English Proficiency tests other than IELTS for International Students

You will almost always be required to provide proof of your English language ability when applying to institutions overseas by passing an English proficiency test. Here is a list of English proficiency tests that you might want to take. This includes both the less well-known assessments and the IELTS & TOEFL exam (which you're surely familiar with).

Let's start now.

1. IELTS ( International English Language Testing System )

IELTS, which stands for International English Language Testing System, is a widely accepted test of a non-native speaker's level of English proficiency. This service is offered by the British Council. You must have a solid command of the English language in order to be accepted as an international student. One of the ways to show that you have a mastery of the English language is to take the IELTS Exam.

IELTS Eligibility

The only criterion for eligibility is age. An applicant must be at least 16 years old to sit for the IELTS exam. There is no maximum age, though!

IELTS exam format

Total testing time is two hours and forty-five minutes. The test is divided into four sections: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.

Listening: There are 40 questions to be answered by the candidates in this 30-minute part.

Reading: This portion will take 30 minutes to complete and will have 40 questions.

Writing: A 60-minute exam with two questions. At this level, applicants must produce concise essays of at least 250 words. They have to describe a graph, a table, or some data.

Speaking: The entire section lasts 11 to 14 minutes, and candidates must appear in-person interviews. This element evaluates whether applicants can effectively communicate in the nation where they have applied to study.

IELTS Exam Fees

Cost of the IELTS exam is INR 14,500.

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

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is another popular standardized English proficiency test. The GRE was designed and is managed by ETS, the same organization that made the GRE. Like IELTS, TOEFL is generally recognised by many academic and professional institutions in English-speaking countries.

TOEFL Eligibility

In contrast to IELTS, ETS has not yet set an age limit on candidates who want to take the TOEFL exam. No additional eligibility is required.

TOEFL exam format

Reading: This 60 to 80 minute segment asks you to respond to questions based on three to four reading passages.

Listening: This 60 to 90 minute part consists of audio snippets with 4-6 brief lectures and 2-3 in-depth conversations.

Speaking: During this 20-minute segment, you'll be asked to share your thoughts on familiar subjects or academic-related difficulties.

Writing: The writing section lasts for 50 minutes

TOEFL Exam fees

The TOEFL examination is roughly INR 14,200.

3. PTE (Pearson Test of English)

A more recent exam of English proficiency is the Pearson test of English, or PTE. It is provided by Pearson, a publishing and testing business (you may have used some of their textbooks in school).

PTE Eligibility

Age is the only requirement for qualifying. An applicant must be at least 16 years old to sit for the PTE exam. There is no maximum age, though!

PTE exam format

PTE Speaking with PTE Writing (combined) - This test contains 8 sub-sections with a time limit of 77 to 93 minutes.

PTE Reading: 32 to 40 minutes make up this section. There are 5 subsections.

PTE Listening: The listening section lasts for around 45 - 57 minutes

PTE Exam fees

The PTE is around INR 13,300.

4. Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test is a brand-new but incredibly promising competence test, much like the PTE. It is provided by the American language learning website Duolingo.

Duolingo Eligibility

The Duolingo exam has no set maximum age requirement. Anyone who needs to demonstrate their command of the English language is eligible to take the exam. Candidates under the age of 13 must have parental permission in order to take the test.

Duolingo's exam format

Adaptive test: This phase, which is assessed and lasts about 45 minutes, assesses your abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Video interview: This is an ungraded component that lasts 10 minutes and records your responses to open-ended questions.

Duolingo Exam fees

Compared to its rivals, the Duolingo English Test costs substantially less to take-roughly INR 4,000.

Key communication abilities and advanced language proficiency are necessary for success in a program of study, regardless of whether the exam is the IELTS or the Duolingo English Test. The English language exams in this article evaluate a variety of linguistic abilities. Additionally, they are all accepted in institutions to differing degrees. Check to determine which test is most appropriate for you and one that your program will accept for admission!