IELTS, GRE, GMAT & Test Prep — Frequently Asked Questions

Most Indian students need one English-proficiency test plus, sometimes, an admission test. IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE proves English ability for universities and visas. For a US or Canada master's you may also need GRE, while MBA programmes usually want GMAT. Undergraduate applicants to the US often take SAT. Vibedu can help you figure out exactly which tests your target course requires, free of charge.

All three are widely accepted, so the best one depends on your comfort and target country. IELTS suits students who prefer a face-to-face speaking test and is popular for the UK, Australia, and Canada. TOEFL is favoured by many US universities. PTE is fully computer-based with fast results, which many Indian students like. Check your university's accepted tests before booking, as requirements vary by programme.

Most universities ask for an overall IELTS band of 6.0 to 7.0, with no individual section below 5.5 or 6.0. Top-ranked programmes and courses like nursing or law often want 7.0 or higher. UK student visas usually require at least 6.0 overall. Always confirm the exact band on your course page, because minimums differ between universities, subjects, and countries.

Not always — many universities have made the GRE optional, especially in the US, Canada, and Europe. Plenty of MS programmes in engineering, computer science, and data science now admit strong applicants without a GRE score. However, competitive schools and scholarship applications may still value a good GRE. Check each university's 2026-2027 admission page, since GRE policies keep changing year to year.

Yes, many universities offer IELTS waivers, though it depends on their policy. Common grounds include studying with English as your medium of instruction, strong Class 12 English marks, or a letter from your college confirming English-medium education. Some universities also accept Duolingo or an internal test instead. Vibedu regularly helps Indian students request these waivers and apply successfully, so ask us if you qualify.

Often yes, but not always. Many top MBA programmes in the US and Europe still prefer GMAT, and a strong score above 700 boosts admission and scholarship chances. That said, a growing number of business schools now accept GRE or offer GMAT waivers based on work experience. If you are targeting a full-time MBA abroad, a solid GMAT usually strengthens your application.

Most students need about four to eight weeks for IELTS and two to three months for the GRE, depending on your current level. If your English is already strong, IELTS may take just a few weeks of focused practice. The GRE needs more time for quantitative and vocabulary preparation. Start early, take regular mock tests, and book your exam once you are consistently hitting your target score.

Several official and free sources offer genuine practice. The British Council and IDP provide free IELTS sample tests, while ETS offers free official GRE POWERPREP practice tests. YouTube and library resources also help. Take mocks under timed, exam-like conditions to build stamina. Vibedu offers free guidance and can point Indian students to reliable free mock tests and study plans for their target exam.