The National English Language Testing Service (NELTS) is the most recent contribution of the English and Foreign Languages (EFL) University, Hyderabad, to the improvement of standards of English in the country. EFL, the only university in India devoted exclusively to the study of English and foreign languages, is currently engaged in the design and development of a range of English language tests to assess the language proficiency of English users in India. It aims to produce standardised tests at three levels (advanced, middle, basic) to measure the language users’ functional abilities in English; to offer consultancy services to both public and private sector organisations to enable them to administer tests suited to their existing and emerging needs; to respond to the current and future needs of state and central agencies and institutions at the secondary and tertiary levels of education throughout India; and to collaborate with institutions and organisations that are engaged in the design and development of language tests for languages other than English.

The English and Foreign Languages University grew out of the Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL), which was a deemed university instituted by the central government to improve the standard of the teaching of English and foreign languages in the country. At present EFL University offers a variety of courses and research programmes in English, Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. Some courses are also held under the distance education mode.

The programme is advertised in the national editions of major newspapers. The procedure for application is given along with the notification. Further details can be found on the website of the university (www.ciefl.ac.in).

Eligibility

Anyone who is 16 years or older is eligible to take this test. There is no upper age limit. On passing NELTS, students will be awarded a certificate of proficiency in English by EFL University. This certificate will not only enhance a candidate’s qualifications but will also give him or her an idea of how well he or she can use English to perform work and study related functions. His or her score can also give prospective employers an idea of the candidate’s ability to use English at the workplace.

Entrance exam

Currently NELTS offers one test at the middle-level. This test is usually scheduled for November every year .

Pattern of exam

The two-and-a-half-hour test is meant to judge a candidate’s ability to use English for routine purposes at the workplace and for study purposes in post-secondary education. The test also provides an opportunity for individuals who wish to find out how good their English is. The ability to use English as defined for this test includes accurate and contextually appropriate use of language. This test is not linked to any school or college syllabus.

How to prepare

You could go through General English by A.N. Kapoor, Objective English by Prasad, English is Easy by Chaitanya and Objective General English by R.S. Agarwal. For comprehension, the GMAT guides by Barron and Princeton are useful. For grammar, you could go through Current English Grammar and Usage with Composition by Professor R.P. Sinha.

You should develop the ability to read passages quickly. Regular practice of comprehension, grammar and usage will hone your skills.

sample test paper

Fill in the blanks with the right word.

1. We can __________ a lot from the way people spend their money. (deduct / deduce)

2. The ___________ witness of the case was kidnapped before the trial. (principal / principle)

AUTHOR: NOVEL:: ..............................

a) bust: sculptor

b) drama: playwright

c) composer: song

d) poem: poet

Select the word or phrase you believe is closest in meaning to the word given.

CLICHE:

a) a tense witty phrase

b) phrase worn out by repetition

c) appropriate phrase

d) formula

CRASS:

a) cheap

b) worthless

c) ugly

d) unrefined

Select the word or phrase you believe is opposite in meaning to the given word.

WAYWARD :

a) naughty

b) contrary

c) submissive

d) directional

Select the correct spelling:

a) laison

b) liason

c) laiason