FAQs
Educating, informing & naturally guiding you through it all.
IELTS FAQs
How do I choose between the two versions of IELTS?
If you are interested in moving to an English-speaking country for international education, then you should opt for IELTS Academic and, for work or immigration purposes, IELTS General is recommended.
When can I take the IELTS test?
IELTS is available on 48 fixed dates a year – up to four times a month, depending on local demand.
Is there any facility for specially-abled students?
IELTS test takers make every possible effort to ease the process for specially-abled students. The Touchstone team also pays special attention to the needs and requirements of every student.
Is there an option to postpone or cancel my test application?
If you want to postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will be eligible to receive a refund minus the administrative charges. If you want to postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will not receive any refund unless you have some authentic medical reasons.
Is the listening part accompanied by instructions and pauses?
Yes, at the beginning of the tape you will hear instructions and one sample question for reference.
Can I use a pen for the reading and listening test?
No. The entire paper needs to be attempted using a pencil as the answer sheet is scanned by a computer that does not understand the pen.
Do I Need Additional Documents For The Speaking Test?
You need to bring the same identification documents that were supplied on the IELTS application form and used during the rest of the test. ID cards are checked before entering the interview room.
What Is The Passing Score For IELTS?
There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are allotted as per the 9-band system. Every educational institution sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet students' requirements for eligibility.
Is There A Possibility To Re-Sit The Test?
There is no limit to sitting for the test. However, it is always recommended to prepare well beforehand to achieve your desired score.
TOEFL FAQs
How many times can I take the TOEFL test?
Aside from the mandatory 12-day waiting period between tests, there is no official limit as to how many times a student may take the test
Can I carry personal items into the test center?
You can carry your personal items in the test centre, but not to the room where the test is administered. The test-takers will store your belongings in their on-site lockers.
How much time does it take to complete TOEFL preparation?
You need at least a month or more for complete TOEFL preparation, depending on your current level of English proficiency.
What is considered a ‘good’ TOEFL score?
There is no universally accepted passing score for TOEFL. Every institution sets its own benchmark of marks.
Is TOEFL accepted anywhere other than educational institutions?
In addition to admission to top-class universities, TOEFL is also accepted by immigration departments and professional licensing bodies.
Is there any way to avail TOEFL waiver?
If your native language is not English, you will most probably have to sit for the TOEFL test. It will be waived off only in case of the availability of any other substantial proof of English proficiency.
Is there any eligibility criteria for the TOEFL test?
The ETS, conducting body of TOEFL, has not set any eligibility criteria for the test takers. Anyone willing to study, work or migrate to an English-speaking country.
What is the policy to cancel the exam?
Cancelling your registration 4 days before the exam will fetch you half of the test fee. Refunds will be available only in USD and not in cash.
PTE FAQs
What is the validity of PTE scores?
PTE Academic exam results are valid for 2 years after getting them.
How many times can I sit for the PTE exam?
The test can be taken after a 5-day gap. Other than that, students are free to take the tests as many times as they like.
Is there any age limit to appear for the PTE exam?
Candidates must be 16 years or older to sit for the PTE exam. Children under the age of 18 need a consent form signed by their parents to sit for the exam.
How do we get PTE Academic results?
Results are accessible online after 2 working days of taking the test. It can also be accessed through the PTE student account.
Can I reschedule or cancel my PTE exam?
If you decide not to take the PTE test 14 calendar days prior to the test date, you will be eligible for a refund. You can also reschedule your selected test date online or via phone.
Where is the PTE score accepted?
PTE has global acceptance including top-tier institutions like Harvard and Yale. You can check the full list of institutions on the PTE website.
What makes PTE stand out?
Faster results and objective scores are what make PTE stand out. Students don’t have to speak to the examiner or write their answers by hand in PTE.
CELPIP FAQs
How and when do I access my CELPIP score?
CELPIP test scores are easily available online through students' CELPIP accounts within 4 to 5 calendar exams after taking the test. The test scores can be viewed for a period of 2 years.
What identification do we need on the test day?
Valid photo identification and test confirmation mail are what you need on the test day.
Can we cheat in the CELPIP exam?
“Cheating in the CELPIP exam may lead to cancellation of your test”. Any action that helps one gain an unfair advantage in the CELPIP test is considered ‘cheating’ by Paragon.
Paragon reserves the right to report the suspected cheater to government agencies or other organisations for investigation and enforcement purposes.
How many washroom breaks will I receive during my CELPIP test?
Test takers are always encouraged to use the washroom only before or after the test. The CELPIP tests are timed and do not pause for any reason.
What is the policy to cancel my test registration?
If you send a cancellation request 7 days prior to your exam day, you will be eligible to receive a fifty percent refund on the amount of registration
Can I get a hard copy of the official score report?
Students can receive a hard copy of the official test report after paying extra charges. They can also request for ‘priority shipping’ with further additional charges.
Can I apply for score re-evaluation?
CELPIP score re-evaluation is available for some components of the test within 6 months of the test date.
Does everyone take the same test?
Even while two students are taking the test at the same time, no 2 students will receive the same question paper. Each test variant will have some unique questions and some shared ones with other variants.
SPOKEN ENGLISH FAQs
Do you have the same class for a beginner and an advanced speaker?
We have 3 different levels for our learners.
L0- survival
read + write + can’t understand.
L1- way stage
read + write + understand + can’t speak.
L2- threshold
read + write + understand + speak + no fluent.
L3- milestone
read + write.
What is the length of your classes?
We have 2-hour long classes 6 days a week including activities, personality development classes and confidence-building sessions on Saturdays.
Can a student upgrade their class?
Yes, a student needs to score better and improve their English proficiency to upgrade their class.
On the scorecard of 0-30,
score 0-10 mean L0.
score 11-20 mean L1.
score 21-25 mean L2.
Score above 25 mean L3.
What do you include besides teaching English in classes?
We also cater to personality development, group discussions, presentations, grammar and vocabulary to enhance your English speaking abilities.
Do you have special classes on Saturdays?
1st and 3rd Saturdays are reserved for interesting activities while 2nd and 4th Saturdays are reserved for mock tests.
INTERVIEW PREPARATION FAQs
Is there any specific academic background required to enrol in the course?
We cater to students from all academic backgrounds. Our exclusive preparation material helps every student ace their interview.
For what type of companies can I prepare with this course?
We offer training that helps in placement in start-ups, product based and multi-national companies.
Do you teach resume writing and cover letter writing in this course?
Yes, we teach exclusive resume writing and cover letter writing to every student in this course.
How long will it take to complete the course?
The course will be for a duration of 15 days. We will teach you all the skills in the specified period.
How will I benefit from the expert trainers?
We have expert trainers with proven competencies in specific fields and guides to help you take the next steps in the industry. Our mock interviews will offer you detailed feedback to improve on your weak areas for upcoming placements.
Can I opt for this program along with my college?
It is a flexible course that can be continued along with your studies.
How do you assess students’ strengths and weaknesses?
We conduct timely mock-ups and group discussions to knock away the fear of public speaking and analyse personality traits.
EXAM BOOKING FAQs
Can I book my exams from home?
Yes, Touchstone offers its students the exclusive facility to book their exam from anywhere in the country. Just tell us your preferred date and location, and we will complete the procedure for you.
I have not prepared for the exam with Touchstone. Will you still help me book my exam?
Touchstone treats all its students equally. Anyone who wishes to complete their exam procedure with us will get complete assistance and the required guidance to complete the procedure.
Do you provide assistance with exam rescheduling or cancellation?
We understand the requirements of every student and last-moment plan changes. Thus, we help with exam rescheduling and cancellation as well.
Do you share the exam regulations and progression rules?
Touchstone’s exam booking team is well-versed in the updated regulations and guidelines. We offer you every possible bit of information you need to make informed decisions.
MOCK TEST FAQs
How many times can I take your mock tests?
Our mock tests are available for every student once a day, every Saturday. You can choose a time slot for yourself and sit for the test.
If I attempt the ‘pen-paper’ based mock test, will the answers be available to me?
When you attempt the ‘pen-paper’ based mock test, we check the test for you and offer you valid scores based on your attempt. In this case, answers will not be shared with you.
How long will the answers be available for the online mock test?
In the case of an online mock test, answers will be available for one whole day (24 hours) for you to check and evaluate yourself.
Can I attempt the test from home?
We provide expert guidance and supervision during the test to offer you a real exam-like experience. This is why we prefer our students to take the test with us and not at home.
VISA GUIDANCE FAQs
Where do I apply for my study visa?
You can apply for your study visa with Touchstone. We help our students reach their dream destination to pursue their dream course.
How much money do I need in total?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions by applicants. It is imperative for you to show enough funds in your bank account, and the amount required may vary for each country, depending upon your course and region within the chosen country.
How good does my English need to be to study abroad?
Almost all foreign programs require proven English language proficiency to enter their institutions. In addition to their tight immigration rules, you need to have a good understanding of the language for an easy stay in the foreign land.
Can I work on my study visa?
The answer to this question varies depending upon the country of choice. Some countries allow students to work certain hours per week while some have different rules.
Can an international student change their course while in their home country?
Certainly, but with due permission of the concerned institution and the local FRRO/FRO.
What is the usual duration of a study visa?
A study visa is usually for 5 years or for the duration of the course, whichever is earlier.
What does a foreign student need to do for his/her study visa extension?
Students need to approach the local FRRO/FRO with a bonafide certificate, proof of actual financial standing, etc.
When should I start applying for my student visa?
The earliest time to apply for a study visa is 3 months prior to the start date of your course. If you submit your application too late, there is a possibility to miss out on the start date.
