The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an internationally accepted common entrance exam that is often required by graduate and business schools in the USA among other countries, attesting to admissions eligibility. Universities consider academic transcripts, awards, and endorsements together with GRE scores to make determinations about a candidate’s capability for further studies.
The Graduate Record Examination broken down into categories is the General Test and the Subject Test. The General Test evaluates a candidate’s achievement in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. These skills are vital in pursuing graduate and business programs. The Subject Test caters to specialized academic fields like Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. The General and Subject Tests complement each other. The General Test evaluates problem-solving and critical analysis skills, while the Subject Tests focus on candidate knowledge in specific disciplines, enhancing the academic profile.
| Measure | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing (One section) | One "Analyze an Issue" task | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning (Two sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections) | Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes |
There are subject tests in specific disciplines, such as Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Here’s a brief overview of each:
| Subject Test | Format | Duration | Number of Questions | Content Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Computer-delivered | 2 hours and 50 minutes | Approximately 66 |
|
| Physics | Computer-delivered | 2 hours | Approximately 70 |
|
| Psychology | Computer-delivered | 2 hours | Approximately 144 |
|
The GRE General Test can be taken once every 21 days, with a limit of five attempts in a rolling one-year window. This remains true even if you choose to forfeit your scores from a former test.
The same rule still applies even if the policy violation is not apparent right away, such as using different registration details. Once registered, if the violation is recognized prior to the test being conducted, the appointment will be canceled and the fees are lost. If the violation is recognized after the test results have been reported, the scores will be canceled and the recipients will be notified while the fees are once again forfeited.
Disclaimer: The GRE sample questions provided here are sourced from the official website of ETS (ets.org/gre). All rights and intellectual property belong to ETS. The material is shared solely for educational and informational purposes, not for commercial use.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) opens doors to leading business schools. It checks the thinking skills you need to do well in MBA programs. The new GMAT Focus Edition puts more weight on real-world business know-how in data analytics. This makes sure test-takers are ready for today's business leadership challenges.
The GMAT has three parts: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. These parts test how well you can think, solve problems, and understand what you read. The GMAT doesn't just measure how good you are - it also gives you an edge when you apply to top business schools around the world.
| Section | Number of Question | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 questions | 45 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 questions | 45 minutes |
| Data Insights | 20 questions | 45 minutes |
| Total | 64 questions | 2 hours 15 mins (with one optional 10-minute break) |
All GMAT exam attempts, regardless of the edition (including the GMAT Focus Edition) and whether taken online or at a test center, count towards your five (5) attempts within a rolling 12-month period. However, there are no lifetime limits on the number of times you can take the GMAT.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a centralized measure that gauges the proficiency of non-native english speakers around the world. Its primary audience features students and professionals, and therefore the test is divided into four linguistic components: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The test is accepted globally by universities, employers and other institutions as a means of determining proficiency in using English, especially within academic surroundings.
Educational Testing Services, a non-profit association in charge of developing and administering educational evaluation intends, is in charge of giving this test. The most known is the TOEFL iBT, which stands for TOEFL internet-based test. Tests are offered several times a year, but the exact amount of testing spots varies per location. Wherever candidates go, they are likely to find several available dates throughout the month that they can select for the test.
Diverse English-speaking populations undoubtedly look for fluent speakers, and TOEFL sets that as a reasonable objective for learners or employees hoping to build their careers in those countries.
| Section | Estimated Timing | Questions/Tasks | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 35 minutes | 20 questions | Read passages and respond to questions. |
| Listening | 36 minutes | 28 questions | Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions. |
| Speaking | 16 minutes | 4 tasks | Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard. |
| Writing | 29 minutes | 2 tasks | Read a passage, listen to a recording, type your response. State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion. |
All TOEFL iBT exam attempts, whether taken online or at a test center, count toward your total number of attempts within a specific period. While there are limits on how frequently you can take the test, there is no lifetime restriction on the number of times you can attempt the TOEFL. Always check the ETS official guidelines for the most up-to-date retake policies.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized English language evaluation intended for individuals looking to study, work, or relocate to an English-speaking country. The test consists of the fundamental skills of a language - listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The listening section is divided into four parts, during which the candidate is expected to answer a total of 40 questions over the approximated time of thirty minutes. The reading segment consists of three parts as well, and has a time frame of 60 minutes to complete 40 questions. The writing portion contains two tasks that must be completed within an hour, while the speaking test is an interaction that is separated into three sections with a time estimate of 11 to 14 minutes. Mastery of the English language corresponds to a score of 9 on the IELTS, which is the highest mark possible.
To consider the different motivations of the takers, IELTS splits into two versions: one general and one academic. The academic version discusses the issues of higher education and professional training modified to fit English-speaking countries, focusing on complicated academic and linguistic features. The general training is meant for candidates seeking to emigrate, work, or train at the first or second level.
| Section | Estimated Timing | Questions/Tasks | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes | Four tasks | Answer questions based on recorded monologues and conversations. |
| Reading | 60 minutes | Three tasks | Read long passages and respond to various question types. Texts may include diagrams, graphs, or illustrations from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Two tasks | Summarize, describe, or explain a table, graph, chart, or diagram. Write a short essay of at least 250 words. |
| Speaking | 11–14 minutes | Three tasks | Face-to-face interview with short questions, extended speaking on a familiar topic, and a structured discussion. |
| Section | Estimated Timing | Questions/Tasks | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes | Four recordings | Listen to recordings of native English speakers and answer questions based on them. |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 40 questions | Assess various reading skills, including skimming, identifying main ideas, and understanding arguments, opinions, and intentions. |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Two tasks | Complete two writing tasks on general topics based on the module taken. |
| Speaking | 11–14 minutes | Three parts | A recorded face-to-face interview assessing spoken English skills through short questions, extended responses, and a structured discussion. |
The IELTS test is conducted year-round, with up to 4 test dates per month, totaling 48 fixed dates annually. The Academic module is available on all 48 dates, while the General Training module is offered on 24. Most tests are scheduled on Saturdays and Thursdays for convenience. The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections take place on the same day, while the Speaking test may be scheduled up to 7 days before or after the main test date. The test fee in India is ₹18,000, and availability may vary by city and test center, so it's best to check with your nearest IELTS center for the latest schedule.
Disclaimer: The IELTS sample questions featured here are taken from the official IELTS website (ieltsidpindia.com). All rights are reserved by the respective copyright holders. This content is intended for educational use only and not for redistribution or commercial purposes.
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a globally recognized, English proficiency exam assessing Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening skills. This fully computerized test integrates multiple skills within a two-hour duration, ensuring precise, unbiased scoring. Accepted for academic admissions, professional certifications, and immigration in countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA, PTE offers frequent test dates and rapid result processing.
PTE has two variants: PTE Academic, designed for higher education and immigration, featuring tasks like essay writing and lecture comprehension; and PTE General, which evaluates real-world communication skills for professional and everyday use. With its fast, fair, and adaptive assessment approach, PTE stands as a cutting-edge alternative to traditional language tests.
| Section | Estimated Timing | Questions/Tasks | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking & Writing | 60 minutes | Eight question types | Assesses spoken and written English skills in an academic context. Includes tasks like Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, and Essay Writing. |
| Reading | 30 minutes | Five question types | Tests reading comprehension through tasks like Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, and Re-order Paragraphs. One item type also assesses writing skills. |
| Listening | 30 minutes | Eight question types | Evaluates listening skills using audio and video clips. Tasks include Summarizing Spoken Text, Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, and Highlighting Incorrect Words. |
| Section | Estimated Timing | Questions/Tasks | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking & Writing | 60 minutes | Eight question types | Assesses spoken and written English skills in an academic context. Includes tasks like Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, and Essay Writing. |
| Reading | 30 minutes | Five question types | Tests reading comprehension through tasks like Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, and Re-order Paragraphs. One item type also assesses writing skills. |
| Listening | 30 minutes | Eight question types | Evaluates listening skills using audio and video clips. Tasks include Summarizing Spoken Text, Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, and Highlighting Incorrect Words. |
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is conducted throughout the year, offering flexible test dates across multiple locations in India. Unlike some other language proficiency exams, PTE test availability may vary by city and test center. The test fee in India is strong>₹18,000. The Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections are completed on the same day, providing a seamless testing experience. Since there are no official restrictions on the number of attempts, candidates can retake the test as needed. Always check with your nearest PTE test center for the latest schedule and availability.