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, Digital and social engagement campaigns, Creative student-engagement initiatives, and Adaptations of global campaigns. 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 more information, visit www.ets.org/toefl
