What Do You Need for TOEFL?
TOEFL iBT at a Glance
The Test of English as a Foreign Language measures academic English for university admission abroad.
Format, scoring and fee as reported for 2026. Always confirm on ets.org/toefl.
The New TOEFL iBT Format (2026)
Shorter than before, with Reading and Listening adapting to your level.
| Section | Time | Adaptive |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | about 30 min | Yes |
| Listening | about 29 min | Yes |
| Writing | about 23 min | No |
| Speaking | about 8 min | No |
| Total | about 90 min |
Section times are approximate, as reported. The older test was about 2 hours.
How TOEFL Is Scored
Section bands
Each section is scored from 1 to 6, in half-band steps.
Overall score
The average of the four section bands.
CEFR aligned
Bands match CEFR levels (A1–C2), used worldwide.
0–120 too
Until 2028, reports also show an equivalent 0–120 score.
Fast results
Scores are available within about 72 hours.
Free reports
Send up to four free score reports if you choose them before test day.
TOEFL Fees in India
Register at least 7 days before the test to avoid the late fee.
| Item | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Registration | 15,729 |
| Late registration | 3,305 |
| Rescheduling | 5,000 |
| Extra score report | 2,000 each |
As reported for 2026. Check the current fee in your ETS account before booking.
Tasks in Each Section
New task types from January 2026. Tap a section to see them.
ReadingAdaptive
- Complete the Words — fill in missing letters in a short text
- Read in Daily Life — notices, emails, schedules and messages
- Read an Academic Passage — short academic texts with questions
ListeningAdaptive
- Listen and Choose a Response
- Listen to a Conversation
- Listen to an Announcement
- Listen to an Academic Talk
WritingNot adaptive
- Build a Sentence — arrange words into a correct sentence
- Write an Email — respond to a real-life situation
- Write for an Academic Discussion — add your view to an online class discussion
SpeakingNot adaptive
- Listen and Repeat — repeat short sentences accurately
- Take an Interview — answer a few questions on familiar topics, about 45 seconds each, with no preparation time
TOEFL or IELTS?
Length
TOEFL is about 90 minutes; IELTS is about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Speaking
TOEFL Speaking is recorded on a computer; IELTS Speaking is face to face.
Scores
TOEFL uses 1–6; IELTS uses bands 0–9.
Acceptance
Both are widely accepted — check your universities. See our IELTS page →
Free TOEFL Study Material
Guides for the new task types.
These resources are being added section by section. Pages marked “Coming soon” are not published yet.
Reading Tasks
Complete the Words and daily-life texts.
Coming soon →Listening Tasks
Conversations, announcements and talks.
Coming soon →Writing Tasks
Emails and academic discussion posts.
Coming soon →Speaking Tasks
Listen and Repeat and the interview.
Coming soon →Academic Vocabulary
Common words in TOEFL texts.
Coming soon →TOEFL Practice
Start with ETS’s official practice for the new format, then use our task sets.
Under development. The practice sets below are planned and will open here when ready.
Full Practice Test
Reading Set
Writing Set
Speaking Set
How to Prepare for TOEFL
4–8 weeks of focused practice works for most students.
Use new-format material
Older TOEFL books cover tasks that no longer exist — practise the 2026 tasks.
Know your target
Check the score your universities need, on the 1–6 or 0–120 scale.
Read and listen daily
Short academic articles, notices and podcasts build speed.
Practise typing
Writing is typed — build accuracy and speed on a keyboard.
Speak without preparation
Answer interview-style questions aloud for 45 seconds and record yourself.
Take a full practice test
Sit a complete timed test in the new format before test day.
Book Your TOEFL iBT
Tests are offered many times a year at centres across India and at home. Register through your ETS account at least 7 days before the test. Always check dates and fees on the official website.
TOEFL FAQs
Who runs the TOEFL?
The TOEFL iBT is made by ETS (Educational Testing Service). It is accepted by universities in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and many other countries. Official information is on ets.org/toefl.
What changed in January 2026?
The test became shorter (about 90 minutes), Reading and Listening became adaptive, new task types replaced older ones, and scores moved to a 1–6 scale aligned with CEFR levels, as reported.
How do old and new scores compare?
Until 2028, score reports show both the new 1–6 band and an equivalent 0–120 score, so universities can compare them.
Can I take the TOEFL at home?
Yes. The TOEFL iBT can be taken at a test centre or at home with online supervision, subject to ETS’s equipment and room rules.
How long is my score valid?
TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.
TOEFL or IELTS?
Many universities accept either. US universities often prefer TOEFL; check each university’s requirements. See our IELTS page to compare.