Exams Guide

“GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo - decoded.”

Do not waste money writing the wrong exam. Read this first.

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English Proficiency (Mandatory for Everyone)

You must prove you can speak English. You have 3 options.

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• Accepted By: 100% of US Universities. Preferred in USA.
• Format: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing. (Academic focus).
• Score Target: 100+/120.
• Cost: ~$190.

2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

• Accepted By: UK, Canada, Australia, Europe (Preferred). Most US colleges accept it too now.
• Format: Reviewers talk to you face-to-face (Speaking section).
• Score Target: 7.5+ Band (No section less than 6.5).
• Cost: ~₹17,000.

3. Duolingo English Test (DET)

• The Cheat Code: It is cheaper ($60), shorter (1 hour), and you can take it from home.
• Acceptance: Many US universities (ASU, NEU) accept it now. Check the university website first.

”Is IELTS Mandatory?”

• For USA: No. TOEFL is better.
• For UK/Canada: YES. It is strictly required for the Visa process (SDS Category in Canada).
• Waiver: Some US universities waive the English test if you prove your B.Tech was in English. (Rare, don’t count on it).

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GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

It tests your Math (Quant) and English (Verbal) aptitude.

• Is it Waived? After COVID, many top US universities made GRE “Optional”.
  • Strategic Advice: If you have a low GPA (< 8.0), Take the GRE and score 320+. It balances your profile.
  • If you have 9.0+ GPA, check if the uni is “GRE Waived”. You might save $220.
• Target Score:
  • Quant: 165+/170 (Crucial for CS).
  • Verbal: 150+/170 (Just pass).
  • AWA: 3.5+/6.0.

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GATE (For Germany/Singapore)

• NUS/NTU (Singapore): They accept GATE scores for M.Tech!
• TU Munich (Germany): Some courses ask for GATE scores as proof of technical skill.