The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has issued an important notification regarding mandatory English language proficiency requirements for students applying for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship starting from the Academic Year 2027-28. The official notice, released on 06 October 2026, details the minimum required proficiency test scores as well as an optional preparatory language training program introduced by ICCR.
Mandatory English Proficiency Criteria
From the Academic Year 2027-28, all foreign applicants applying for the ICCR Scholarship are required to meet standardized English language proficiency benchmarks. Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following minimum standards:
- IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.0 or above; or
- TOEFL: CEFR B2 / Higher Intermediate level or above.
Attaining IELTS/TOEFL certification will be mandatory for scholarship awards beginning from the 2026-2027 session, with an exception granted only for applicants enrolling in Indian language courses.
Online Advanced English Learning Course
To assist prospective scholarship applicants in reaching the required proficiency standard, the ICCR has introduced an intensive three-month Online Advanced English Learning Course. The program is conducted by Routes2Roots and covers advanced English instruction designed for comprehending academic lectures at Indian higher education institutions, alongside basic conversational Hindi instruction to navigate everyday situations in India.
Participation in the Routes2Roots online preparatory program is purely voluntary for candidates.
Course Schedule and Structure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Commencement | 19 October 2026 (Oct 19, 2026) |
| Program Duration | 12 Weeks (3 Months) |
| Total Number of Classes | 36 Classes |
| Duration per Class | 90 Minutes |
| Class Frequency | Thrice a week (Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday) |
| Slot 1 Time | 1230-1400 Hrs (IST) — Monday/Wednesday/Friday |
| Slot 2 Time | 2330-0100 Hrs (IST) — Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday |
| Program Fee | US$ 50 (USD Fifty; local Nepali currency equivalent not specified in the notice) |
Eligibility and Registration
- Eligibility: Any foreign national possessing basic knowledge of the English language (reading, writing, and speaking skills) is eligible to enroll.
- Registration Link: Candidates can register online directly through the Routes2Roots portal at https://ngo.routes2roots.com/language-registration/2026.
Instructions for Candidates
- All prospective candidates planning to apply for ICCR scholarships for AY 2027-28 must arrange to take either the IELTS or TOEFL examination to ensure compliance with the minimum score criteria.
- Participation in the Routes2Roots preparatory course is optional and not a prerequisite for scholarship application, though it provides targeted preparation for academic lectures.
- Applicants for Indian language courses are exempt from the mandatory English language certification requirement.
Issuing Authority and Inquiries
For additional questions and program details regarding the Online Advanced English Course, candidates may contact:
- Contact Person: Gurpreet Kaur
- Phone: +917042678708
- Email: [email protected]
- Issuing Office: Embassy of India, Kathmandu
Official Downloads
📷 Official Notice Document Snapshot
📄 Document Document
📄 Click to View Full Resolution Document
ICCR Scholarship 2027-28 English Proficiency Requirements and Online Course Announced — official notice issued by Embassy of India, Kathmandu. Verified by Tyrocity.
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