The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency exam designed for international students applying to universities abroad. It's a convenient, affordable alternative to traditional tests like IELTS or TOEFL. You can take it from home on your computer, anytime (24/7), without going to a test center. The exam fee is only $59 (₹5,230) as compared to ₹18,000 for TOEFL and IELTS, making it an affordable option for Indian students.
The DET takes 1 hour to complete. This 1 hour involves 5 minutes to set up the test environment, 45 minutes for the actual adaptive test, and the rest 10 minutes are for unscored speaking and writing tasks. The test is scored on a scale of 10-160 with 5-point increments, and 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 the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These include Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Imperial College London, and the University of Toronto. DET is also accepted for visa applications by Ireland, the US, and Canada. For countries like New Zealand and the UK, you only need to show your Letter of Acceptance from your university. So, if your university accepts DET, then you can use it to obtain a visa too.
Click Here to Register for Duolingo English Test
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The Duolingo English Test Partners with UPI- Duolingo English Test Highlights
- Why Choose DET?
- Who Can Take the Duolingo English Test?
- Duolingo English Test Fees
4.1 Duolingo English Test Fee Payment Options
4.2 Why is DET Cheaper Than IELTS/TOEFL?
- How to Book a Duolingo English Test?
- Duolingo English Test Dates
- Duolingo English Test Centers
7.1 Why “No Test Center” is Good for Indian Students?
- Duolingo English Test Pattern
- Duolingo English Test Scores
- DET Score vs IELTS Score vs TOEFL Score
- How to Send DET Scores to Universities?
- Top Universities Accepting DET Scores in 2026
- How to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test?
- Duolingo English Test Practice Papers
- FAQs
Duolingo English Test Highlights
The table below provides an overview of the DET, including its fees in India, the exam pattern, scoring, and acceptance.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name & Full Form | Duolingo English Test (DET) |
| Conducted by | Duolingo |
| Purpose | English proficiency test for university admissions & visa applications |
| Mode of Exam | Online, at home (24/7 availability) |
| Test Duration | 1 hour (5-min setup + 45-min adaptive test + 10-min unscored speaking/writing tasks) |
| Test Fee | $59 (₹5,230) |
| Score Range | 10-160 (5-point increments) |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Results | Within 48 hours |
| Number of Attempts Allowed | 3 attempts in 30 days |
| Skills Tested | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
| Accepted by | USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand & 4,000+ universities |
| Visa Acceptance | Accepted for Ireland, US, Canada Indirect acceptance for UK & New Zealand through university LOA |
| Major Universities Accepting DET | Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Imperial College London, University of Toronto, etc. NOT accepted by Oxford, Cambridge, Lancaster |
| Device Requirements | Computer with camera, microphone, speakers & stable internet |
Must Read
How is the Duolingo English Test Your Ticket to EuropeWhy Choose DET?
Here are some reasons why you should choose the Duolingo English Test to prove your English proficiency.
- Cheaper: DET costs $59 (₹5,230) in India, making it extremely affordable as compared to the ₹18,000 exam fee of TOEFL and IELTS.
- Faster results: Certified scores in 48 hours (or faster with paid upgrade).
- Convenient: You don’t need to book the test at a particular date or slot. You can buy the test anytime and take it anytime, anywhere.
Note: You must take the exam within 21 days of purchasing it.
- Unlimited free score sending: You can send DET scores to as many universities as you want for free.
- Retake easily: You can take DET any number of times. However, in 30 days, you can take only up to 2 tests. Also, to book the 2nd test, you will have to wait till the result of the first test comes out.
- Very popular among Indian students: India has the most DET takers worldwide because of the low cost and ease.
Must Read: Student Reviews of the Duolingo English Test
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 take the Duolingo English Test in multiple languages?
Ans. No, the test is only available in English, so you must be proficient in English to take the exam.
Who Can Take the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) has no strict eligibility criteria like age limits or academic qualification requirements. Since it is an online, at-home exam, students mainly need to meet certain technical and identity verification requirements.
| Particular | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age |
|
| Academic Qualification |
|
| ID Requirements | To sit for the test, you must have a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as:
|
| Technical Requirements | Since the DET is taken online, you must have:
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| Test Environment Requirements | During the test:
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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 valid government-issued photo ID. However, you must ensure that your ID’s name matches your registration details.
Ques. Can I take the test if I am not applying to a university?
Ans. Yes, anyone can take the DET for general English proficiency assessment, but it is primarily intended for students applying to higher education institutions.
Duolingo English Test Fee 2025
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is one of the most affordable English proficiency exams for international students. Its low fee makes it a popular choice among Indian applicants planning to study abroad.
| Service | Fee in India (2025) |
|---|---|
| Single test | $59 (₹5,230) |
| Bundle (2 tests) | $100 (₹8,870) 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 (depending on your device/browser)
- Local options like UPI in India (via payment gateway) are not available.
Why is DET Cheaper Than IELTS/TOEFL?
The table below compares Duolingo English Test fees with those of other English language proficiency exams like IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL.
| Exam | Fee in India |
|---|---|
| Duolingo English Test | ₹5,230 |
| IELTS Academic | ₹18,000 |
| TOEFL iBT | ₹18,000 |
| PTE Academic | ₹18,000 |
DET is nearly 3 times cheaper than most other tests while offering at-home testing, fast results, and unlimited score sending.
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 they do provide a bundle for two tests at a reduced price, which offers better value for multiple attempts.
Ques. Can I pay for the test using an international bank transfer?
Ans. No, Duolingo accepts only credit cards, PayPal, and mobile payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay. Bank transfers are not accepted.
How to Book a Duolingo English Test?
To register for DET, first visit the official website. Creating an account on the website is free; all that is required is your email address. To book an exam, you need to pay the DET registration fee and follow the instructions outlined below.
- Visit the official Duolingo English Test website. Click Here
- Create an account using your email address.
- Click the 'Purchase a Test' tab on the left-hand side of the screen.
- On the screen, you will see 2 alternatives. 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 in your email address, nationality, and state/union territory, then pay the cost.
Note: You must take the test within 21 days of booking it.
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 Dates
Duolingo English Test does NOT have fixed test dates or slots, and this is one of the biggest advantages of DET over IELTS/TOEFL.
| Feature | Duolingo English Test (DET) | IELTS / TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Test dates | 24 hours × 7 days × 365 days a year | Only on fixed dates (usually 20-25 per month) |
| Booking required? | No advance booking needed | Yes, book weeks/months in advance |
| When can you take it? | Anytime you want, day or night | Only on the date & time slot you booked |
| How soon can you start? | Right now (after buying the test, you have 21 days to start, but you can start within minutes.) | Wait for your booked slot |
How this actually works:
- You buy the test ($59 or ₹5,230) on www.englishtest.duolingo.com
- Immediately after payment, you will have the option to “Start Test Now” or schedule it at any time within the next 21 days.
- Most Indian students just click “Start Test Now” and finish it in the next hour.
Important Rules & Conditions:
- You may take a maximum of 3 tests within any 30-day period. If you want to retake the test after receiving a low score, you might need to wait a few days.
- You must complete the test within 21 days of purchase. If not, the test will expire and the fee will not be refunded. However, this rarely happens, as most test takers use it soon after purchasing.
Ques. Can I take the test more than once in a single day?
Ans. No, you can only take the DET up to 2 times in a 30-day period, 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
Duolingo English Test is completely online at-home testing. There are no test centers and you have to take it from your home.
| Feature | Duolingo English Test (DET) | IELTS / TOEFL / PTE |
|---|---|---|
| Test location | Your home (or any quiet private room) | Official test center (British Council, IDP, Prometric, etc.) |
| Need to travel? | No | Yes (sometimes 100-500 km for students in small cities) |
| Test centers in India | Zero physical centers | 100+ cities, but slots fill fast & expensive travel |
| Room requirements |
| Shared hall with 20-50 other candidates |
| Proctoring | AI + live human review if flagged | Physical invigilators in the hall |
Why “No Test Center” is Good for Indian Students?
Here are some reasons why “no test center” policy of exams like the Duolingo English Test can be beneficial for Indian students:
- Students from tier-2 and tier-3 cities (Patna, Bhopal, Guwahati, etc.) don’t have to travel to Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore and spend ₹5,000-15,000 on travel + hotel for IELTS.
- No tension of reaching the center 1 hour early, biometric checks, or traffic delays.
- You can take the test at 2 AM if you want — perfect for working students.
What You Need At Home?
Since you are taking the Duolingo English Test at home, below are the environment setup you need to do:
- Laptop or desktop computer (no mobile or tablet allowed).
- Working webcam, microphone, speakers, or headphones.
- Stable internet (at least 2-3 Mbps upload-download).
- Government-issued photo ID (passport is best for Indian students).
- A completely private, quiet, well-lit room for 1 hour.
Before the test starts, the software makes you:
- Scan the room with your webcam (360°).
- Show your ID.
- Check your ears (no earphones allowed).
If everything is fine, the test starts immediately.
Must Read: The Duolingo English Test Do’s & Don’ts
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.
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.
Duolingo English Test Pattern
The Duolingo English Test pattern is divided into 3 main sections, which last a total of 60 minutes or 1 hour. These sections are explained below.
1. Quick Setup (5 minutes) - Not scored
- Upload your government ID (passport is best)
- 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 core of the exam. It is fully adaptive, which means questions become harder if you answer correctly and easier if you get them wrong. All question types are mixed randomly.
| Question Type | What You Do | Number of Questions | Time per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Listening | Listen to real-life conversations or short lectures. You can replay the audio as many times as you want (but the timer keeps running). Then answer multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank questions about what you heard. | 6-8 passages | 2-4 minutes each |
| Interactive Speaking | An AI character appears on screen and asks you a question (e.g., “Tell me about your hometown” or “What would you do in this situation?”). You speak for 30-90 seconds. | 4-6 prompts | 30-90 seconds each |
| Fill in the Blanks (text) | Complete missing letters or words in sentences | 10-15 | 20-40 seconds each |
| Fill in the Blanks (image) | Describe an image in one word or short phrase | 6-10 | 30 seconds |
| Real Words | Identify if a word is real English or made-up | 10-15 | Very quick |
| Sentence Completion | Choose the correct word/phrase to complete a sentence | 8-12 | 30-60 seconds |
| Multiple-Choice Vocabulary | Choose the meaning or synonym | 6-10 | Quick |
3. Writing & Speaking Sample (10 minutes) – Unscored but sent to universities
These responses are shared with universities exactly as you record them (they see the video/text).
| 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 |
Must Read: Duolingo English Test Readiness
Ques. Are the test questions based on academic topics, or are they more general?
Ans. The test questions are general and cover a range of topics, including everyday situations, but they may touch on academic themes to assess your ability to use English in academic settings.
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 Scores
The Duolingo English Test is scored on a scale of 10 to 160, in 5-point increments. Your official score report comes with a unique link that can be shared directly with universities.
DET scores assess all 4 key language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. In addition to the overall score, the test provides several DET subscores that evaluate specific aspects of English proficiency:
- Literacy: Measures proficiency in reading and writing
- Comprehension: Measures proficiency in reading and listening
- Conversation: Measures proficiency in speaking and listening
- Production: Measures proficiency in writing and speaking
A “good” DET score depends on the requirements of your target institution. Generally, a score of 100 or above is considered strong, but it’s important to check the specific score criteria of the university or program you are applying to.
Ques. How long does it take to receive my Duolingo English Test results?
Ans. You will receive your results within 48 hours of completing the test. However, you can choose to receive the results faster for an additional fee.
Ques. What if I don't achieve the score I need on the Duolingo English Test?
Ans. If you don’t reach your desired score, you can retake the test after waiting for your results. You are allowed up to two attempts in 30 days.
DET Score vs IELTS Score vs TOEFL Score
DET scores range from 10 to 160, while IELTS and TOEFL use their own distinct scoring systems. Each test evaluates language proficiency differently, so direct comparisons are not always straightforward. Many universities provide conversion charts or specify minimum required scores for each exam. To help you understand how DET scores relate to IELTS and TOEFL scores, a comparison table is provided below:
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| 160 | 120 | 8.5-9 |
| 155 | 119 | 8 |
| 150 | 117-118 | |
| 145 | 113-116 | 7.5 |
| 140 | 109-112 | |
| 135 | 104-108 | 7 |
| 130 | 98-103 | |
| 125 | 93-97 | 6.5 |
| 120 | 87-92 | |
| 115 | 82-86 | 6 |
| 110 | 76-81 | |
| 105 | 70-75 | |
| 100 | 65-69 | 5.5 |
| 95 | 59-64 | |
| 90 | 53-58 | 5 |
| 85 | 47-52 | |
| 80 | 41-46 | |
| 75 | 35-40 | 4.5 |
| 70 | 30-34 | |
| 65 | 24-29 | |
| 60-10 | 0-23 | 0-4 |
Also Check: Duolingo vs PTE – Which Test is Right For You
How to Send DET Scores to Universities?
DET scores are released within 48 hours of completing the test. Once you have the scores, you can send them straight to educational institutions from the results page. To send your Duolingo English Test results, follow the simple steps below:
- Log in to your account.
- Choose the institution or recipient, and follow the instructions to share your scores electronically.
Note: You can send DET scores to as many universities as you want for FREE.
Ques. Do I have to pay a fee to send my Duolingo English Test scores to universities?
Ans. No, sending your scores to universities is completely free, and you can send them to as many institutions as you like.
Ques. Can I send my test results to institutions that don't officially accept DET?
Ans. Yes, you can send your results to any institution, but it’s best to verify that the institution accepts DET before submitting your scores.
Top Universities Accepting DET Scores in 2026
Duolingo English Test is accepted by over 5,700 programs and institutions worldwide (up from ~5,000 earlier in the year). In the USA alone, it's accepted by 98 of the top 100 universities (per U.S. News rankings), including all Ivy League universities.
Must Read: Top-Ranked Universities in 2026 Accepting the Duolingo English Test
Key Notes for Indian Students:
- Most accept DET for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs.
- Minimum scores: Usually 105-120 for good universities, 120-135+ for top-tier and competitive programs (e.g., Ivy League often wants 120-130).
- Always check the university's official admissions page or the DET institutions list — some programs (e.g., medicine and law) may have exceptions.
- DET is now sufficient for student visas in most cases (US, Canada, UK, Ireland). Read More
| University Name | Minimum DET Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| Arizona State University | General requirement: 95 BSN: 100 Schools of Engineering: 105 School of Journalism and Mass Communication: 120 |
| Marshall University | Undergraduate: 90 |
| Texas A&M University | 105 and above |
| Aston University | Business School / Engineering & Applied Science: 110 with a minimum of 85 in each sub-score Health and Life Sciences / Social Sciences and Humanities: 100 with a minimum of 85 in each sub-score |
| University of Sussex | Standard: 105 with no component score below 90. Advanced: 125 overall, with no component score below 110 |
| Imperial College London | Standard: 115 with no less than 105 in any band score. Advanced: 125 with no less than 115 in any band score |
| Australian National University | 110-115 |
| Deakin College | Foundation program: 75 Direct entry to foundation and diploma programs: 85. Diploma of Communications: 95 |
| McGrill University | 120 for B.Ed. and BCom115 for others |
| McMaster University | 115 for direct-entry undergraduate programs 75-114 for MELD (McMaster English development program) |
| University of Waikato | 90 for Pre-degree 100for UG 110 for PG programs |
| Washington State University | 120 and above |
| Seattle University | 95-105, need to participate in ELCB 110-above- exempted from ELCB |
Ques. Do all universities in US accept the Duolingo English Test?
Ans. No, while many U.S. universities accept the DET, some may still prefer or require other tests like TOEFL or IELTS, so it's essential to confirm with each institution.
Ques. Can I use the Duolingo English Test score for graduate programs?
Ans. Yes, many graduate programs accept DET scores, but you should check the specific requirements of the program you are applying to, as some may require higher scores or other criteria.
How to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test?
Effective DET preparation with a structured study plan can help you achieve your desired DET scores. Here are some strategies to prepare efficiently:
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Test
- Practice regularly on the Duolingo platform.
- Review grammar rules and common sentence structures.
- Understand the test format and question types to reduce surprises on test day.
2. Improve Vocabulary
- Expand your word bank daily through books, magazines, blogs, and newspapers.
- Learn synonyms, antonyms, and correct pronunciation using online lessons or free coaching videos.
3. Hone Listening Skills
- Engage with English podcasts, documentaries, web series, and dramas to improve comprehension.
4. Practice Writing
- Write 2-3 short descriptive sentences daily.
- Focus on clarity, grammar, and sentence structure.
5. Practice Speaking
- Pick a topic and speak for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Record yourself and self-assess for pronunciation, fluency, and clarity.
6. Take Sample Tests
- Attempt sample papers or practice questions to simulate the test environment.
- Review your performance to identify weak areas and focus on improvement.
By following a consistent daily routine and practicing all 4 language skills, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a strong DET score.
Check: List of Books for the Duolingo English Test
Ques. Are there any official practice materials available for the Duolingo English Test?
Ans. Yes, Duolingo provides official practice tests and resources on their website to help you familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
Ques. Can I prepare for the Duolingo English Test in less than a week?
Ans. While it's possible to prepare in a short time, it's recommended to practice consistently for a few weeks to ensure you perform well, especially on areas like speaking and listening.
Duolingo Practice Tests 2025
To prepare effectively for the Duolingo English Test, regularly practice on the Duolingo platform, paying special attention to your weak areas. Working on DET sample questions is essential, as it helps identify your strengths and weaknesses and allows you to focus on improving them. Below, we have provided DET practice questions with PDFs for you to practice and enhance your performance.
Duolingo English Test (DET) is a fast, affordable, and flexible way for students to prove their English proficiency for university admissions and visas. With its online, at-home format, quick results, and wide acceptance at top universities worldwide, it has become a preferred choice for Indian students. By preparing strategically and practicing all four language skills, candidates can confidently achieve the scores required for their desired programs.
FAQs
Ques. Is the Duolingo English Test recognized by universities outside of English-speaking countries?
Ans. Yes, many universities in non-English-speaking countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands accept DET scores for admissions. It’s growing in popularity worldwide.
Ques. Does the Duolingo English Test have a minimum score requirement for all universities?
Ans. No, each university and program sets its own minimum score requirement. It's best to check with individual institutions for specific score thresholds.
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.
Ques. Does DET have sections for academic or business English specifically?
Ans. No, DET evaluates general English language proficiency across reading, writing, speaking, and listening, suitable for academic admissions worldwide.
*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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