The Panjab University has now decided to return the favour. Foreign students enrolling themselves here would now have to pass the university’s own English proficiency test. The test would be compulsory and if a student fails, the degree would not be given.

This is probably one of the first instances where an Indian university has introduced a mandatory English proficiency test.

Professor Shelley Walia, Dean Foreign Students, explained the purpose: “We often find that foreign students, who have completed their degrees, have no clue of the language. The mode of instruction here is primarily English so it is appropriate that the student has a basic understanding and skill in the language.”

Whether the test would have minimum passing marks or a grading system of evaluation is yet to be determined. All students, who are not the citizens of India and are studying in the Panjab University, would have to take this test whether they come from English-speaking countries or not.

Every year, around 300 foreign students apply to the Panjab University. Several of them are from the Middle East, Bhutan and Africa. Of late, a lot of students have come from Afghanistan. This is mainly attributed to reinstation of a liberal government in Kabul and the Centre’s proactive policies to foster friendly ties with the Hamid Karzai Government.

The university has, meanwhile, made entry into the Ph d. course strictly on the basis of merit. An exemption, however, has been allowed to the foreign teaching professionals seeking admission in higher education.