What minimum scores do I need as an Indian student to get into top engineering universities abroad?
12 Oct 2026 · Answered by Tharun Kumar U · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
For undergraduate entry, aim for around 90% in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 or TOEFL 90+, and SAT 1450+ for top US colleges. For a master's, aim for around an 8.0 CGPA, GRE Quant 165+ where required and IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100, per programme.
Competitive engineering programmes typically expect strong academics plus language and test scores. The figures below are what you should aim for, and individual universities may ask for more or less.
Typical Score Targets
| Requirement | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Academics | Around 90% in PCM in Class 12 | Typically 8.0 CGPA out of 10, though there is no universal minimum |
| English test | IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 or TOEFL 90+ | IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100 (varies by programme; check the current TOEFL scale) |
| Entrance test | SAT 1450+ for top US colleges | GRE Quant 165+, where a department requires the GRE |
Documents You Will Need
- Undergraduate: marksheets, teacher recommendation letters and a statement of purpose.
- Postgraduate: resume, research projects, three recommendation letters and a four-year engineering degree from a recognised university.
My Advice
Treat these numbers as targets, not guarantees. Build your strong concepts in maths and science early, plan your test dates so you can retake if needed, and check each programme page for the exact cut-offs.
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