Omar Chihane, the global head of TOEFL at Educational Testing Service (ETS), recently visited India to bolster relationships with educational institutions, agents, and regulators. In a conversation with Education Times, Chihane highlighted TOEFL’s importance in supporting Indian students’ aspirations for overseas education and detailed ETS’s strategies to expand its footprint in India.
The Purpose of the Visit
India has historically been a significant player in the global student mobility industry, with a growing demand for English proficiency tests like TOEFL. Chihane emphasized that TOEFL is the most widely accepted English proficiency test globally, with acceptance at 13,000 universities. Having administered the test to 40 million people across 160 countries, ETS views India as the next frontier for growth. Chihane’s visit was aimed at gathering insights to ensure that TOEFL’s strategy and investments align with India’s needs.
Focus on Creating an Effective Preparation Ecosystem
ETS is committed to creating the most effective preparation ecosystem for TOEFL in India. This includes forming partnerships with universities, government bodies, and educational institutions, as well as expanding ETS India’s workforce. By collaborating with agents and other stakeholders, ETS aims to increase its presence and support in the Indian market.
Increasing the Number of TOEFL Test Takers
India has surpassed China in sending students to study abroad, particularly in the US, Canada, and the UK. Reports suggest that by 2030, India will send out 500,000 students annually. TOEFL test takers in India increased from 5.83% in 2021 to 7.77% in 2022, and ETS aims to further boost these numbers through strategic investments in marketing, hiring, and resource development. ETS also plans to expand its network of certified TOEFL teachers from 2,000 to 20,000 and increase test locations, including the first-ever test centre in Srinagar, Kashmir.
Innovations in TOEFL Testing
One of the most significant recent innovations in TOEFL is the reduction of test duration from three hours to one hour and 56 minutes. Chihane explained that a shorter test helps maintain students’ focus and improves performance without compromising the test’s integrity. Despite the shorter duration, TOEFL has expanded its acceptance to 13,000 institutions worldwide, underscoring the test’s credibility.
Student Preferences and Test Security
The choice between taking the TOEFL at home or in a test centre is evenly split among Indian students. ETS ensures the integrity of both formats through rigorous security measures, including advanced technology and human proctoring.
Performance of Indian Students
Indian students have consistently performed well on the TOEFL, with an average score of 89 out of 120. STEM fields, particularly Computing, IT, Engineering, and Technology, are the most popular among Indian test takers, followed by Business & Management and Biological and Life Sciences. To cater to students’ preparation needs, ETS provides a combination of online and physical study materials.
Expanding Efforts in India
ETS plans to establish help desks and test centres within schools, providing comprehensive support and preparation materials. The mission is to enhance access and impact, offering Indian students the best opportunities for quality education and better life prospects.
Increase in Test Centres
ETS currently operates around 80 test centres in India, with 25 new centres established in the last two years. Notable additions include the first test centre in Kashmir Valley and centres within universities like Lovely Professional University, Punjab, and SRKR Engineering College, Andhra Pradesh.
Omar Chihane’s visit underscores TOEFL’s commitment to India as a critical market, and ETS’s strategic initiatives are set to further empower Indian students in their pursuit of global educational opportunities.
