No Hinglish-Vinglish! India above average in spoken English

India ranks above global average in speaking English with Delhi leading the chart followed by Rajasthan, according to the Global English Proficiency Report by Pearson.

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Banking sector tops speaking score

• Pearson report says India’s average English skills score (52) is lower than the global average (57), but the country’s average English speaking score (57) is higher than the global average (54)
• India’s average English writing score (61) is equivalent to the global average score (61).
• In India, the finance and banking sector leads with the highest speaking score of 63, surpassing the global average of 56. Healthcare has the lowest score (45)

The report released on Monday is an in-depth analysis of English proficiency trends across India, the Philippines, Japan, Egypt, Colombia and Europe.

The Pearson Global English Proficiency Report 2024 aggregated and analysed data from approximately 7,50,000 Versant tests conducted worldwide, offering a detailed snapshot of current skill levels and emerging trends. Versant by Pearson is an English language assessment tool that accurately and efficiently evaluates candidates’ language proficiency, assisting businesses in hiring the best talent suited for their needs.

The report cited that while India’s average English skills score (52) is lower than the global average score (57), the country’s average English speaking score (57) is higher than the global average (54).

The report also said India’s average English writing score (61) is equivalent to the global average writing score (61). Delhi led with the highest English speaking score (63) followed by Rajasthan (60) and Punjab (58).

“In today’s global economy, English proficiency is not just a skill but a strategic asset. The Pearson Global English Proficiency Report 2024 provides business leaders with the data-driven insights they need to make informed decisions about hiring and developing their workforce,” said Giovanni Giovannelli, president of Pearson’s English Language Learning division. According to the report, the Indian market has experienced significant growth in English skills in recent years, which is predicted to continue, with an emphasis on voice-based testing.

“India’s average writing score is 61, matching the global average, reflecting steady improvements driven by increased digital communication and the necessity for written English in global business contexts,” it said.