There has been a 70% increase in the number of students from India taking up the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission to post graduate studies abroad. The number of candidates from India appearing for GRE increased from 33,504 in 2011-12 to 56,782 in 2012-13. India’s increase is much higher than the China’s 45% or 6% rise in US candidates. India comprise the second largest group of test takers, after the US (3,37,782) with China (42,357) in the third place.
Receding job opportunities in the country have prompted students to look overseas. Also there has been an improvement in the US economy; as a result the students are no longer apprehensive to study abroad. They are more positive about getting a job at the end of their studies. US graduate schools are already witnessing a spike in foreign enrollments and with the admissions growing at the fastest pace since 2006, experts say that Indian students have fuelled this increase. In addition, the easier visa norms of US to apply for higher studies have encouraged students to apply for the courses overseas.
