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Abroad Entrance Exam 2025

Globalization and the growing aspiration for international exposure have significantly boosted the trend of pursuing higher education abroad. As students aim for top universities in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe, clearing a recognized study abroad entrance exam becomes crucial. Whether it's proving English language proficiency or demonstrating analytical skills for postgraduate programs, several standardized tests open the doors to international education. In this blog, we break down the top 5 entrance exams for studying abroad in 2025, covering updated fees, formats, conducting bodies, and key tips.

1. IELTS 2025 – International English Language Testing System

The IELTS exam is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests across the globe. Whether you’re applying to study, work, or migrate, countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand prefer IELTS scores for admissions and visa processing.

Key Details:

  • Conducted By: IDP: IELTS Australia (from 2022 onward, British Council no longer administers IELTS in India)
  • Accepted In: 10,000+ organizations worldwide including top universities
  • Mode: Computer-based & Paper-based

IELTS 2025 Sections and Evaluation:

The exam tests your English skills in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section evaluates different competencies relevant for academic and everyday communication.

Section

Key Skills Tested

Listening

Comprehension of main ideas, factual information, speaker intent

Reading

Identifying main ideas, inferences, details, understanding tone

Writing

Organizing ideas, grammar & vocabulary usage, presenting arguments

Speaking

Expressing opinions, fluency, coherence, pronunciation

Updated IELTS 2025 Fee Structure (India):

Test Type

Fee (INR)

IELTS Academic/General (Computer or Paper)

₹16,250

IELTS UKVI

₹16,500

IELTS Life Skills (A1/B1)

₹15,350

2. PTE Academic 2025 – Pearson Test of English

The PTE Academic is a fully computer-based English proficiency test recognized by governments and academic institutions worldwide. It is known for its quick results and AI-based scoring system.

Key Highlights:

  • Conducted By: Pearson
  • Accepted In: Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, USA
  • Score Validity: 2 years
  • Total Duration: ~2 hours (reduced from 3 hours post-2021)

PTE Exam Pattern Breakdown:

Section

Duration

Content Type

Speaking & Writing

54–67 mins

Personal intro, describe image, essay writing

Reading

29–30 mins

Multiple choice, re-order paragraphs, fill blanks

Listening

30–43 mins

Summarize spoken text, multiple choice, dictation

PTE 2025 Fee Structure:

Test Type

Fee (INR)

PTE Academic

₹15,900

PTE Academic UKVI

₹16,500

PTE Home (A1/B1)

₹13,200

3. TOEFL 2025 – Test of English as a Foreign Language

The TOEFL Exam is another top-tier English language test that evaluates your readiness for academic life in English-speaking universities. The test is internet-based (TOEFL iBT) and accepted by over 11,000 institutions in 150+ countries.

Key Information:

  • Conducted By: ETS (Educational Testing Service)
  • Accepted In: USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany
  • Score Validity: 2 years
  • Exam Duration: 2 hours

TOEFL iBT 2025 Exam Structure:

Section

No. of Questions

Time Allotted

Reading

20

35 mins

Listening

28

36 mins

Speaking

4 Tasks

16 mins

Writing

2 Tasks

29 mins

TOEFL 2025 Fee (India):

  • TOEFL iBT Fee: $205 (approx. ₹17,100)

4. GRE General Test 2025 – Graduate Record Examination

The GRE is a widely accepted entrance exam for postgraduate and doctoral programs, especially in the USA, Canada, and European countries. It is essential for admission into MS, MBA, JD, and PhD programs.

Key Features:

  • Conducted By: ETS
  • Accepted By: 1,200+ B-schools and graduate schools globally
  • Score Validity: 5 years
  • Mode: Online (GRE at Home) and Test Center

GRE Exam Pattern:

Section

Questions

Duration

Verbal Reasoning

27

41 mins

Quantitative Reasoning

27

47 mins

Analytical Writing

1 Essay

30 mins

Total Test Time

~1 hour 58 mins

GRE 2025 Fee:

  • Test Fee: $220 (approx. ₹18,300)

5. GMAT Focus Edition 2025 – Graduate Management Admission Test

The GMAT is the preferred exam for MBA, business, and management programs. In 2023, the GMAT introduced the GMAT Focus Edition, a shorter, more targeted version with revamped sections and an optional AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) removed.

Exam Overview:

  • Conducted By: GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
  • Score Validity: 5 years
  • Used For: MBA, MiM, MS Finance, Executive MBA programs

GMAT Focus Edition Exam Structure:

Section

Questions

Time (mins)

Quantitative Reasoning

21

45

Verbal Reasoning

23

45

Data Insights (New)

20

45

Total Duration

2 hours 15 mins

GMAT 2025 Fee:

  • Test Fee: $275 (approx. ₹22,500)

FAQs: Study Abroad Entrance Exams 2025

Q1. Are there any eligibility criteria for these exams?
Most exams like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL do not have specific age or qualification restrictions. However, GRE and GMAT require candidates to be at least a graduate or in the final year of their undergraduate course.

Q2. Can students under 18 years appear for these exams?
Yes, with parental consent and valid ID proof, students under 18 can take exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.

Q3. What are the deadlines for applying in 2025?
Each exam has multiple test dates throughout the year. It is advisable to register at least 1–2 months in advance via the official website.

Q4. Can I take these exams from home?
Yes, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, GRE at Home, and some PTE variants offer remote testing options.

Q5. Where can I find preparation material for these exams?
Official websites of each test provider (ETS, IDP, Pearson, GMAC) offer free and paid study resources. Additionally, platforms like Magoosh, Kaplan, and Manhattan Prep are popular for GRE/GMAT.

Q6. Which countries accept these test scores?
Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, and many EU nations accept these test scores as part of their university admission requirements.

Final Thoughts

Cracking a study abroad entrance exam in 2025 is the first major step toward fulfilling your global academic dreams. Each exam has a distinct structure and purpose, while IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE focus on language skills, GRE and GMAT test your analytical, quantitative, and reasoning capabilities. Research your target universities, identify their required exams, and prepare well in advance. The right test score can be your golden ticket to the world’s top institutions!