How much TEF Canada costs in India
TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français) is administered by the CCI Paris Ile-de-France, not France Éducation international. Fees are set by CCIP and are typically ₹1,000–₹2,000 higher than TCF Canada for the equivalent test configuration.
As of 2026 sessions, expect ₹16,000–₹23,000 for the full 4-section test (Listening + Reading + Speaking + Writing). Mandatory sections alone are ₹11,000–₹15,000, but that configuration does not qualify for Express Entry additional CRS points.
Fees by centre — indicative for 2026
| Centre | Mandatory (L+R) | All 4 sections |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance Française Delhi | ₹14,500 | ₹22,500 |
| Alliance Française Bengaluru | ₹14,000 | ₹22,000 |
| Alliance Française Mumbai | ₹14,200 | ₹22,200 |
| Alliance Française Chennai | ₹13,500 | ₹21,000 |
| Alliance Française Kolkata | ₹13,000 | ₹20,000 |
| Alliance Française Hyderabad | ₹13,500 | ₹21,000 |
| Alliance Française Pune | ₹12,500 | ₹19,500 |
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TEF Canada vs TCF Canada — the fee question
For Express Entry candidates, both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted by IRCC and both produce a CLB-mapped result. TEF is typically ₹1,000–₹2,000 more expensive per test, but has 3 monthly sessions per centre vs 2–4 for TCF.
The right choice depends on availability and format preference. TEF’s Speaking is a face-to-face interview; TCF’s is a similar in-person format. TEF’s Writing is a 60-minute paper with two tasks; TCF’s is 60 minutes with three tasks. Both feed into the same 50-point Express Entry CRS boost at CLB 7+.
Timing for Express Entry candidates
- Book the exam 8–12 weeks after starting focused preparation (assuming an A2 base).
- Results are typically issued 2–4 weeks after the exam.
- IRCC accepts TEF Canada results valid for 2 years from the exam date.
- For CLB 7 targets, budget for one re-sit — the re-sit rate for CLB 7 candidates on their first attempt is roughly 40%.
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Costs to budget beyond the exam fee
- Prep classes: ₹30,000–₹80,000 for structured 12–16 week TEF Canada coaching.
- Mock tests: ₹2,000–₹4,000 per full 4-section mock.
- Prep books: ₹1,500–₹3,000 — CCIP publishes an official TEF Canada preparation book.
- Re-sit: full fee again — minimum 30-day gap between attempts enforced by CCIP.
- Result courier for international submission if IRCC requires physical certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TEF Canada exam fee in India?
₹16,000–₹23,000 for the full 4-section test required for Express Entry additional points. TEF Canada is typically ₹1,000–₹2,000 more expensive than TCF Canada for the same test configuration.
How often is TEF Canada held in India?
About 3 sessions per month at metro Alliance Française centres — comparable frequency to TCF Canada. Registration is via CCIP’s website or through the local Alliance Française.
Is TEF Canada or TCF Canada better for Express Entry?
Both are accepted by IRCC and both feed into the same 50-point additional CRS boost at CLB 7+. The choice depends on availability at your local centre and format preference. TEF is slightly more expensive; TCF is slightly cheaper. Same result impact.
How long are TEF Canada results valid?
2 years from the exam date for IRCC purposes. After that, re-sit is required if the result is still needed for a pending Express Entry submission. The certificate itself is permanent — only the immigration validity expires.
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