The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English language proficiency test taken by non-native speakers. It is primarily used for university admissions, professional certifications, and visas or immigration in English-speaking countries. Administered by ETS, the internet-based TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, is accepted by over 13,000 institutions across 200 countries, including top universities in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
The TOEFL exam fee in India is INR 18,000. The fee was increased last year from INR 16,900. The exam can be taken at home or at a test center. As of 2026, there are numerous test centers in India. These are located in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, as well as tier-2 cities like Indore, Amritsar, and Coimbatore. The test is offered 8-10 times a month in both formats, and you are advised to book at least 2-3 months in advance.
The TOEFL exam pattern is divided into 4 sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening, and the test duration is 2 hours. The results are typically released in 4-8 days. The total score range of the TOEFL exam is 0-120, with each section scoring between 0 and 30. Top universities require a TOEFL score of 100 or above for admission. The score report remains valid for 2 years.
Tests after January 21, 2026, will be adaptive in nature, and the score report will also include a scaled score in the 0-6 range. Read More: TOEFL 2026 Updates
- TOEFL Practice Papers 2026
- TOEFL Exam Highlights
- Types of TOEFL Exam 2026
- TOEFL Exam Fees in India 2026
- TOEFL Registration 2026
- TOEFL Exam Dates 2026
- TOEFL Exam Pattern 2026
- TOEFL Scores 2026
- TOEFL Scores for Top US Universities in 2026
- Top TOEFL Preparation Tips
- Best TOEFL Preparation Books
- TOEFL Score Trends in India
- Challenges Faced by Indian Students in the TOEFL Exam
- TOEFL vs IELTS for Indian Students: Which Test to Choose?
- FAQs
TOEFL Exam Highlights
The table below gives everything you need to know about the TOEFL exam.
| Particluars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | TOEFL |
| Full Form | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| Conducted by | ETS |
| Acceptance | More than 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. (As per ETS) |
| Exam Fee | 18,000 INR, including GST |
| Exam Pattern | 4 sections: Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening |
| Score Range | 0 - 120 |
| Number of Attempts | No lifetime limit; a gap of 3 days is required between 2 consecutive exams. |
| Average Score Requirement | 100+ for top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
Types of TOEFL Exam 2026
The types of TOEFL exam and their description is given below:
- TOEFL iBT: Internet-based test with the widest acceptance (13,000 organizations across 200+ countries).
- TOEFL iBT Paper Edition: Paper-based TOEFL (has been discontinued).
- TOEFL Essentials: A shorter, 1.5-hour test mixing academic and everyday English, but accepted by only around 500 university programs worldwide.
- TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program): Paper-based test used by universities and colleges for internal tests, such as placements.
Which TOEFL test should I take?
You should take the TOEFL iBT, as it’s the most popular and accepted by over 13,000 organisations worldwide, including top universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
TOEFL Exam Fees in India 2026
Here is an overview of what TOEFL test takers can expect to pay:
| TOEFL Exam Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | INR 15,254 | 18% GST is added at the time of payment. |
| Late Registration | INR 3,305.80 | Registration done within 7 days of the selected test date. |
| Test Rescheduling | INR 5,000 | Must be done at least 4 days before the test. |
| Reinstatement of Cancelled Scores | INR 1,652.54 | Request must be made within 60 days of cancellation. |
| Additional Score Reports | INR 2,300 per report | First 4 score reports are FREE. |
| Speaking or Writing Section Score Review | INR 6,694.92 | Request must be made within 30 days after the test. |
| Payment Return | INR 2,900 | Applies if payment fails in the 1st attempt. |
Must Read: TOEFL Scholarships for Indian Students 2026
Ques. Does the TOEFL exam fee include taxes?
Ans. No. The TOEFL fee shown by ETS does not include local taxes like GST or value-added tax. You are responsible for paying any applicable taxes in your country. (Source: Official ETS website)
Ques. Are there discount or voucher programs for the TOEFL fee?
Ans. Yes. Educational Testing Service (ETS) offers a Prepaid Voucher Service for organisations wishing to pre-pay full or partial test fees. However, ETS’s standard Fee Reduction Service is only available for eligible US high-school seniors, not for Indian students.
Ques. Does the registration fee cover sending scores to universities?
Ans. Yes. For the standard test, your registration fee includes sending your scores to up to four institutions or agencies that you select before taking the test. If you want to send scores to more institutions afterwards, there's an extra fee.
TOEFL Registration 2026
Registration for the TOEFL exam can be done online or by phone. For TOEFL registration online, follow the steps below:
- Create an ETS account at ets.org/toefl (use details matching your passport).
- Select test format (iBT, Home, or Paper Edition).
- Choose a date and location (or time slot for Home Edition).
- Enter up to 4 free score recipients (universities or agencies).
- Pay the fee.
- Confirm and receive an email.
For registration via phone, you need to contact the customer service. The contact details are mentioned below.
| Contact Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| TOEFLSupport4India@ets.org | |
| Phone | +1-800-123-9418 |
| Regular Mail | TOEFL Services; ETS; P.O. Box 6151; Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA |
| Courier | 660 Rosedale Road, Wood Hall, Princeton, NJ 08540 |
TOEFL Eligibility:
- Anyone with a valid Indian passport can take the TOEFL exam. There is no age limit or educational qualification required.
- Make sure your passport is updated. Your signature and photo must match the current appearance.
Check the full list of TOEFL test centers in India
Ques. What payment methods are allowed for TOEFL registration?
Ans. ETS accepts RuPay, Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro credit and debit cards, along with UPI, Bharat QR, and major digital wallets such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, Amazon Pay, WhatsApp, and BHIM-enabled banking apps. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is available for Visa and MasterCard issued outside India.
Ques. What if I am not able to submit my passport on the test day?
Ans. If you are unable to meet the ID requirements, you may contact the Office of Testing Integrity at least 7 days before registering for the exam for their approval. The email address is TSReturns@ets.org, and the phone number is 1-609-406-5430.
TOEFL Exam Dates 2026
The table below shows the upcoming TOEFL dates:
Tips for Choosing a Test Date:
- Keep alternative dates ready in case your preferred slot is unavailable.
- Don’t plan around holidays or university deadlines to avoid last-minute stress.
Check University Deadlines to Understand When to Book a Test:
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2026
The TOEFL iBT is computer-based and takes about 2 hours total (including a 10-minute break after Listening). It has 4 sections assessing academic English skills. Here's a breakdown of TOEFL pattern & syllabus 2026:
| Section | Estimated Timing | Questions/Tasks | What it Tests | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 35 minutes | 20 questions (2 passages, approx. 700 words each from academic texts) | Comprehension of main ideas, details, inferences, vocabulary in context, and organization. | Multiple-choice, insert text, summary, and table completion. No prior knowledge needed. |
| Listening | 36 minutes | 28 questions (3 lectures, 2 conversations on academic or campus topics) | Understanding details, inferences, speaker attitude, and organization. | Multiple-choice. Note-taking allowed; headphones provided. |
| Speaking | 16 minutes | 4 tasks (1 independent, 3 integrated with reading and listening) | Fluency, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, organization. | Prep time: 15-30 seconds Response: 45-60 seconds.Recorded via microphone. |
| Writing | 29 minutes | 2 tasks (1 integrated: read, listen, and summarize; 1 independent: respond to a prompt) | Synthesis, argumentation, grammar, vocabulary. | Integrated: 150-225 words Independent: 100-150+ words (quality over length). Typed on a computer. |
Is there negative marking in TOEFL?
No, there is no negative marking in the TOEFL exam. You are only awarded points for correct answers, and incorrect answers do not incur any deductions. This means you should attempt all questions in each section, even if you are unsure of the answer, as there is no penalty for guessing.
| Check TOEFL Topics 2026 | |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading Topics | TOEFL Listening Topics |
| TOEFL Speaking Topics | TOEFL Writing Topics |
TOEFL Scores 2026
The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120. Each section is scored on a scale of 0-30, and the total score is the sum of the sectional scores. Below is the key information about the TOEFL scores:
- Reading and Listening are auto-scored based on the number of correct answers, then scaled.
- Speaking and Writing are evaluated by human raters (0-4 or 0-5 per task) and AI, then averaged and scaled.
- You'll get unofficial Reading and Listening scores immediately, full results in 4-8 days via your ETS account.
Also Check: TOEFL Score Report
Tip: Use your 4 free score reports wisely. Before test day, finalize your university list and add those institutions to your ETS account to avoid the extra score report fee.
TOEFL Scores for Top US Universities in 2026
Below is a list of top universities and their corresponding TOEFL exam score requirement in 2026:
| Top Universities | QS World University Ranking 2026 | TOEFL Score Required |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | #5 | 100 - 105 |
| Columbia University | #38 | 100 |
| UC Berkeley | #12 | 100 |
| Oxford University | #4 | 110 overall (22 in Reading, 24 each in Listening and Writing, 25 in Speaking) |
| University of California, Los Angeles | #46 | 80 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | #44 | 88-100 overall, 23 in each section |
| MIT | #1 | 100 |
| University of Cambridge | #6 | 100 |
| ETH Zurich | #11 | 100 |
| National University of Singapore | #8 | 100 |
Check out a more comprehensive list of TOEFL Accepting Universities Abroad in 2026.
Top TOEFL Preparation Tips
For TOEFL preparation, start 2-3 months early if you have a strong English base from Indian schooling. Assess your level with a mock test first.
Official ETS Resources (Free, Paid):
- TOEFL TestReady Portal: Personalized plans, free practice tests, courses, insights, and section samplers.
- Sample Test: 40-minute free trial covering all sections.
- Test Prep Planner: Free 8-week PDF with tips, activities, and sample questions.
- Beginner’s Guide eBook: Structure, scoring, practice tests with answers.
- edX Course: Insights into each section.
- Master Class: Free webinars with tips, Q&A, and discounts.
- Preply Tutors: Paid, trained for TOEFL academic English.
Other Tips:
- General: Understand format, set target scores, create a schedule, and practice mocks weekly. Book early to reduce anxiety.
- For Sections: Reading - skim for main ideas; Listening - note key points; Speaking - use templates (e.g., state opinion and reasons), record yourself; Writing - paraphrase, use transitions.
- For Indian Students: Focus on clear pronunciation (v/w, th sounds), avoid fillers or mother-tongue influence. Immerse via TED Talks, BBC, The Hindu. Practice American accents. Simulate test conditions; review mistakes. Users of official prep feel 82-90% more prepared.
Must Read: TOEFL 2-week Study Plan
Best TOEFL Preparation Books 2026
TOEFL has recently updated its exam pattern and brought some major changes to the syllabus. Reading comprehensive and updated TOEFL preparation books is very important to understand the new changes and the exam topics. These books cover the full syllabus and also include previous years’ question papers with sample answers.
Here are some of the best TOEFL prep books PDF, which can help candidates ace the exam preparation:
TOEFL Score Trends in India
TOEFL test-takers in India comprise about 12.3% of the global total, up significantly in the last few years. This highlights growing interest in international education and the importance of understanding how Indian students perform and prepare.
The chart below shows the average scores by Indian TOEFL test takers in the past 4 testing years.
| Testing Year | Average TOEFL Score in India | Reading score | Listening score | Speaking score | Writing score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 94 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 2023 | 93 | 24 | 25 | 22 | 23 |
| 2022 | 95 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 23 |
| 2021 | 96 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 24 |
Challenges Faced by Indian Students in the TOEFL Exam
Being an Indian student, there are many hurdles you may face while taking the TOEFL iBT to study abroad. These come from differences in English usage, exam format, culture, and logistics. Recognising them early can help you improve your score by 5-10 points.
1. Accent and Pronunciation in Speaking & Listening sections
- Challenge: Fast American accents and certain sounds (“th”, “v/w”) can be tricky.
- How to overcome: Listen to American podcasts or videos daily without subtitles. Record and practice speaking.
2. Vocabulary and Idioms in Reading & Writing sections
- TOEFL uses academic words and idioms not common in Indian classrooms.
- How to overcome: Learn 20 new academic words daily and read articles in English; paraphrase instead of copying.
3. Time Management & Adapting to Test Format
- Shorter, timed computer-based tests can feel rushed.
- How to overcome: Take timed practice tests; move on if stuck.
4. Over-complicating Responses (Writing & Speaking)
- Using too many complex words can cause errors.
- How to overcome: Keep sentences simple; use a clear structure: topic and evidence.
5. Logistics & Cost
- High fees, limited test slots, and Home Edition tech requirements add stress.
- How to overcome: Book early; use free ETS resources.
6. Psychological & Cultural Pressure
- Pressure to score high can cause anxiety.
- How to overcome: Take diagnostic tests, practice mindfulness, and join peer forums.
By understanding these common challenges and practicing strategically, Indian students can improve their TOEFL scores significantly.
TOEFL vs IELTS for Indian Students: Which Test to Choose?
Both TOEFL and IELTS assess English proficiency for academic purposes, but they differ in format, scoring, and global acceptance. Understanding these differences can help students pick the exam that aligns best with their study destination, university requirements, and personal strengths.
| Feature | TOEFL | IELTS | Tips for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Online (iBT) | Both paper-based and computer-based | Choose TOEFL if you’re comfortable with typing long answers; IELTS for handwritten responses. |
| Sections | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | IELTS speaking is face-to-face; TOEFL speaking is recorded. Indian students often prefer TOEFL’s structured format. |
| Duration | Approx. 2 hours | Approx. 2 hrs 45 mins | TOEFL is slightly longer but has a single sitting; plan practice accordingly. |
| Scoring | 0-120 (each section 0-30) | 0-9 band | Check university requirements; some prefer exact scores (TOEFL), others accept band ranges (IELTS). |
| Accents | American English primarily | British, Australian, American | Indian students comfortable with American English may find TOEFL easier; IELTS exposes you to multiple accents. |
| Accepted by | US, Canada, UK & Australia | US, Canada, UK & Australia | If aiming for US universities, TOEFL is generally preferred; the UK and Australia favor IELTS. |
| Difficulty | Slightly higher for Indian students in speaking and writing | Slightly higher in reading and listening for non-British accents | Take a practice test to see which format suits your strengths. |
TOEFL is often required alongside exams such as the GRE or SAT for university admissions. You should aim for scores that meet the requirements of their target institutions, as specified on official university websites. Compared to IELTS or PTE, TOEFL is more academically focused and is therefore commonly preferred by universities in the United States and Canada.
For visa purposes, TOEFL is accepted in countries such as Canada and the UK (for student visas, subject to university approval) and in Australia (for student visas, center-based tests only). It is recommended to take the exam 1-2 months before application deadlines to allow time for retakes if needed. If scores are below the required threshold, some universities offer conditional admission with additional English language courses. For highly competitive programs such as MBA or medicine, a score of 100 or above is generally considered ideal.
FAQs
Ques. Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?
Ans. TOEFL and IELTS are both English language proficiency tests. The hardness of the exams depends on the candidate's preparation and grasp of the English language. Taking a test between IELTS and TOEFL depends on the individual's requirements.
Ques. Can I retake the TOEFL iBT?
Ans. Yes, you can retake the TOEFL iBT as many times as you want, but you have to wait for a minimum of 3 days before retaking the test. However, it is recommended to prepare thoroughly before retaking the test to ensure that you achieve the desired score.
Ques. Which part of the TOEFL is most difficult?
Ans. As per sources like Quora and Reddit, Listening is the most difficult part for TOEFL test takers. Right after this would be speaking and writing.
Ques. What happens if I quit the TOEFL test before completing it?
Ans. If you don’t complete at least 1 question from each section, your test will not be scored. Candidates are asked to attempt at least 1 question from every section before completing or quitting the test.
Ques. How can I make sure I speak enough during the TOEFL Speaking section?
Ans. Candidates are encouraged to practice speaking tasks with a timer to get a better understanding of how much time they have to speak.
*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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