02 Jun 2025
For Indian immigrants, expats, and students in the UK, citizenship is your ticket to stability, opportunity, and a powerful sense of belonging. Whether you’re a doctor in Leeds or a student in Bristol, two key tests stand between you and that dream: the Life in the UK Test and the English Language Test. These ensure you’re ready to thrive in British society. And while you’re preparing, a reliable money transfer from UK to India can keep your loved ones supported back home. Let’s unpack these tests and how to ace them!
The Life in the UK Test is your first hurdle toward UK citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It checks if you understand British culture, history, and values—think of it as your crash course in what makes the UK tick. With applicants failing on their first try, smart preparation is crucial for Indian applicants. Here’s the lowdown to help you succeed.
This 45-minute, 24-question multiple-choice exam tests your knowledge of British history, culture, and government. You need to score at least 75% (18 correct answers) to pass, and it costs £50 per attempt.
Offered at approved centers like PSI Services or Pearson across the UK, the test ensures you grasp British customs, from democracy to everyday quirks like queuing.
The test pulls questions straight from the official Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition. Focus on these core areas to nail it:
Stick to the handbook to avoid outdated sources, and use Britizen’s Life in the UK practice tests to quiz yourself effectively.
Passing the test is doable with the right approach. Here’s how to shine:
Starting early saves you the £50 retake fee and keeps your citizenship journey on track.
The English Language Test, or Secure English Language Test (SELT), proves you can communicate confidently in the UK. Many Indians already have strong English skills from school or work, but this test ensures you meet Home Office standards for ILR and citizenship. With proper prep, you’ll breeze through and stay focused on your UK goals.
The SELT tests your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills at CEFR level B1 (intermediate) or higher for citizenship. Tests like IELTSfor UKVI or Pearson PTE Home, are offered at approved centers like Trinity College London or LanguageCert.
You’ll need a score of at least 4.0 in each component, and the certificate must be valid (within 2 years) when you apply. For Indian applicants, this test is a chance to showcase your English fluency and readiness for UK life.
Not everyone needs to take the SELT. You’re exempt if:
Check with an immigration advisor to confirm exemptions, as mistakes can delay your application.
Even with strong English, practice makes perfect. Here’s how to prep like a pro:
A tutor can help polish weaker skills, like writing, to ensure you hit the B1 mark or higher.
The Life in the UK Test and English Language Test are your stepping stones to UK citizenship, proving you’re ready to embrace British life while staying connected to India. Meanwhile, ACE Money Transfer makes supporting families in India easy with secure, low-fee transfers—check their global transfer guide for tips. Start studying today, book your tests, and get closer to your British passport!
Yes, if you’ve lived in the UK for 3 years and hold ILR, you can apply immediately without waiting 12 months after ILR, unlike non-spouses.
You must have no serious criminal convictions, no immigration violations, and have paid taxes/debts to show you’re of good moral conduct.
If one parent has ILR or is a British citizen at the time of birth, your child may automatically be a British citizen. Otherwise, you can register them later.
You can retake it as many times as needed, but you’ll pay £50 each time. Study the official handbook thoroughly to improve your chances.
India doesn’t allow dual citizenship, so you’ll need to renounce Indian citizenship to become a British citizen. You can later apply for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI).
