Which Exam is Best for Study Abroad?

More and more Indian students are choosing to study abroad every year. This trend is booming, with over 7.6 lakh Indian students going overseas in 2024 alone. Everyone wants a chance at a global education, new experiences, and specialised degrees. With popular destinations like the US, Canada, and the UK offering some of the best universities in the world, the competition to get in is challenging. Acing standardised entrance exams is the key to a successful application. 

These exams are not just about getting admission, they also show universities that you’re ready for the course and, in many cases, can even help you win scholarships. For example, there are English language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo, and subject-based exams such as SAT, GRE, and GMAT. With so many options, it’s normal to feel confused about which one to take. 

And that’s why, we’ll explain the most common tests to help you figure out which one is the best fit for your dream of studying abroad. 

Popular Exams for Study Abroad for Indian Students 

English Language Proficiency Tests 

Most universities abroad want proof that you can communicate well in English. That’s why Indian students are usually required to take an English proficiency test. Here’s a detailed look at the most popular ones: 

1. IELTS  

IELTS is one of the most trusted and widely accepted English exams. It’s especially popular for students going to the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, though many US universities also accept it. 

• Format: Four sections – Listening (30 mins), Reading (60 mins), Writing (60 mins), and Speaking (11–14 mins). The total duration is about 2 hours 45 minutes. 
• Types: IELTS Academic (for higher education abroad) and IELTS General Training (for work/migration). 
• Mode: Available as paper-based and computer-based tests. 
• Scoring: Band scale of 0 to 9. Most universities require 6.0–7.5. 
• Validity: 2 years. 
• Test Availability: Conducted up to 4 times a month in major Indian cities. 
• Fees in India: Around ₹17,000–₹17,500. 
• Why take it: Accepted by 11,000+ institutions worldwide, and also required for visas in the UK, Australia, and Canada. 

2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 

TOEFL is a popular choice, especially for students applying to the US and Canada. It’s designed to measure your ability to use and understand English in academic settings. 

• Format: Internet-based test (iBT) with four sections – Reading (54–72 mins), Listening (41–57 mins), Speaking (17 mins), and Writing (50 mins). Total duration is about 3 hours. 
• Mode: Internet-based (iBT) is the most common, though paper-based (PBT) exists in limited regions. 
• Scoring: 0–120, with each section scored out of 30. Universities generally ask for 80–100+. 
• Validity: 2 years. 
• Test Availability: 60+ test dates a year at centres across India. Also available as TOEFL iBT Home Edition. 
• Fees in India: About ₹16,900. 
• Why take it: Over 11,500 universities in 160+ countries accept TOEFL. It’s often the preferred choice for US schools. 

3. PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic) 

The Pearson Test of English (Academic) has become very popular among Indian students because it’s fully computer-based and results come out quickly. 

• Format: Three sections – Speaking & Writing (54–67 mins), Reading (29–30 mins), and Listening (30–43 mins). The total test time is about 2 hours. 
• Mode: Entirely computer-based, with AI scoring. 
• Scoring: 10–90 scale. Most universities require 50–65+, while top universities may ask for 70+. 
• Validity: 2 years. 
• Test Availability: Conducted frequently in India across multiple centers. 
• Fees in India: Around ₹15,900–₹16,500. 
• Why take it: Quick results (usually within 2 days), AI-based scoring ensures no human bias, and it’s accepted by 3,000+ institutions in countries like Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, USA. 

4. Duolingo English Test 

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is the most flexible and affordable option. It’s completely online and can be taken from home with just a computer and internet connection. 

• Format: Adaptive test of about 45–60 minutes, covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Includes a 10-minute video interview and writing sample. 
• Mode: 100% online, proctored remotely. 
• Scoring: 10–160. Many universities ask for 110+, but top schools may require 120–130+. 
• Validity: 2 years. 
• Test Availability: On-demand – you can take it anytime, no fixed test dates. 
• Fees in India: About $59 (₹4,900 approx.). 
• Why take it: Affordable, fast results (within 48 hours), and growing acceptance — over 4,000 universities worldwide. However, not always valid for visa applications in countries like the UK or Canada, so double-check before choosing it. 

Academic/Subject-Specific Tests 

5. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) 

The SAT is one of the most common exams for Indian students applying to undergraduate programs in the US. Some universities in Canada, Singapore, and a few other countries also accept it. 

• Format: Two main sections – Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (The essay section has been discontinued for most students.) 
• Duration: Around 3 hours. 
• Scoring: 400 to 1600. Competitive colleges often look for 1350+, while others may accept 1100–1200. 
• Validity: 5 years. 
• Test Availability: Conducted multiple times a year in major Indian cities. 
• Fees in India: About $60–$100 (₹6,000–₹8,500 approx.). 
• Why take it: Required by most US universities for UG admissions, and a strong SAT score can also improve your scholarship chances. 

6. ACT (American College Testing) 

The ACT is another option for students aiming for undergraduate admission in the US. It’s very similar to the SAT but includes a Science section, which some students find easier to handle. 

• Format: Four sections – English, Math, Reading, Science, and an Optional Writing section (essay). 
• Duration: About 2 hours 55 mins (without essay) or 3 hours 35 mins (with essay). 
• Scoring: Composite score between 1 and 36. Good universities often ask for 26–32+. 
• Validity: 5 years. 
• Test Availability: Multiple test dates per year in India. 
• Fees in India: About $60–$80 (₹6,000–₹7,000 approx.). 
• Why take it: Accepted by nearly all US colleges. The Science reasoning section makes it more appealing for students with strong analytical skills. 

7. GRE (Graduate Record Examination) 

The GRE is one of the most popular exams for Indian students applying to postgraduate programs (MS, MBA, or other PG courses) abroad. It tests your readiness for graduate-level study and is used by thousands of universities worldwide, not just in the US. Many universities also use GRE scores for scholarship decisions. 

• Format: Three sections – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing. 
• Duration: About 1 hour 58 minutes (shorter GRE launched in 2023). 
• Scoring: Verbal (130–170), Quantitative (130–170), Writing (0–6). Competitive programs often require 310–325+ overall. 
• Validity: 5 years. 
• Test Availability: Year-round in Indian cities, plus a GRE at Home option. 
• Fees in India: Around $220 (₹18,500 approx.). 
• Why take it: Required for MS and PG programs in many countries. A good GRE score demonstrates strong reasoning and problem-solving ability and can boost admission chances at top universities. 

8. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) 

The GMAT is designed specifically for students applying to MBA and management programs abroad. It’s highly valued by business schools because it tests the skills most relevant to success in management studies, such as logical reasoning, quantitative analysis, and decision-making. 

• Format: Four sections – Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing. 
• Duration: About 3 hours 7 minutes (new GMAT Focus Edition). 
• Scoring: 200 to 800. Top B-schools usually expect 650–740+. 
• Validity: 5 years. 
• Test Availability: Conducted year-round at test centres in India, also available online. 
• Fees in India: About $275 (₹22,500 approx.). 
• Why take it: Accepted by 7,000+ MBA and business programs globally. A strong GMAT score can open doors to elite B-schools and significantly increase your chances of getting scholarships. 

Subject-Specific / Professional Exams 

9. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) 

NEET is India’s national-level medical entrance exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is mandatory for Indian students who wish to pursue MBBS, BDS, or equivalent medical courses abroad. Even if you plan to study medicine in countries like Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Philippines, China, or Kazakhstan, you must first qualify for NEET in India. 

• Format: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany + Zoology). 
• Duration: About 3 hours 29 minutes 
• Scoring: Total: 720 marks (4 marks per correct answer, -1 for wrong answer). 
• Validity: NEET score is valid for 3 years for admission into foreign medical universities. 
• Test Availability: Conducted once a year (usually in May). Organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA), India. 
• Fees in India: General: ₹1,700 & OBC-NCL/EWS: ₹1,600 approx. 
• Why take it: Mandatory for Indian students who wish to pursue MBBS/BDS abroad. Required to obtain an Eligibility Certificate from NMC (National Medical Commission). Without NEET, Indian students cannot practice medicine in India after studying abroad. 

10. UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) 

UCAT is a widely recognised medical admission test for students aiming to study medicine, dentistry, and related courses in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It assesses aptitude and decision-making skills, not science knowledge (unlike NEET). Accepted by the majority of medical and dental universities in the UK. 

• Format: Computer-based test. 5 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Situational Judgement. 
• Duration: 2 hours. 
• Scoring: Four cognitive sections (VR, DM, QR, AR) scored on 300–900 scale each. Situational Judgement scored in bands (1–4). 
• Validity: Valid for 1 admission cycle (1 year). 
• Test Availability: Conducted annually (July–September). Results released before UCAS application deadlines. 
• Fees in India: Approx. £115 (₹12,000–₹13,000). 
• Why take it: Required for admission into most UK medical and dental universities. Also accepted in Australia and New Zealand. Tests aptitude, ethics, and decision-making rather than academic science. 

Get Expert Guidance at Shuraa Education 

There isn’t one single exam that works for everyone who wants to study abroad. The “right” exam really depends on your course, country, and university. For some, it might be IELTS or TOEFL, while for others it could be NEET, GRE, GMAT, or UCAT. 

If you’re confused about which exam to take, don’t stress, we’ve got you covered. At Shuraa Education, we not only help students choose the right exam, apply to universities, and handle all the paperwork and visa steps, but we also provide special discounts on major exam fees such as Duolingo, TOEFL, and GRE, through our partnerships. 

Your dream of studying abroad is possible; you just need the right guidance to get there. And that’s exactly what we’re here for.