As India’s aspiration for global education continues to grow, Maharashtra has turned into an important contributor. Students across the state increasingly look internationally for higher education, and proficiency in academic English becomes an important contributor. In this context, assessments like the TOEFL, recognised by more than 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries, serve as a reliable benchmark for academic readiness in English-taught programs worldwide. Lately, many students from Maharashtra have been participating in and succeeding in TOEFL tests, reflecting not just English proficiency but also better academic readiness to study internationally. This signals a deeper shift in the region’s educational outlook, where global competitiveness and student ambitions are at the forefront of students’ education.
Maharashtra: A Key Region for TOEFL Growth
An increasing number of students in Maharashtra are taking the TOEFL test, which is also reflected by the increased interest of foreign universities in the state’s educational setup. With a dynamic educational system in Pune, a metropolitan setting in Mumbai, and more students from tier 2 cities such as Thane and Nagpur taking the TOEFL, Maharashtra’s numerous cities support India’s growing desire to study abroad.
Positive Score Trends Reflect Academic Readiness
Scores from the TOEFL demonstrate the growth Maharashtra is experiencing. Over time, the state has maintained high average scores for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and writing. During FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024, the scores were at or above the national level, achieving total scores of 94.69, 94.57, and 93.44, respectively. Despite a very small decrease in FY 2024, Maharashtra keeps demonstrating greater academic preparedness than the national average. The findings underline the fact that Maharashtra’s students are showing constant improvement and a growing sense of excellence and global awareness. Students have particularly excelled in speaking and writing are skills that are critical for success in international classrooms and workplaces.
TOEFL: Opening Global Doors
A major benefit of the TOEFL is that it is accepted worldwide. Almost all universities and institutions in prominent countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia accept it. Additionally, it is also recognised by institutions in Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand, which are now increasingly being considered by Indian students for higher education. This widespread acceptance positions the TOEFL as a valuable tool for facilitating both academic and career mobility.
In addition, the test plays a key part in the student visa application process. According to a recent ETS survey, 85% of TOEFL test-takers from India who provided their scores received a student visa, highlighting the test’s relevance in both academic admissions and immigration pathways.
Strengthening Support with Greater Access
ETS has expanded its testing infrastructure in Maharashtra to help the growing number of students there who hope to study in other countries, thereby improving accessibility for students.
Additionally, official materials and complimentary preparation resources such as the TOEFL Official Beginner’s Guide are provided for those preparing and cover practice exams, example answers and audio recordings. These resources are intended to help students who have different educational experiences become familiar with the test design and rules, despite their location.
Together, these steps reflect a focused effort to ensure that students across Maharashtra can access the tools and infrastructure needed to engage confidently with international admissions pathways.
Initiatives That Empower Aspirants
In aligning with its focus on fairness in education worldwide, ETS has launched programs that recognise outstanding work and reward success. A good example is the TOEFL Global Scholar Challenge, a test competition open to students who wish to study in countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. The initiative helps introduce the TOEFL exam to more students and allows the team to discover those interested in finding international programs. To find how well-prepared and interested they are, the challenge requires a 10-15 minute quiz with 15 questions and a prize pool of ₹1,30,000. Those placed in the top 25 are rewarded with TOEFL coupons and get help finding scholarships and discounts. These programs especially support students from rapidly evolving education ecosystems like Maharashtra, empowering them to achieve their study abroad ambitions.
Sustaining Momentum
Maharashtra’s consistent performance on the TOEFL test, alongside its rising base of study-abroad aspirants, underscores the state’s growing prominence in India’s global education landscape. With a robust educational infrastructure, improved access to testing, and targeted support from ETS, students across the state are increasingly well-equipped to pursue international academic opportunities.
The author is the Country Manager, ETS India & South Asia
