The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency exam for those who want to study, work, or move abroad. It's a convenient, affordable alternative to traditional tests like IELTS or TOEFL. You can take it anytime from home on your computer. The exam fee is only $59 (₹5,300) as compared to ₹18,000 for TOEFL and IELTS, making it an affordable option for Indian students.
DET exam duration is 1 hour. It involves 5 minutes to set up the test environment, 45 minutes for the main adaptive test, and 10 minutes for 2 unscored speaking and writing tasks. The exam is scored from 10 to 160; the results are out in 48 hours. For top universities accepting DET, the average score for Indian students is 110-130.
DET is accepted by top universities in US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These include Harvard, MIT, Imperial College London, and the University of Toronto. It is also accepted for visa applications by Ireland, US, and Canada.
Click Here to Register for Duolingo English Test
- Duolingo English Test Latest Updates
- Duolingo English Test Highlights
- Who Can Take the Duolingo English Test?
- Duolingo English Test Pattern
- Duolingo English Test Practice Papers
- How to Book a Duolingo English Test?
- Duolingo English Test Fees
7.1 Duolingo English Test Fee Payment Options
- Duolingo English Test Dates 2026
- Duolingo English Test Centers
- Duolingo English Test Scores
- How to Send DET Scores to Universities?
- Top Universities Accepting DET Scores in 2026
- How to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test?
- DET vs TOEFL vs IELTS
- FAQs
Duolingo English Test Latest Updates
The Duolingo English Test has introduced important changes to the Speaking and Listening sections:
| Changes to Interactive Listening question | Changes to Interactive Speaking question |
|---|---|
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These updates make DET 2026 more interactive, simulating real-life English conversations and better evaluating your speaking and listening skills.
Duolingo English Test Highlights
The table below provides an overview of the Duolingo English Test, including its fees in India, the exam pattern, scoring, and acceptance.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name & Full Form | Duolingo English Test |
| Conducted by | Duolingo |
| Purpose | English proficiency test for university admissions & visa applications |
| Mode of Exam | Online, remote |
| Test Duration | 1 hour |
| Test Fee | $59 (₹5,300) |
| Score Range | 10-160 (5-point increments) |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Results | Within 48 hours |
| Number of Attempts | 3 attempts in 30 days |
| Accepted for Visa | Accepted by Ireland, US, Canada Accepted by UK & New Zealand through university LOA |
| Accepted for university admissions | Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Imperial College London, University of Toronto NOT accepted by Oxford, Cambridge, Lancaster |
| Technical Requirements | Computer with camera, microphone, speakers & stable internet |
Must Read
Who Can Take the Duolingo English Test in 2026?
The eligibility for Duolingo English Test is not strict with age limits or academic qualification requirements. Since it is an online, at-home exam, you need to meet certain technical and identity verification requirements:
| Particular | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age |
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| Academic Qualification |
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| ID Requirements |
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| Attempt Limits |
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Ques. Do I need to provide additional documents aside from my ID to take the test?
Ans. No additional documents are needed apart from a passport. However, you must ensure that your passport name matches your registration details.
Duolingo English Test Pattern 2026
The DET test pattern is divided into 3 sections, which last a total of 1 hour. These sections are:
1. Environment Setup (5 minutes)
- Upload your government ID (passport)
- Take a photo of your face
- Full 360° room scan with webcam
- System check (camera, mic, internet)
- Agree to strict rules (no earphones, no looking away, no one else in the room, etc.)
2. Main Test (45 minutes) - Adaptive & Scored
This is the main scored exam. It is fully adaptive, which means questions become harder if you answer correctly and easier if you get them wrong. Below are some of the question types in the DET test pattern.
| Question Type | Description | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read and select | Identify actual English words from made-up words to test vocabulary recognition. | 15-18 | 5 seconds |
| Identify the idea | Choose the main idea after reading a passage or listening to audio. | 12 | 7-8 minutes |
| Interactive Writing | Respond to an initial written prompt, then answer a follow-up prompt based on your first response. | 2 | 3-5 minutes |
| Read, Then Speak | Read a short passage and speak about it | 1 | 90 seconds |
| Speak About the Photo | Describe an image verbally for 30-90 seconds. | 1 | 30-90 seconds |
3. Writing & Speaking Sample (10 minutes)
This section also assesses your speaking and writing ability, but is not scored. The responses are shared with universities exactly as you record them.
| Task | Details | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Write About the Topic | Type a response to a prompt like “Describe a challenge you faced…” or “Should students have part-time jobs?” in 50-100 words | 3-5 minutes |
| Speak About the Topic | Speak for 1-3 minutes on a new prompt (video recorded) | 1-3 minutes |
Read the full list of question types here
Ques. How does the adaptive nature of the test work?
Ans. The adaptive system adjusts the difficulty of the questions based on your previous answers. Correct answers lead to harder questions, while incorrect answers make the questions easier.
Ques. Can I review my answers during the test?
Ans. No, once you’ve answered a question, you cannot go back or review it. This ensures the adaptive system works without interference.
Duolingo English Test Practice Test 2026 (Free)
To prepare effectively for DET, practice regularly on the official platform and focus on improving your weaker areas. Check out some DET sample questions in the table below.
Must Read: Duolingo English Test Readiness
How to Book a Duolingo English Test 2026?
To book a Duolingo English Test, follow the instructions below:
- Visit the official Duolingo English Test website. Click Here
- Create an account for free.
- Click the 'Purchase a Test' tab.
- You can either buy 1 test for $59 (₹5,230) or a test bundle of 2 tests for $100 (₹8,870).
- Check out by clicking 'Continue'.
- Fill email address, nationality, and state/union territory, then pay the cost.
Read More: Duolingo Test Booking
Ques. Can I schedule the test in advance after purchasing it?
Ans. Yes, once you purchase the test, you can choose to take it immediately or schedule it anytime within the next 21 days.
Ques. How can I cancel my Duolingo English Test booking?
Ans. The Duolingo English Test cannot be canceled once purchased. However, you can choose to reschedule it within the allowed 21-day period if you haven't already started.
Duolingo English Test Fees 2026
DET is one of the most affordable English proficiency exams for Indian students. Its low fee makes it a popular choice among Indian applicants planning to study abroad.
| Service | Fee in India (2026) |
|---|---|
| Single test | $59 (₹5,300) |
| Bundle (2 tests) | $100 (₹8,995) Cheaper per test |
| Faster Results upgrade (Optional) | Not applicable (DET always gives results within 48 hours) |
| Score Sending | Free (unlimited score reports) |
Duolingo English Test Fee Payment Options
During checkout, Duolingo accepts:
- Major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
- PayPal
- Apple Pay / Google Pay
- Local options like UPI in India (via payment gateway) are not available.
Read More: Duolingo English Test Fees
Ques. Are there any discounts or offers available for the Duolingo English Test fee?
Ans. Currently, Duolingo doesn’t offer discounts, but it provides a bundle for 2 tests at a reduced price, which offers better value for multiple attempts.
Duolingo English Test Dates 2026
The Duolingo English Test does not have fixed exam dates or time slots. One of its biggest advantages is that you can take the test anytime, based on your convenience.
After purchasing the test on the official Duolingo English Test website, you can choose to start the exam immediately or take it anytime within the next 21 days. Since no scheduling is required, most students simply begin the test right after payment.
Note:
- You can take up to 3 tests within any 30 days.
- Each purchased test must be completed within 21 days, or it will expire.
- You can attempt a new test only after the result of the previous test is declared.
Ques. Can I take the test more than once in a single day?
Ans. No, you can only take the DET up to 3 times in 30 days, so retaking the test on the same day is not allowed.
Ques. What should I do if I encounter technical issues while taking the test?
Ans. Duolingo offers technical support during the test. If an issue arises, you can contact them directly via the support options available within the test interface.
Duolingo English Test Centers 2026
The Duolingo English Test is a fully online, at-home exam, which means you can take it from any quiet, private room using a computer that meets the technical requirements. Mentioned below are all the requirements you need to meet:
- A laptop or desktop computer (mobile phones and tablets are not allowed)
- Working webcam, microphone, and speakers
- A stable internet connection
- A valid, updated passport (mandatory for Indian students)
- A quiet, well-lit room where you will be alone for the entire duration of the test
Must Read: The Duolingo English Test Do’s & Don’ts
Ques. How do I ensure my testing environment meets the requirements?
Ans. You need a quiet, private space with no distractions. The software will prompt you to scan your room before starting the test to ensure no unauthorized items or people are present.
Ques. Can I take the Duolingo English Test outside my home country?
Ans. Yes, you can take the test from anywhere in the world as long as you meet the technical and environmental requirements.
Duolingo English Test Scores 2026
The Duolingo English Test is scored from 10 to 160 in 5-point increments. Scores assess all 4 language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, and include subscores for literacy, comprehension, conversation, and production.
DET uses a separate scoring scale from IELTS and TOEFL, so the scores cannot be directly matched. Most universities, therefore, offer their own conversion charts or clearly state the minimum score they require for each exam.
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| 160 | 120 | 8.5-9 |
| 150 | 117-118 | 8 |
| 145 | 113-116 | 7.5 |
| 135 | 104-108 | 7 |
| 125 | 93-97 | 6.5 |
| 115 | 82-86 | 6 |
| 110 | 76-81 | |
| 100 | 65-69 | 5.5 |
| 85 | 47-52 | 5 |
| 60-10 | 0-23 | 0-4 |
How to Send DET Scores to Universities for 2026?
DET results are available within 48 hours. To share your scores with universities:
- Log in to your DET account and open My Tests.
- Select your certified result and click Share Score.
- Search for your institution, add your Application ID if required, and submit.
Note: You can send scores to unlimited universities for FREE.
Top Universities Accepting DET Scores in 2026
The Duolingo English Test is accepted by 6,000+ programs worldwide, including 95 of the top 100 US universities (as per US News rankings) and all Ivy League institutions.
- Accepted for both UG and PG programs at most universities.
- Typical minimum scores: 105-120 for good universities; 120-135+ for competitive or top-tier institutions (Ivy League often prefers 120-130).
- Always check the university’s official admissions page, as some programs (e.g., medicine, law) may have exceptions.
- DET is accepted for student visas in most cases, including the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland. Read More
| Country | University | QS Rank 2026 | Minimum DET Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Harvard University | #5 | 140 | All programs |
| USA | MIT | #1 | UG: 125 PG: 135 | STEM-focused. |
| USA | Stanford University | #3 | 125-140 | Not mandatory, but need fluency |
| USA | Yale University | #21 | 120 | Both UG and PG. |
| Canada | University of Toronto | #29 | 120 overall, 100 in each subscore | Engineering and business programs. |
| Canada | University of British Columbia | #40 | Overall: 125 Reading: 115 Listening: 115 Writing: 120 Speaking: 120 | STEM and environmental sciences. |
| Australia | University of Melbourne | #19 | 120 | DET not accepted for visa |
| Germany | Technical University of Munich | #22 | 125+ | Equivalent to IELTS 6.5 |
How to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test 2026?
Effective preparation and a structured study routine can help you achieve a strong DET score. Focus on the following areas:
- Understand the Test: Review the format, question types, and practice on the Duolingo platform.
- Build Vocabulary: Read regularly and learn common vocabulary, synonyms, and basic grammar structures.
- Improve Listening: Watch English videos, podcasts, and documentaries to enhance comprehension.
- Practice Writing: Write short paragraphs daily, focusing on clarity and accuracy.
- Practice Speaking: Speak on simple topics for 30-60 seconds and record yourself to evaluate fluency and pronunciation.
- Take Sample Tests: Attempt practice questions to identify weak areas and simulate real test conditions.
Also Read
DET vs TOEFL vs IELTS (2026)
The following table outlines the key differences between the DET, IELTS, and TOEFL exams to help you make an informed decision for your study abroad plans.
| Aspect | Duolingo English Test (DET) | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (in India) | $59 (₹5,300) | ₹18,000 | ₹18,000 |
| Test Duration | 1 hour | 2 hours 45 minutes | 2 hours |
| Test Format | Fully online, at home | Paper-based or Computer-delivered (both available in India) | Fully online (TOEFL iBT Home Edition) or at a test center |
| Availability in India | Anytime within 21 days of booking | Fixed dates (20-24 times a month) | Fixed dates (20-24 times a month) |
| Sections | Adaptive test (difficulty of questions changes as per your response) | Non-adaptive (fixed questions) | Non-adaptive (fixed questions) |
| Speaking Test | Recorded on your computer | Face-to-face with a human examiner (10-15 min) | Recorded on your computer |
| Scoring Scale | 10-160 (5-point increments) | 0-9 bands (0.5 increments) | 0-120 (0-30 per section) |
| Results Time | Within 48 hours | 2-7 days | 4-6 days |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Acceptance (2026) | Accepted by over 6,000 institutions worldwide, including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Ireland. | Most widely accepted (very few universities reject it) | Widely accepted (a few UK and Australia universities prefer IELTS) |
| Retake Policy | Max 3 attempts in 30 days | No limit (but expensive) | Once every 3 days (no yearly limit) |
| Advantages for Indian students |
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Also Read: Duolingo vs PTE
The Duolingo English Test is a 1-hour, fully online exam scored from 10-160, accepted by over 6,000 programs worldwide, including top universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. It provides fast results within 48 hours, allows unlimited free score reporting, and can be taken anytime from home. DET evaluates all 4 language skills, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, making it a reliable and convenient alternative to IELTS and TOEFL for both admissions and visa purposes.
FAQs
Ques. Can I pause the DET during the exam?
Ans. No, the Duolingo English Test is continuous. Once you start, you cannot pause or exit; doing so may invalidate your test.
Ques. Are there any age restrictions for DET?
Ans. There is no strict age limit. However, candidates under 13 may need parental consent depending on local regulations.
Ques. Can I use a mobile phone or tablet to take the test?
Ans. No, DET can only be taken on a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet.
Ques. How many universities can I send my DET scores to?
Ans. You can send your scores to unlimited universities for free, directly from your online account.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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