Learn French in Delhi
As India's capital, Delhi is home to the French Embassy and to students, diplomats and civil servants who need French for international work. French is also a common language choice in Delhi schools and universities.
French in Delhi
French has no official status in Delhi, where Hindi and English dominate public life. Its role is shaped by diplomacy and education. The Embassy of France in India is in New Delhi, and the city hosts many international organisations and embassies of French-speaking countries such as Belgium and Switzerland. Alliance Française de Delhi was registered on 30 June 1956, growing out of a Maison franco-indienne set up in 1948; since 2004 it has been based at Lodi Estate, after earlier homes on Hailey Road and in South Extension. Its own site lists a team of 53 teachers. The 2023 India-France goal of 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030 has given extra weight to French in the capital.
Why people in Delhi learn French
In Delhi, French is closely tied to public service and international careers. French is one of the two working languages of the United Nations and is widely used in African and European diplomacy, which matters for students aiming at foreign service or international organisations. Many Delhi students plan postgraduate study in France, where French is useful outside the classroom. Others are preparing for Canada and need a TCF Canada score, which AF Delhi offers. Professionals in consulting, aviation, defence and energy deal with French partners, and teachers and translators use DELF and DALF diplomas as proof of level.
The French you'll hear
As in the rest of India, the target in Delhi is the standard French of France, used by Alliance Française de Delhi and the DELF. Diplomatic and international work also uses a formal register: written correspondence, meetings and presentations, so it is worth going beyond conversation into business and formal letters once you reach B1. Because many Delhi learners speak Hindi and English, French cognates with English help reading, but pronunciation needs separate practice. African French is useful listening for anyone heading to francophone Africa in a diplomatic or development role.
- Je prépare un concours de la fonction publique.I am preparing for a civil service exam.
- Je travaille dans une organisation internationale.I work in an international organisation.
- Pourriez-vous m'envoyer le document par courriel ?Could you send me the document by email?
- Je voudrais un rendez-vous à l'ambassade.I would like an appointment at the embassy.
- Je vis à New Delhi depuis cinq ans.I have lived in New Delhi for five years.
French exams in Delhi
Alliance Française de Delhi runs the DELF and DALF, including DELF Junior, and publishes a yearly exam schedule, mock exams for its students and results on its website. It also holds regular TCF Canada sessions, used for Canadian immigration applications. Check the exams section of its site for upcoming sessions and registration windows.
Check dates and fees with the exam centre directly; they change every session.
Where to start in the course
French Ultimate is an online course, so you can follow it from Delhi or anywhere else. These topics are the most useful here:
Questions about learning French in Delhi
Is French useful for a career in diplomacy from Delhi?
Yes. French is a working language of the United Nations and of the African Union, and many embassies in Delhi work in French. Formal written and spoken French at B2 or C1 is a solid asset. French Ultimate has units on business French, debate and presentations. It is an online course with no classes or partners in Delhi.
Can I take the TCF Canada in Delhi?
Yes. Alliance Française de Delhi holds regular TCF Canada sessions and posts notices on its website. The TCF Canada gives a score rather than a pass or fail, so preparation should focus on all four skills. French Ultimate's B2 and C1 units help build the level, though it does not run the test itself.
I studied French in school in Delhi. Is the DELF worth taking now?
If you need proof of level for study, work or teaching, yes. School marks are not always recognised abroad, while the DELF is an official French diploma valid for life. Many learners in Delhi aim for B2, which French universities commonly ask for. A mock exam will show whether you are ready.
Learn French from Delhi, at your own pace
Animated video lessons that stop for your answers, speaking practice, graded stories and DELF/DALF mock exams, from A1 to C2. Start with the free placement test to see where you are.
Take the placement test