Exams Required to Study in USA from India in 2026: IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT & Others

Planning to study in the USA from India? You need more than just good grades. From English proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS to standardised exams like SAT, GRE, and GMAT, each course level and program type demands a different set of entrance exams. Here is everything you need to know.

As Indian students studying abroad comes with a list of to-do's. If planning to study in USA, know that there will be atleast 2 entrance exams required for admission. There are a couple of entrance exams accepted at US universities. Based on level of course, the list of exams may vary.  

Entrance exams in USA are not common for bachelor's, master's, MBA, medical, or law programs. On top of program-specific standardised tests, every international student must clear an English Language Proficiency (ELP) test to prove communication readiness in an academic environment. 

Top universities including Stanford and a few Ivy League schools, have reinstated mandatory SAT/ACT requirements. So for majority of US universities, the test optional policies now stand suspended.

This guide covers all major exams required to study in the USA from India, by course level, program type, and university tier, so you walk into the process fully prepared.

Exams Required to Study in USA from India 2026

English Language Proficiency Exams to Study in USA

All US universities require international students to prove their English language skills before admission. For Indian students, the four most common options are:

• TOEFL
• IELTS
• PTE Academic
• Duolingo English Test (DET)

TOEFL and IELTS remain the most widely accepted. PTE and Duolingo have also gained popularity because of their faster results and flexible testing options. Some more details are as follows:

If you are applying to highly selective US universities, submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Always verify requirements directly on the official university admissions page before applying, as scores vary by department and program.

Undergraduate Standardised Entrances for Studying in USA

For Indian students applying to bachelor's degree programs in the US, the SAT or ACT (American College Testing) is the primary standardised entrance exam. For many years, the test-optional policies were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. But as of now, top US universities have now largely reinstated mandatory SAT/ACT requirements. As of the 2025–26 admissions cycle:

• Harvard reinstated mandatory SAT/ACT for the Class of 2029, citing internal data showing test scores as reliable predictors of academic success.
• MIT reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement for future admissions cycles.
• Stanford reinstated standardised testing for the Class of 2030 (students applying in 2025).
• Yale reinstated the requirement with added flexibility. For Yale admissions, AP and IB exam scores are also accepted along with SAT/ACT.
• Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, Georgetown, Caltech, and UPenn have also reinstated or maintained mandatory test requirements in 2026.

Six of eight Ivy League schools now require SAT or ACT scores for the 2026–27 admissions cycle. Columbia remains the only Ivy League institution to stay test-optional indefinitely

SAT vs ACT: Which Should Indian Students Choose?

If you are confused which undergraduate standardised exam is for you, then have a look at the SAT vs ACT - which is easier comparison below:

Take official practice tests for both before deciding. The College Board offers free SAT prep via Khan Academy; the ACT offers official practice on the ACT website.

Postgraduate Standardised Entrance Exams for Studying in USA

There are four major standardised entrance exams accepted for studying in the US. The details of these exams are as follows:

GRE Exam for MS / ME / M.Eng / PhD Courses in USA

If you plan to take Science or technical courses in the USA, the GRE will be required. While many universities have made GRE scores optional, a strong score can still strengthen your profile. If you are applying for STEM and research-focused programs, think about taking GRE. More details about GRE for US university admissions are as follows:

GRE scores are just one component. LORs, SOP, research experience, and academic transcripts carry significant weight in US graduate admissions.

GMAT Exam for MBA / EMBA / MIM / MS in Management in USA

Students aiming for an MBA or business-related master’s degree in the USA often take the GMAT. Although some US B-schools offer test waivers, a strong GMAT score can improve admission and scholarship prospects, particularly at highly ranked business schools.

Except for GMAT, the Executive Assessment (EA), is also accepted for EMBA in USA. The EA test is also a standardised test administered by GMAC. It is shorter and more work-experience-oriented than the GMAT.

MCAT for Medical Courses in USA (MBBS-MD)

Students who want to study medicine in the USA must usually take the MCAT. It is one of the most important components of a medical school application and assesses scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills required for Medical education. Want to apply for MBBS (MD) in USA? Get details about MCAT below:

MCAT is taken after completing prerequisite undergraduate science coursework; Indian students with MBBS degrees who wish to practice in the US must typically complete USMLE steps in addition to or instead of MCAT.

LSAT for Law Courses in USA

If you’re planning to study law in the USA through a Juris Doctor (JD) program, the LSAT is often a key admission requirement. Rather than testing legal knowledge, it tests applicants' reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical thinking skills. Get more details about the LSAT for studying in the US:

LSAT India was discontinued last year; Indian students must now register through LSAC's international testing system.

Preparing the right set of exams is the first real step toward studying in the USA from India. There is no single universal exam; the requirements depend entirely on study level, the program, and the university. Beyond that, undergraduates need the SAT or ACT (especially now that top universities have reinstated these requirements), postgraduate science students need the GRE, MBA aspirants need the GMAT or GRE, medical applicants need the MCAT, and law school aspirants need the LSAT.