Question 1

TCF or DELF, which one should I take?

Accepted Answer

TCF is a test that places you on the CEFR scale from A1 to C2 with a results attestation valid for two years. DELF is a diploma awarded at a fixed level (A1, A2, B1 or B2) and valid for life. Pick TCF if you need a one off proof for a visa, residency or university application. Pick DELF if you want a permanent diploma that follows you for the rest of your career.

Question 2

Is the TCF IRN the same as the regular TCF?

Accepted Answer

No. The TCF IRN is a specific version built for residency and nationality applications, so all four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) are mandatory and the test only measures up to B2. The TCF Tout Public is broader, runs up to C2, and the writing and speaking sections are optional unless your reason for sitting it requires them.

Question 3

Which level do I need for French naturalisation?

Accepted Answer

B2 in both oral and written French, under Décret n° 2025-648 du 15 juillet 2025 and Arrêté du 22 décembre 2025. You can prove it with a TCF or TEF attestation issued within the last two years, or with a DELF B2 diploma (DELF diplomas have lifetime validity, so even an older one counts).

Question 4

Which level do I need for the carte de résident?

Accepted Answer

B1, under CESEDA articles L433-7 and L421-12. The TCF IRN at B1 or a DELF B1 diploma are the two most common proofs. Applicants over 65 are exempt.

Question 5

How long are the results valid?

Accepted Answer

TCF attestations are valid for two years from the date the result is issued. DELF and DALF diplomas have lifetime validity, so once you pass you never need to retake.

Question 6

Where can I take these exams in India?

Accepted Answer

The Alliance Française network is the official partner for India. There are accredited centres in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Trivandrum, Bhopal, Lucknow, Jaipur, Goa and Pondicherry. Each centre publishes its own session dates and fees.

Question 7

How much does the exam cost in India?

Accepted Answer

France Éducation International states officially that the test centre sets the fee, not the national body. Fees vary by city and by version. The DELF A1 is the cheapest, the TCF Tout Public with optional sections is the most expensive, and the DALF C2 sits at the top. Contact your nearest Alliance Française for the current price list.

Question 8

Can I retake the exam if I fail?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For the TCF you must wait 30 days between two sittings of the same version. For DELF and DALF you can register for the next session at the same level. Each retake is billed as a new sitting.

Dimension	TCF	DELF
Type	Standardised test that places you on the CEFR scale	Diploma awarded at a fixed level
Validity	2 years from the date of issue	Lifetime, no expiry
Result format	Score and CEFR level (A1 to C2) on an attestation	Pass or fail at the level you registered for
Best for	One off proof for visa, residency or admission	Permanent credential for your CV and life in France
Speaking section	Optional in TCF Tout Public, mandatory in TCF IRN	Always mandatory at every level
Retake rule	30 day cooldown on the same version	Register for the next session at the same level

Your goal	Exam	Level	Legal basis
First Bachelor's year (L1) at a French public university	TCF Tout Public (DAP context) or DELF B2	B2 (typical)	Set by each university; B2 is the de facto standard
Master's or PhD in a French taught programme	TCF Tout Public or DELF B2	B2 minimum	Programme specific; some Sciences Po and grandes écoles ask for C1
Master's or PhD in an English taught programme in France	Usually none required for admission	Not required at entry, often expected at A2 to B1 for daily life	Programme dependent
Carte de résident de longue durée UE (10 year card)	TCF IRN or DELF B1	B1	CESEDA L433-7 and L421-12, Arrêté du 22 décembre 2025
French nationality by decree	TCF IRN or DELF B2	B2 (oral and written)	Décret n° 2025-648 du 15 juillet 2025, Arrêté du 22 décembre 2025
French nationality by marriage	TCF IRN or DELF B2	B2 (oral and written)	Same regime as naturalisation by decree since the 2025 decree
OFII Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine (CIR)	TCF IRN (A1 validation) or attendance certificate	A1 entry, A2 for follow on cards	OFII civic pathway

The two French exams that matter for Indians.

TCF

DELF

TCF or DELF, side by side

Which exam for which goal

What both exams test

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking

Read in detail

Frequently asked questions

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