New Delhi, India June 16: One year after the launch of the enhanced TOEFL iBT® test, ETS is reinforcing its commitment to Indian learners, as students increasingly define what global education mobility looks like in 2026. With over 100,000 Indian students now enrolled in European universities, and a growing cohort exploring Southeast Asia, India has cemented its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing student mobility markets, and TOEFL iBT® is evolving to keep pace.
“Our goal has been and continues to be aligning the TOEFL experience with the students taking it and the future they are preparing for,” said Omar Chihane, Global General Manager, TOEFL at ETS. “Today’s learners expect flexibility, authenticity, and support throughout their journey. TOEFL is evolving to reflect the realities of global mobility, digital learning, and the future of work, while continuing to deliver the academic trust institutions rely on.”The shift in Indian student preferences is significant. Countries including Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands are seeing a marked increase in Indian enrollments, driven by more affordable tuition, strong post-study work opportunities, and globally ranked institutions, factors that are reshaping how students think about, and prepare for, higher education abroad.“India continues to be one of the fastest-growing student mobility markets, with learners exploring a wider range of destinations,” said Karan Lalit, Executive Director – South Asia, TOEFL & GRE, ETS. “The enhanced TOEFL iBT helps students prepare for these global opportunities by focusing on real-world academic communication skills, giving them confidence to succeed wherever their studies take them.”
Over the past year, ETS has introduced a range of India-focused, student-centered initiatives designed to support learners across their preparation journey:
- Official TOEFL preparation materials that build practical academic communication skills and boost test-day confidence.
- Digital and social engagement campaigns showcasing authentic student experiences, preparation tips, and success stories across global study destinations.
- Creative student-engagement initiatives, including a study playlist and the TOEFL Chief Student Ambassador, Tina, who guides learners through every stage of their preparation.
- Adaptations of global campaigns, including “Learn It. Take It. Review It.” and “You Speak World“, contextualized for Indian learners and their aspirations.
ETS research underscores the value of official preparation: students using TOEFL‘s official prep materials were 18% more likely to score above expectations compared to 12–14% among those who did not, reinforcing the importance of structured, guided preparation.
Accepted by more than 13,000 institutions across 160+ countries and territories, the TOEFL iBT® continues to be one of the world’s most widely recognized English-language assessments for study, work, and immigration. For Indian students navigating an increasingly diverse global landscape, it remains a trusted starting point for wherever their ambitions may lead.