Indian students and professionals looking to study or work abroad have been expanding their destination options recently, signalling a substantial change in the international education environment. Traditional choices like the United States and Canada are experiencing competition from growing locations like Singapore, Australia, France, and Sweden, according to statistics published by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which conducts the TOEFL exam. This change reflects the changing goals and motives of Indian test-takers.

Since 2017, the United States and Canada have held the top two spots as the most popular destinations for Indian TOEFL test takers. The third and fourth positions were held by Germany and the United Kingdom, respectively, until a significant shift in 2020 saw the UK overtake Germany for the third rank. This change emphasises how flexible options for overseas schooling are. While the top five destination countries have stayed largely unchanged over the previous few years, Sachin Jain, the Country Manager of ETS India and South Asia, asserts that these growing countries are gaining popularity among Indian test takers. This pattern reflects the evolving goals and driving forces of Indian professionals and students.

PTI’s exclusive access to data reveals interesting patterns in the test-takers’ motivations. From 5.83 percent of all test takers in 2021 to 7.77 percent in 2022, the proportion of Indian test takers planning to continue secondary education and certificates overseas has consistently gone up. In contrast, the percentage of people seeking immigration or employment has decreased, going from 8.19 percent to 7.22 percent over the same time period. The percentage of Indian exam takers in this category increased from 70.84 percent in 2021 to 71.87 percent in 2022, indicating a growing interest in graduate and postgraduate programmes overseas. This demonstrates how eager Indian students are to take advantage of opportunities for top-notch education on a global scale.

Notably, there has been a sharp rise in Indian test takers for the TOEFL. A startling growth of 53% over the prior year was seen in 2021, and this trend continued into 2022 with a growth of 59% over 2021. The TOEFL test has had significant participation in major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Gurugram, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.

The TOEFL has most recently been approved as a valid language competency test under Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS), which is intended to speed up the processing of study permits for overseas students. This development is anticipated to increase the number of Indian exam takers even more, opening up a new pathway for Indians looking to enrol in Canadian universities. More than 12,000 colleges in more than 160 countries accept the TOEFL score. Over 98% of UK universities recognise its validity, and it is generally acknowledged in other popular study destinations like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Data from the Education Ministry that were given in Parliament highlight the rising worldwide mobility of Indian students in search of chances for higher education. In 2022, the number of Indian students enrolling in higher education overseas exceeded 7.5 lakh, marking a six-year high. India will overtake China as the country that sends the most foreign students to the United States in 2022, highlighting this trend even further.

In conclusion, a changing environment in international education is reflected in the preferences and motives of Indian TOEFL test takers. Indian students and professionals are becoming more interested in emerging nations while still travelling to major conventional locations like the United States and Canada. As the world grows more interconnected, there are more options for Indian aspirants to consider when it comes to furthering their education and careers abroad.

Literature has a great ability to take us through various times, locations, and viewpoints while providing a window into the human experience over the ages. There are few eternal classics in the huge world of literature that continue to enthral and speak to readers from all backgrounds. These works of literature have stood the test of time, and the themes and concepts they contain are just as relevant today as they were when they were first written. These classics have established themselves as must-reads in the world of literature, promising readers both enjoyment and enlightenment through epic adventures and profound philosophical thoughts.

1. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)

Austen’s masterpiece is a delightful blend of sharp wit, sparkling dialogue, and enduring themes. It’s a story that appeals to both your mind and heart, with its romance, expensive clothing, and biting societal satire. 

2. Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)

Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking science-fiction novel explores the consequences of tampering with life. It’s a story that remains relevant today as we grapple with the ethical dilemmas of technology.

3. Orlando (Virginia Woolf)

Take a whimsical journey through centuries as you follow the enigmatic Orlando, who undergoes a transformation from a nobleman to a woman, exploring the fluidity of gender and love across time.

4. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)

This seemingly simple story about the lives of the four March sisters carries profound messages about personal growth, familial responsibilities, and societal expectations during the nineteenth century.

5. Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)

Charles Dickens presents the captivating story of Pip, an orphan boy who rises from humble beginnings to a world of wealth and respectability, only to discover the true nature of happiness.

6. The Time Machine (H.G. Wells)

H. G. Wells’ pioneering science-fiction novella introduces the concept of time travel and continues to inspire the imagination of writers and readers alike.

7. Women of the Harlem Renaissance (Marissa Constantinou)

Explore topics including love, jazz, and Jim Crow legislation as you delve into the brilliant creativity of Black women during the Harlem Renaissance. In this outstanding collection, you’ll find voices from both well-known and obscure authors.

8. Of Mice and Men (John Steinback)

This poignant tale revolves around two migrant friends, George and Lennie, and their dream of owning a piece of land despite the challenges they face.

9. Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert)

A timeless examination of a woman’s ambitions and social limitations can be found in Gustave Flaubert’s moving depiction of Emma Bovary’s tribulations in a loveless marriage.

10. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)

This book, which is set in the made-up town of Macondo and features a compelling fusion of magic realism and social critique, follows the Buendia family through several generations.

These classic novels offer not only entertainment but also profound insights into the human experience. Whether you’re drawn to romance, science fiction, social commentary, or historical narratives, these timeless works have something to offer every reader. So, embark on a literary journey through these classics and discover the enduring relevance of these timeless tales.

In the vast literary landscape of fiction, where countless worlds are born from the boundless imagination of authors, choosing just five novels to represent the pinnacle of storytelling is no easy task. However, in this article, we embark on a captivating journey through the realms of fiction to unveil the top five best novels that have left an indelible mark on readers’ hearts and minds. These novels, which range from timeless classics that have endured to contemporary masterpieces that have redefined the genre, are proof of the continuing power of narrative by taking us to new worlds, allowing us to empathise with intriguing people, and pressing our perceptions of reality. Join us as we explore this literary gem, where every page is an adventure just waiting to be found.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird 

Harper Lee is renowned for one novel that had an enduring impression. She is frequently listed as one of the most influential writers in literary history. 1960 saw the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird, which quickly rose to fame. The book examines racism in the American South from the naive viewpoint of Jean Louise Finch, a bright little girl who goes by the nickname “Scout” Finch. During a period of heightened racial tensions, its renowned characters, particularly the kind and just lawyer Atticus Finch, acted as rays of hope and catalysts for shifting cultural perspectives. In addition to winning the 1962 Academy Award for Best Novel, To Kill a Mockingbird also won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, significantly enhancing its impact on American culture.

2. The Great Gatsby

A standard work in the school curriculum, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald stands out as a key source for teaching students the craft of critical literary analysis. Nick Carraway, a young guy who recently moved to New York City, observes the events of the book through the eyes of his mysterious nouveau riche neighbour, Jay Gatsby. The Jazz Age of the 1920s in American history may be seen firsthand in this literary classic, which also critiques the idea of the “American Dream.” The novel’s cover illustration, which features an expressive face against a deep blue night sky with city lights, is perhaps its most well-known example of a symbol that is firmly ingrained in the text.

3. And Then There Were None

Agatha Christie, the undisputed queen of mystery, invites us into the intriguing world of And Then There Were None. Published in 1939, this suspenseful masterpiece has mesmerized generations of readers. The story begins with ten strangers, each lured to a remote island by a mysterious millionaire’s invitation. However, their anticipation turns to unease when their host is nowhere to be found. As the plot unfolds, tension rises, and the body count increases. Agatha Christie skillfully delves into the minds of her characters, exposing their guilt, fear, and paranoia. The novel becomes a riveting exploration of the consequences of their past actions. This novel is a testament to Christie’s mastery of the mystery genre. It’s a timeless classic that continues to captivate both seasoned mystery enthusiasts and newcomers, solidifying Christie’s legacy as the queen of mystery fiction.

4. The Kite Runner 

Khaled Hosseini’s powerful novel, The Kite Runner, published in 2003 and spending two years on the New York Times bestseller list, delves deep into the turbulent history of Afghanistan. Narrated by Amir, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the Taliban’s oppressive regime and their ban on kite flying, a cultural touchstone in Afghanistan. Amir’s introspective narrative takes readers back 25 years to Kabul, where he was a 12-year-old boy. The heart of the story lies in a pivotal moment from Amir’s past when he betrayed his loyal friend and family servant, Hassan, which haunts him throughout his life and forms the emotional core of the novel. Hosseini’s storytelling is a poignant exploration of themes that resonate universally and the enduring quest for personal growth and reconciliation. Through the vivid tapestry of Afghanistan’s history and culture, The Kite Runner not only offers a gripping narrative but also a profound meditation on the enduring human spirit and the power of redemption.

5. A Tale of Two Cities

In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens immerses readers in the turbulent late 18th-century French Revolution, a historical fiction masterpiece published in 1859. Set against the backdrops of London and Paris, the novel follows the destinies of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat who disavows his family, and Sydney Carton, a self-deprecating English barrister. Their intertwined destinies serve as a captivating lens through which readers witness the tumultuous evolution of society. Dickens’ narrative brilliance shines as he weaves together a tapestry of historical events and deeply human stories, leaving an indelible mark on the world of literature. A Tale of Two Cities stands not only as a masterpiece of its time but as an enduring testament to the power of storytelling to transcend the ages.