One of the most practical questions students ask before starting German coaching: how much does the exam actually cost in India? Here is a complete, up-to-date breakdown of Goethe-Institut and telc exam fees across all levels, with registration tips and what else to budget for.
Important: Exam fees change periodically. The figures below are approximate based on 2025–2026 pricing. Always verify the current fee on the official Goethe-Institut India website (goethe.de/india) or your nearest telc centre before registering.
Goethe-Institut Exam Fees in India (Approximate 2026)
Goethe-Institut exams are available at seven centres in India: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune. Fees are set centrally but may vary slightly by centre.
- Goethe A1 (Start Deutsch 1 / Goethe-Zertifikat A1): approximately INR 7,500 – 9,500
- Goethe A2 (Goethe-Zertifikat A2): approximately INR 8,500 – 10,500
- Goethe B1 (Goethe-Zertifikat B1): approximately INR 12,000 – 15,000
- Goethe B2 (Goethe-Zertifikat B2): approximately INR 15,000 – 18,000
The fee typically includes all four sections (Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen). If you need to retake a failed section, Goethe allows module-level resits at a lower fee — check the current resit policy when you register.
telc Exam Fees in India (Approximate 2026)
telc exams are available at a wider network of licensed centres across India, including cities beyond the seven Goethe-Institut locations. Fees vary more between centres because they are set individually by each licensed provider.
- telc A1: approximately INR 5,500 – 7,500
- telc A2: approximately INR 6,500 – 8,500
- telc B1: approximately INR 9,000 – 12,500
- telc B2: approximately INR 12,000 – 15,500
- telc B2 Pflege (healthcare-specific): approximately INR 12,000 – 16,000 — contact your nearest telc centre directly
Which Is Cheaper — Goethe or telc?
telc exams are generally 15–25% cheaper than the equivalent Goethe exam at the same level. At B1, for example, you might pay INR 10,000 for a telc exam vs INR 13,000 for Goethe. Over a full A1-to-B1 journey, the difference could be INR 5,000–8,000 in total exam fees.
However, if your visa, employer, or citizenship application specifically requires a Goethe certificate, the cost difference is irrelevant — you need the right exam. Always confirm your requirement before optimising for price. See: Goethe vs telc — which should you take?
What Else Should You Budget For?
Coaching fees
Structured coaching with a specialist tutor is the most effective way to prepare — and the cost is worth factoring into your total budget. Prices vary widely in India from INR 500–2,000 per hour for individual tutors on platforms like UrbanPro, to structured batch programmes. Bobby's BoloGerman programme uses small online batches, which are more affordable than individual tutoring while still giving personalised attention. Contact us for current batch fees and availability.
Study materials
Official Goethe and telc past papers are essential and are available for purchase on their websites or at exam centres. Budget approximately INR 800–2,000 per level for authentic exam materials. At BoloGerman, practice sets and mock exam papers are included in the course fee.
Exam resit (if needed)
If you fail one or more sections, both Goethe and telc allow section-level resits. Budget for one possible resit when planning your overall exam budget — ideally with a specific deadline you are working towards.
Registration Tips
- Book early: Goethe B1 slots in Delhi fill 3–4 months in advance. Register as soon as you have a target exam date — not when you feel ready.
- Check the registration deadline: Most centres close registration 4–6 weeks before the exam date. Missing this means waiting for the next available date.
- Pay carefully: Exam fees are usually non-refundable. Confirm your exam date is realistic before paying.
- Bring the right ID: Goethe and telc both require a valid government-issued photo ID on exam day — passport or Aadhaar card. Check the specific ID requirements when you register.
Ready to start preparing? Book a free 15-minute assessment with Bobby to confirm your current level and plan your exam date. Contact us here or WhatsApp directly.
