The Duolingo English Test, or DET, is an 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. As of 2026, DET is accepted by over 6,000 institutions worldwide, including top universities abroad and visa offices.
The DET exam fee in India is $59 (approx. 5,324 INR). The test is completely remote, helping you save on time and money for travel. Duolingo also gives a USD $18 discount if you buy 2 tests together, making retakes cheaper.
The DET exam pattern involves 3 steps: 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 is 110-130.
DET is accepted by top universities in the 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 the Duolingo English Test
- Duolingo English Test Latest Updates
1.1 Changes to Interactive Listening Section
1.2 Changes to Interactive Speaking Section
- DET Free Practice Tests 2026
- DET Highlights
- DET Fees in India 2026
- How to Book a Duolingo English Test?
- Duolingo English Test Dates 2026
- DET Test Requirements
- Duolingo English Test Pattern 2026
- Duolingo English Test Scores 2026
- 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, as explained below:
Changes to Interactive Listening Section
- Start each conversation with 3-4 fill-in-the-blank questions (Listen and Complete).
- Follow with 5-6 Listen and Respond questions.
- End with a summarization task (75 seconds).
- 2 Interactive Listening conversations per test.
Changes to Interactive Speaking Section
- The new Interactive Speaking section replaces the previous “Listen, Then Speak” task.
- Involves 6-8 questions in a simulated conversation with an animated character.
- Listen to each question and record your answer within 35 seconds.
These updates make DET 2026 more interactive, simulating real-life English conversations and better evaluating your speaking and listening skills.
DET Free Practice Tests 2026
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
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 | DET |
| Full Form | Duolingo English Test |
| Conducted by | Duolingo |
| Purpose | English proficiency test for university admissions and visa applications |
| Mode of Exam | Online, remote |
| Test Duration | 1 hour |
| Fee in India | USD $59 (approx. 5,324 INR) |
| 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 | US, Ireland, Canada UK and New Zealand accept 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 |
Also Read
DET Fees in India 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.
1 USD = 90.20 INR (As of February 6, 2026)
Here are the costs that are incurred in taking this exam:
| Service | Fee in USD | Approx. Fee in INR | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single test | $59 | INR 5,324 | Cheapest English language test in India. |
| Bundle (2 tests) | $100 | INR 9,024 | Makes it cheaper per test at USD $50. |
| Get Results Faster | $33 | INR 2,980 | Get results in 12 hours. Select the option at the time of booking. |
| Score Sending | Free | Free | Unlimited score reports. |
What are the DET fee payment methods available in India?
Duolingo accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover), PayPal, and Apple Pay or Google Pay. Local payment options such as UPI in India are not available.
How to Book a Duolingo English Test?
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 or a 2-test bundle at a reduced price.
- Select if you would like to get results faster with an extra fee.
- Check out by clicking 'Continue'.
- Fill email address, nationality, and state or union territory, and make the payment.
Who can take the DET?
Anyone with a valid Indian passport can take the DET. While the passport is not mandatory during registration, you will have to present it while taking the test. Make sure that the passport is updated. Also, candidates under 13 need their parents or guardians to contact Duolingo support before registering.
Duolingo English Test Dates 2026
DET 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, you can choose to start the exam immediately or take it anytime within the next 21 days, without any scheduling required.
Notes:
- If a test is not completed within 21 days, it will expire.
- You can attempt a new test only after the result of the previous test is declared.
What should I do if I encounter technical issues while taking the test?
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.
DET Test Requirements
Since the DET is a fully online, at-home exam, you must complete the DET setup carefully, as mentioned below:
- A laptop or desktop computer (mobile phones and tablets are not allowed).
- Working webcam, microphone, and speakers.
- A stable internet connection.
Must Read: What to do and what NOT to do in the Duolingo English Test
How do I ensure my testing environment meets the requirements?
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.
Duolingo English Test Pattern 2026
The DET test pattern is divided into 3 sections, which last a total of 1 hour. These are:
1. Environment Setup (5 minutes)
- Upload your ID.
- 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 |
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.
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.
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.
Here’s how to map your DET scores to those of TOEFL iBT and IELTS.
| DET Score | Equivalent TOEFL iBT Score | Equivalent IELTS Academic Score |
|---|---|---|
| 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?
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.
Top Universities Accepting DET Scores in 2026
DET is accepted by over 5,500 universities worldwide, including 95 of the top 100 US News universities and all Ivy League institutions.
| Country | University | QS World University 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 and Listening: 115 Speaking and Writing: 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 |
Note: Always check the university’s official admissions page, as some programs, like medicine, law, etc., may have exceptions.
Check which countries are accepting the DET for student visas in 2026
How to Prepare for DET 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
The following table outlines the key differences among 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 | USD $59 (approx. 5,324 INR) | INR 18,000 | INR 18,000 |
| Test Duration | 1 hour | 2 hours 45 minutes | 2 hours |
| Formats | Fully online | Paper-based and Computer-delivered | Fully online |
| Home Edition available? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Availability | Anytime within 21 days of booking | Fixed dates (20-24 times a month) | Fixed dates (20-24 times a month) |
| Adaptive? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Speaking Test | Recorded on a computer | Face-to-face with a human examiner | Recorded on a computer |
| Results Time | Within 48 hours | 2-7 days | 3-5 days |
| Acceptance | Over 6,000 institutions worldwide, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Ireland. | Most widely accepted (very few universities reject it) | Widely accepted (a few UK and Australian universities prefer IELTS) |
| Retake Policy | Max 3 attempts in 30 days | No limit (but expensive) | Once every 3 days (no yearly limit) |
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Also Read: Duolingo vs PTE: Which Test Should You Take?
The DET is a fully online English proficiency exam that takes about 1 hour and is scored on a scale of 10-160. It is accepted by over 6,000 institutions worldwide, including those in the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. The test provides results within 48 hours, allows free score reporting to multiple institutions, and evaluates all 4 language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
FAQs
Ques. Is the Duolingo English Test harder than IELTS or TOEFL?
Ans. The difficulty level is subjective and depends on the student’s strengths. DET is shorter and more adaptive, which means questions adjust based on performance.
Ques. Are calculators or notes allowed during the test?
Ans. No external aids, including calculators, notes, or mobile phones, are allowed during the exam.
Ques. Is coaching necessary to prepare for the Duolingo English Test?
Ans. Coaching is not mandatory, but practicing with official sample tests can help students understand the format and improve performance.
Ques. What happens if there is a power cut or internet issue in India?
Ans. If the test is interrupted due to technical issues, the test may be restarted or rescheduled after review by Duolingo.
*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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