New data reveals that the twin Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are the undisputed powerhouses of India's outbound student movement. The findings, released by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization behind major exams like the TOEFL and GRE, highlight the region's overwhelming contribution to the country's international education aspirations.
Telugu States: The Epicenter of Overseas Education Dreams
The statistics paint a clear picture of regional dominance. Hyderabad alone accounts for a staggering 48% of all TOEFL test-takers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Other major contributors include Vijayawada at 18%, Visakhapatnam at 16%, Guntur at 10%, and Warangal at 8%. This concentration has made the region a global focus market for ETS.
Sidnei Rodrigues de Souza, Executive Director of Global Partnerships & Sales at ETS, emphasized the region's significance. "Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are important partners for ETS as we support students navigating global admission pathways," he stated. The strong test-taking base and growing aspirations for overseas education were key factors in this identification.
Destination Preferences: US Reigns Supreme
When it comes to where these students want to go, the United States remains the most sought-after destination by a significant margin. An impressive 55% of TOEFL test-takers from these states prefer the US, a figure notably higher than the national trend where Canada currently hosts the largest cohort of Indian students.
The rest of the preference breakdown is as follows:
- Canada: 16%
- United Kingdom: 12%
- Australia: 10%
- Germany, Ireland, France, and the UAE together: 7%
The Big TOEFL Overhaul: What Changes in 2026?
The data was shared alongside a major announcement from ETS regarding a comprehensive redesign of the TOEFL test, set for a global rollout on January 21, 2026. This overhaul aims to create a more efficient and reflective testing experience for candidates worldwide.
The key changes to the TOEFL include:
A completely refreshed test structure with redesigned question formats. Faster score reporting, with results delivered within 72 hours. An enhanced at-home testing experience featuring ETS-trained in-house proctors and AI-assisted identity verification for better security and support.
Furthermore, the reading and listening sections will adopt a multistage adaptive testing model. This means the difficulty of questions will adjust based on a test-taker's performance, providing a more accurate assessment of real-world academic English skills.
Rodrigues de Souza also revealed the introduction of a dual score reporting system. While the familiar 0–120 scale will be retained, a simplified 1–6 band score aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) will be added. Test centers will also receive upgrades, including better audio equipment and expanded official preparation resources for students.
This combination of data and innovation underscores the dynamic nature of global higher education. As students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana continue to lead India's charge towards international universities, the pathways themselves are evolving to meet their needs more effectively.
