Pune: The Youthbuild Foundation’s Indo-Korean Center (IKC) in Balewadi has been recognized as an official TOPIK Test Centre in Pune by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), under the Ministry of Education, South Korea.
This designation makes Pune the only city in Western India to host the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), an internationally recognized examination for Korean language learners.
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TOPIK Test Centre in Pune Expands Access to Korean Language Certification
With the establishment of the new TOPIK Test Centre, students, professionals, and enthusiasts across Western India now have direct access to a certification that is vital for university admissions in Korea, employment in Korean companies, visa applications, and career advancement.
Introduced in 1997, TOPIK assesses reading, writing, and listening skills in Korean. It is divided into two levels — TOPIK I (beginner, Levels 1–2) and TOPIK II (intermediate to advanced, Levels 3–6). The certification remains valid for two years.
TOPIK Test Centre in Pune: Upcoming Test Schedule
The Indo-Korean Center successfully hosted the 100th TOPIK exam on May 11, 2025, and is now preparing for the 103rd session, scheduled for November 16, 2025.
Registration for the upcoming exam opens on August 26 and closes on August 31, 2025, or once all 200 seats are filled. Applications can be submitted through the IKC website: justkiwa.in
Leaders Highlight Importance of the TOPIK Test Centre in Pune
Dr Eunjoo Lim, Director of the Indo-Korean Center and King Sejong Institute Pune, emphasized:
“TOPIK is more than a language test — it is a key mechanism for building human capital and strengthening Korea–India collaboration in education, culture, and industry.”
Adding to this, Sanjib Ghatak, Founder of the Indo-Korean Center in Pune, highlighted the role of the new TOPIK Test Centre in broadening cultural exchange and providing global opportunities for Indian learners.
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Future Plans for Korean Language Education
Alongside hosting the TOPIK Test Centre, the Indo-Korean Center operates the King Sejong Institute Pune, offering structured Korean language programs and cultural exchange initiatives supported by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
From 2026, the center plans to conduct three TOPIK sessions annually, alongside career-linked education programs and collaborations with corporate partners.
