Top Entrance Exams to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025

Taking exams to study abroad for admission in top global universities can open a world of opportunities for international students. However, one of the important steps that they have to take is to qualify certain exams to go abroad like IELTS, GRE, TOEFL, PTE, SAT, GMAT & Duolingo in order to prove their eligibility.

So, read ahead to know more about the top entrance exams for abroad study and find out which one suits your requirements.

Popular English Language Exams to Go Abroad

The main purpose of the language tests accepted by most top global universities is to assess the level of English competence of the candidate. In other words, they have to prove that they are efficient communicators in academic settings and have a good hold on the four basic language skills - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Almost all courses, including undergraduate and graduate programs as well as certificates and diplomas, require these. However, make sure to check the eligibility criteria for specific universities before applying.

Certain language exams are given an advantage over others in certain countries. Some of the best English language exams to write to study abroad that are offered by well-known study abroad locations include:

IELTS

For those who want to study abroad, the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a well-known English language assessment entrance exam for foreign universities.

• In the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, it is the preferred exam for getting into universities.
• There are two test kinds of the IELTS exam available:

• IELTS Academic: IELTS Academic exam is designed specifically for students looking to continue their study overseas. It is necessary for research positions, university admissions, and other academic-related activities.
• IELTS General Training: IELTS General Training is an assessment of social skills and working practices intended for those applying for jobs abroad. It is mostly required for immigration or employment purposes.

• The computer-based IELTS is available every day of the week with three sessions, whilst the paper-based version is provided 48 times a year.

Learn more about the IELTS exam by getting in touch with IELTS experts from IELTSMaterial and get the best guidance you deserve!

TOEFL

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, assesses non-native speakers' proficiency in the language.
• TOEFL results are used by universities all around the world, including those in Australia, Canada, the US, New Zealand, France, and Germany, for admissions. However, some colleges in the UK, like Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and University College London (UCL) prefer IELTS over TOEFL, so make sure to check the official mandates.
• Although there are two available exam formats—the Paper-Based Test and the Internet-Based Test (iBT)—TOEFL iBT is more commonly used in India. There are about 60 opportunities to take the TOEFL iBT each year.

If you want to ace the TOEFL on your first try, you should get preparation advice from TOEFL Test Prep in order to achieve the highest results.

PTE

• The PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test recognized by over 3,000 institutions globally, including universities in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada.
• The test is known for its rapid result delivery, typically within 48 hours, making it a convenient option for students needing quick scores for application deadlines.
• In addition to academic purposes, the PTE exam is also accepted for visa applications by the governments of Australia and New Zealand.

In order to achieve your targeted PTE Academic score in one go, talk to the experts in the field and choose the best guidance available.

Duolingo English Test

• The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency exam that has gained popularity for its flexibility and affordability.
• It can be taken from home, requiring only a computer with a camera, microphone, and a stable internet connection.
• Just like the others, this test also assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through a series of engaging tasks and provides results within 48 hours.
• Many universities in the USA and increasingly around the world now accept Duolingo scores as part of their admissions process.
• The test also allows students to send their results to an unlimited number of institutions for free.

Check Out - Duolingo Vs IELTS: A Comparison 2024

CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language)

• The CAEL test is designed specifically for students seeking admission to Canadian universities and colleges.
• It assesses academic English proficiency through integrated tasks that mimic real-life academic scenarios.
• The test includes sections on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, all based on a single topic, which helps to evaluate a student’s ability to use English in an academic context.
• CAEL is accepted by many Canadian institutions, including major universities like the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.

CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency)

• The Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) is the highest-level qualification offered by Cambridge English, demonstrating an extremely advanced level of English proficiency.
• It is recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world as proof of exceptional English language skills.
• Achieving a CPE certificate is often seen as a significant accomplishment, suitable for high-level academic and professional environments.

ECCE (Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English)

• The ECCE is a high-intermediate level English language proficiency test offered by Michigan Language Assessment.
• It assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills and is aimed at learners who need to demonstrate practical English skills for personal, public, educational, and occupational purposes.
• The ECCE is recognized by various institutions and employers as a valid measure of English language ability, particularly in regions where American English is prevalent.

In the table below, you can find other important details about the above-mentioned exams to study abroad, such as the validity of the score, the examination fee, and the total length of the examination.

Top Entrance Exams to Study Abroad in 2024

Different educational institutions in different countries have their own set of language exams and standarised entrance tests that they accept for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Let’s explore each of these exams in more detail.

Exams for Abroad Studies after 12th

After completing their upper secondary education, students can sit for a variety of entrance tests in order to pursue higher education overseas.

Some of the significant standardized examinations that students might take in preparation for studying abroad are the SAT, ACT, GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS. The course, college, and destination always influence exam selection.

Standarised Entrance Exam for Abroad Studies

Among all the exams to study abroad, candidates are required to take only one standardized entrance, depending on the chosen course.

SAT

• The SAT is widely used for college admissions in the United States.
• It measures literacy, numeracy, and writing skills needed for academic success in college.
• The test includes sections on Reading, Writing and Language, Math (with and without a calculator), and an optional Essay.
• It is accepted by most U.S. colleges and universities as part of the admissions process.

ACT

• The ACT is used for college admissions in the United States.
• It assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
• The ACT includes four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section.
• The test is accepted by all four-year U.S. colleges and universities.

GMAT

• The GMAT is a standardized test for admissions to graduate business programs (MBA) globally.
• It evaluates analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning skills.
• The test is accepted by more than 7,000 programs at 2,300 graduate business schools worldwide.

GRE

• The GRE is required for admission to many graduate schools in the United States and other countries.
• It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.
• The GRE is used by thousands of graduate and business schools globally.

MCAT

• The MCAT is a standardized test for prospective medical students in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
• It assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles necessary for the study of medicine.

LSAT

• The LSAT is required for admission to law schools in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries.
• It evaluates reading comprehension, logical, and verbal reasoning proficiency.
• The LSAT is a critical component of the law school admission process.

The summary table below provides the other essential details for the above mentioned exam, like validity of score, exam fee and total duration.

Exams for Abroad Studies after Graduation

For students looking to pursue postgraduate studies abroad after graduation, several key exams are typically required by institutions across various countries.

• The GRE is essential for most graduate programs in the USA and is also accepted by many universities worldwide; it tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
• For those targeting business schools, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is often necessary, focusing on analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills.
• English proficiency tests such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are crucial for non-native English speakers, assessing listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities.
• In addition, some country-specific exams like the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) for Indian students or the TGA (TestAS) for students applying to German universities may also be required. These exams help universities evaluate a candidate's readiness for advanced academic work.

For students aiming to pursue a Master of Science (MS) degree abroad, entrance exam for MS in abroad like GRE and IELTS/TOEFL are commonly required.

In conclusion, preparing for top entrance exams to study abroad like GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and others is crucial for Indian students aspiring to study abroad in 2024. Each exam tests different skills and has specific requirements, so choosing the right one depends on the student's academic goals and target countries.

With diligent preparation and the right resources, international students can navigate these exams successfully and embark on their international academic journeys.

Useful Resources

• Study abroad | Programs
• IELTS Exam Preparation tips | How to prepare for IELTS?
• Free IELTS Online Tests 2024 | Practice IELTS Mock Test Online