What Will It Take For India To Become A Global Study Destination? Expert Weighs In
As India aspires to position itself as a global education hub, the 'Study in India" initiative has been gathering momentum. However, for this vision to be realised, the country must continue strengthening its educational infrastructure and develop pathways that appeal to international students. A significant step in this direction is the adoption of globally recognised assessments.
The entry of several new international universities into India has laid the groundwork for delivering high-quality global education at a more accessible cost. The acceptance of the GRE by Indian institutions could open doors for a large number of international students seeking to pursue higher education in India. This move has the potential to establish India as a preferred learning destination for students across the globe, said Mr Sachin Jain, Country Manager, ETS India & South Asia, in a conversation with News18.com.
What do you think is the impact of stricter visa rules and increased scrutiny by the US on international study abroad aspirants?
While stricter visa rules and increased scrutiny, including social media vetting, may have created uncertainty in the minds of Indian students applying to US universities, the fact remains that there continues to be space for genuine students in US institutions. The US also remains a top choice due to its world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong job prospects for international students.
That said, the uncertainty in US policies has encouraged students to explore other global education hubs that provide reliable pathways for higher education and career development. This shift also indicates that students are increasingly open to diversifying their study destination choices. Countries such as Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand have gained popularity among Indian students due to their more stable immigration policies and affordable education options.
The entry of internationally recognised institutions into India marks a transformative step in enhancing the country's higher education sector. These universities will enable students to access global education at a potentially lower price point, without the need to leave India — making it a game-changer for many.
Additionally, these institutions bring a wealth of experience and global best practices that will enrich the Indian learning ecosystem. At ETS, we believe that the establishment of international universities in India is a watershed moment in shifting India's role from a source market to a host market for global education.
Will these campuses help India attract quality students from around the world?
The international campuses will significantly enhance India's appeal as a destination for high-quality education, potentially attracting international applicants as well. By offering programmes with global recognition and international academic standards, these campuses will elevate the learning experience while producing well-qualified professionals for industry.
Given historic trends and India's cultural proximity, we are likely to see interest from international students from regions such as Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
What role can TOEFL and GRE play in supporting internationalisation in India?
Globally accepted assessments such as TOEFL and GRE can act as enablers in supporting the internationalisation of higher education in India. As the country works to increase its international student intake, TOEFL and GRE can serve as vital tools for attracting students while maintaining high academic standards.
As standardised assessments, these tests provide a common benchmark for academic readiness and English proficiency, both essential for students applying to global programmes. TOEFL is the most widely accepted test for language proficiency, and GRE assesses readiness for graduate and postgraduate courses across STEM, Management, Law, and the Humanities.
India has recorded its strongest presence yet in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with 54 institutions making the list — a significant jump from 46 in 2025 and 45 in 2024. Assessments like GRE can power the 'Study in India' agenda in a significant way.
We heard about TOEFL enhancements recently. When can we expect these changes to be implemented?
The TOEFL enhancements are expected to be implemented from January 2026, which means there will be no changes to the current test structure until then. One major enhancement includes section-level adaptive testing for the Reading and Listening sections. This feature adjusts question difficulty in real-time based on how the test taker responds, providing a more accurate measure of competency in Listening or Reading.
A CEFR-aligned scoring scale will also be introduced alongside the current 0–120 scale. This dual system will be in place for two years to support a smooth transition for institutions and students.
Another key enhancement is expanding beyond academic English. The revised version of the test is designed to better reflect how students use English in real-world settings — such as collaborating with peers, participating in campus life, or navigating day-to-day interactions. The goal is to assess a more relevant set of English language skills that align with the demands of global education environments.
ETS recently launched TOEIC Link for working professionals. Could you briefly explain this test?
Earlier this year, ETS launched the TOEIC Link assessment in India — an advanced online English proficiency test tailored to the evolving needs of employers, universities, and training providers. TOEIC Link offers a flexible, fast, and modular approach to evaluating English skills, helping businesses streamline recruitment and enabling educational institutions to better prepare students for global career opportunities.
TOEIC Link scores are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), ensuring international recognition. Globally, more than 18,000 companies across various industries trust the TOEIC suite to assess Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing skills.
About the Author
Archit Gupta
Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-...Read More
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First Published:
July 02, 2025, 17:22 IST
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