KCCI & Korean Govt to Establish First-Ever Korean Education Dept in India

New Delhi, India — In a landmark move that underscores the growing popularity of the Korean language and culture in India, the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI), in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Korea, is set to launch the country’s first dedicated Korean Education Department. The department is expected to open between April and May 2025. It aims to streamline the rapidly expanding Korean language education ecosystem, starting with the administration of the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) exams.

The new department will begin operations by co-administering the 101st TOPIK Exam scheduled for July 13, 2025, and take full charge of all Korean language education-related matters from the 102nd TOPIK Exam on October 19, 2025.

The announcement comes in response to the growing interest in Korean language studies in India, driven by an increasing affinity for Korean culture, including K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean food. As demand intensifies, the need for better infrastructure and centralized oversight has become evident, prompting KCCI to institutionalize the effort with government backing.

This represents a nearly 90% increase in seat availability in Delhi compared to the 2024 96th TOPIK exam. Bengaluru too saw a 50% rise in seats from 2024 to 2025, demonstrating the authorities’ commitment to meeting demand.

Why a Dedicated Education Department Now? Until now, the administration of Korean language education and the TOPIK exams in India has been decentralized, often involving coordination between various institutions with limited resources. The establishment of the Korean Education Department seeks to resolve these operational inefficiencies by centralizing curriculum development, teacher training, examination management, and outreach programs under a single entity.

This department will not only standardize Korean language instruction across India but also provide institutional support to universities and schools that plan to introduce the Korean language as part of their curriculum. Additionally, it will give pedagogical materials, training modules for instructors, and help formalize Korean studies as an academic discipline in India.

A Cultural and Educational Milestone: The timing couldn’t be more apt. Over the past five years, Korean studies has evolved from a niche interest into a mainstream educational aspiration among Indian students. Multiple Indian universities, including Jawaharlal Nehru University and the University of Delhi, already offer Korean language courses, while private institutions continue to see increasing enrollment.

“The passion of Indian people for Korean culture and language has made this possible,” said a KCCI official, adding, “With the new department, we’re not just improving exam logistics—we’re investing in the future of cultural diplomacy and education.”