The craze of studying abroad has increased dramatically over the past few years. Thousands of aspirants migrate to various parts of the world as the study abroad scene has opened tremendously offering huge opportunities to the students. Apart from the various passport and immigration complexities, a student has to prepare for an exam or two to meet the eligibility criteria of a University. The students remain in a dilemma and many questions arise from this. We are here to help you with these questions.
Below are the top five study abroad exams conducted in India that are taken by the students:
1. GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test, commonly known as GMAT, is a computer-based examination used to measure skills important to the study of management. Schools with graduate-level management use GMAT scores for admissions. In fact, 9 out of 10 MBA admissions decisions are made using a GMAT score. The GMAT test registration is available all the time throughout the year.
- Fees: The fees for appearing for GMAT is currently around Rs.16,500 which varies to the changing USD to Indian rupees ratio.
- Score: Average GMAT scores range from 570-580. However, the test has become more competitive than before
- Exam Pattern: The exam consists of four sections namely Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative and Verbal.
- Mode of Exam: The exam is held in online mode(computer-based test).
2. SAT
SAT, Scholastic Assessment Test, assesses a student’s academic readiness for college to enroll in under-graduation courses by testing the student’s knowledge. The entrance exam is conducted by most colleges and universities in US, Canada, and other countries to select students for admissions to undergraduate courses. Around 13000 students in India appear for this test each year. Unlike GMAT, the test is conducted only a few times in a year, generally from October to January period.
- Fees: The fees for the test is currently around 3500.
- Score Validity: 5 years Exam Pattern: There are four sections in this test: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Reading Test, Writing and Language Test, Mathematics, and an optional Essay-writing test.
- Mode of Exam: The test is a computer-based i.e. online test.
3. GRE
GRE, Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test that is accepted for admission to various disciplines at several graduate and business schools across the globe. Applicants who are interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in sciences, engineering or business management take the GRE General test. Thousands of students appear for this test and the number is increasing at a fast rate every year.
- Fees: The fees for the test is around Rs.13000 - Rs.14000 in India.
- Score Validity: 5 years after the year you gave the test.
- Exam Pattern: GRE General Test comprises of Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning. One can also opt for GRE Subject test. Mode of Exam: The test is available in two formats- online and paper-based test.
4. TOEFL
The TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language) test is the most widely respected English-language test in the world. More than 9000 colleges in 130 countries accept TOEFL scores, including the top 100 in the US.
- Fees: The fees for this test is roughly around Rs.11,500.
- Score Validity: 2 years
- Exam Pattern: The exam pattern consists of four sections- Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The score requirements for colleges and universities around the world can vary.
5. IELTS
IELTS stands for International English language Testing System, assesses all of your English skills. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment. Governments around the world use IELTS to process immigration applications.
- Fees: The registration fees for the exam in India is around Rs.12,000.
- Score Validity: 2 years
- Exam pattern: The exam pattern consists of four sections- Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. There are 42 locations offered by The British Council to conduct the test in India. For the record, over 2 million people took this test last year.