Test information
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test that measures the English-language proficiency of individuals who wish to study at universities and other institutions where English is used for academic instruction.
The TOEFL iBT is developed and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). It assesses four key English-language skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, including how these skills are used in academic and everyday contexts.
Duration and Format: The TOEFL iBT takes approximately two hours to complete. The test is available on a computer at an authorised test centre or through the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, subject to availability and eligibility.
TOEFL Score Validity
TOEFL iBT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Check the requirements of your chosen university or institution before applying.
TOEFL iBT Test Structure
The TOEFL iBT assesses four academic English skills. The updated test introduced new question types and an adaptive test experience in January 2026.
| Section | Question Types | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, and Read an Academic Passage. | 30 minutes |
| Listening | Listen and Choose a Response, Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement, and Listen to an Academic Talk. | 29 minutes |
| Writing | Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Write for an Academic Discussion. | 23 minutes |
| Speaking | Listen and Repeat, and Take an Interview. | 8 minutes |
The test is adaptive, so the number of questions and the actual test time may vary. The approximate timings above do not include instructions. Allow additional time for check-in and test-day procedures.
Reading Section
The Reading section assesses your ability to understand written English in academic and everyday contexts. You may encounter tasks involving completing words, reading everyday materials, and understanding academic passages.
Listening Section
The Listening section evaluates your ability to understand spoken English. Tasks may include responding to spoken prompts and understanding conversations, announcements, and academic talks.
Writing Section
The Writing section assesses your ability to communicate clearly in written English. Tasks include constructing grammatically correct sentences, writing emails, and expressing and supporting ideas in an academic discussion.
Speaking Section
The Speaking section evaluates your ability to communicate in spoken English. Tasks include repeating spoken content accurately and answering interview-style questions.
TOEFL iBT Scoring System
Since January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT score reports use a scale from 1 to 6, in half-point increments, for each section and the overall result. The overall score is calculated by averaging the four section scores and rounding to the nearest half point.
During the two-year transition period following the January 2026 update, score reports also provide a comparable score on the previous 0–120 scale. Universities may have different score requirements, so applicants should confirm the accepted score format with each institution.
| Score Information | Scale |
|---|---|
| Reading | 1–6, in half-point increments |
| Listening | 1–6, in half-point increments |
| Speaking | 1–6, in half-point increments |
| Writing | 1–6, in half-point increments |
| Overall Score | 1–6, in half-point increments |
| Comparable Previous Scale | 0–120 during the transition period |
TOEFL Test Fees
TOEFL registration fees vary by location and may change over time. For the latest fee in India, available test dates, registration details, and any current promotional offers, please visit the official ETS TOEFL website.