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Time Business News
5 days ago
- General
- Time Business News
What Are the Benefits of Taking the IELTS Mock Test in 2025?
As 2025 unfolds, aspiring students and professionals throughout the world look for opportunities outside their countries. Here, the IELTS test acts as a crucial gateway towards study abroad dreams. It assesses your ability to comprehend ideas in the English language. Diligent study of grammar, vocab, and exam strategies is paramount to prep for the exam. This is possible, when you take IELTS mock test and practice for each module effectively. In this article, you can learn about the benefits of using mock tests before the actual exam so that you can reach to your desired band score easily. So, keep reading! The IELTS paper, whether Academic or General Training, follows a strict structure across its four sections: Listening Reading Writing Speaking Each consists of distinct question types and time limits. While the core format remains consistent with previous years, there are subtle changes to prepare for in 2025. These can be identified through the sample IELTS reading passage with answers or writing prompts found on the trustworthy platforms like It will also clarify the types of questions you will need to solve every day. Using it as an anchor, you can prep for the actual paper easily and reach your target band score. To crack the paper, you must become fluent in English. Only the IELTS mock test can help you simulate the real test environment and help you prep. It has the following benefits: With these tests, you can find out your current level of English skills and your weaknesses. This info can make the base of your study plan and help you zone in on the areas you need to focus on. The IELTS mock test result can analyze if you are ready to sit for the test and get your dream band or not. The mocks can show you the exact structure and question types you will find on your paper. Using them, you can practice the best potential answers and save time and stress on the actual day. Moreover, this familiarity can help you remain calm and keep anxiety at bay, which will directly affect your performance. The IELTS mock test furthermore helps develop an effective time management strategy to employ during the exam. Since IELTS is a time-restricted affair, you need to be quick when solving the paper. In addition, you also need to know some tricks to be efficient and correct while taking it. Hence, only prep tests can teach you how to allocate your time wisely between different sections and avoid stress. If you wish to reach a target band score, you must believe in your abilities. You should have no doubts or qualms about your English skills when taking the exam. And it is only possible if you take the IELTS mock test before the actual day. It will help deepen your knowledge of the XAM format and its questions. Moreover, as you see your scores improve and your weaknesses reduce, you will feel more prepared. These tests are a great way to find areas of strength and for improvement. As you find the sections where you need more work, you can start working on them. Whether it is grammar, vocab, or speaking fluency, you can find your setback through it. Using this info, you can also plan your study time effectively. Taking the mock tests seriously is crucial to cracking IELTS on the first attempt. Here are some tips for you to follow to crack the online prep papers easily: Choose H igh-quality M ocks: You need to opt for mocks from sources with a good rep, like the British Council or IDP site. They need to closely resemble the IELTS format to help you. Look for tests that cover a wide range of topics and difficulty levels. You need to opt for mocks from sources with a good rep, like the British Council or IDP site. They need to closely resemble the IELTS format to help you. Look for tests that cover a wide range of topics and difficulty levels. Analyze Your Answers: After you are done with your prep paper, carefully analyze your answers and circle the errors. You can also use digital IELTS checkers for it. Try to find the source of these errors, like gaps in knowledge of tenses, etc. Furthermore, try and find ways you can avoid them in the future. After you are done with your prep paper, carefully analyze your answers and circle the errors. You can also use digital IELTS checkers for it. Try to find the source of these errors, like gaps in knowledge of tenses, etc. Furthermore, try and find ways you can avoid them in the future. Seek Feedback: If you have tutors or friends with good English proficiency, show them your mocks. Ask them if they can check your test and give you insights on your errors and how to improve them. If you have tutors or friends with good English proficiency, show them your mocks. Ask them if they can check your test and give you insights on your errors and how to improve them. Practice Constantly: Remember, consistency is the key to success. Try and take at least 4-5 mocks before your exam day. These regular rehearsals will further help you recall all that you have learned. If you have a target band score to reach in your IELTS paper, then practice it can help you. You need to solve a sample IELTS reading passage with answers, mocks, and more. These will not only show you your weaknesses but also build your confidence. Moreover, they can also be easily found trustworthy sites of the IELTS owners, the British Council, and IDP. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Business Standard
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Germany ends visa appeals: Costlier path for Indian students, workers
Come July 1, Indian visa applicants to Germany will no longer be able to appeal a rejection through a simple letter to the consulate. The German government has decided to end its visa remonstration process globally, meaning any challenge to a visa refusal will now require formal court proceedings. Germany has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian students and workers, particularly as visa hurdles grow in countries like Canada, the US, and the UK. But this change introduces a fresh layer of complexity for those hoping to travel, study or work there. 'In the past, on a rejected German Schengen visa application, a person could provide a remonstration letter to the consulate or embassy of Germany that rejected it,' said Mamta Shekhawat, founder of a study abroad platform. 'This was an informal appeal of the application where the applicant could provide additional information or clarify any misunderstanding without going through the formalities of legal procedures. It was an affordable and convenient means of reviewing potential mistakes or oversights in the original application.' Shekhawat said the change will affect Indian students in several ways: Greater pressure for perfection: Small mistakes in documentation or confusion on the application could now lead to a flat rejection, requiring a full restart of the process Increased costs and longer delays: Reapplying for a visa means paying fees again and waiting weeks or even months for another appointment No middle ground: Legal appeals are costly and slow, often requiring a German lawyer and possibly taking up to two years for a decision Emotional toll: Students who earlier had some hope of correction through informal channels may now find the process too stressful or uncertain to attempt 'Without the informal appeal, rejected applicants now face two main options,' said Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education. 'One, reapply and pay the fees again. Two, file a formal judicial appeal, which is a far more difficult, costly, and time-consuming path. A case must be filed with the Berlin Administrative Court. For many Indian students, this choice is too expensive,' he said. Shekhawat added, 'The move also highlights the absolute necessity of filing a perfect first-time application. This requires careful preparation, detailed documentation, and expert advice.' She said the German government's reasoning is that scrapping the remonstration process will free up consular staff, allowing them to focus more efficiently on new applications. 'It promotes transparency and creates higher documentation status,' she said. Despite the tougher visa pathway, Shekhawat said services for German university admissions remain unaffected. 'Our focus has always been on getting things right the first time.' Anand noted, 'While initial processing might be faster, the absence of an informal appeal means that any rejection will lead to a complete restart of the application process or a lengthy legal battle, potentially causing significant delays in study plans.' Skilled workers may hesitate to appeal For professionals seeking to work in Germany, the impact is similar. 'The removal of the remonstration process is part of Germany's efforts to improve administrative efficiency, potentially leading to faster processing times for visa applications,' said Varun Singh, managing director at XIPHIAS Immigration. 'But on the downside, skilled workers facing visa denials will now have limited recourse, potentially affecting job opportunities and employer timelines. The formal appeal process may deter some applicants due to its complexity and expense,' Singh added. Tourists and business travellers also affected Visa rejections for short-term visitors will now be harder to contest. 'Streamlined visa processing could benefit travellers by reducing wait times for visa appointments and decisions,' said Singh. 'However, tourists and business travellers who experience visa rejections will no longer have a straightforward method to contest decisions, possibly impacting travel plans and incurring additional costs for reapplication or legal appeals.' Consular Services Portal and rejection data Germany introduced the Consular Services Portal in January 2025, offering step-by-step digital instructions for student, skilled worker, and family reunification visa applications. Early feedback from applicants suggests that the portal has helped reduce documentation errors. 'Dispensing with the remonstration procedure has released considerable staff capacity in visa sections,' said the German Missions. In 2024, Germany rejected 206,733 Schengen visa applications, with a rejection rate of 13.7%. Indian applicants have faced some of the longest delays, with appointment wait times stretching to nearly nine months. The German Missions say they now expect this to drop to just a few days. This change could benefit students applying close to term start dates or workers needing to relocate quickly for jobs.
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Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
H-1B visa applications for 2026 drop 25%, hit 4-year low under Trump
The number of H-1B visa applications for the financial year 2026 has fallen to its lowest in four years, according to data from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Only 358,737 applications were received this year — a sharp drop from over 480,000 in FY2025 and the lowest since FY2022, which recorded 308,613 applications. Out of these, 120,141 registrations were selected to move forward in the process. The H-1B visa programme, used heavily by Indian IT professionals and US tech firms, grants 85,000 visas annually, including a 20,000 carve-out for those with US master's degrees. According to USCIS, this year's numbers reflect both a fall in total submissions and a marked reduction in multiple registrations per applicant. Eligible registrations fell from 470,342 in FY2025 to 343,981 this year Unique beneficiaries dropped from 442,000 to 339,000 Average registrations per applicant dropped to 1.01 from 1.06 Only 7,828 applications were filed on behalf of beneficiaries with multiple registrations — down from 47,314 last year The number of participating employers, however, remained relatively stable at 57,600. The drop coincides with recent changes to the H-1B registration system. For FY2026, USCIS implemented a beneficiary-centric approach, meaning each candidate could only be counted once in the selection lottery, regardless of how many employers filed for them. 'The decline in H-1B visa registrations this year doesn't necessarily reflect a lack of appetite — it's more about a correction in the system,' said Varun Singh, managing director of XIPHIAS Immigration. 'Last year, the unusually high number of registrations raised concerns about misuse — with multiple applications being filed for the same candidate to game the lottery.' He added that the new process offers 'a more accurate picture of genuine demand.' Visa reforms and tech layoffs The downturn in numbers comes amid a stricter immigration environment in the US. A mix of policies under the Trump administration — including the reintroduction of the 'Catch-and-Revoke' rule, which cancels visas of individuals found violating US law even once — and an increase in visa-related fees has made the process more complex and expensive. In January, the H-1B registration fee was raised from $10 to $215. 'This fee hike is not a small jump, especially for startups and smaller firms,' said Mamta Shekhawat, founder of 'Many are now more selective, only filing for niche or project-critical roles.' The broader employment situation in tech has also affected numbers. Between 2024 and 2025, over 260,000 tech jobs were cut globally. As of May 2025, more than 52,000 workers had already been affected across 123 companies. According to a Bloomberg report, in April alone, 19 companies laid off 23,468 employees — a steep rise from March, when 8,834 professionals across 21 firms lost their jobs. The most cuts came from Intel, which announced plans to reduce about 20 per cent of its workforce. Meta also let go of nearly 100 employees, while Google laid off hundreds from its platforms and devices unit around mid-April. Indian tech companies were not spared. Gupshup, which works in conversational AI, laid off around 200 employees, and Cars24 also announced job cuts. The total number of H-1B registrations had soared in FY2024 to nearly 781,000 before USCIS began tightening controls. The fall in applications since then has been steady: FY2024: 780,884 registrations FY2025: 479,953 FY2026: 358,737 But the demand still far exceeds supply. For FY2026, more than 343,000 eligible registrations were filed for just 85,000 available visas. 'The US is still a top destination for Indian talent,' Singh said. 'What's changing is the intent to bring more transparency and fairness into the H-1B process — which in the long term, actually helps both employers and employees.' Key figures from FY2026 H-1B cap season Total registrations: 358,737 Eligible registrations: 343,981 Selected registrations: 120,141 Unique beneficiaries: 339,000 Unique employers: 57,600 Registrations per beneficiary: 1.01 Multiple registrations: 7,828 The registration period for FY2026 was open from March 7 to 24. Selected applicants can now submit full petitions for visa approval.
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Business Standard
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India-UK trade deal may cushion blow of UK visa curbs on students: Experts
On May 6, 2025, India and the United Kingdom concluded talks for a free trade agreement (FTA). Less than a week later, the newly elected Labour government under Keir Starmer released a white paper proposing sweeping immigration reforms. The timing has stirred discussion on what these parallel developments could mean for Indian students, who have been one of the largest international student groups in the UK. The country has long been seen as a top choice due to its post-study work opportunities, prestigious universities, and clear education-to-employment pathways. Can the FTA support Indian students in the UK? Aritra Ghoshal, founder and director at One Step Global, believes the FTA could help, but only if education is explicitly included. 'Such agreements often go beyond goods and services; they open the doors for mobility of talent and recognition of qualifications,' said Ghoshal. 'If education is treated as a service under the FTA, we may see smoother visa norms, better mutual understanding of degrees, and maybe even work-integrated pathways for Indian students.' Rahul Subramaniam, co-founder of Athena Education, said the FTA could make it easier for Indian graduates to work in the UK if it leads to mutual recognition of professional qualifications. 'It could lead to more exchange programmes, joint research projects, and potentially better visa arrangements,' he said. Christopher Abraham, head of SP Jain School of Global Management in Dubai, said the agreement might even encourage UK institutions to increase collaboration with Indian universities. 'It could also encourage fewer financial or regulatory constraints, enabling Indian students to access better quality education in the UK,' he added. But others are more cautious. Mamta Shekhawat, founder of pointed to the government's shift in tone on immigration. 'The white paper establishes whole new approaches to migration, be it for education, work, or family. The pathway to permanent residency for students will become longer and more competitive,' she said. Graduate route under review One of the most discussed proposals in the immigration white paper is a review of the Graduate Route, which allows international students to remain in the UK for work after finishing their studies. Key proposals include: Shortening the Graduate visa from 2 years to 18 months Limiting eligibility to graduates entering RQF level 6 and above jobs Reviewing the long-term future of the route altogether 'The shortening of the Graduate Route period, coupled with heightened employment criteria, may be detrimental to perceived return on investment,' said Abraham. New rules for sponsoring universities The white paper proposes stricter oversight of institutions hosting international students. Changes include: < Raising the Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) threshold by 5 percentage points < Introducing a red-amber-green rating system to classify universities by compliance levels < Enforcing improvement plans and recruitment caps for poorly performing universities < Requiring institutions to sign up to the Agent Quality Framework if they use international agents Concerns have also been raised around asylum claims by international students nearing visa expiry, particularly from countries where conditions haven't changed. Students from lower-ranked institutions have shown the sharpest rise in visa grants, the white paper said. Financial and visa restrictions Among other proposals, a new levy on international student tuition fees is being considered, with proceeds going to the UK's higher education and skills system. The short-term English study visa is being reviewed due to a high refusal rate of 48% in 2024 Study visa grants peaked at 498,000 in the year ending June 2023, with student net migration at 262,000 in June 2024. Dependants of students rose sharply from 16,000 in 2019 to 143,000 in 2023, according to the white paper. Indian students reconsidering options 'The recent tightening of post-study visa norms and immigration scrutiny has understandably made some students cautious,' said Ghoshal. He added that while students haven't entirely turned away from the UK, many are comparing it more closely with countries like Australia and New Zealand, where the path to work or residency may seem more predictable. 'It's not about the UK becoming 'less attractive', but about students wanting greater clarity and assurance before making such a big decision,' he said. Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of Leverage Edu, said the white paper proposals were expected and reflect a balance between different interests. 'From an India lens, with the UK-India FTA in the backdrop, we're likely to see prioritisation of talent in sectors like healthcare, technology, environment, culinary arts, and retail,' he said. 'I wouldn't read too much into the 24 to 18-month change on the Graduate Route.' He also noted that the new English requirements were long due and welcomed stronger compliance through frameworks like the Agent Quality Framework. 'At least in India, we saw the British Council, BUILA and others drive this for a while now,' he said. FTA could soften impact of immigration clampdown Experts said the FTA could become a counterbalance to the tightening immigration rules, depending on how it is framed. 'If strategically leveraged, the UK-India FTA could restore confidence by promoting greater institutional collaboration, clearer qualification recognition, and smoother pathways for professional integration,' said Subramaniam. Abraham agreed. 'Balanced policies that align immigration with talent branding will enable the UK to remain competitive,' he said. Ghoshal added that a dedicated India-UK talent corridor, focused on education, tech, or research, could help regain lost ground—'but it needs to be more than lip service,' he said.
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Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Why Indian students prefer Ireland over UK, US, Canada in 2025: Decoded
Indian students are increasingly looking beyond traditional destinations like the UK, US and Australia when choosing where to study abroad. According to a study-abroad platform, interest in countries like Ireland has surged by 38% in the past year. 'In 2024, the total number of Indian students going abroad fell by nearly 15% from the previous year,' said Mamta Shekhawat, founder of 'Canada recorded the sharpest drop at 41%, followed by 27.7% in the UK and 13% in the US. Meanwhile, interest in Singapore, Ireland and Dubai has grown.' Ireland sees rise in student enrolments 'Ireland has firmly positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing study abroad destinations for Indian students,' said Sachin Jain, Country Manager at ETS India & South Asia. 'Enrolments rose nearly 50% from around 4,745 in 2022–23 to over 7,070 in 2023–24.' He attributed this growth to several factors: * Public universities and 14 institutes of technology, including Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin * Tuition and living expenses ranging from EUR 30,000–40,000 per year—30–40% lower than the US or UK * One-year master's programmes * The Third Level Graduate Scheme, allowing one to two years of post-study work * Large employers across tech, healthcare and consulting sectors recruiting from campuses 'Ireland has one of the most stable international student policy frameworks globally,' Jain said. 'It promotes genuine students who come to study and work. TOEFL is accepted for visa applications, and students can use either test-centre or home edition scores.' He added that students cannot switch between courses or universities mid-way and must apply afresh. 'There is no dependent visa, and study visa duration doesn't count towards permanent residency. Those on critical skills permits can apply after two years of work.' Top source country for Irish universities According to IDP Education, India was the leading source country for international students in Ireland in 2023–24. 'Ireland is fast becoming a preferred destination for Indian students looking for quality education and career opportunities,' said Piyush Kumar, Regional Director for South Asia, Canada and LATAM at IDP Education. 'There's a post-study work visa of up to two years, a welcoming environment, and no cap on international student numbers.' He also pointed to the presence of global employers: 'Ireland hosts the European headquarters of companies like Google, Meta, Apple and Microsoft. It's the EU's second largest pharmaceutical exporter and a global leader in medtech.' Trinity College Dublin is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), which Kumar described as an indicator of Ireland's academic standing. English-speaking and accessible 'Ireland's English-speaking environment removes language barriers students often face elsewhere,' said Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director at Career Mosaic. 'The immigration process is streamlined, and students find the transition from study to work quite smooth.' She said Ireland suits those looking at business, health sciences, analytics or innovation-led careers, while countries like Germany still appeal to those in core engineering. 'Ireland ticks key boxes—English instruction, two-year stay-back, and alignment between education, immigration, and industry,' added Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder and CEO of Leverage Edu. 'Student numbers have grown from 700 in 2013 to over 7,000 in 2023.' Sectors offering strong job prospects Zaveri said the strongest job prospects for Indian graduates in Ireland are in IT, finance, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. 'Dublin's growth in financial services post-Brexit has opened up roles in banking, investment and fintech. There's also rising demand for allied health professionals.' She noted that some fields still lag: 'Architecture and aerospace engineering are still developing and don't offer the same opportunities yet.' How Ireland compares on cost and work Jain said tuition and living expenses in Ireland typically range from €30,000–40,000 per year. Students can work 20 hours a week during term time and earn up to €250 weekly. Starting salaries post-graduation usually fall between €30,000–40,000 (Rs 28-37 lakh), which Jain said provides a good return on investment. Merit-based scholarships also make a difference: < Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship covers tuition and living costs for postgraduate students < Scholarships from University College Dublin and Dublin City University range from €2,000 to €7,000 Life beyond Dublin Zaveri said cities like Cork, Galway and Limerick offer affordable living, respected institutions and growing job markets. 'Dublin is a major hub, but these cities are gaining popularity for their mix of affordability and quality education.' While some students take time to adjust to Ireland's independent learning style, she said most adapt well with university support services. Challenges and adjustments Shekhawat said tighter immigration rules and reduced post-study work options in places like Australia and Canada have contributed to the decline in traditional destinations. 'These changes discourage students who are looking for long-term career prospects.' While Ireland has become an attractive option for Indian students, it still presents some challenges—particularly around housing, cost of living in major cities, and adapting to a different academic culture. 'Accommodation has been a bit tricky, especially in Dublin,' said Piyush Kumar of IDP Education. 'But the Irish government is investing €100 million to help universities build more on-campus housing. It shows they're taking steps to support international students.' Living expenses can be steep in central Dublin, especially when compared to cities in Germany or parts of Eastern Europe. Rent, transport and food bills in the capital often stretch budgets, and students are increasingly considering alternatives. Cultural adjustment is another factor. 'The weather in Ireland tends to be grey and rainy, and for some students, that can be a bit of a downer initially,' said Kumar. 'But the active Indian community helps ease the transition.' Academically, the style of teaching in Irish universities focuses heavily on independent research and critical thinking, which can be unfamiliar at first. 'Students used to more structured or guided learning environments may need time to adapt,' said Zaveri. 'But with proper orientation, academic counselling and peer support, they usually settle in well.' There are also structural differences in student policies that some may find restrictive. 'Ireland doesn't offer dependent visas for international students, so those travelling with spouses or children might face hurdles,' said Jain. 'Also, time spent on a study visa does not count towards permanent residency, which some students overlook when making long-term plans.' Despite these issues, student feedback remains largely positive. 'The clarity of Ireland's post-study work options and the availability of part-time jobs make it a workable destination for most students,' Zaveri said. 'It's not without its challenges, but many find it a better balance than other destinations right now.'
