Indian nationals seeking work and study opportunities in China are travelling to Nepal’s Lumbini region to sit for Chinese language proficiency exams, citing limited test centres and long waiting periods in India.

Jaydweep Kaur from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, travelled over 40 hours by train and road via Sunauli border to take the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) Level 4, Chinese Language Proficiency Test, at the City Campus of Lumbini Buddhist University in Devdaha.

He said he is learning Chinese to increase his chances of getting hired at large Chinese-invested industries operating in Gujarat. “In India, one has to wait nearly a year to take the test,” said Kaur. “Despite the 80-hour round trip, I came here because it’s faster.”

Aanchal Thakur from Punjab, who plans to pursue undergraduate studies in China, also sat for the test in Lumbini. “I found this centre through a Google search,” she said, adding that she travelled for over a day and a half to get there.

The number of Indian test-takers has surged in recent months. While Chinese language classes are available in India, the limited number of certified exam centres has prompted many to look abroad.

Nepal hosts four such centres recognised by China’s Ministry of Education—three in Kathmandu (at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, and LRI International School) and one outside the capital, at Lumbini Buddhist University in Devdaha.

The Lumbini test centre, operational since April 2024, now has roughly half of its test-takers being Indian nationals, according to Kumar Khadka, assistant professor of Chinese language at the university.

“In India, only Mumbai holds the exams regularly, but even there, seats are limited,” Khadka said. “The lower fee and reliable schedule here make Lumbini a preferred option.”

Examination fees in Lumbini range from Rs1,450 to Rs1,550, while fees in India can reach up to IRs 7,000. Some Indian nationals also come to Lumbini to study the language.

Applicants can register and pay online, and results are released within a month. Digital score reports are available, with hard copies provided on request.

Exams are conducted every month except during the Chinese New Year. A full-year calendar is published in advance, and all exam materials and submissions are handled digitally.