“India is the largest market for DET, with people taking the test from over 1,200 cities and towns over the last year. While DET is taken by a lot less students globally than TEOFL and IELTS (millions), India has emerged as the largest market for DET. Nineteen cities had more than 2,000 tests takers, including Hong Kong, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Istanbul, Kathmandu, Lahore, Surat, Toronto and Vijayawada. Globally, seven cities had more than 4,000 test takers - Ahmedabad, Beijing, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dhaka and Shanghai. In contrast, DET costs a fraction, or about 25% of the price of other tests.” In 2022, DET was taken by students from 213 countries and regions. “For example, on average, a student in India must pay over a month’s median family income to take a standardised English test through one of the main existing providers. “The cost of English proficiency tests has been a barrier,” she said. It is fast - results come within 48 hours of completing the test - and it is affordable (a fraction of the cost of other proficiency exams).”Taking DET, she said, costs only $49 (about Rs 4,000 in India). “You can take DET online anywhere, anytime - there is no need for travelling to a test centre or appointment needed. “We believe DET will be a game-changer for the current and next generation of study-abroad students,” she said. In India to attend the GSV Emeritus summit, Dewar said that DET is radically more accessible and affordable. “Students interested in studying abroad can certify their English with DET, in place of other standardised tests,” Jennifer Dewar, senior director of Strategic Engagement for DET, told FE.

Following universal recognition by its universities, most recently the Irish government decided to recognise DET for its study visas (in 2021).

Started in 2016 by the language-learning platform Duolingo, DET is currently accepted by over 4,200 higher education programmes worldwide as a proof of English proficiency. Also valid for two years, IELTS costs about Rs 15,500. Short for International English Language Testing System, IELTS is claimed by IDP Education (which administers the test) to be the world’s most popular English language test for work, study and migration, trusted by more than 10,000 organisations. How technology has evolved the English language

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