Pearson VUE Opens Its Largest Test Centre In India

Pearson VUE business, the global leader in computer-based certification and licensure exam delivery has opened one of its largest company-owned test centres in Chandigarh for high-stake examinations, including the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

With the ability to simultaneously accommodate 90 candidates, and deliver more than 14,000 tests per month, this advanced testing facility will cater to the high demand for Pearson VUE’s high-stakes examinations, including the PTE-Academic tests taken by students and professionals aspiring to pursue academic or career opportunities abroad.

“With the launch of our largest testing facility in India, we aim to provide even greater accessibility and convenience to test-takers and professionals in the region who aspire to pursue their careers in India and abroad. Simultaneously, we furnish a state-of-the-art facility equipped with top-tier security measures to uphold the integrity of the tests,” Dr. Gary Gates, Managing Director, Pearson VUE said.

The new Pearson Professional Centre (PPC) will feature enhanced management capabilities and controls in order to maintain the highest standards of integrity. To provide a stress-free testing experience, the centre will feature a multi-layered security approach, encompassing innovative test design and delivery, advanced identity management, secure proctored delivery, automated results validation, and data forensics. 

The test centre has been strategically located in Chandigarh due to the increasing popularity of the PTE Academic Test in Punjab, particularly following its acceptance for Student Direct Stream (SDS) route applications for Canada.

Reflecting on the test centre expansion in India, Gio Giovannelli, President of English Language Learning at Pearson, said, “The opening of this new test centre benefits PTE test takers in Punjab, making it simpler and more convenient for them to take PTE Academic – the faster, fairer English language assessment.”

Entrance Exam Market In India

The Indian education system is known for its rigorous selection process through various entrance exams, which play a significant role in determining a student's future academic and professional trajectory. As such, the entrance exam market in India is highly competitive and constantly evolving to meet the demands of students and institutions alike.

The India test preparation market size is estimated to increase by USD 9.07 billion from 2021 to 2026. The market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 15.02 per cent during the forecast period, according to Technavio.

The test preparation market in India is fragmented, with the presence of several global as well as regional vendors. A few prominent vendors that offer test preparation in India in the market include, Bansal Classes, Kota, CL Educate Ltd, FIITJEE Ltd., Handa Education Services Pvt Ltd, IMS Learning Resources Pvt Ltd, Kaplan Inc., Testbook Edu Solutions Pvt Ltd, Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd., and Triumphant Institute Of Management Education Pvt. Ltd. and others.

The presence of a large number of vendors in the market increases the competition among local vendors. Vendors are investing in and updating their service portfolios to cater to more customers owing to the increasing demand for online test preparation in India. They are using marketing strategies such as free tests and advertisements through social media platforms, such as YouTube and others, to gain competitive advantages.