Petition Statement:

We, current students of the Goethe-Institut, respectfully urge the institute to  reserve a portion of exam seats in every language certification session (A1, A2, B1, etc.) for students enrolled in their courses, and (2) increase the total number of exam slots available.

Why is this important?

Goethe-Institut students devote significant time, money, and energy to German language study—often with certification as an essential goal. Earning a Goethe-Zertifikat isn’t just a formality: it is key for university admissions, professional advancement, and migration opportunities.

Yet, despite diligently following the institute’s curriculum, we face major barriers at exam booking time:

• Exam slots are often all gone within minutes of registration opening.
• In major Indian cities in 2024, for example, over 6,000 candidates competed for just 400 seats per session.
• A recent survey indicates that at least 60% of Goethe-Institut students have failed to secure an exam slot on their first try.
• Some students are forced to travel across states—or pay unauthorized agents—to get a slot at great additional expense.
• These experiences are not isolated—they affect thousands of students each year who are fully committed to their studies and to the institute’s programs.

My personal experince:

When I tried to book my A1 exam through the official Goethe-Institut system, the website kept redirecting. By the time the registration page finally loaded, every single slot was already full. The same happened when I attempted my A2 exam—a split-second delay and all seats were gone. As a result, I had to skip directly to preparing for the B1 exam, hoping that future exam dates nearby would eventually open. This uncertainty and frustration discourage many dedicated students, eroding our motivation and trust in the institution.

What we’re asking:

• Reserve a set number of seats for students taking Goethe-Institut classes.
• Expand the number of exam slots to better accommodate growing demand from both students and the public.

How this helps:

• Honor Student Commitment: Recognizes the dedication and ongoing support of enrolled students.
• Level the Playing Field: Makes the exam process transparent and gives learners a fair, predictable chance to certify their skills.
• Support Lifelong Goals: Certification delays can derail academic, career, and migration plans, harming student futures.
• Reduce Stress and Inequity: Relieves anxiety, wasted time, and financial strain currently borne by many students.

Your voice matters!
Sign and share this petition to help us advocate for a transparent, supportive, and student-centered examination process at Goethe-Institut. Together, we can make a difference!

Sincerely,
Suparn
Goethe-Institut Student