The Youthbuild Foundation’s Indo-Korean Center (IKC) in Pune, India, has officially been designated as a certified Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) exam center, effective from January 1, 2025. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the region, offering residents of Pune and western India a valuable opportunity to validate their Korean language skills through an official, internationally recognized exam.
TOPIK, a global proficiency test, assesses the Korean language abilities of non-native speakers and overseas Koreans. Open to participants of all ages and nationalities, the exam has become a key tool for individuals looking to pursue higher education or career opportunities in South Korea and beyond.
The results of the TOPIK exam are widely accepted for various purposes. They are used to meet the admission and graduation standards for universities in South Korea, apply for jobs in both Korean and international companies, obtain visas for permanent residency and employment, enroll in the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program, and even fulfill academic credit requirements for students majoring in Korean at foreign universities.
TOPIK consists of two levels: TOPIK I for beginners, and TOPIK II for intermediate to advanced learners. The exam evaluates candidates' listening, reading, and writing skills, providing a comprehensive measure of their proficiency in the Korean language.
The National Institute for International Education (NIIED), which oversees the administration of the TOPIK exam, is responsible for selecting official exam centers based on their accessibility, facilities, and operational capabilities. The Indo-Korean Center in Pune has successfully met all the necessary criteria, making it an ideal venue to host the exam and ensure a well-organized and standardized testing environment for candidates.
Starting in 2025, the Indo-Korean Center will conduct the TOPIK exam twice a year, with a capacity to accommodate up to 200 candidates per session for both levels. The exam will be administered in a Paper-Based Test (PBT) format, ensuring security and uniformity for all participants.
Dr. Eunjoo Lim, Director of the Indo-Korean Center, expressed her joy and pride over this achievement. She highlighted the extensive effort invested in bringing the TOPIK exam to Pune, acknowledging the challenges faced by students in western India who had previously been required to travel long distances to take the exam. Cities like Delhi, Imphal, and Hyderabad were often the only available locations, a burden that discouraged many from pursuing their goals.
Dr. Lim emphasized that the introduction of the local TOPIK exam center would provide a much-needed opportunity for students and Korean language enthusiasts to demonstrate their proficiency, pursue their academic dreams, and explore potential job opportunities in South Korea and internationally. She expressed her gratitude to the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai for its unwavering support, which played a crucial role in making the project a reality.
The establishment of the TOPIK exam center is expected to open doors to greater success for students, rewarding their dedication and perseverance. Dr. Lim hopes it will serve as a stepping stone, offering students a platform to excel in their studies and careers, as well as encouraging the pursuit of the Korean language and culture.
The Indo-Korean Center in Pune was established as part of a joint initiative between the Youthbuild Foundation, an educational trust, and Kiwa Consultants Pvt. Ltd., under a memorandum of understanding signed on March 25, 2021. The center operates under the leadership of the Youthbuild Foundation and is an integral part of the King Sejong Institute Pune, which aims to foster cultural and educational exchange between India and Korea.
As a hub for Korean language education, the Indo-Korean Center offers a wide range of services. These include Korean language certification programs, corporate language training, and educational and business tours to South Korea. The center also promotes Korean culture and organizations in India, further strengthening ties between the two nations. Equipped with modern facilities such as smart classrooms, a library, a recreational zone, and a cafeteria, the center provides both online and offline language courses taught by native Korean instructors, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for students.
