Students planning to apply for an ICCR scholarship to study in India will need an English test score from the 2027/2028 academic year. A notice on the Ministry of Higher Education website says every ICCR scholarship applicant must submit a valid IELTS certificate with an overall band of 6.0 or above, or a TOEFL certificate at CEFR B2 or above.
ICCR Scholarship IELTS Requirement at a Glance
| Item | What the Ministry notice says |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarships |
| Starts from | 2027/2028 academic year |
| Applies to | All scholarship applicants |
| IELTS | Valid certificate, overall band 6.0 or higher |
| TOEFL | Certificate at CEFR B2 (Higher Intermediate) or above |
| Certificate validity, application dates, deadline | Not stated in the notice |
What This Means for Sri Lankan Students
- The English score is now mandatory. You still have to meet every other eligibility rule and go through the selection process.
- A preparation course does not replace the test. The notice mentions an optional Global Language Readiness Programme by Routes 2 Roots, taken at your own cost, and says it does not replace IELTS or TOEFL or guarantee selection.
- Applications for 2027/2028 have not been announced in this notice. Watch the Ministry’s scholarship page for the call.
Plan your test date now. If you are finishing A/L or a degree in 2026 and want an ICCR place for 2027/2028, book IELTS or TOEFL early so the certificate is ready when the call opens.
How to Prepare, Step by Step
- Decide between IELTS (target overall 6.0+) and TOEFL (target B2 or above).
- Take a practice test to see how far you are from the target.
- Book the real test early, leaving time for a resit if needed.
- Keep the certificate safe and watch the Ministry of Higher Education website for the 2027/2028 ICCR call.
BrightNook Tips
- Aim above the minimum. 6.0 is the floor, not a guarantee of selection.
- Check the certificate date. The notice says “valid” but does not state how long; confirm before you book too early.
- Check recognition before you go. Our guide on checking whether a degree is recognised explains what to look for.
- Also compare the JDS scholarship if you are a public-sector officer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for an ICCR scholarship?
An overall band of 6.0 or higher, from the 2027/2028 academic year.
Can I use TOEFL instead?
Yes, at CEFR B2 (Higher Intermediate) level or above.
Does the readiness programme replace IELTS?
No. The notice says it does not replace IELTS or TOEFL and does not guarantee selection.
Official Sources
- Ministry of Higher Education тАУ ICCR English proficiency notice (PDF)
- Secretary, Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Higher Education Division), 18 Ward Place, Colombo 07
BrightNook.lk is an independent education website and is not affiliated with ICCR or the Ministry. Details were checked against the Ministry notice on 30 October 2026. Always confirm with the Ministry before applying.
