IELTS Guide for Indian Students: Everything You Need to Know
What is IELTS?
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a globally recognized English proficiency test for studying, working, or migrating to English-speaking countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
It assesses four key skills:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
The test is jointly conducted by IDP Education and Cambridge English.
IELTS Highlights
| Test Name | IELTS |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Study, work, or migrate abroad |
| Test Types | Academic, General, UKVI |
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Exam Fee (India) | ₹17,000 |
| Retakes Allowed | Yes (unlimited) |
| Registration | Online or offline |
| Test Dates | 4 times/month (48/year) |
| Conducted by | IDP Education |
| Official Website | ielts.org |
| Support (India) | 1800-102-4544 / ielts.india@idp.com |
- Latest IELTS Updates (2024)
- IDP is now the sole provider of IELTS tests in India.
- New exam fee: ₹17,000
Why Take IELTS?
- Required for student visas in most English-speaking countries
- Improves chances of getting admission & visa approval
- Recognized by 10,000+ organizations in 140+ countries
Types of IELTS
Academic
For students applying to undergraduate/postgraduate programs or professional registration.
General Training
For migration, training programs, or secondary education in English-speaking countries.
IELTS UKVI
Special version for UK visa and immigration requirements.
Countries & Universities Accepting IELTS
Accepted by over 10,000 organizations including:
- USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, South Africa
- All top universities (including Ivy League & public institutions)
Ready to Prepare for IELTS?
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GRE Guide for Indian Students: Everything You Need to Know
What is GRE?
The GRE is a standardized test accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide—especially in the USA, Canada, Germany, and the UK.
It evaluates your readiness for advanced academic programs through sections on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
GRE Highlights
| Test Name | GRE (Graduate Record Examination) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Graduate, business, or law school admissions |
| Test Types | GRE General Test, GRE Subject Tests |
| Duration | 1 hour 58 minutes (General), 2.5–3 hours (Subject Tests) |
| Exam Fee (India) | ₹22,550 (approx.) |
| Retakes Allowed | Yes (up to 5 times/year with 21-day gap) |
| Registration | Online via ETS website |
| Test Dates | Multiple dates/year (rolling basis) |
| Conducted by | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Official Website | ets.org/gre |
| Support (India) | +91-124-4147700 / gre-info@ets.org |
- Latest GRE Updates (2024)
- GRE shortened to under 2 hours starting September 2023.
- Analytical Writing now includes only one task: “Analyze an Issue.”
- No unscored section and 10-minute break removed from GRE.
- ETS releases new prep materials aligned with shorter GRE format.
GRE Test Format
You can take GRE:
- GRE Subject Tests Paper-based tests offered for specific subjects (e.g., Physics, Psychology); held three times a year.
- GRE General Test (Computer-Based) Most common format; taken online at official test centers worldwide.
- GRE General Test (Paper-Based) Available in select locations; only offered where computer testing is not possible.
- GRE General Test – At Home Edition Take the test from home with secure remote proctoring via ETS
Why Take GRE ?
- Required for MS, MBA, PhD and business school programs.
- Accepted by over 1,200+ universities in 90+ countries.
- Focuses on logical reasoning, data interpretation, and critical thinking.
- GRE General Test is accepted widely; GRE Subject Tests available for niche fields
Types of GRE
GRE General Test
Required for admission to most graduate and business schools; tests verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills.
GRE Subject Tests
Designed for students applying to specialized programs. Subjects includes Mathematics, Physics and Psychology
Countries & Universities Accepting GRE
- Canada: UBC, University of Toronto, McGill
- Germany: RWTH Aachen, TU Munich
- Singapore, UK, Australia—select universities and programs
- USA: Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Columbia
Ready to Prepare for GRE ?
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TOEFL Guide for Indian Students: Everything You Need to Know
What TOEFL?
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Planning to study in the USA, Canada, or other English-speaking countries?
The TOEFL test assesses your proficiency in English across four essential skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Recognized by over 11,000 universities in 150+ countries, TOEFL is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests worldwide.
TOEFL Highlights
| Test Name | TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Study or work abroad |
| Test Types | TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials |
| Duration | 2 hours (Essentials), 3 hours (iBT) |
| Exam Fee (India) | ₹16,900 (approx.) |
| Retakes Allowed | Yes (unlimited, 3-day gap required) |
| Registration | Online via ETS website |
| Test Dates | Multiple dates/month (varies by center) |
| Conducted by | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Official Website | ets.org/toefl |
| Support (India) | +91-124-4147700 / toefl@ets.org |
- Latest TOEFL Updates (2024)
- New Academic Writing Task: “Writing for an Academic Discussion” replaces Independent Writing
- Shorter Reading & Listening sections
- Home Edition & Essentials test options remain available
- Aadhar Card now accepted as ID for Indian test takers
TOEFL Test Format
You can take TOEFL:
- TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) Most popular format; taken online at test centers.
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition Take the test from home with secure remote proctoring.
- TOEFL Paper-Based Available in limited countries; Reading, Writing, Listening on paper; Speaking at home.
- TOEFL Essentials Test A shorter, flexible version launched for more accessible testing
Why Take TOEFL?
- Accepted by top institutions in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, and beyond.
- Essential for university admissions, scholarships, and student visas.
- No face-to-face interviews—scoring is anonymous and unbiased.
- Flexible test formats: at a center, on paper, or from home
Types of TOEFL
TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)
Most widely accepted version; tests all four language skills and is conducted online at official test centers.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Same as TOEFL iBT, but taken from home with online proctoring—ideal for added convenience.
TOEFL Paper-Based Test
Available in select locations; Reading, Listening, and Writing done on paper; Speaking done online at home.
TOEFL Essentials Test
A shorter, flexible version launched for general academic use—less intensive than the iBT.
Countries & Universities Accepting TOEFL
Top universities in USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, France, and New Zealand
- Government visa programs in English-speaking countries
- Business schools and professional certification bodies
Ready to Prepare for TOEFL ?
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PTE Guide for Indian Students: Everything You Need to Know
What is PTE?
The Fast, Flexible English Test for Global Study & Visas
The PTE Academic is an AI-scored English language proficiency test accepted by thousands of universities and governments worldwide. Known for its quick results, flexible testing options, and unbiased scoring, PTE is ideal for students and visa applicants looking for a faster route.
PTE Highlights
| Test Name | PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Study, work, or migrate abroad |
| Test Types | PTE Academic, PTE UKVI, PTE Home |
| Duration | 2 hours (approx.) |
| Exam Fee (India) | ₹15,900 (approx.) |
| Retakes Allowed | Yes (unlimited, after results) |
| Registration | Online via Pearson website |
| Test Dates | Available on-demand, frequent slots |
| Conducted by | Pearson PLC |
| Official Website | pearsonpte.com |
| Support (India) | 0008-001-440-1837 / ptestestingsupport@pearson.com |
- Latest PTE Updates (2024)
- PTE Academic test duration reduced to approximately 2 hours for a more efficient experience.
- Total number of questions decreased from 70–82 to 52–64 to minimize test fatigue.
- Speaking section updated with new prompts to better assess fluency and pronunciation.
- Updated official preparation materials released to align with the new exam format.
PTE Test Format
You can take IELTS:
- PTE Academic: Computer-based English test widely accepted for study and immigration.
- PTE Academic Online: Take the official test from home with remote proctoring.
- PTE General: English test focused on real-life communication skills, available at test centers.
- PTE Young Learners: English proficiency test designed for children, offered at test centers.
Why Take PTE ?
- Required for student visas in most English-speaking countries
- Improves chances of getting admission & visa approval
- Recognized by 10,000+ organizations in 140+ countries
Types of TOEFL
PTE Academic
Standard test accepted by universities and immigration authorities worldwide. Assesses all four language skills.
PTE Academic Online
Identical to PTE Academic but taken at home under secure online proctoring. Accepted by many universities (not valid for visas).
PTE Home
A simplified test used for visa and immigration purposes, especially for UK family and settlement visas.
PTE Core (Upcoming)
Designed for Canadian immigration pathways; accepted by IRCC from late 2023 onwards.
Countries & Universities Accepting PTE
- Australia: All major universities + immigration.
- UK: University of Manchester, University of Leeds, King’s College London.
- USA: Yale, Columbia, NYU (select programs).
- Canada: Some colleges and private institutions.
- Europe, Asia: Growing acceptance in EU, Singapore, Malaysia
Ready to Prepare for PTE ?
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