India, Jan. 31 -- France has created Classes Internationales (international classes), a unique initiative that allows Indian students to study French for a year in France before pursuing a degree of their choice. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the program's commencement during his state visit to India as the primary guest for Republic Day celebrations on 26 January. The Classes Internationales program is intended to allow India's brightest high school graduates to access France's comprehensive and renowned educational offers without being limited to English-taught curricula, according to a statement from the French Embassy.

Whether Indian students are already fluent in French or are complete beginners, they can now be admitte...