Indian students are becoming more strategic about study-abroad plans, with greater emphasis on programme quality, career prospects, visa stability and
flexibility in choosing standardised tests. While traditional destinations such as the US, UK, Canada and Australia continue to attract applicants, countries including Germany, France, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands are gaining consideration. In an interaction with Times Now Digital, Karan Lalit, Executive Director – South Asia, TOEFL & GRE, ETS discussed changing test-taking preferences, emerging study destinations, demand across STEM and non-STEM disciplines, and recent enhancements to the TOEFL iBT. Q1. What are the key TOEFL and GRE testing trends and demands in India? India continues to be a significant market for both TOEFL and GRE, with students adopting a more deliberate approach to test preparation and assessment choices. Candidates are beginning their preparation earlier, using official digital resources and prioritising tests that offer flexibility across programmes and study destinations. TOEFL iBT is recognised by more than 13,000 institutions across over 160 countries, while the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is accepted by more than 20,000 graduate programmes across 72 countries. Demand is also expanding beyond established metropolitan centres as access to counselling, preparation resources and testing infrastructure improves in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. This points to a broader geographical spread of interest in international education among Indian students. Q2. How are Indian students' study-abroad preferences changing, particularly in terms of destination diversification? The US, UK, Canada and Australia remain important study destinations for Indian students. However, students are increasingly exploring other options, including Germany, France, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands. This shift is not simply about identifying alternatives to traditional destinations. Students are comparing programme quality, institutional reputation, visa stability, local industry demand and opportunities available beyond the classroom. Applicants are also building more balanced portfolios across different education systems. Rather than choosing a destination solely on the basis of its popularity, students are increasingly assessing how well it aligns with their academic interests, career goals and personal circumstances. This reflects a more informed and flexible approach to international education. Q3. What are the emerging trends in demand for STEM and non-STEM disciplines among Indian students? STEM disciplines continue to attract strong interest, particularly artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, biotechnology, robotics, semiconductor technologies and sustainability. At the same time, demand is growing across non-STEM and interdisciplinary fields, including business analytics, finance, supply-chain management, public policy, behavioural science, design and digital communication. One notable development is the growing interest in programmes that combine different disciplines, such as technology and business, AI and healthcare, or data science and public policy. Students increasingly recognise that future careers will require not only technical expertise but also communication, critical thinking, collaboration and the ability to apply knowledge in different contexts. Q4. What are the key enhancements introduced in the TOEFL iBT, and how will they benefit test takers? The enhanced TOEFL iBT, introduced globally on January 21, 2026, is designed to make the assessment more relevant, personalised and efficient. The Reading and Listening sections now use adaptive technology, while the test content incorporates contemporary academic material and everyday campus communication. Another key change is the introduction of a new score scale ranging from 1 to 6, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). During a two-year transition period, comparable scores on the familiar 0–120 scale will also be provided. Results are generally available within approximately 72 hours, helping candidates move forward with their applications more quickly while maintaining the reliability, fairness and academic standards expected by institutions. Q5. Which Indian cities and regions account for a significant share of TOEFL test takers, and what destinations and courses do they prefer? Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Surat are among the key cities identified for TOEFL test-taking activity. Kerala and parts of Punjab and Haryana are also important regions. Among Indian TOEFL test takers, the US, UK, Germany, Ireland and Canada feature among the preferred study destinations. In terms of academic interests, STEM fields continue to attract students, alongside emerging areas such as artificial intelligence. Humanities and social sciences also remain part of students' academic choices across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These preferences highlight the diversity of Indian students' international education plans, spanning traditional academic disciplines, technology-focused programmes and emerging interdisciplinary fields.
