What it is
The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Higher Education Division) has told prospective applicants for scholarships offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) about a new rule. From the 2027/2028 academic year, every applicant must submit a valid English language certificate.
Who can apply
The notice applies to everyone who intends to apply for an ICCR scholarship. It does not list the scholarship levels or other eligibility rules. Those come from the usual ICCR scholarship call, and applicants must still meet them and go through the selection process.
Key dates
- Applies from the 2027/2028 academic year.
- The notice gives no application opening or closing date for ICCR scholarships.
- The Ministry's page showing the notice is marked "Last Update: 23 October 2026". The notice itself carries no date.
What you must submit
One of these certificates is mandatory:
- IELTS: an overall band score of 6.0 or above, or
- TOEFL: CEFR B2 / Higher Intermediate or above.
The Ministry advises applicants to arrange the qualification before they submit their application.
Optional English course
The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka shared details of the Global Language Readiness Programme, run by Routes 2 Roots. Applicants may follow it at their own expense if they find it useful. The notice states clearly that:
- the course does not replace the IELTS or TOEFL requirement, and
- taking or completing it does not guarantee eligibility or selection for an ICCR scholarship.
The notice refers to a flyer for course details. Read the flyer in the official notice before paying for anything.
Fees and support
The notice does not give fees for the IELTS or TOEFL tests. The optional course is at the applicant's own cost, and the notice gives no price.
Before you apply
- Check the date and format of your IELTS or TOEFL test early, so the certificate is valid when you apply.
- Watch the Ministry's scholarships pages for the ICCR call itself. This notice does not open applications.
- Contact: Higher Education Division, Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, No. 18, Ward Place, Colombo 07.