India Overtakes US as Top Source of GRE Test Takers

A recent surge in the number of Indians taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) signals a major shift in the global education landscape. We have witnessed the rapid growth in Indians pursuing opportunities abroad, especially in the United States. However, this marks the first time India has overtaken the US as the top source of test takers for the GRE – a standardized exam widely used for admissions into graduate programs in the US and other countries.

According to officials from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the exam, 113,304 Indians took the GRE in the 2022-23 testing year (June-July), compared to just 97,676 Americans. This reverses a longstanding pattern – in the 2019-20 cycle, 250,274 US citizens took the test, dwarfing the 69,835 Indians who sat for the exam. The 61% plunge in American test takers versus 62% increase among Indians highlights the surging demand for graduate education in India.

The shift makes sense in light of India’s rapid economic growth and the premium placed on advanced degrees by Indian students and employers alike. With a youthful population and expanding middle class, more Indians can now afford an international education. The chance to study abroad also appeals given concerns about the quality and relevance of higher education within India. As one of the most widely accepted standardized tests for graduate school admissions around the world, the GRE provides a gateway for Indian students to access top universities in the US, Canada, Europe and beyond.

According to ETS, the most popular graduate majors listed by Indian test takers are physical sciences (35%), undecided (29%) and engineering (13%) – fields that align with India’s technology and innovation-focused growth strategy. While Indian students show interest across the US, preferences are highest for studying in the South (24%) and West (23%). Canada (11%) and Western Europe (10%) are the top destinations outside America.

The shift towards more Indians taking the GRE has also benefited the travel industry. As more Indian students apply to programs abroad, travel companies report sharp increases in youth and student travel from India. Airlines are adding more direct flights to North America and Europe to meet surging demand. Tour companies and travel agents are also catering more to Indian students and families through customized packages that help with university visits, campus accommodation, insurance, foreign exchange and other needs.

The boom in overseas applications has also led to rapid growth for courier companies and baggage retailers. Vinod Krishna, Marketing Head of Skyways Cargo, said youth travel now accounts for over 60% of shipments from India compared to less than 40% five years ago. “We’ve expanded our retail network across India to cater to rising demand from students shipping documents and luggage abroad. Our student packages saw 78% growth last year.”

Travel gear retailers like Safari Industries have also witnessed a similar youth-driven boom. “Our campus collection now contributes over 20% of revenues compared to just 8% in 2015,” said Neha Pal, Safari’s Brand Manager. “Students invest in quality luggage and backpacks since they need it to last for several years of travel and stay abroad. Our durable hard-side suitcases with multi-dial combination locks are top sellers.”

While the US remains the first choice for most Indian students, other experts say Canada’s more direct post-study work and residency options are increasing its appeal. “Canada’s Express Entry system favors graduates from its universities. So more students are opting for Canada over the US as securing permanent residency is easier,” notes Ravi Chouhan, a Delhi-based overseas education consultant.

As India continues its rise on the global stage, expect the outbound student travel market to sustain its momentum. For the foreseeable future, GRE test-taking and associated activities like overseas applications, travel bookings and baggage purchases are likely to remain on an upward trajectory. As a seasoned travel journalist, I will continue analyzing this major mobility trend and its multi-sector impact.

Team Profile

Shubham ChakrabortyNews Writer

Shubham Chakraborty, a Freelance Writer, holds an MBA from XLRI and boasts 6.5 years of extensive corporate experience. Departing from his corporate path, he embarked on a journey to fulfill his childhood dream of focusing on writing.

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