Is it necessary to give TOEFL or IELTS along with GMAT & GRE?

When applying for admission abroad, an applicant can get overwhelmed with the application process, most importantly with the test scores. Usually, there is a standardised test score required of either SAT or ACT for UG or GRE or GMAT for PG admissions, along with English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo. So, some universities may require both standardised exam scores and English proficiency test scores. Understand how, from this article.

In this article, we will inform you about the major graduate admissions tests and which exam is best suitable for your needs. This will help you in selecting the best-standardized exam which will further help you in getting admission to your selected university. Apart from this, we will also inform the MBA applicants whether they also need to take English language proficiency tests to get into their choice of business schools.

What are GRE or GMAT Exams for Admissions Abroad?

GMAT or GRE are standardised test scores that are required by universities abroad for admission to graduate programs. Check out everything about the exam below:

GMAT Exam

The GMAT exam is given to those applicants who want to go to business schools. The aspirants are assessed on their mathematical, data analytical and verbal skills. The main purpose of this exam is to evaluate the aspirants' ability to study at a business school. International applicants prepare for the GMAT to submit scores for an MBA abroad or other business courses offered at the PG level. Top business schools across the world like Harvard, INSEAD and Stanford accept a GMAT score of above 645. Some key points for the latest GMAT exam are as follows:

• Administered By: GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
• Purpose: Assesses aptitude for business school admission.
• Fee: The GMAT Exam fee in India is USD 275 for test centre and USD 300 for home testing 
• Sections Tested: Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Data Insights (DI)
• Latest Version: GMAT Focus Edition or GMAT (11th Edition)
• Accepted By: Over 2,400 business schools worldwide.
• Accepted For: Over 7,700 programs globally.
• Testing Formats:
  • Online at the exam centre
  • Online home testing
• Scoring Range: 205-805

Check out:

GMAT Exam Dates 2024-25	How to register for GMAT?
GMAT Exam Pattern	GMAT Exam Syllabus

GRE Exam

The GRE or GRE General Test is the world’s largest standardized test given by students to secure graduate admissions. This exam is given by students who want to secure admission to graduate programs across all major disciplines. Some courses where the GRE is preferred are MS abroad, MBA, MEng abroad, etc. So those applying for these courses have to prepare for the GRE. The GRE test assesses the candidates' ability to pursue graduate-level studies in areas of Science and Business majorly. Apart from this, those who want to study particular subjects also take the GRE Subject tests. It evaluates candidates' ability in analytical, quantitative and verbal reasoning. The GRE General Test is accepted by thousands of graduate schools across the world. In addition to this, various business and law schools also accept The GRE General Test. Some more details are as follows:

• Purpose: Assesses verbal and quantitative reasoning skills, as well as analytical writing.
• Administered By: Educational Testing Service (ETS)
• Fee: GRE Exam fee for Indians is INR 22,550 for General Tests and INR 14,500 for Subject Tests
• Sections: 
  • Verbal Reasoning: Measures reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Measures mathematical problem-solving skills, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
  • Analytical Writing: Assesses the ability to analyze an issue and develop an argument.
• Accepted By: Over 3,300 graduate schools worldwide
• Accepted For: A wide range of graduate programs, including business, education, law, and the sciences.
• Testing Formats:
  • Computer-based test (CBT) at a test centre
  • At-home test (AHT)
• Scoring Range: The GRE is scored in the following manner based on sections:
  • Verbal Reasoning: 130-170
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170
  • Analytical Writing: 0-6

Check out:

GRE Exam Dates 2024-25	GRE Exam Registration
GRE Exam Pattern	GRE Exam Syllabus

What are TOEFL or IELTS for Admissions Abroad?

Both TOEFL and IELTS are popular English language proficiency exams. Check out which one should you take if you have an option between the two:

TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL Exam is given by those who want to go to a country where English is the primary language for communication. This test analyzes aspirants' proficiency in English. TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 11,000 educational institutes that include, colleges, universities, and other institutions globally. If planning to prepare for TOEFL, check out some of the following key pointers:

• Purpose: Measures English language proficiency for academic purposes.
• Administered By: ETS (Educational Testing Service)
• Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking & Writing
• Accepted By: Over 11,000 universities and institutions worldwide.
• Accepted For: Undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as for professional licensing exams.
• Testing Formats: Online only
• Scoring Range: 0-30 for each section, 0-120 overall

Check out:

TOEFL Exam Dates	TOEFL Exam Registration
TOEFL Exam Pattern	TOEFL Exam Syllabus

Many English-speaking countries accept TOEFL Scores to give a visa, so, it is an important test for those who want to go abroad. This test is preferred by a majority of the institutes in countries like the US, Canada, and Germany.

IELTS Exam

The IELTS test is given by those who want to study or settle in an English-speaking country. IELTS is a popular English proficiency exam and is widely accepted also. Accepted across 140+ countries, IELTS is conducted in under two types -  there is IELTS Academic which is basically to study abroad and IELTS General Training for majorly for work visa purposes. So those preparing for IELTS exam for admissions abroad, have to prepare for the IELTS Academic version. Check out more details below:

• Purpose: Assesses English language proficiency for academic and immigration purposes.
• Administered By: IDP in India
• Sections:
  • IELTS Listening Section
  • IELTS Reading Section
  • IELTS Writing Section
  • IELTS Speaking Section
• Types: Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS (Check IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training)
• Scoring: IELTS scoring is based on:
  • 0-9 bands for each section
  • Overall band score (average of individual section scores)
• Accepted By: Over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, colleges, employers, and immigration authorities.
• Test Centers: IELTS test centres are located in over 1,400 test centres in 140+ countries

Check out:

IELTS Exam Dates	IELTS Exam Registration
IELTS Exam Pattern	IELTS Exam Syllabus

Countries, where the English language is the main language for communication, require either TOEFL or IELTS Scores for issuing a visa. The IELTS test is preferred by most of the universities in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Also those applying to European countries must note that IELTS is popular as English test in Europe. 

Check out 

• IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Exam should you take?
• IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic vs Duolingo: Which test you should take?
• GRE vs IELTS: Know the Difference