Indian students are no longer limited to the traditional ‘Big Four’ study destinations. TOEFL, in partnership with Crizac, plans to open new test centres in smaller towns, offering affordable and trusted assessment services to millions of aspirants.

Key Takeaways

  • TOEFL aims to increase test centre count in Tier II and III cities.
  • Student mobility is shifting from a ‘Big 4’ to a ‘Big 14’ landscape.
  • Strategic partnership with Crizac will provide official prep resources to over 1 million candidates.

International education trends in India have undergone a rapid transformation. Historically, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia—collectively known as the ‘Big 4’—dominated Indian student aspirations. Today, Germany, France, Ireland, New Zealand, the UAE, Russia, Kazakhstan, the Philippines and even Bangladesh have joined the roster, creating a broader ‘Big 14’ ecosystem. This shift reflects not only rising ambition but also a more nuanced evaluation of affordability, visa reliability, post‑study work options and return on investment.

Statistical Landscape

According to the latest data released by TOEFL, Canada hosts the largest Indian student cohort at 4.27 lakh, followed by the United States with 3.37 lakh, the United Kingdom with 1.85 lakh, and Australia with 1.22 lakh. Germany attracts over 43,000 Indian scholars, the UAE 25,000, Russia 24,000, while Kazakhstan, the Philippines and France each see roughly 10,000‑11,000 students. These numbers underscore that Indian learners are spreading their interest well beyond the traditional four destinations.

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Strategic Partnership with Crizac

ETS, the organization behind the globally recognised TOEFL and GRE exams, has entered a strategic alliance with Crizac Limited. Leveraging Crizac’s network of more than 14,000 student recruitment partners, 500+ universities across 85 countries, the collaboration aims to deliver authorised TOEFL and GRE preparation material to over one million study‑abroad aspirants throughout India.

Expanding to Smaller Towns

Executive Director Karan Lalit of TOEFL, GRE and ETS in India and South Asia announced plans to increase the number of Indian test centres from the current 65 to 100 by 2027, with a focus on Tier II and Tier III locations. A concrete example is the proposed centre in Purulia, West Bengal—adding to the state’s existing centres in Kolkata.

Crizac Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Vikash Agarwal emphasized that talent should never be limited by geography. The partnership will also incorporate scholarships and financial assistance, potentially benefiting close to a lakh students, thereby turning ambition into opportunity across the nation.

Implications for the Future

As Indian students broaden their destination preferences, the demand for reliable counselling, official preparation resources and internationally accepted assessments will surge, particularly in non‑metropolitan regions. TOEFL’s acceptance in over 13,000 institutions across 160 countries positions it as a critical gateway. Strengthening presence in eastern India and other smaller towns not only democratizes access but also enhances India’s overall contribution to global academia.