General FAQ's

Is TOEFL compulsory?
TOEFL is compulsory at all levels.



What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?
TOEFL is valid for U.S. and Canadian universities while IELTS is required for British, Australian and new Zealand universities.



What is ETS?
ETS is the Educational Testing Services based in Princeton, New Jersey. It is the equivalent of the Indian CBSE.



Are there any pre-requisites for taking these exams?
Students need to be in possession of a valid passport for identification purposes. Any individual who satisfies this requisite, can appear for these exams. For admission to any University, students need a degree.

For how long are the scores valid?
GRE/GMAT/SAT scores are valid for 5 years; TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years



Do colleges look at academic record?
Yes they do. They look at the student's high school and college transcripts and co -curricular activities certificates.



Are these exams computerized?
SAT I, SAT II are paper based tests. GRE, GMAT and TOEFL are computerized. IELTS had both paper-based and Computerized  options. 



Does one have to be computer literate?
No. One can get used to it through practice. The software is very user friendly.



In what ways is the computer based test different from the paper based test?
In a paper based exam, the student can return to a previous question. This is, however, not the case in  a Computer-based Test. 

In a paper-based test, all questions carry the same marks, while in a CBT (Computer-based Test), the more difficult a question, the more marks one gains. The Computer Based Tests and Computer Adaptive Tests do not have negative marking. 

In both Paper-based and Computer-based Tests, the level of difficulty is the same



How does one get examination form?
Forms are available with us. Alternatively they can be collected from Sylvan Testing Centre or USEFI. Forms can also be ordered on www.ipem.org



How many times are these exams held?
Being Computer-Based Tests, GRE/GMAT/TOEFL are held on all working days. Students have to apply 2 - 21 days in advance

SAT I and SAT II are held six times in a year (May, June, October, November, December, January). Students have to apply at least 40 days in advance

The IELTS is held three - four times every month on pre-determined dates



When is a good time to take the exam?
One should preferably take the exam in the 11th grade if in school or in the second last year if in college. However, the tests should be taken no later than 8 months before one intends to join the college there.



Will I be able to pass the exam?
There is no pass/fail. One is only given a score.



What happens if one takes the exam twice?
Most Universities take one's second score (which is usually better). Sometimes they take an average.



Can one send one's score before one applies?
Yes. It doesn't matter what is sent first as long as everything reaches before the deadline.