TOEFL Scores 2026: Check Latest Updates and New Score Report

The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120. Each section of the test (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) is scored on a 0-30 scale, and the total score is the sum of the four. The exact result date will also be shown on the screen at the end of the test, which will now be within 72 hours. You will also receive an email notification when your score is ready, and you can then view it from your ETS account. The PDF score report can usually be downloaded 1-2 days after the scores are available. TOEFL scores remain valid for 2 years.

The TOEFL scoring system has undergone significant changes effective from January 21, 2026. A band score on a 1-6 scale (average of 4 section scores) is introduced, aligning with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). CEFR is the European standard of measuring language (not limited to English) proficiency and has 6 levels from Beginner to Master. For the next 2 years, ETS will provide both 0-120 and 1-6 scores, and universities will accept both formats.

ETS has also made significant changes to the TOEFL exam pattern. Check all the updates here: TOEFL 2026 Changes

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How Are TOEFL Scores Calculated?

The old TOEFL iBT scoring (used before January 21, 2026) and the new scoring (effective from January 21, 2026) follow different scales and calculation methods. Since both scores will be provided for a while, here's a breakdown based on official ETS explanations.

TOEFL Old Scoring System (Pre-Jan 2026)

The TOEFL exam pattern is divided into 4 sections: Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening. Each section is scored on a 0-30 scale. Here’s a breakdown of how these sections are scored:

• Reading and Listening: These are primarily multiple-choice or objective. You get a raw score depending on the number of correct answers. The raw score is converted into a scaled score (0-30) to account for differences in test difficulty. This ensures that the same score represents the same skill level across all test versions.
• Speaking and Writing: These are human-rated (with some AI assistance for consistency). Each response is evaluated by multiple raters, and the scores are averaged to ensure fairness. The final score is then scaled to 0-30 to adjust for small differences in rater strictness or task difficulty.

The overall score is then calculated as the sum of the 4 section scores (0-120 total). No rounding or averaging is done.

ETS ensures fairness in TOEFL scoring by having a centralized scoring network (never at the test center) to minimize bias. Equating ensures comparability across forms.

TOEFL New Scoring System (Post-Jan 2026)

In the new TOEFL scoring system, each section is reported on a 1-6 scale with 0.5-point increments. The scoring is done in the same way as before. The only difference is that now TOEFL maps your raw scores to the new 1-6 bands, aligned more directly and consistently with CEFR levels (A1 to C2).

The table below shows how the 0-120 scale maps to the new 1-6 bands and CEFR levels:

Ques. Do universities accept the new 1-6 TOEFL band score for all intakes in 2026?

Ques. Can I choose which TOEFL score scale to send to universities?

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TOEFL Score Descriptors

Your TOEFL iBT score depends on how well you perform in each section. For example, your TOEFL Reading score shows how strong your reading skills are. The table below explains what skill level you have in reading, listening, speaking, and writing based on your scores.

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When Are TOEFL Scores Released?

TOEFL scores are released in stages, starting with online score availability and followed by downloadable and paper reports. While ETS states that scores are processed within 3 business days, the exact timeline depends on the score delivery method selected by the candidate, as outlined below.

Are there specific blackout dates in India when TOEFL results are delayed?

No fixed blackout dates exist, but major Indian holidays may slightly delay mail delivery for paper reports.

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TOEFL Score Report 2026

Unofficial TOEFL scores for the Reading and Listening sections will be shown on the screen immediately after completing the test. Official scores will be available in your ETS account within 72 hours for both test center-delivered and the Home Edition tests. The new TOEFL official score report looks like this:

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How to Send TOEFL Scores to Universities?

For sending your TOEFL scores to universities and other organizations, you simply need to select the organization name. You can select these either during TOEFL registration or after the exam.

• If you select at the time of registration, sending to up to 4 organizations will be FREE.
• If you plan to send after the test, you must select the 4 organizations by 10 PM IST on the test day.

After these deadlines, you will incur an additional fee of INR 1,950 per institution you send to.

After you enter the organisations, ETS chooses among 3 channels, given below:

Check Upcoming TOEFL Exam Dates to understand when you can take the exam, and align with university deadlines.

Is it risky to take the TOEFL close to application deadlines?

Yes. Although scores are released quickly, university score receipt and verification can take time. Indian students are advised to test at least 3-4 weeks before deadlines.

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What are the TOEFL MyBest Scores?

TOEFL MyBest scores, also called superscores, allow you to highlight your strongest performance by combining your highest section scores from all tests taken in the last 2 years.

Tips:

• Indian students who take the test multiple times can combine the best scores from each section to avoid repeated full tests.
• Check university websites to confirm if they accept MyBest scores.

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TOEFL Scores for Universities Abroad in 2026

As per ETS, TOEFL iBT scores are accepted by more than 13,000 organizations in over 160 countries, including top universities in the USA, UK, and Canada. Some of them are listed below.

Advice for Indian Students:

• Most universities will accept the new 1-6 scale, but always check your target school.
• For Indian students aiming for competitive programs (STEM or business), a section score of 4+ (roughly equal to 100+ on the old scale) is recommended.
• Book your test through ets.org. TOEFL test centers in India get full quickly, especially during January to May.
• The new adaptive sections don’t allow skipping questions, so practice pacing yourself with timed tests.
• Speaking and Writing now focus on quick, practical responses, so practice speaking naturally and writing clearly under time limits.
• Keep checking ETS announcements for any changes in the scoring system or exam pattern.

Understanding your TOEFL scores is key to planning your applications. Aim for strong section scores, stay updated on ETS announcements, and use tools like MyBest scores to showcase your best performance. With careful preparation and timing, you can meet university requirements and boost your chances of admission abroad.