How to get into Oxford University from India?

Oxford University is one of the most respected institutions in the world. Its alumni include brilliant minds that range across several academic areas of interests. If you’re about to apply, you may be wondering how to get into Oxford University from India? This article will walk you through all the requirements you’ll need to build the strongest application possible. We move across academic, linguistic, and extra-curricular requirements, showing you exactly what you need to do to get into Oxford University. 

General requirements to get into Oxford from India

First and foremost, no matter what course you’re applying for, there are some general requirements you’ll need to have. These don’t only apply to Oxford. Rather, these will be necessary for the majority of international universities you apply to as an international student.

• A strong command of the English language is shown by IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or another formal exam.
• Achieved 10+2 academic qualifications from an accredited institution with pass marks.
• A written personal statement.
• Academic references or letters of recommendation.

But what about when we’re applying to a competitive course at Oxford?

The application process to Oxford is slightly more rigorous than other universities. On top of the previous qualifications, it is likely that you’ll have to sit an entrance exam. Alongside that, you’ll most probably have to partake in a formal interview. Let’s take a look at these aspects in more detail.

Command of the English language

If English is not your first language, don’t worry, you can still go to Oxford! There are 10 different possible methods of proving your proficiency in English. Luckily for us, Oxford has broken down the minimum grade you need to achieve on each of these papers.

Let’s go over the two most common English language proficiency exams. First of all, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The IELTS is broken down into six distinct sections. These cover listening, academic reading, general training reading, academic writing, general training writing, and speaking. Specifically, Oxford requires that you score a minimum of 6.5 per component for standard-level scores.

If you need a higher level score, you’ll have to achieve 7.0 per component. Another popular option for the English language proficiency exam is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The TOEFL assesses four sections – reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Oxford expects a minimum score in each of these sections.

Minimum acceptable scores for TOEFL:

• Reading: 24
• Listening: 22
• Speaking: 25
• Writing: 24

Students often opt for an IELTS tutor or a TOEFL tutor in order to prepare for these exams. A good score in either of these can significantly boost your chances of getting in Oxford! If you do not have access to either of these papers, there are several other methods of qualification you can pursue. Be sure to check out Oxford’s application website for more details.

Additionally, consulting an A-Level English tutor, IB English tutor, or an English tutor in general can enhance your language skills through your education, preparing you for success in these tests and beyond.

Academic qualifications

Depending on the course and university you apply for, the grades you need will vary. Considering Oxford is one of the most competitive universities to get into, you are going to need consistently high scores. When applying from India, be sure that you are taking the CISCE (ISC) or CBSE (All-India SSC) exam boards.

Oxford acknowledges that at the point of application you won’t know your final grades. Due to this, they will be searching for an average of 91+ for A1 and 81-90 for A2.

If applying to a course that requires A*A*A:

• CBSE: A1, A1, A1, A1, A2, with A1 in any subject that is directly relevant to your course.
• CISCE: Average grade of 90% with 95%+ in four subjects and 85%+ in the fifth.

If applying to a course that requires A*AA:

• CBSE: Three A1 and two A2, with any relevant subjects placed at A1 level.
• CISCE: Overall grade at 90%+, with three grades of 95%+ and two grades at 85%+.

If applying to a course that requires AAA:

• CBSE: Two A1 grades and three A2 grades, with A1 in any relevant subjects.
• CISCE: Average of 90% or more with 95%+ in two subjects and 85%+ in the other three.

If you want to see their minimum grade point scores, you can do so here.

Admissions Tests

A large proportion of the Oxford undergraduate courses require an admission exam. For example, if you were applying to study English, you would be required to take the ELAT. Alternatively, if you opted for law, you would need to take the LNAT. Each of these exams requires its own course of study. If you need help studying for a particular Oxford admissions exam, you can always get in touch with our fantastic team of online tutors.

Additional Requirements

Alongside the academic and linguistic portions of your application, you may need to submit written work, references, a personal statement, and sit an interview. Here’s a brief summary of what each of these components means.

Written work – a short piece of your best work from school that directly relates to the subject you want to study at Oxford. Academic reference – a reference from someone who is qualified to discuss your academic potential and achievements (a teacher). Personal statement – a written piece of up to 4,000 characters that outlines your interests within the subject, your achievements, and briefly covers extra-curricular activities you have partaken in.

All things considered, how do I get into Oxford University from India?

Now you know the requirements for getting into Oxford University from India, how exactly do you get yourself ready to apply? First of all, you need to pick what subject you want to study ahead of time. Considering that most courses require an A1 at CBSE for any subjects related to your chosen course, you need to prepare early. Work out which subjects you’ll need to take, and make sure you study hard for them!

Expert Oxbridge tutors suggest students to be sure to pick a course that you have a genuine interest in. By selecting something you’re passionate about, you will be more focused along the way. Knowing your subject will give you a clear goal to work towards, helping to make the application process even easier. Lastly, knowing ahead of time also means that you’ll be able to do some extra-curricular activities that relate to your subject. For example, if you want to study history, why not volunteer at a local museum? Work experience like this will look great on your personal statement and will demonstrate that you have an actual passion for your subject.

Closing Thoughts

To conclude, we hope this guide has helped clarify the application process for you! If you are interested in preparing with an Oxford Summer School, read our thoughts Best of luck with your applications to Oxford University and don't forget, if you need help studying for a particular Oxford admissions exam, you can always get in touch with our fantastic team of tutors.