| Test | Conducting Body | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Record Examination (GRE) | Educational Testing Service | 3 hours and 45 minutes |
| Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) | Graduate Management Admissions Council | 3 hours and 7 minutes |
| Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | College Board of the USA | 3 hours, plus an optional 50 minutes essay |
| American College Testing (ACT) | ACT, Inc. | 2 hours and 55 minutes |
| Law School Admission Test (LSAT) | Law School Admission Council | 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) | Association of American Medical Colleges | 7 hours and 30 minutes |
1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test, conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is designed for students seeking admission to postgraduate courses abroad. This 3-hour and 45-minute test evaluates applicants’ verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
The GRE is widely accepted by business schools globally for their MBA programs, making it a key exam for aspiring MBA students. In India, there are no fixed dates for the GRE; you can take it any time throughout the year. If you’re not satisfied with your scores, you can retake the test up to five times a year, with a mandatory 21-day interval between attempts.
| Purpose | Standardised test for graduate and business school admissions worldwide. |
|---|---|
| Sections |
|
| Conducting Body | Educational Testing Service |
| Duration | 3 hours and 45 minutes |
| Scores | Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning - 130 to 170 (in 1-point increments), Analytical Writing - 0 to 6 (in half-point increments). |
| Fees | $220 |
2. Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
The Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) is administered by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC). The exam for studying an MBA overseas is this. The four components of this entrance exam for foreign universities are integrated reasoning, verbal reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and analytical writing. You can try to take the GMAT at any time of year as there are no set dates. The test appointment should always be scheduled two to three months in advance. You can retake the exam up to five times a year if you’re not happy with your score, but you must wait at least sixteen days between each attempt.
| Purpose | Standardised test for admissions to graduate business programs (MBA) worldwide. |
|---|---|
| Sections |
|
| Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admissions Council |
| Duration | 3 hours and 7 minutes |
| Scores | AWA scored on a scale of 0 to 6 (in half-point increments). IR scored on a scale of 1 to 8 (in single-digit increments). QR and VR each scored on a scale of 6 to 51 |
| Fees | $275 |
3. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
The SAT is a test conducted by the College Board of the USA. It is required for admission to foreign universities after high school. This exam consists of three sections: reading, writing, and mathematics at the high school level. The SAT lasts for 3 hours, with an optional essay section that takes 50 minutes. You can take the test multiple times without any restrictions. However, it is advisable to limit the number of times you repeat the test as some universities may require you to disclose your previous SAT scores.
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| Purpose | Standardised test for college admissions in the United States. |
|---|---|
| Sections |
|
| Conducting Body | College Board of the USA |
| Duration | 3 hours, plus an optional 50 minutes essay |
| Scores | Evidence-Based Reading, Writing, and Math are scored on a scale of 200 to 800, for a total possible score of 400 to 1600. The essay is scored separately on a scale of 6 to 24. |
| Fees | $60 |
4. American College Testing (ACT)
If you wish to study abroad after high school, you must also take the ACT. The ACT and SAT are extremely similar. Both assessments assess your intellectual skills and readiness to begin college. The only distinction is that the ACT includes an extra section called Science.
You can also choose to write an additional essay. This additional part will not affect the ACT’s overall score. The test lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes. You will have an additional 40 minutes for the optional essay component. You can take the test 12 times to perfect your marks.
| Purpose | Standardised test for college admissions in the United States and Canada. |
|---|---|
| Sections |
|
| Conducting Body | ACT, Inc. |
| Duration | 2 hours and 55 minutes |
| Scores | Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and a composite score is provided. The optional Essay is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12. |
| Fees | $206.50 |
5. Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The LSAT is geared toward those who desire to study law overseas. This exam for going abroad evaluates the skills required in the courtroom: The LSAT consists of five sections: logical reasoning I, logical reasoning II, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, an experimental component, and essay writing.
The test lasts approximately three and a half hours. The test is administered four times each year in India by the LSAC (Law School Admission Council). The test can only be taken three times per year, with a maximum of seven attempts to achieve a perfect score.
| Purpose | Standardised test for admissions to law schools in the United States and Canada. |
|---|---|
| Sections |
|
| Conducting Body | Law School Admission Council |
| Duration | 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Scores | Scored on a scale of 120 to 180, with a median score of 150. |
| Fees | $222 |
6. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is a standard medical sciences test administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This exam is required for students wishing to pursue a medical degree in the most popular study destinations, such as the United States and Canada.
This test is long, lasting 7 hours and 30 minutes. MCAT is presented several times per year at various locations throughout the world.
Unfortunately, there are no testing centers in India.
So, if you are an Indian resident applying for the MCAT, you must travel to Singapore, Israel, or Qatar to take it. You can take the MCAT three times per year, for a total of seven times.
| Purpose | Standardised test for admissions to medical schools in the United States and Canada. |
|---|---|
| Sections |
|
| Conducting Body | Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) |
| Duration | 7 hours and 30 minutes |
| Scores | Each of the four sections is scored on a scale of 118 to 132, with a median score of 125 |
| Fees | $330 |
Engineering Study Abroad Exam for Indian Students
Studying abroad after completing an engineering degree is a popular choice for many Indian students who wish to further their education and experience an international perspective.
To study further abroad after studying engineering such as a master’s or doctorate, Indian students usually have to prepare for and take various standard exams depending on their chosen country and field of study.
Here are some of the common post-graduation exams and requirements for Indian engineering graduates planning to study abroad:
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Subject-Specific Tests (e.g., GRE Subject Tests)
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test, if applicable)
Overseas Masters Entrance Exam for Indian Students
Indian students aiming to pursue a Master of Science (MS) degree abroad need to prepare for and take several standardized entrance exams post-graduation. These exams are crucial for evaluating the applicants’ preparedness and eligibility for graduate-level studies at international universities.
The primary entrance exams that Indian students typically need to take when applying for an MS program overseas include:
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
- TOEFL or IELTS
- GRE Subject Tests (if required
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test, if applicable)
- Specific Departmental Tests (if required)
Country and Course Specific Admission Exams for Indian Students
Depending on the destination and subject of your choice, there are different entrance exams for study abroad for Indian students across countries and courses. Some of the popular entrance exams include:
| Entrance Exams | Countries | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| GRE | USA, Europe, others | Graduate programs (master's and Ph.D.) |
| TOEFL | USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and more. | English language proficiency for all levels |
| IELTS | USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and more. | English language proficiency for all levels |
| GMAT | USA, some other countries | MBA and management-related master's programs |
| SAT | USA | Undergraduate admissions |
| ACT | USA | Undergraduate admissions |
| MCAT | USA, Canada | Medical school admissions |
| LSAT | USA, Canada, etc. | Law school admissions |
| SAT Subject Tests | USA | Some U.S. undergraduate programs |
| PTE | Various countries | English language proficiency assessment |
| TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) | France | Admission to French institutions |
| DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) | France | Admission to French institutions |
| German Language Proficiency Tests | Germany, Austria, etc. | Admission to German institutions |
| JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) | Japan | Admission to Japanese institutions |
| HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) | China | Admission to Chinese institutions |
Post 10th and 12th Class Study Abroad Exams for Indian Students
Studying abroad refers to completing your higher education (equivalent to Grades 11 and 12) in another country after completing Grade 10 in India.
Here are some common routes and exams for Indian students who want to study abroad after Class 10:
1. International Baccalaureate (IB)
Some international schools and educational institutions offer the IB programme for students aged 16 to 19. After grade 10, you can apply for the IB Diploma programme, which has an entrance exam and application process.
2. Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
Cambridge offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the Cambridge International Certificate of Advanced Education (AICE). From Year 10 onwards, you can enrol in the A-Level programme, which is the equivalent of UK years 11 and 12. You will need to sit the IGCSE exams.
3. Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
Some American high schools and international schools abroad admit Indian students from grade 10 onwards based on their SAT scores. You will have to take the SAT, which tests your knowledge of mathematics, evidence-based reading and writing.
4. Advanced Placement (AP) Program
Some international schools offer AP programs that allow students to earn college credits while still in high school, allowing them to take AP courses and exams to prove their academic ability.
5. Foundation Programs
Some countries, such as Australia, offer undergraduate programs to international students after Year 10. These programs prepare you for university entry by providing required courses and exams.
6. Language Proficiency Tests
Depending on the country and language of instruction, you may be required to demonstrate knowledge of the language of instruction – for example, you may need to take an IELTS or TOEFL test to demonstrate English proficiency.
Study Abroad Entrance Exam after 12th period for Indian students
Studying in India after completing 12th grade is a common route for many Indian students seeking higher education opportunities abroad.
Common study abroad entrance exams after 12th grade include:
Undergraduate entrance exams: SAT, ACT
Language tests: IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF (German)
Entrance exams for specific educational institutions
1. Undergraduate entrance exams
Most countries require students to take standard entrance exams for bachelor’s programs. These exams include:
SAT: Commonly used for admission to undergraduate programs in the United States and some other countries.
ACT: Another standardized test that is commonly accepted for admission to undergraduate programs in the United States.
2. Language proficiency exams
Language tests help assess your language skills, especially if you are not a native speaker of the target language. These exams include exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, and TestDaF (German).
3. Admission tests for specific institutions
Universities and colleges might require a foreign university entrance exam or interview as part of their application process. It’s important to verify the specific requirements of the institutions you’re considering.
Entrance exams play a crucial role for Indian students aspiring to study abroad. These standardized tests are key in assessing academic readiness, language skills, and subject-specific knowledge. Success in these exams greatly influences admission results and scholarship prospects, highlighting the need for careful planning and committed preparation.