COVID-19 effect: Competitive study abroad exams students can give online

Due to the current situation created by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many study abroad aspirants are stuck in limbo, as they are not able to give the competitive exams needed for studying abroad because of the restrictions imposed by the governments worldwide. However, now aspirants can give exams online from their homes. In this article, we will inform you which exams you can give online or from home at this time of crisis. 

GMAT Exam

On April-15th-2020, GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), administrator of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) announced the release of the GMAT Online exam. The online exam is open to all test-takers and the format has been designed to support the students' need to meet B-school deadlines. Aspirants who need GMAT scores for submitting to business schools worldwide can give the GMAT exam online. You can read all the information related to the GMAT Online Exam from registration to test dates to score reporting to retesting here.

TOEFL Exam

ETS, the conducting body for the TOEFL exam has launched the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition from April 2, 2020. Worldwide, candidates will be able to take the exam from home except in mainland China and Iran. Currently, registration is open for dates from June 2020. However, candidates need to make sure that they meet the equipment requirements set by the ETS for registration. The at-home testing solutions are similar to the one taken at the test center. Candidates will be able to view Reading and Listening scores at the end of the test. ETS has postponed testing in India until May-3^rd-2020. ETS has also temporarily waived off rescheduling fees for all the test takers due to the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

GRE Exam

ETS, the conducting body for the GRE exam has launched the GRE General Test Special Home Edition from April 2, 2020. Worldwide, candidates will be able to take the exam from home except in mainland China and Iran. Currently, registration is open for dates from June 2020. However, candidates need to make sure that they meet the equipment requirements set by the ETS for registration. The at-home testing solutions are similar to the one taken at the test center. Candidates will be able to preview, skip questions, review and change answers while giving the test at home.

Duolingo English Test

Candidates need to prove English language proficiency can give the Duolingo English Test which can be taken online anytime anywhere. Candidates can take the test from their home and no appointment needed for taking the test, as candidates can take it anytime as per their convenience. It also has an upgraded section where candidates can take a video interview of 10 minutes and record their answers to open-ended questions.

• The test can be completed in 1 hour and get results within 2 days (48 hours) and share it with anyone immediately
• Accepted by more than 1000 institutions worldwide
• Candidates can receive their score for only $49
• Candidates can send their score reports to as many institutes as they want for free
• Candidates need to have the necessary equipment and set up for registering for this test. Apart from this, candidates can use their driving license or government ID other than the passport to register for the test.

Various universities are accepting Duolingo English Test scores from study abroad aspirants. You can check the list of few universities accepting the Duolingo English Test here.

IELTS Exam

IELTS Partners has also launched the IELTS Indicator, an online English language test for students who are affected by the COVID-19 and are not able to attend the IELTS test centre. IELTS Indicator will assess the student's English language skills in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Students can take the test online from their home. Bookings for the IELTS Indicator will be open from 22nd-April-2020. Candidates need to make sure that they have the required equipment and set up.

• The IELTS Indicator test uses official IELTS test questions and is marked using IELTS test criteria by qualified IELTS examiners
• The IELTS Indicator test is available in countries where IELTS testing has been suspended due to Coronavirus restrictions