| Updated On - Apr 29, 2026
The comparison between IELTS and TOEFL has become more complex in 2026 due to a major change in the TOEFL iBT scoring system introduced by ETS. While IELTS continues to use its established 0-9 band scale, the TOEFL iBT has shifted from the traditional 0-120 score range to a new 1-6 band scale (in 0.5 increments), aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
This change means direct score comparison is no longer straightforward. Earlier concordance tables linking IELTS bands (e.g., 6.5 in IELTS roughly corresponds to TOEFL 79-93) applied only to the old TOEFL scale and are not fully valid for tests taken after January 2026. The new TOEFL scale instead provides section-wise and overall band scores comparable to IELTS bands. For example, IELTS 7.0 aligns roughly with TOEFL 5.0, both indicating a similar CEFR proficiency level.
Both exams continue to assess the same 4 skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. But they differ in scoring logic, reporting, and interpretation. IELTS calculates an overall band as the average of 4 sections, while the new TOEFL reports a unified band score based on averaged section performance aligned to CEFR levels.
As universities globally still accept both tests, the question of which exam is “easier” in 2026 depends less on score equivalence and more on how candidates adapt to the scoring scale, test format, and evaluation criteria.
What is IELTS and How is it Scored?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is jointly run by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. It was launched in 1989.
The test has 4 sections:
- Listening (30 minutes)
- Reading (60 minutes)
- Writing (60 minutes)
- Speaking (11-14 minutes)
Total test time: 2 hours 45 minutes
IELTS scores are on a 0 to 9 band scale, in whole and half bands (e.g., 6.0, 6.5, 7.0). The overall band score is the average of all 4 section scores, rounded to the nearest half band.
IELTS Band Score Guide (Official):
| Band | Skill Level |
|---|---|
| 9 | Expert |
| 8 | Very Good |
| 7 | Good |
| 6 | Competent |
| 5 | Modest |
| 4 | Limited |
| 3 | Extremely Limited |
| 1-2 | Non-user or Intermittent |
For most Indian students targeting universities abroad, a band of 6.0 to 7.0 is the typical requirement.
Learn More About: IELTS band scores 2026
What Is TOEFL iBT and What Changed in 2026?
TOEFL iBT is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service). The test also has 4 sections:
- Reading (30 minutes, 50 items)
- Listening (29 minutes, 47 items)
- Writing (23 minutes, 12 items)
- Speaking (8 minutes, 11 items)
Total test time is approximately 2 hours.
Big change from January 21, 2026: TOEFL moved from its old 0-120 scale to a new 1-6 scale (in half-point steps). This new scale aligns with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), the same global standard IELTS also maps to. Read more about the updates.
How the new TOEFL 1-6 scale maps to the old 0-120 scale:
| New TOEFL Score (1-6) | Old TOEFL Score (0-120) |
|---|---|
| 6 | 114+ |
| 5.5 | 107+ |
| 5 | 95+ |
| 4.5 | 86+ |
| 4 | 72+ |
| 3.5 | 58+ |
| 3 | 44+ |
During a 2-year transition period (until early 2028), your TOEFL score report will show both the new 1-6 score and the old 0-120 equivalent. This helps institutions that are still adjusting to the new scale.
IELTS vs New TOEFL Scale: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL iBT (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Score Scale | 0-9 (half bands) | 1-6 (half bands) |
| Test Duration | 2 hrs 45 mins | 2 hrs |
| Speaking Format | Face-to-face with the examiner | Computer/recorded |
| Test Types | Academic, General Training, IELTS for UKVI (UK Visa and Immigration) | One format (iBT or Internet-based Test) |
| Score Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Accepted By | Most widely accepted in universities as well as for visa applications. | 13,000+ institutions, 160+ countries; not accepted for visas in some countries, like the UK and Australia. |
| Score Available | 1-2 days (computer-based) | 3 days after the test |
| At-Home Option | Not available in India | Yes (TOEFL iBT Home Edition) |
Read about the IELTS test types:
How Are Scores Calculated in Each Exam?
In IELTS:
- Each section is scored on the 0-9 scale.
- The overall band is the average of 4 sections, rounded to the nearest half band.
- Example: If your scores are 6.5, 6.5, 5.0, 7.0, the average will be 6.25. So, your overall band will be 6.5.
In TOEFL (new scale):
- Each section is scored on the 1-6 scale.
- The overall score is the average of 4 sections, rounded to the nearest half band.
- For example, if your average is 5.125, the overall Score will be 5.
Both exams follow the same rounding logic: average of 4 sections, rounded to the nearest half band. This is a key similarity after TOEFL's 2026 update.
Which Test Is Right for Indian Students?
There is no universal answer, as it depends on your destination and goal.
Choose IELTS if you are:
- Applying for a UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand visa.
- Targeting universities that specifically ask for IELTS.
- More comfortable with a face-to-face speaking test.
Choose TOEFL if you are:
- Applying to US universities (TOEFL is widely preferred there).
- Comfortable with computer-based speaking (recorded responses).
- Looking for a shorter test duration (approximately 2 hours vs 2 hrs 45 mins).
Check:
Neither exam is officially “easier”, as both test the same 4 skills. The format and scoring style differ, so your comfort with each format matters most.
Score Validity and Results Timeline
Here are the key differences in the scores of IELTS and TOEFL exams:
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Score Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Result Timeline |
|
3 days |
| Free Score Reports | 5 | 4 |
| Additional Score Report Fees 2026 | INR 300 | INR 2,300 |
IELTS and the new TOEFL band scale in 2026 now follow similar CEFR-aligned scoring and section-wise averaging. IELTS remains more widely used for visas, while TOEFL offers a shorter, fully computer-based test. Since both assess the same skills with comparable scoring logic, neither is inherently easier. The better choice depends on your target country, score requirements, and test format preference.
FAQs
Ques. Is the new TOEFL 1-6 scale the same as the IELTS 0-9 scale?
Ans. No, they are different scales. IELTS goes from 0 to 9. TOEFL's new scale goes from 1 to 6. Both use half-band steps, and both align with CEFR, but the numbers are not directly equal.
Ques. Will universities accept the new TOEFL 1-6 scores right away?
Ans. Yes. ETS has confirmed that for a 2-year transition period (until early 2028), score reports will show both the new 1-6 score and the old 0-120 equivalent. This helps institutions adjust smoothly.
Ques. What is a good IELTS score for Indian students going abroad for a master's degree?
Ans. Most universities require a band of 6.5 to 7.0 for postgraduate admission. Always check the specific requirements of your target university directly.
Ques. Can I take both IELTS and TOEFL and submit the better score?
Ans. Yes, you can take both. Most universities accept either exam. Check which one your target institution prefers before deciding.
Ques. Is the TOEFL Home Edition accepted by all universities?
Ans. TOEFL Home Edition is accepted by most institutions. However, for visa purposes, IELTS requires an in-person test. Always confirm with the specific institution or visa authority.
Ques. How many times can I retake IELTS or TOEFL?
Ans. IELTS does not limit the number of attempts; you can retake it as many times as needed. For TOEFL, ETS allows you to take the test once every 3 days, with no annual limit.
Ques. Does IELTS have a MyBest score feature like TOEFL?
Ans. No. IELTS does not have a MyBest score feature. TOEFL's MyBest score combines your best section scores from multiple test attempts into one overall score.
Ques. What is the TOEFL score equivalent to IELTS 6.5?
Ans. Based on the official TOEFL score comparison table, a TOEFL score of 4.5 on the new 1-6 scale (or 86+ on the old 0-120 scale) is broadly comparable to IELTS 6.5. Always verify with your target institution.
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