Reading
Short and long texts from academic and everyday contexts. Adaptive difficulty means the second part adjusts to your performance.
Tips
- Build academic vocabulary daily
- Practise reading under time pressure
- Don't over-invest in one question
TOEFL exam guide
TOEFL iBT: New 2026 format, scores & preparation
TOEFL iBT is an academic English test from ETS, widely preferred by US universities and accepted in Canada, the UK, Australia and Europe. ETS introduced an updated, shorter TOEFL iBT in January 2026 with adaptive sections and a new 1–6 score scale.
- Updated 2026 format
- 1–6 and 0–120 scores
- Test centre or Home Edition
- US university targets
Plan your TOEFL and applications
Checklist and next steps on WhatsApp
At a glance
TOEFL exam: key facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducted by | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Format | Updated TOEFL iBT (from January 2026), adaptive Reading and Listening |
| Duration | About 1.5–2 hours |
| Score scale | 1–6 in half-point steps (CEFR-aligned), with a 0–120 comparable score during the transition |
| Fee in India | Around US$195–$200 (check ets.org for the current fee) |
| Results | Usually within a few days |
| Validity | 2 years |
| Test options | Test centre or TOEFL iBT Home Edition |
What is the TOEFL?
TOEFL measures the English you need for university study — reading academic texts, following lectures, speaking and writing.
The updated test is shorter and uses new task types that reflect real academic and campus situations. Universities are receiving both the new 1–6 band score and a comparable 0–120 score during the transition period.
Exam pattern
TOEFL exam pattern
| Section | Format | Task types (updated test) | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Adaptive | Complete the words, read in daily life, academic passages | Vocabulary and reading comprehension |
| Listening | Adaptive | Choose a response, conversations, announcements, academic talks | Understanding spoken English on campus |
| Writing | Fixed | Build a sentence, write an email, academic discussion | Grammar, organisation and written argument |
| Speaking | Fixed | Listen and repeat, take an interview | Pronunciation, fluency and spoken response |
Section by section
TOEFL sections and preparation tips
Listening
Conversations, announcements and short academic talks. You answer as you go.
Tips
- Take brief notes on key points
- Focus on the speaker's purpose and attitude
- Practise with university lecture content
Writing
Sentence-building, a short email and an academic discussion response.
Tips
- Keep emails clear and polite
- Use topic sentences and examples
- Leave time to proofread
Speaking
Repeating sentences accurately and answering interview-style questions.
Tips
- Record yourself and listen back
- Answer directly, then add a reason
- Keep a steady, natural pace
Scores
TOEFL scoring explained
Each section and the overall score are reported on a 1–6 scale. During the transition ETS also reports a comparable 0–120 score, which many universities still quote.
| Band (1–6) | Approx. CEFR | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | C2 | Exceptional proficiency |
| 5 – 5.5 | C1 | Competitive graduate programs |
| 4 – 4.5 | B2 | Most university admissions |
| 3 – 3.5 | B1 | Pathway or conditional admission |
| 1 – 2.5 | A1 – A2 | Foundation level |
What TOEFL score do you need?
Many universities still publish requirements on the 0–120 scale. Check whether your university has updated its requirements for the new scale.
| Destination / program | Typical requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top US universities | 100–110+ (0–120) | Section minimums common |
| Most US master's | 80–100 (0–120) | Some accept 79+ |
| Canada | 86–100 (0–120) | Varies by university |
| UK / Europe | 80–100 (0–120) | Check each university |
Not sure which TOEFL score you need?
A 15-minute expert call sets your target score from your university shortlist and plans your test date around deadlines.
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Booking
How to register for TOEFL
- 01
Create an ETS account
Use your name exactly as on your passport.
- 02
Choose centre or home
Home Edition needs a quiet room and approved equipment.
- 03
Pick a date and pay
Book several weeks before deadlines.
- 04
Send scores
Select free score recipients when booking.
Study plan
How to prepare for TOEFL
- 01
Set your target score
List the minimum overall and section scores for every university and the visa. Your target is the highest of these, plus a small buffer.
- 02
Take a diagnostic test
Sit a full timed practice test to find your starting level and weakest sections.
- 03
Build a weekly schedule
Plan 6–10 weeks of practice that covers every section, with more time for your weakest skill.
- 04
Practise under real timing
Do full mock tests in exam conditions at least once a week in the final month.
- 05
Review every mistake
Keep an error log — question type, why you got it wrong and the fix — and revisit it weekly.
- 06
Book with a buffer
Book your test early enough to retake once before your earliest application or visa deadline.
Avoid these
Common TOEFL mistakes
Using old-format material only
Prepare with materials for the updated 2026 test.
Ignoring section minimums
Some programs set Speaking or Writing minimums.
Weak Home Edition setup
Technical issues can cancel your test — check requirements early.
Popular searches
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FAQs
TOEFL: frequently asked questions
ETS launched an updated TOEFL iBT in January 2026: shorter, with adaptive Reading and Listening, new task types and a 1–6 score scale aligned to CEFR. A comparable 0–120 score is provided during the transition.
Both are widely accepted. TOEFL is traditionally popular with US universities; choose the format you are more comfortable with.
Two years from the test date.
Yes, through the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, if you meet the equipment and room requirements.
Around 100+ on the 0–120 scale (about 5 on the new scale) is competitive for most graduate programs.
Yes — we help you choose between tests, set targets for your shortlist and plan test dates.
More exams
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