Korean Proficiency Test in India: Avsar ka Darwaza

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

How well do you know Korean? You can test your level by appearing for the Korean proficiency test.

Here, you will find everything about the TOPIK exam centers in India, including Dates, Fees, Syllabus, and the benefits of official Korean certification.

Speaking a new foreign language has many apparent benefits across the spectrum.

From gaining cultural awareness to getting your dream language jobs, from an exciting international trip to immigration to a new country, the advantages of languages are endless!

There are plenty of career options in languages in the age of globalization on the ever-shrinking earth.

If you’re not sure what language you should learn?

Then I’ll make it easy for you—choose Korean!

The benefits of learning Korean are immense and full of job opportunities.

Amongst Far East Asian languages, Korean is not always the first choice. But maybe it should if we consider growing career prospects after learning Korean.

What is the Korean Proficiency Test?

Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is designed for non-native Korean speakers to certify their Korean language knowledge.

It is offered SIX times a year to people studying Korean in Korea and twice annually to people in other countries, including India.

The test measures your Korean proficiency through listening comprehension, writing, and reading.

Recognition and Acceptance

Founded in 1997 by the Korea Research Foundation, TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is designed and administered by the National Institute for International Education – NIIED.

It is under the Korean Ministry of Education, the Republic of Korea. (국립국제교육원.)

TOPIK is the most globally recognized Korean language proficiency certification widely accepted by public and private educational institutions, governments, and corporations.

What is the difference between TOPIK, EPS-TOPIK & KLPT?

TOPIK is a general Korean test for those who want to study, work, or immigrate to Korea.

EPS-TOPIK is an Employment Permit System-Test of Proficiency in Korean. There is no EPS TOPIK test center in India.

The exam consists of only the beginner listening and reading tests required for day-to-day activity and performing diverse tasks at work.

It adheres to CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, assessing the authentic proficiency of the Korean language.

Unlike TOPIK, there is only one paper for KLPT.

All applicants take the same set of questions, and the score they get determines their grade/level.

There are FOUR levels, namely KLAT Novice / Beginners KLAT, i.e., B-KLAT (grades 1 to 2), KLAT Intermediate (grades 3 to 4), and KLAT Advanced (grades 5 to 6).

TOPIK seems more recognized, accepted, and appropriate for academic goals.

Benefits of the Korean Language Test

The Korean proficiency test is beneficial for obvious reasons. First, they can be proof of competence for job applications involving Korean and advanced studies in Korea.

You can demonstrate your Korean proficiency level by giving the language test TOPIK. These certifications provide job seekers and employees with a competitive advantage.

Thus, it is an exceptional asset to include on your resume.

Documentary proof of the Korean language test certificate, added to other requirements, will put you on your way to a smooth interview process.

Are you planning to study in South Korea?

The Government of South Korea offers KGSP (Korean Government Scholarship Program) to deserving students to promote international exchange in education and mutual friendship amongst participating countries.

TOPIK certification is a prerequisite for such a scholarship.

Besides, Korean universities and educational institutions recognize and accept these diplomas for undergraduate entry and postgraduate admission.

TOPIK is vital if you plan to apply for permanent residency or look for a working visa in South Korea. In addition, it is helpful in the ‘Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) operated by the Ministry of Justice.

The KIIP program comprises Korean language training and an Understanding of Korean Society.

More advantages include boosting confidence, traveling to Korea, and confirming your Korean proficiency level.

It can translate into developing your personality at a career and social transitioning level.

TOPIK Exam Structure (Pass Mark)

TOPIK Levels

Thus, there are a total of 6 levels.

TOPIK I is the elementary level test containing two sublevels’ grades (Level 1 and Level 2).

Validity

TOPIK and EPS-TOPIK results are valid for two (2) years from test result announcements. I’d understand if the validity were longer, like 5-10 years, but two years is relatively less.

I have studied Japanese for over a year and learned over 500 Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Yet, today, I might not remember even 200.

If one does not practice and read enough, one will forget the most in a few years.

I’m sure there must be some genuine reason for 2-year validity!

TOPIK Exam in India

Let’s find out everything related to the TOPIK test in India.

TOPIK Test Centers in India

As of January 2023 – There are 54 test centers in South Korea and 250 overseas centers in the rest of the world.

There are 314 TOPIK test centers in 87 countries in total.

The 87th and 90th TOPIK Exam in India will be held in 3 domestic locations: Chennai, Delhi, and Manipur.

Address: School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi.
Contact: 011 – 43345041 / 5000. Email: delhitopik@gmail.com
Website: LINK

Address: InKo Centre, 18, Adyar Club Gate Road / Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science, Chennai.
Contact: 044 – 2436 1224/2435 3869, Email: nandini.menon@inkocentre.org
Website: LINK

Address: CFEL, Room No 29, Central University of Jharkhand, Brambe, Ranchi.
Contact: 75438-97475, Email: head.cfel@cuj.ac.in
Website: LINK

Address: 2nd Floor, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal, Manipur.
Contact: 93126-20171, Email: lhk7388@hotmail.net
Website: LINK

Address: Honorary Consulate General, Korea House, No. 64, Road No. 14, Film Nagar, Hyderabad.
Contact: 044 – 2311-5555/2499-99999. Email: rosann@hcgkr.in

If you have any questions, contact the Korean cultural center in New Delhi.

2023 Exam Dates

The TOPIK exam is held twice in India. Once in April and another in July or October. The timing is from 09:10 to 11:20 am for TOPIK I and 12:20 to 16:20 for TOPIK II.

For 2023, they will be conducted on April 8-9, 2023 (87th) and Oct 15, 2023 (90th).

The registration period for the April exam is from 7 to 13 February 13, 2023. The registration is entirely online and based on a first-come-first-served. The result will be declared on May 25, 2023.

You can complete the online form for the October test from 24th July 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 1st August 2023, 4:00 p.m. They will announce the results on the official website on the 30th of November, 2023.

Examination Fees

The TOPIK test fees will depend on your sign-up level and the country where you decide to take it.

For 87th, 89th, and 90th 2023 TOPIK exams, fees are ₹ 1,200 (TOPIK 1) and ₹ 1,500 (TOPIK 2). You can also take both TOPIK I and II for ₹ 2,500.