The TOEFL iBT has minimal eligibility criteria, making it accessible to all Indian students:
- No educational qualification required: Class 10 students to professionals can take it.
- No age limit: 15-year-olds to 40+ are eligible.
- A valid passport is the only ID accepted (Aadhaar/PAN not valid).
- Test every 3 days.
- Home Edition or 40+ test centers available.
- Disability accommodations with medical proof (apply 6 weeks early).
Accepted by 11,000+ universities worldwide, TOEFL is essential for Indian students targeting the US, UK, Canada, or Australia for admissions or immigration. This guide covers all 2025 eligibility details, common Indian student challenges, and practical steps to register successfully.
TOEFL Exam Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students (2025)
Below are the detailed eligibility requirements for Indian students as of November 2025, based on ETS guidelines.
Must Read: TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025
Educational Qualification: NONE REQUIRED
You don’t need any minimum educational qualifications when it comes to taking the TOEFL exam. School students, graduates, and working professionals can take it for various reasons.
| Who Can Take TOEFL? | Examples |
|---|---|
| School Students | Class 10, 11, 12 |
| Undergraduates | B.Tech, B.Sc, B.Com |
| Graduates | Master's, PhD applicants |
| Professionals | Job visas, certifications |
Fact: Around 70% of Indian TOEFL test-takers are in Class 12 or undergraduate programs applying to US universities.
Age Eligibility: NO LIMIT
There’s no official age restriction to appear for TOEFL.
| Age Group | Typical Applicants |
|---|---|
| 14-15 | Early undergrad aspirants |
| 17-22 | Majority graduate school applicants |
| 25-35+ | MBA, MS, or immigration candidates |
Note: No parental consent is needed, but guardians must show valid ID for minors at the test center.
Also Read
TOEFL ScholarshipsID Requirement: PASSPORT ONLY
TOEFL eligibility main requirement is the ID. The only ID accepted for Indian students is a valid and current passport. No other form of government-issued ID will be accepted. Nearly 70% of test-day rejections in India happen due to invalid IDs. Apply for a passport at least 6 weeks before your test date.
| ✅Accepted | ❌Not Accepted |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Aadhar Card |
| PAN Card | |
| Driving License | |
| College ID | |
| Voter ID |
Note: If you are unable to meet the required ID criteria, you must contact the ETS Office of Testing Integrity at least 7 days before you register.
| Contact Medium | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Email: | Office of Testing Integrity (OTI) |
| Phone: | 1-609-406-5430(Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern time, except U.S. holidays) |
| Fax: | 1-609-406-9709 |
Test Frequency Rules
There is no restriction on the number of TOEFL attempts you can take in a lifetime, but there are certain restrictions in this aspect, as mentioned in the table below.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum gap between attempts | 3 days |
| Annual limit | None |
| Cost per attempt | ₹18,000 |
| Recommended Strategy | Mock test → 1st attempt → analyze → retake after 3 weeks |
Test Format Eligibility
Depending on the exam format, whether it is Home Edition or taken at a test center, you need to meet certain set of requirements as listed below:
| Format | Availability | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Test Center | 40+ Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) | Passport + follow center rules |
| Home Edition | Pan India | Computer, 2 Mbps internet, quiet room |
Pro Tip: September–December slots fill 2–3 months early in metro cities.
Special Cases
In special cases, like students with special needs, minors, or NRIs, the TOEFL eligibility requirements are as below:
| Category | Eligibility | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Disabilities | Extra time, screen readers | Submit medical proof 6 weeks prior |
| Minors (<18) | Full eligibility | Guardian ID required |
| NRIs in India | Eligible | Valid passport mandatory |
Common TOEFL Eligibility Mistakes Indian Students Make
Here are some of the common mistakes Indian students make when it comes to meeting the TOEFL eligibility conditions:
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Using Aadhaar or PAN as ID | Test denied, no refund | Carry only a valid passport |
| Late registration | Slots unavailable | Book 60+ days in advance |
| Invalid passport | Entry denied | Renew at least 3 months early |
| Home Edition tech failure | Test cancellation | Test setup 1 week prior |
Statistics: 25% of TOEFL cancellations among Indian students are due to ID-related errors.
TOEFL Registration Process: Step-by-Step
Follow the steps below for a successful TOEFL registration:
- Create ETS Account → ets.org/toefl
- Upload passport details (exact match required)
- Choose date/location (Home Edition or center)
- Pay ₹18,000 (UPI/cards accepted)
- Confirm via email (check spam folder)
Pro Tip: Register during January–August for the best slot availability.
Read More
How to Register for TOEFL?TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Should You Choose?
Here are some common differences between TOEFL and IELTS to help you decide which exam is best for you:
| Profile | Recommended Test |
|---|---|
| US Universities | TOEFL (90% acceptance) |
| UK Universities | Either |
| Nursing course | IELTS preferred |
| Shorter exam time | TOEFL (2 hours vs 2.75) |
Must Read
The TOEFL iBT remains one of the most widely accepted English tests, trusted by 11,000+ universities worldwide. With no eligibility barriers, any Indian student — whether in school or a professional — can register and take the test. Just ensure your passport is valid, book your slot early, and practice well before your first attempt to maximize your TOEFL score.
FAQs
Ques. Who is eligible to take the TOEFL exam in India?
Ans. Anyone, from Class 10 students to working professionals, can take the TOEFL. There’s no minimum educational qualification or age limit.
Ques. Is there any age limit for the TOEFL exam?
Ans. No. ETS has not set any upper or lower age limit. However, students under 18 must have a guardian’s ID for verification at the test center.
Ques. Can Class 11 or Class 12 students take the TOEFL?
Ans. Yes. Many Indian students in Class 11 or 12 take TOEFL to apply for undergraduate programs abroad.
Ques. What ID proof is accepted for TOEFL in India?
Ans. Only a valid passport is accepted. Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, and college IDs are not valid for TOEFL registration or test-day entry.
Ques. How many times can I take the TOEFL exam in a year?
Ans. You can take it as many times as you want, with a minimum 3-day gap between attempts.
Ques. What is the TOEFL exam fee in India in 2025?
Ans. The TOEFL iBT test costs around ₹18,000 per attempt. Extra fees apply for rescheduling or sending additional score reports.
Ques. Can I take the TOEFL test from home in India?
Ans. Yes. The TOEFL Home Edition is available across India. You’ll need a computer, stable internet, and a quiet room that meets ETS requirements.
Ques. What is the validity of TOEFL scores?
Ans. Your TOEFL scores remain valid for 2 years from the test date and can be sent to universities anytime during that period.
Ques. Do I need TOEFL if I studied in an English-medium school?
Ans. Usually yes, if you’re applying abroad. Some universities may waive it, but most U.S. and Canadian institutions still require an official TOEFL score.
Ques. Can Indian students use TOEFL for immigration purposes?
Ans. Yes. TOEFL is accepted for student visas, and in some cases for work or immigration purposes in countries like Canada and Australia.
Ques. What happens if I bring the wrong ID to the TOEFL test center?
Ans. You won’t be allowed to take the test and will lose your test fee. Always check that your passport is valid and matches your ETS registration details.
Ques. How early should I register for TOEFL in India?
Ans. Register at least 6–8 weeks in advance, especially during the September–December peak season when metro test centers fill quickly.
Ques. Is TOEFL easier than IELTS for Indian students?
Ans. Both are similar in difficulty. However, TOEFL’s computer-based format and integrated tasks make it more convenient for tech-comfortable students.
Ques. Can I cancel or reschedule my TOEFL exam?
Ans. Yes. You can cancel or reschedule your test through your ETS account up to 4 days before the exam date, with a rescheduling fee.
Ques. How many universities accept TOEFL worldwide?
Ans. Over 13,000 universities and institutions across 160+ countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, accept TOEFL scores.
*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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