The impact of declaring English as the national language in the US: Implications for Indian students

The English language has long served as the passport to global opportunities. With about 1.5 billion global speakers, English powers communication, commerce, and education worldwide. The recent move by the U.S. to officially designate English as the national language signals a deepening emphasis on the language—one with direct implications for Indian students.

With roughly 129 million people speaking English across the country, India makes up nearly 9% of the global anglophone population. India's total English-speaking population is second only to that of the U.S., where a little over 300 million people speak the language. For many in India, English is more than a second language—it’s the medium of education, aspiration, and upward mobility. This familiarity has helped Indian students thrive in U.S. classrooms and organizations alike.

However, with English now formalized as the national language of the United States, there may be a renewed emphasis on language proficiency—not just as a credential, but as a core life skill. And for Indian students planning to study, work, or live in the U.S., this brings both opportunity and responsibility.

Beyond Symbolism: A Higher Standard of Communication
This decision of the US, while largely symbolic, reinforces the growing importance of language in civic integration, education, and the workforce. It may reshape how universities, employers, and immigration officers evaluate international applicants. For Indian students—already among the top contributors to the U.S. international student population—clear, confident English communication will become even more essential, from essays written during the admission process to visa interviews to job placements.

Universities may increasingly prioritize students who can not only meet academic standards but also demonstrate fluency in discussions, presentations, and team-based projects in multicultural environments.

English Proficiency Tests: Preparing for More Than Just Admissions
In this context, English proficiency assessments such as the TOEFL iBT® test play a larger role than just fulfilling an admissions requirement. TOEFL is accepted by 100% of U.S. universities. Its integrated structure evaluates all four core skills—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—through academic tasks that simulate real-life university settings.
TOEFL doesn’t just check if a student is “test-ready”—it ensures they’re “campus-ready” and ultimately “career-ready.” For Indian students, who benefit from a strong legacy in English-medium education, TOEFL serves as both a credential and a preparation platform.

A Snapshot of India’s Consistency
India’s track record in standardized English assessments remains robust. India’s TOEFL scores further reflect the sustained commitment to English education and readiness for global academic competition:

2022: Average score – 95.45
2023: Average score – 92.63
2024: Rebounded to 93.97

The GRE Snapshot Report underscores India’s growing momentum, with India being amongst the largest GRE test-taking nations, particularly in STEM and business fields. Many of these GRE aspirants also take the TOEFL, reinforcing their English proficiency alongside academic preparedness.

Role of English language during Visa Process and at Workplaces
Language proficiency is already central to U.S. student visa approvals. During F-1 interviews, students must clearly articulate their academic goals and future plans. As per a recent ETS survey, 85% of respondents who submitted their TOEFL scores successfully secured a student visa, pointing to the test’s value in both academic and immigration pathways. Further, the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Open Doors Report emphasizes that English language skills are not only critical for academic success but also vital for social integration and long-term career development. As post-study pathways like OPT, H-1B, and O-1 become more competitive, employers will continue to prioritize communication skills alongside technical qualifications—mirroring global trends in countries like Canada and Australia.

Proficiency as a Passport
The decision to designate English as its national language is more than a shift in policy for the US —it is likely a reflection of a broader global reality. In today’s interconnected world, English proficiency is no longer a bonus; it is a baseline for access.

For Indian students, this presents a tremendous advantage—but also a call to action. Language should not be approached merely as a test to clear, but as a lifelong skill to master. English is—and will continue to be—a passport to global opportunity. And for India’s aspiring students and professionals, strengthening this passport could open doors far beyond the classroom.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com)